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Today I went to unlock my Sprint LG G Flex 2 after paying it off. Sprint gave me a code (In a form of ##xxxxxx#) to put in via the dialer, but it did not unlock the phone. They are telling me to go to a 3rd party company to unlock it, but I am wondering what you guys think. I know there is quite a few software loopholes that some people have used on the G3 to unlock it, and I am wondering if any exist with the G Flex 2. Heres whats going on
With a Sprint sim the phone stays on Sprint and works no problem
With a Verizon sim it will use the Verizon voice network but it does not get data
With an ATT Sim it goes between "Service Disabled" and 4 bars, but will not make a call or send a text.
With a MetroPCS sim it will not call, text, and stays at service disabled
With a PTel sim it stays at service disabled
From what it looks like to me the phone is not GSM unlocked. Is there any way I can unlock it for GSM use. I know some bands wont be picked up, but I would like to use it on ATT 3G when im out in the countryside where Sprint doesn't have service. From what I know of since the Feb. 11 revision of laws for unlocking devices if the device is in good standing and paid off/contract expired the carrier is supposed to unlock it, but there method is not working for GSM use. I am wondering if anyone knows a way to get there code to work or a software loophole to unlock the SIM slot for GSM use. I am guessing that the phone is receiving att and Metro service because the split second before it goes to service disabled it gets 4 bars and the phone recognizes my phone number. My ATT and Metro APN settings are programmed in already in the roaming area, but there is not an APN settings input in the mobile networks category.
If anyone knows how and if this phone can be unlocked to work with GSM service it would be a great help.
Thanks
Jake
Also, when I use the the Available GSM networks feature under "Roaming>Avalable GSM networks" it always comes up wit "Error searching for networks"
The phone is rooted, could I use unlocking methods from the G3? How much of a risk would I be taking by using methods sourced from another LG phone? To expand upon that I would attempt using methods proven with the g3 or original g flex to try and get it to start running on gsm, I did submit a domestic and international unlock to sprint but all they gave me was a useless MSL code. I need to get this working on at&t or I will have to sell this wonderful phone.
As far as I know they will only unlock it for a Sprint customer who has the line active for 90 days. Unless something is different on the Flex 2 there is no code to enter, I unlocked my HTC One M8 before swapping to the Flex 2 and everything was done on there end. Additionally they state the unlock is only for international use and will not unlock the phone for US carriers although I cant verify if that is true as I don't have a US SIM card to try.
uh60james said:
As far as I know they will only unlock it for a Sprint customer who has the line active for 90 days. Unless something is different on the Flex 2 there is no code to enter, I unlocked my HTC One M8 before swapping to the Flex 2 and everything was done on there end. Additionally they state the unlock is only for international use and will not unlock the phone for US carriers although I cant verify if that is true as I don't have a US SIM card to try.
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The phone is fully paid off, it was used for less than a month. In the USA there is a law that was passed on February 11th 2015 stating that all carriers must be able to unlock there phones for domestic service (DSU) as far as I know sprint does not seem to follow that, and makes it dang hard to do anything. I was able to get texts working, and data, but I cannot call or receive mms, anyone have any ideas on why that might be. I would like to try and get both working, and I will put in the work for going into the root and trying to get the bands unlocked for AT&T, if anyone can confirm that it is not a gigantic threat to the phone by attempting it, I would make a backup before, but my last experience with a Verizon S3 + Easy unlocker bricked my phone, and although I got it recovered it was no fun.
Rooted...
You stated that the phone is rooted, was the phone rooted when you attempted the unlock? If so, I would suggest restoring the phone to fully stock via the files supplied by Malxce and method described in cairui505's thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/g-flex2/help/ls996-tot-t3094660
I have used it and it works great. After that I would attempt the unlock as Sprint suggested and follow any further problems with Sprint tier 2 technical support. I'm sorry, I don't have the number handy but I'm sure Google will assist. Tier 2 support has a great deal more knowledge and capability than the store or tier 1 personnel. You are correct that they are required by law to unlock the phone at the users request but they will not make it easy and unlocking the phone doesn't change it's hardware capabilities. I'm just not sure if there is an underlying and limiting hardware difference between the carriers versions that would prevent proper activation on another carrier. The law requires that they unlock the unit, not include the hardware to port to other networks.
