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AT&T Tilt Unlock Question

Hello, I am new here. I have been reading for days and days now, and I have come up with a question:
I have a brand new AT&T branded Tilt that I want to unlock. I found the Sim unlocker on the stickie. The question is this, AT&T has already provided me with the unlock code for my IMEI number, so if I just use their unlock code will it stay unlocked forever, even if I flash a new rom to the phone? Are there any benefits to using the XDA Sim unlocker versus the unlock code that AT&T provided to me?? Will I still be able to use the phone anywhere in the world with AT&T unlock code?
And what about those internet sites that claim to unlock your phone for a fee, do they work? Because a friend of mine wants to unlock as well, but is scared of the process found on XDA.
If the AT&T unlock code will work, how do I do it??
Thanks for any help.
Still reading!!
I am a noob but I am learning!

brownbaby said:
Hello, I am new here. I have been reading for days and days now, and I have come up with a question:
I have a brand new AT&T branded Tilt that I want to unlock. I found the Sim unlocker on the stickie. The question is this, AT&T has already provided me with the unlock code for my IMEI number, so if I just use their unlock code will it stay unlocked forever, even if I flash a new rom to the phone? Are there any benefits to using the XDA Sim unlocker versus the unlock code that AT&T provided to me?? Will I still be able to use the phone anywhere in the world with AT&T unlock code?
And what about those internet sites that claim to unlock your phone for a fee, do they work? Because a friend of mine wants to unlock as well, but is scared of the process found on XDA.
If the AT&T unlock code will work, how do I do it??
Thanks for any help.
Still reading!!
I am a noob but I am learning!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Unlock Code that AT&T gave you should work fine. Once you do a SIM unlock it be will be unlocked forever.

Thanks for the help! What about the internet sites that you pay for the unlock codes, do they work??
How do I use the AT&T unlock code?
Sorry, but I didn't find any info on the wiki about that.

You put in a non AT&T sim card and it will ask you for a code. You enter a valid code and you are unlocked.
All the Unlocker does is find your unlock code due to a hack on the radio.
I wouldn't be suprised if some of these sites that sell unlocking actually wouldn't just sell the instructions available free on this site.
Its very easy for your friend to unlock his device. Just follow the instructions. Now, don't hold be liable but I'd say there is a 99% change of the hack working. I did it fine. Took me maybe 30 mins to read and then follow instructions.

No Worry, i did the same thing and works..
Call AT&T explain that you need to use oversea SIM at different country while you travel as for business. they will ask your IEMI code and email unlock code within 3 business day, i just get mine and work perfectly without worrying screw up the radio cracking method and $$$ free.

Great this was very helpful. I am hoping to purcahse a Tilt from At&t on my US account then use my China Mobile sim while I am living here in China. The reason I want the Tilt is for the Chinese language software Pleco. How has everyones experience been with the stylus and screen on the Tilt. Are there any other At&t based devices that I should look into or wait for?

rg7548 said:
Great this was very helpful. I am hoping to purcahse a Tilt from At&t on my US account then use my China Mobile sim while I am living here in China. The reason I want the Tilt is for the Chinese language software Pleco. How has everyones experience been with the stylus and screen on the Tilt. Are there any other At&t based devices that I should look into or wait for?
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I used the free SIM unlocker here and it works great. I like the Tilt, stylus works fine, my finger - not so much lol. I'm looking into getting the Fuze.

Unlock code from AT&T

I called AT&T today to ask for the unlock code as I'm gonna go back home next week. I've been using the Cappy with AT&T since August 31, so it is more than 90 days. As experienced with T-mobile before, I was able to get the unlock code after using T-mobile service for more than 90 days. But that is not the case with AT&T and Captivate. The guy over there told me that there is an exclusive agreement or something like that which make the Captivate not eligible to be unlocked. That really upsets me. Well, I know that without AT&T technical we still can unlock the phone to use with another carrier (Using the unlock tool) but AT&T pisses me off!!!
Btw, I have a little concern (that is the reason why I called AT&T). Is there any difference between using the unlock tool and getting the code from AT&T for unlock? Also, do we need to root before using the unlock tool?
Thanks

Uhhh, just call back and get a different rep. I am almost certain you can get an unlock code. Tell them you are going over-seas for business, or visiting family etc. I think by law they have to give you the code (if you meets certain restrictions)

Just use this app to get the unlock code, and forget AT&T.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/samsung-galaxy-s-unlock-tool/com.clarkehackworth.SamsungGalaxySUnlock
There is no difference in the methods, the code the app gets is the same as the one in AT&T's database.

