Network unlocking - Samsung Galaxy S7 Questions and Answers

My Sprint variant arrives tomorrow and I'll need to network unlock it to use with my carrier (wanted the unlocked bootloader).
Am I going to have to go on say eBay and do the IMEI method or will the first sim inserted feature work?
If the IMEI way, are there 3rd parties currently that support the S7?
note: I don't know how generating the code works so I don't know if it's model dependent when generating it.
EDIT: Can confirm first sim inserted does not work. Prompted with "Invalid SIM card" with an AT&T sim in Sprint variant.

I can tell you, as far as I know no one has tried the 1st Sim inserted locks to that network theory...I hope you give it a shot, as it could confirm or deny this theory.
Sprint has unlocked bootloaders?
Good questions btw, I'd like answers to these questions as well

el7145 said:
Sprint has unlocked bootloaders?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was surprised too. I asked a rep before purchasing and they said they did; as well as a couple others stating it. But rather that's true or not, I'll find out soon enough

I can confirm that the AT&T s7 was sim unlocked. Bought outright at Bestbuy and picked up tonight, I put my cricket sim in and it worked perfectly. I can not verify if it is locked to cricket or not since I don't have another carrier sim to try. I received no notifications that I had a cricket sim or anything it just worked.

Jtate1729 said:
I can confirm that the AT&T s7 was sim unlocked. Bought outright at Bestbuy and picked up tonight, I put my cricket sim in and it worked perfectly. I can not verify if it is locked to cricket or not since I don't have another carrier sim to try. I received no notifications that I had a cricket sim or anything it just worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cricket works on all? AT&T phones because Cricket uses the AT&T network. I have an AT&T S5 using cricket with no changes needed but APN settings. I'll confirm tomorrow, unless someone else does before hand, if the first sim feature works with a Sprint variant.

Unless I'm mistaken even on AT&T phones you still had to unlock then to us a cricket Sim

Jtate1729 said:
Unless I'm mistaken even on AT&T phones you still had to unlock then to us a cricket Sim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't with my S5, unless something changed.

The OEM unlock option is in the developer options of the att s7. I only have an att sim though, so i can't test it. I didn't buy mine outright.

Cricket Sims work on AT&T SIM locked phones.

Crewville96 said:
The OEM unlock option is in the developer options of the att s7. I only have an att sim though, so i can't test it. I didn't buy mine outright.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for T-Mobile. There is also a "Device Unlock" app in the T-Mobile folder/

I will try a different sim today...
My phone arrives later this week - no next day shipping for me I guess I will try my Vodafone SIM first when it arrives and see what happens.
Will post the results if no one beats me to it.

FYI... The OEM unlock option in developer options has absolutely nothing to do with Sim unlock.

el7145 said:
FYI... The OEM unlock option in developer options has absolutely nothing to do with Sim unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is it then?

Can confirm first sim inserted does not work. Prompted with "Invalid SIM card" with an AT&T sim in Sprint variant.

Crewville96 said:
What is it then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it begins the process of allowing you to unlock your bootloader, if your bootloader is unlockable.

Ah ha

The reason its because of this phonearena dot com/news/Certain-versions-of-the-Galaxy-S7Galaxy-S7-edge-lock-to-the-carrier-of-the-first-SIM-inserted_id78809

Jtate1729 said:
I can confirm that the AT&T s7 was sim unlocked. Bought outright at Bestbuy and picked up tonight, I put my cricket sim in and it worked perfectly. I can not verify if it is locked to cricket or not since I don't have another carrier sim to try. I received no notifications that I had a cricket sim or anything it just worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you bought the phone outright, can you still get on the GearVR promotion bandwagon?
I am on the ATT Prepaid (GoPhone) plan and don't want to change over to post-paid. But I was told I can't actually pre-order and still retain my plans with GoPhone.

Hey TehPirate_,
Unfortunately the Sprint S7 and S7 edge can't be unlocked by code
you can however contact sprint to request the to unlock it
The other GSM networks can all be unlocked by code such as AT&T, MetroPCS, T-Mobile(by Unlock app confirmed unlocked today Rogers, Fido, Telus, Bell, Vodafone, etc

SamsungCodeSource said:
Hey TehPirate_,
Unfortunately the Sprint S7 and S7 edge can't be unlocked by code
you can however contact sprint to request the to unlock it
The other GSM networks can all be unlocked by code such as AT&T, MetroPCS, T-Mobile(by Unlock app confirmed unlocked today Rogers, Fido, Telus, Bell, Vodafone, etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Took me half a day of phone calls and emails but managed to get sprint to unlock it for me.