How would the phone being rooted stop it from being unlocked? I ask because I bought a used phone from ebay that's already internationally unlocked, I've been given the msl code multiple times by tech support, and as I've just discovered it's been rooted.
Assuming that TMOB does not lock the bootloader so that the S7 variants can be rooted and custom roms eventually installed, what is the best way for a non-TMOB customer to outright purchase a TMOB variant of the S7 so that it could be unlocked and used on another carrier, like T, that locks their bootloader?
I am going to assume here that TMOB will use the same TMOB Remote Device Unlock App that requires the IMEI to be in their DB and registered. Looking at the TMOB pre-paid site, the phones available seem not to be very modern so I would guess S7 will not appear there for many years.
Is it as simple as going to a TMOB store and doing an outright purchase without a plan?
Last time, I pre-ordered a Note 4 prior to release and had to setup service and cancel within 30 days which was a bit of pain.
I am looking for a simpler retail channel.
:fingers-crossed:
Right there with ya, would love to find out.
Carriers in the US are finding new ways to keep users from unlocking phones and moving to other carriers. These new monthly installments and required post paid plans are one of those ways. Best bet would be hoping for third-party unlocking services to work with t-mobile's version soon after launch.
Flame Red said:
Assuming that TMOB does not lock the bootloader so that the S7 variants can be rooted and custom roms eventually installed, what is the best way for a non-TMOB customer to outright purchase a TMOB variant of the S7 so that it could be unlocked and used on another carrier, like T, that locks their bootloader?
I am going to assume here that TMOB will use the same TMOB Remote Device Unlock App that requires the IMEI to be in their DB and registered. Looking at the TMOB pre-paid site, the phones available seem not to be very modern so I would guess S7 will not appear there for many years.
Is it as simple as going to a TMOB store and doing an outright purchase without a plan?
Last time, I pre-ordered a Note 4 prior to release and had to setup service and cancel within 30 days which was a bit of pain.
I am looking for a simpler retail channel.
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I'm in the same boat, but I don't believe a simpler retail channel exists. Each release since the S6 has been locked down with the TMOB app and even direct customers have a hard time unlocking within the first 21 days. Threads on XDA discussing carrier unlock reach hundreds of posts - never seems to be an answer other than buy the device outright and request an unlock code after 30days. =/
Found this place that is supposed to be able to unlock TMOB's crapulance. I have not idea if they really can do it though.
http://www.androidsimunlock.com/phone-unlocking-service/tmobile-device-unlock-app-official-unlock/
unlockbase.com also advertises they can too, but when I emailed them specifically about the S7 they said they were not sure.
I'm wondering whether there will be an unlocked 64gb (or hopefully 128gb!) variant that could accept a TMo stock-based ROM & utilize WiFi calling & all TMo LTE bands.
I'm glad this thread was started, I'm looking to buy the tmobile s7 outright and was trying to figure out how I was gonna unlock it.
My tmobile s5 had an unlocked bootloader, I'm hoping for the same with the s7... Anyone know if the tmobile s6 came with unlocked bootloader?
Hey guys im going to be pre-ordering tomorrow and want to know your thoughts on which carrier variant to go with. I have AT&T where I live but I have heard that tmobiles phone are usually easier to get bootloader unlocked, or they come pre unlock. Which one do you think is a better choice?
I'm sure the tmobile one will have all. The band's requires for att.. Or at least the main ones. If you're looking at modding, go the tmobile route. But Idk how easy it will be to get the tmobile one and have them unlock it for you. I went through hell with my s6 edge and getting them to unlock it
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I am debating the same thing. Last time I got a TMOB, and paid for a 3rd party unlock which took a week. Then canceled the TMOB service before the 30 days were up.
TMOB won't unlock phones until they are on plan after two payment cycles and the phone is fully paid off.
Now TMOB unlocks via app and I understand there is a 3rd party vendor that might be able to get them unlocked, but might be troublesome. I asked my sister who is a TMOB customer if she could just outright buy the phone for me but she said under her plan they require her to surrender her old phone so I have to put it on their stupid plan.