Thanks guy. I did call 2 reps today and got the same answer. Stupid. Regarding the Galaxy S unlock took, I believe that I need to choose No-Root Gen Codes button if my phone hasn't been rooted yet. But why do we need Root Gen Codes while we can unlock w/o root?

is cincinnati bell lying?

i sent cbw an email with the intent to obtain the sim unlock code for my milestone, based off a post on their facebook page. here is the email i sent to them:
while perusing your facebook page i find a gentleman named ___ that posted this:
"Does Cincinnati Bell have the unlock code for the Blaze? I may be traveling internationally soon and would like to use other carriers' SIM cards when overseas."
your response was:
"Hi ___- Email us your wireless # and IMEI to [email protected] Thanks!"
i called a few months ago for the EXACT same reason and was denied unlocking my milestone xt720. how can this be rectified? i also travel abroad and would like to have the phone THAT I PAID FOR unlocked as to be able to use other sim cards.
thanks
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here is the response i recieved:
Thanks for the note. Motorola maintains the unlock profiles for the XT720 Milestone. The Cincinnati Bell Blaze is one of our OEM designs, therefore managed by Cincinnati Bell. I would contact Motorola US with your IMEI to pursue unlocking the device.
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ive called motorola and they told me that the CARRIERS are the ones that have the unlock codes. who is lying (my guess - cbw) and how am i supposed to unlock this thing?

I think carriers should have it but I could be wrong. When I wanted to unlock my old phone from Wind (my carrier) I called them up and they gave the code to me.
I would try calling up CBW and speaking to a different person. The one who replied to you could just be confused.

The unlock is not part of the firmware, it is held much deeper in the phone. I would tend to believe the carrier and assume that the manufacturer would be able to unlock this phone. I really hope I am wrong though, for your sake.

Hi usually you have to be like 6 months+ and some time up 9 months into contract.
Call 611 and tell them you will be the country don't deal service tech they don't no much of anything.
Sent from my XT720 using XDA Premium App

One of the things that Dexter does to his ROMs that I haven't figured out yet is that he moves /system/etc/motorola/bp_nvm_default/sim_lock_init to /system/etc/motorola/sim_lock_init. I do know that /system/etc/motorola/bp_nvm_default is part of the baseband system and I also know that not all of Motorola's XT720 ROMs have sim_lock_init (in fact of the 9 XT720 sbf's I've collected only CBW's sbf has it, both Korean ROMs both have it). I don't have a non-CBW SIM, so I don't know if that does anything and Google hasn't really been much help to me on that. If you have a non-CBW SIM, maybe you can try using one of Dexter's ROMs and see if it is actually SIM locked or not. I honestly have no idea, though. I do know that I flashed the UK sbf once and it refused to let me use the phone unless there was a SIM present (but it accepted my CBW SIM--I have two XT720 now but only one sim). The CBW and Korean sbfs on the other hand let you use the phone without a SIM. Maybe that's what that file is about. I'm mostly clueless about the baseband and SIMs. But hey, it has "sim" and "lock" in the filename .

Do you still need an unlock code? I can get you one for this one for $14.99. They do come from Motorola and not Cincinnati Bell and the codes are not cheap like other phones.

Way to dig up a thread from 5 months ago. Not sure I want to send someone $14.99 for an unlock code in Thailand when I can go to corner store and they can unlock it face-to-face. Plus signature favors LG phones.
Seems like a Google search for "Help me unlock my phone" came up with this thread and probably many others to blanket post in them all. Dare I say.......Pimping your services?

Woodrube said:
Way to dig up a thread from 5 months ago. Not sure I want to send someone $14.99 for an unlock code in Thailand when I can go to corner store and they can unlock it face-to-face. Plus signature favors LG phones.
Seems like a Google search for "Help me unlock my phone" came up with this thread and probably many others to blanket post in them all. Dare I say.......Pimping your services?
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No, not at all. Just trying to help a fellow XDA member. I offered the code at my cost with PayPal fee included. At this price I make nothing.