Related

Verizon

So are all verizon Rhodium phones CDMA with GSM only when out of country?
Which meaning at the moment have no HARD-spl and are able to flash?
I've added some custom apps to my phone which is from verizon and is not flashed. So i was just curious.
Thanks,
Alfredo
SlashX1896 said:
So are all verizon Rhodium phones CDMA with GSM only when out of country?
Which meaning at the moment have no HARD-spl and are able to flash?
I've added some custom apps to my phone which is from verizon and is not flashed. So i was just curious.
Thanks,
Alfredo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you call Verizon (and have their service for awhile, in good standing) they will guide you to unlocking the SIM slot 'for use outside of the country'. Once unlocked, it will work with TMobile, AT&T and any other GSM provider in the US that doesn't do IMEI checking, or that allow the TP2 on their network, in which IMEI checking wouldn't be a problem.
Anyways, get the unlock code for your device (specific to your device) from Verizon, scroll to SETTINGS on the homescreen, click ALL SETTINGS, click PERSONAL, click SECURITY and enter the unlock code they gave you and your phone will SIM unlock itself.
As for Hard-SPL, I haven't seen anything about it yet.. but I haven't been searching, since the phone already does what I'd like it to with simple cab installs.
I hope this helps!
-mak
Yeah ive had verizon for a good amount of years now. So i might give that a try. and yeah. I agree about hard SPL.
Are there any other advantages to unlocking the sim card other then being able to change services?
I am still new with all this, and unaware the advantages of unlocking the SIM card.
Curious for In Country and Out of country.
Like what are benefits of it while still in the states?
and what are the benefits if i go to canada? does this mean i don't have to pay extra for the plan while in canada to make phonecalls/texts/data?
.mak said:
Anyways, get the unlock code for your device (specific to your device) from Verizon, scroll to SETTINGS on the homescreen, click ALL SETTINGS, click PERSONAL, click SECURITY and enter the unlock code they gave you and your phone will SIM unlock itself.
-mak
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you may be incorrect on that, check this out, I have yet to verify this my self but from what I have read here and other places the GSM will be unlocked for use overseas. This way you can use another country's SIM card instead of Verizon's SIM (expensive rates) while overseas for an extended period of time.
There are now several threads in several forums about this.
What people often leave out when they talk about what their phone can do is what carrier they have it on.
With Verizon, when you SIM Unlock the phone you can toss in any SIM and it'll work. I personally have a UK SIM and works fine in the US on my Verizon TP2 unlocked. Others have reported using TMobile (US) or AT&T (US) SIM's just fine in their Verizon TP2's after unlocking.
Sprint TP2's come unlocked but will NOT register at all on US carriers (even with a foreign SIM).
--Chris
Oh so i have to somehow get a hold of another sim card?
nowwww i get it.
so unless i plan on actually going out of country there really is no point in unlocking my phone.
SlashX1896 said:
Oh so i have to somehow get a hold of another sim card?
nowwww i get it.
so unless i plan on actually going out of country there really is no point in unlocking my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked mine, just in case I ever decide to leave Verizon to go to Tmobile or AT&T (yeah, right lol).. or for when I upgrade, it makes it more universal when it comes time to sell it.
It costs you nothing if you're a Verizon customer in good standing, I'd unlock it just in case
-mak
Yeah good point. I was more curious on flashing purposes, but TBH i have no use to flash it. Though once the markeplace comes out, im assuming its going to be like the iphones appstore? and hoping in time we find ways to "jailbreak" or something to get them free, thats always fun lol.
Now i do travel to canada a lot. But unlocking it has no use unless i actually pay for the plan and a sim card? I know verizon offers a plan for it, but i dont got that much to where il pay extra for the plan was just curious.
SlashX1896 said:
Now i do travel to canada a lot. But unlocking it has no use unless i actually pay for the plan and a sim card? I know verizon offers a plan for it, but i dont got that much to where il pay extra for the plan was just curious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
some folks over at PPCGeeks pointed out that in some situations, it might be cheaper to just buy a prepaid sim card when traveling abroad, as the prepaid cards could prove to be a cheaper alternative to verizon's international roaming rates through verizon's sim card, included with the Rhodium.
Alright, thanks i'll look into that.
the problem with going to canada is the sim card has nothing to do with their network. it is still CDMA in canada and while you may have an unlocked phone and different sim card, verizons network will still pick up your phone and charge you accordingly.
gt3dan said:
the problem with going to canada is the sim card has nothing to do with their network. it is still CDMA in canada and while you may have an unlocked phone and different sim card, verizons network will still pick up your phone and charge you accordingly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have an unlocked phone and a different SIM card in, if you set it to GSM mode Verizon won't/can't charge you for using it in Canada.
Hope thatyour right iamrobk, elsewise im confused.