Not sure if you can get the phone via MetroPCS as a pre-paid plan and avoid this nonsense but it seems their phone choices are severely limited.
Definitely looking for a better way to get an unlocked bootloader.
I'm in the same boat. Have an AT&T S4 and finally looking to upgrade but after the hell AT&T gave with the S4 locked bootloader I think T-mobile is the way to go. Just hope unlocking it for AT&T will be a straight forward process.
The guy that unlocked an S6 for me emailed me back that he was not sure yet if he could unlock a TMOB S7.
I believe AT&T has more bands than T-Mobile.
Will get the AT&T model as will use with prepaid carriers and AT&T supports most T-Mobile bands. T-Mobile does not support all AT&T bands.
Nextstep said:
I believe AT&T has more bands than T-Mobile.
Will get the AT&T model as will use with prepaid carriers and AT&T supports most T-Mobile bands. T-Mobile does not support all AT&T bands.
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The only bands that are missing from the 930T (t-mobile version) versus the 930A (AT&T) are bands 29 and 30 which don't appear to be used in the US at all. I found the bands on the product pages on both sites. You are better off getting the t-mobile one and hope for an unlocked bootloader. AT&T will be locked down for sure.
zcubed said:
The only bands that are missing from the 930T (t-mobile version) versus the 930A (AT&T) are bands 29 and 30 which don't appear to be used in the US at all. I found the bands on the product pages on both sites. You are better off getting the t-mobile one and hope for an unlocked bootloader. AT&T will be locked down for sure.
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That's great news, thanks for checking.
What I'm currently debating is preordering the AT&T S7 from Best Buy to get in on the VR and MicroSD, then just selling once an unlocked T-Mobile variant becomes available No other way to preorder a 930T without an account right?
The TMOB preorder is up. You need to subscribe to a plan to order it. It does not let you pre-order it on a post paid or prepaid plan.
I am really hesitant to preorder it since TMOB sucks and won't unlock until after 2 billing cycles. And you have to unlock it using their app verses typing in a code provided by a 3rd party unlocker after you turn the phone on when a non-TMOB sim is inserted.
Guess I'll have to wait until some unlocked ones appear on Swappa or Fleabay. Hate doing that as I was just burned with a phone that that eventually popped up with a blacklisted IMEI.
Like Flame Red said, there's no way to get the T-Mobile one without signing up for a plan but you also get a year of Netflix with the t-mobile one that's worth WAY more than the microSD from Best Buy. You can cancel the plan immediately though and hope for a third party unlocking service to unlock the phone for a fee.
---------- Post added at 10:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:02 AM ----------
Bands detail links:
https://support.t-mobile.com/community/phones-tablets-devices/android/samsung_galaxy_s_7#id_1299991
https://www.att.com/cellphones/samsung/galaxy-s7.html#sku=sku7840239 (Click Details)
Is there a place to order the 930F Global version? Will that have all the bands required for ATT & TMO?
Are there any Galaxy S7 that will support CDMA and GSM.
I looking to go prepaid route and Sprint prepaid MVNO and T-Mobile prepaid MVNO with maybe some AT&T prepaid.
Any assistance greatly appreciated.
According to this thread, the underlying hardware is the same for all S7 variants and the bands are turned on/off via the radio files. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/how-to/finally-single-hardware-variant-carriers-t3308040
Should be interesting if I decide to get a t-mobile S7 and possibly being able to "turn on" the extra bands at a later date.
Looks like it doesn't matter which one you get anymore: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Cert...the-carrier-of-the-first-SIM-inserted_id78809
The S7 should "lock" to the first carrier's sim you insert. Would love confirmation of this if someone gets the T-Mobile one and puts in an AT&T sim.
Will see, hoping some users will get the phone soon, and confirm before I purchase.
clove.co.uk is now showing pre-orders for the unlocked international s7 (and edge). Interestingly enough, they're showing it having the SD820 whereas I thought EU was getting the Exynos!?
zcubed said:
Looks like it doesn't matter which one you get anymore: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Cert...the-carrier-of-the-first-SIM-inserted_id78809
The S7 should "lock" to the first carrier's sim you insert. Would love confirmation of this if someone gets the T-Mobile one and puts in an AT&T sim.