Also, getting your phone unlocked at a local shop is dangerous. Often these shops use special software and hardware clips that unlock your phone by patching the baseband code, which can result in a damaged or bricked device. Also when the phone is unlocked by a firmware patch such as this the phone can no longer get OTA updates as the baseband code will no longer pass a validation check (MD5) during the update process.
Unlocking remotely by IMEI is much safer. Remote unlocking servers, such as the ones we subscribe to, retrieve the unlock codes directly from the manufacturers databases that the carriers use. By entering the unlock code assigned to the phone at the factory at the time of manufacturer is the only safe way to unlock a phone. Once you enter the code the phone is unlocked permanently with no potential for damage. Plus the phone can still get OTA updates as the baseband code remains untouched.
Go ahead. Let some hack at a local shop damage your phone by patching the baseband code. Great idea, not!

[Q] Who locked the bootloader?

First, I am amazed at all the folks who contribute here. Thank you for sharing you knowledge and assistance with those of us that are less knowledgeable. With regard to all the discussion on the locked bootloader - my question is: Who is really responsible for the bootloader being locked - Motorola or Verizon?
I have a Maxx on 4.4 11/2013 build (won't take the 4.4.4 update and lose WP off) and tried to see if I could get my bootloader unlocked by Moto or Verizon and both just pointed fingers at each other and neither offered any possibility of unlocking, no surprise there I guess. Being a 2013 build the Chinaman method is out for me 8-( But still - just who really is to blame for the locked bootloader?
Secondary question - since the phone is boot locked doesn't that pretty much make it impossible to move to another carrier? Is the new law the President just signed supposed to stop this nonsense? Can I push the issue armed with this law now in effect with either Verizon or Moto since unlocking a phone is supposed to be legal and allowed?
Thanks for your thoughts...
Trebor

GSM unlocking is required by law once the customers obligations are completed allowing the phone to goto another carrier if the phone is physically able to run on the carriers network.
That is what I read on a couple of other sites a couple days ago. Our maxx from my understanding came new GSM unlocked from VZW.

Bootloader unlocking and carrier unlocking are not the same thing. All moto's are bootloader unlocked and moto gives the option to void your warranty and get an unlock code from them directly. Verizon does not allow this and won't allow moto to unlock those devices. Perfectly legal and really nothing you can do about it other than buy a dev edition.
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app

rekids said:
GSM unlocking is required by law once the customers obligations are completed allowing the phone to goto another carrier if the phone is physically able to run on the carriers network.
That is what I read on a couple of other sites a couple days ago. Our maxx from my understanding came new GSM unlocked from VZW.
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So are you suggesting that I should be able to take my Maxx, pop in a T-Mobile GSM and be able to run with it??? I didn't think it worked like that. How would updates be handled, by Verizon or T-Mobile?
I know a few folks managed to get the Maxx on T-Mobile, but presumed that was only after unlocking the BL and then flashing a ported ROM.

akellar said:
Bootloader unlocking and carrier unlocking are not the same thing. All moto's are bootloader unlocked and moto gives the option to void your warranty and get an unlock code from them directly. Verizon does not allow this and won't allow moto to unlock those devices. Perfectly legal and really nothing you can do about it other than buy a dev edition.
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app
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So you're suggesting that Verizon is ultimately responsible and prevents the unlocking of the BL??? And isn't it true that since the BL is locked I am prevented from taking my device to another carrier and using THEIR version of Android. Doesn't that fly in the face of the new law? In the end, with a locked BL I am essentially tied in perpetuity to Verizon if I want to use the phone I paid full price for.

All 4G phones with the 700 mhz band from Verizon are SIM unlocked out of the box. Just put a T-Mobile SIM in your Maxx and add the appropriate APN. No fuss. I've tested this on my own Maxx and LG G3.
The bootloader being locked has nothing to do with the SIM unlock.

rtaylor429 said:
How would updates be handled, by Verizon or T-Mobile?
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Nearly all Verizon LTE phones are Sim unlocked right out of the box...yes, you can take your Maxx and pop in an ATT or T Mobile Sim and run with it...after applying the proper APN of course...
As far as updates, no carrier is under any obligation to update phones...you'd be on your own in that regard.
I imagine you could still update via WiFi from Verizon though..