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So technically speaking, no matter what version ill get it will be locked to att after I put in that sim card?
I wonder if that means the bootloaders will be the same on all the models, since they are all the same except for the radio differences?
Neither for me. International versions only
As far as unlocking goes, I've been in that scene for about 6 months. If it's an app unlock, no biggie, it'll just cost about $30 more than without the app unlock. You should expect to pay about $20-50 for the unlock once the phone comes out. No sweat!
The big difference between att and tmobile is not the sim lock, but the fact that att phones come with locked bootloaders thereby severely limiting their attractiveness to the mod community.
Hi, I have a T-Mobile LG Stylo. 2 questions,
Is there a cheaper way to unlock this device to use it on AT&T's network?
The phone does not have LTE band 17 support, is this going to pose major problems in my LTE connectivity?
I wish I could unlock it and try it out by popping in an AT&T sim, but just to try it out would cost me approx $25 for an unlock code off of ebay. (The device has that pesky unlock app instead of using a subsidy unlock code).
Thoughts? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!
charter3554 said:
Hi, I have a T-Mobile LG Stylo. 2 questions,
Is there a cheaper way to unlock this device to use it on AT&T's network?
The phone does not have LTE band 17 support, is this going to pose major problems in my LTE connectivity?
I wish I could unlock it and try it out by popping in an AT&T sim, but just to try it out would cost me approx $25 for an unlock code off of ebay. (The device has that pesky unlock app instead of using a subsidy unlock code).
Thoughts? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!
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Click to collapse
What's wrong with the app? I'm assuming you probably don't meet the requirements huh? I used it at work the other day to unlock a Stylo for a customer coming over to the AT&T network. I've done it with MetroPCS Stylos aswell using their app. Oh, and fyi, just popping in an AT&T sim won't do anything. We've tried that method at work with a number of devices and they never pop up the unlock dialog, and I know first hand the the Stylo never would (over two different devies). Needless to say, the bands were never an issue on our network, they worked just like they did on the T-Mobile/MetroPCS network.
Looking at picking up a 8T, and I have Sprint. I don't want to roll over to Tmo because I'm on grandfathered BYOD plans that I don't want to give up.
I also want dual SIM, so I'll need to SIM unlock and BL unlock. I've read over a few threads where people are finding that Sprint won't SIM unlock these phones, but it also sounds like they're all on installment billing deals, and trying to get them unlocked early?
Is Sprint just flat not unlocking these phones period, or just not doing it on financed phones? Would I be OK if I just paid for it full retail and get it unlocked immediately, or would I still be subject to the 40-something day waiting period?
i sure like the idea of getting the phone free with trade in, but not if it means I can't get it unlocked and modified for dual SIM...the _only_ reason I bought my current Pixel was for the dual SIM feature...
I could not get it done because of the installment plan. But I think they would be more flexible over the waiting period. But then again, it's Sprint.
"it's Sprint"...yeah, that's one of my concerns, lol. It's been pretty difficult to find anyone that's hasn't done one of these phones on installment..., but then given that few people likely have $800 to drop on a phone, and the "free with trade in" deals that Tmo/Sprint are doing on the phones, I'm not really surprised either.
I'm not really even all that opposed to just waiting a couple months to get the unlock if that's what it comes down to, but at the same time, I don't want to drop $800 only to find I'm still boned 2 months later too...
From what I understand, you can take your device into tmobile and have them put a Tmo SIM in it for free, which effective unlocks your Sprint SIM, but I don't know enough about how any of that works to know whether it means it's fully unlocked from that point, or simply locked to Tmobile.
Edit: I plan on doing this Monday, so I'll try the bootloader unlock and let you know if it's successful.
DaddyIronwood said:
From what I understand, you can take your device into tmobile and have them put a Tmo SIM in it for free, which effective unlocks your Sprint SIM, but I don't know enough about how any of that works to know whether it means it's fully unlocked from that point, or simply locked to Tmobile.
Edit: I plan on doing this Monday, so I'll try the bootloader unlock and let you know if it's successful.
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Since tmobile and sprint are one company now thats why it works. It doesn't sim unlock the phone or make oem unlocking available so no bootloader unlock and no root