Well that bit of advice from the two posts above is disheartening. I was hoping that the new law would have some effect on forcing either Moto or Verizon to unlock the bootloader.
I love what the Droid Maxx has in it, but the policy of locking the device and restricting its use is akin to buying a car but then being told you can only use Shell gas or Firestone tires on it. It's my friggin' car!!! But oh if you spend more for the Dev Edition of the car, you can use any gas you want!
I know I am whining to the choir....:crying:

rtaylor429 said:
Well that bit of advice from the two posts above is disheartening. I was hoping that the new law would have some effect on forcing either Moto or Verizon to unlock the bootloader.
I love what the Droid Maxx has in it, but the policy of locking the device and restricting its use is akin to buying a car but then being told you can only use Shell gas or Firestone tires on it. It's my friggin' car!!! But oh if you spend more for the Dev Edition of the car, you can use any gas you want!
I know I am whining to the choir....:crying:
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Click to collapse
Dev edition is the same price
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app

akellar said:
Dev edition is the same price
Sent from my XT1080 using XDA Free mobile app
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No it wasn't - the Dev Edition was $649.00 when the Standard was $499.00 and whats worse, the Dev Edition has been pulled from Motorola's web site and you cannot even buy it anymore. Check out the Motorola site yourself.... Very Disappointing... They even redirect you straight to Verizon's website to purchase the standard version...

[Q] Sim unlocked, anyone?

So, I have an Xperia Z3, D6616, stock, locked bootloader still, and I'm considering sim unlocking the device for use on AT&T. Bought it on craigslist. It's currently locked to T-Mobile. Most unlock websites say not to purchase the unlock code for the device if it is locked to T-Mobile due to an unlocking app that T-Mobile installs on handsets that prevents third party unlocking. See attached pictures. I'm an AT&T customer, so this is a bit of a pain for me.
Called T-Mobile, they will not unlock the device as it does not meet the requirements. I'm not a T-Mobile customer either, so there is no account history associated with this IMEI. I have a feeling that someone bought this device at a subsidized price, sold it new in box, and pocketed the cash. Now I have a fancy T-Mobile MP3 player and digital camera that won't play nice with my AT&T sim....
Has anyone successfully unlocked this device for use on another GSM carrier while originally being locked to T-Mobile without going through the carrier's unlocking process? If so, what website/service did you use? I'm considering selling this thing as it's a bit useless on my network thus far, being locked to another carrier and all.
Thanks in advance.

is this me being a bit daft, but could you not simply put an unbranded firmware on the device via ftf and simply unlock the device via a website?

henson0115 said:
is this me being a bit daft, but could you not simply put an unbranded firmware on the device via ftf and simply unlock the device via a website?
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I'm not sure if that's a possibility. There is no root for this device without unlocking the bootloader, which wipes the TA partition and causes you to lose the DRM keys and cripples camera functionality. I'm trying to avoid unlocking the bootloader for as long as possible, but if unlocking, rooting, and installing a custom ROM will assist in sim unlocking, it may be in my best interest to do so.
I'm trying to do a network unlock with a code and keeping the phone stock if at all possible, at least until a root method without unlocking the bootloader is found, if it ever is... I just need a way to get a code for unlocking WITHOUT going through T-Mobile.

you don't need root to flash an unbranded ftf., once done then simply use a website and buy the unlock code, with the tmobile firmware out of the way there shouldn't be any interference in terms of network unlock.
what i am saying is:
1: flash global unbranded firmware via flashtools with ftf
2: buy your network unlock code
3: enter code as no t-mobile firmware is available on the device anymore to interfere
i am not saying this is possible as i do not have a t-mobile - us device to test, but my vodafone branded z3 has had an unbranded firmware flashed by myself with no root.
i hope this helps clear up any confusion.

henson0115 said:
you don't need root to flash an unbranded ftf., once done then simply use a website and buy the unlock code, with the tmobile firmware out of the way there shouldn't be any interference in terms of network unlock.
what i am saying is:
1: flash global unbranded firmware via flashtools with ftf
2: buy your network unlock code
3: enter code as no t-mobile firmware is available on the device anymore to interfere
i am not saying this is possible as i do not have a t-mobile - us device to test, but my vodafone branded z3 has had an unbranded firmware flashed by myself with no root.
i hope this helps clear up any confusion.
Click to expand...
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I may try this tonight.
If I flash another firmware with flashtool, can I return to stock after unlocking without root access?

Rooting and/or unlocking the bootloader or flashing a custom rom or a different firmware has absolutely nothing to do with SIM lock.
If you try and sim unlock by doing any of that you are wasting your time.
Best bet is to go to your carrier and ask them to sim unlock it

gregbradley said:
Rooting and/or unlocking the bootloader or flashing a custom rom or a different firmware has absolutely nothing to do with SIM lock.
If you try and sim unlock by doing any of that you are wasting your time.
Best bet is to go to your carrier and ask them to sim unlock it
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Yeah, that has been my experiences in the past. The carrier always did it for me. But T-Mobile will not unlock this device as it does not meet eligibility requirements, and the unlock websites say not to buy a code for a T-Mobile US locked Z3. I need it unlocked for use on AT&T. I remember unlocking HTC devices with SuperCID and unlocking Samsung devices with dialer codes. Anything like that for the Sony side of the house? this will be my first Sony phone.

HORiZUN said:
Yeah, that has been my experiences in the past. The carrier always did it for me. But T-Mobile will not unlock this device as it does not meet eligibility requirements, and the unlock websites say not to buy a code for a T-Mobile US locked Z3. I need it unlocked for use on AT&T. I remember unlocking HTC devices with SuperCID and unlocking Samsung devices with dialer codes. Anything like that for the Sony side of the house? this will be my first Sony phone.
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Not that I know of. In the UK you can get any phone sim unlocked on any market stall in a few minutes for a fiver. Its not really to do with the phone but the carrier and the laws you have over the pond.

Simply try a websites unlock, I do not believe T-Mobile can block carrier unlocks. Who has told you otherwise?

See the attachments in the OP. The unlocking websites are saying not to purchase the codes if you have a T-Mobile US locked Z3. I don't want to waste $40, especially when there are no refunds, and want to know if anyone has successfully unlocked with a website and NOT the carrier.

D6616 has an NOT unlockable bootloader, so that method is a no-go.
If it was on EIP and they sold it, the phone may be blacklisted by T-Mobile already
I don't believe you can flash a different version firmware, for multiple reasons, one of which is because it's a D6616 and not a D6603
The T-Mobile SIM unlock tool does work if all conditions are met.
Good luck OP, I think you might have a difficult time with this one

se1000 said:
D6616 has an unlockable bootloader, so that method is a no-go.
If it was on EIP and they sold it, the phone may be blacklisted by T-Mobile already
I don't believe you can flash a different version firmware, for multiple reasons, one of which is because it's a D6616 and not a D6603
The T-Mobile SIM unlock tool does work if all conditions are met.
Good luck OP, I think you might have a difficult time with this one
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Again, the bootloader status has nothing to do with SIM lock.
Flashing another firmware will also not effect sim lock.

I'm seriously considering selling this device and going for another bootloader unlockable handset due to this unlock headache. T-Mobile is no help for unlocking this IMEI.

gregbradley said:
Again, the bootloader status has nothing to do with SIM lock.
Flashing another firmware will also not effect sim lock.
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Sorry for the first line, didn't mean to get that wrong. Definitely agree that bootloader unlock and SIM unlock have nothing to do with each other.

Called T-Mobile again, tried to unlock. No account number to tie unlock request to since I use At&t as a carrier. They recommend I call Sony directly and ask for an unlock. I did, Sony told me to contact the carrier again. I do, and have the T-Mobile rep call Sony guys on a three way call. I explain that I purchased the device on craigslist, not a T-Mobile account holder, I'm an active duty military member, phone was several hundred dollars, I didn't know... boohoo, I'm dumb, I should have purchased from Sony, No moneys to get a new phone since this was so expensive, etc. Sad poor me story, you know.
Sat on hold for a bit, but Sony caved and said they would attempt a remote unlock via code, but it would be between 1-3 days and the reply will be via email. Time will tell, now. Just waiting to see what happens. I hope it works. I had to have the situation escalated to the third level of supervisors to get this far...

sounds like good news, if that fails, you could ask someone you no on T-MOBILE or a family member to give them a ring and pretend its there phone, should also do the trick

That's a good idea!! Thanks for that. I'll find someone at work who has T-Mobile and go that route if I need to.

any updates.. i badly need my T mobile Xperia Z3 to be get it unlocked...

Sadly, there is no update. T-Mobile will not unlock the device unless I use it on their network for 45 days, ahve an account in good standing, etc. This isn't going to happen, as I am an AT&T subscriber. I have the Z3 listed for sale on craigslist. Awaiting a sale or trade. If anyone wants to swap phones for a still in the box T-Mobile Z3, let me know. Looking for an S5, G3, or Nexus 6. Gsm variants only. Too bad, cause I really like the Z3. I would keep it if I could sim unlock.

Is the unlocking app based off the Sim card? Cause I bought my tmo Z3 3 days ago. Used my Sim from my moto x. After I got everything set up I tried the permanent unlock which was successful.