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.

Please Help. How do I activate, and unlocked tmobile Galaxy S8+ on Verizon.

So I just received my unlocked galaxy s8+ G955U from swappa. I was hoping it would be as easy as putting in my previous nano sim card from my Nexus 6p and activating. It isn't. The branding is t-mobile. Showing t-mobile screen when I turn it on. I tried activating from myverizon , but when I enter the imei it says: "The phone associated with the Device ID you entered is not compatible with the Verizon Wireless network. Try a Different Device"
I purchased an unlocked phone hoping to avoid most if not all of the verizon bloatware. But, I need to be able to make phone calls and tie it to my Verizon account.
Any help, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
polorsport said:
So I just received my unlocked galaxy s8+ G955U from swappa. I was hoping it would be as easy as putting in my previous nano sim card from my Nexus 6p and activating. It isn't. The branding is t-mobile. Showing t-mobile screen when I turn it on. I tried activating from myverizon , but when I enter the imei it says: "The phone associated with the Device ID you entered is not compatible with the Verizon Wireless network. Try a Different Device"
I purchased an unlocked phone hoping to avoid most if not all of the verizon bloatware. But, I need to be able to make phone calls and tie it to my Verizon account.
Any help, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
clearly you got the Tmobile s8+ model. Even if its unlocked it only works with Gsm networks. Verizon is CDMA not gsm. Return for a refund and buy a no-career unlocked phone. Good luck
This is the model you need https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-s8-64gb-unlocked-midnight-black/5803742.p?skuId=5803742
I think you're right. This sucks. But, it's good to know. I've been on the phone with customer service for 40 minutes trying to get it activated and still no luck.
the_noob65 said:
clearly you got the Tmobile s8+ model. Even if its unlocked it only works with Gsm networks. Verizon is CDMA not gsm. Return for a refund and buy a no-career unlocked phone. Good luck
This is the model you need https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-s8-64gb-unlocked-midnight-black/5803742.p?skuId=5803742
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I don't understand is that the customer service representative says it's activated on her end. I just can't make or receive calls. No lte or 3g shown.
the_noob65 said:
clearly you got the Tmobile s8+ model. Even if its unlocked it only works with Gsm networks. Verizon is CDMA not gsm. Return for a refund and buy a no-career unlocked phone. Good luck
This is the model you need https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-s8-64gb-unlocked-midnight-black/5803742.p?skuId=5803742
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is 100% absolutely false and incorrect. All the US S8+ models have the SAME EXACT hardware. Only the firmware is different.
polorsport said:
So I just received my unlocked galaxy s8+ G955U from swappa. I was hoping it would be as easy as putting in my previous nano sim card from my Nexus 6p and activating. It isn't. The branding is t-mobile. Showing t-mobile screen when I turn it on. I tried activating from myverizon , but when I enter the imei it says: "The phone associated with the Device ID you entered is not compatible with the Verizon Wireless network. Try a Different Device"
I purchased an unlocked phone hoping to avoid most if not all of the verizon bloatware. But, I need to be able to make phone calls and tie it to my Verizon account.
Any help, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP, are you SURE it's network Unlocked? The T-Mo branded S8 shipped network locked. If it's network Unlocked, it WILL work on Verizon, but it will still have the T-Mo bootup screen and apps. That's the firmware.
If you want no bloatware, check out the threads for flashing the Unlocked Firmware.
After exhausting all my options I took my friends advice, and called t-mobile. Turns out the phone is still locked. So it's either the seller unlocks it, or refund.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
That is 100% absolutely false and incorrect. All the US S8+ models have the SAME EXACT hardware. Only the firmware is different.
OP, are you SURE it's network Unlocked? The T-Mo branded S8 shipped network locked. If it's network Unlocked, it WILL work on Verizon, but it will still have the T-Mo bootup screen and apps. That's the firmware.
If you want no bloatware, check out the threads for flashing the Unlocked Firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you can answer this question. If the phone is still locked. Can I flash firmware to unlock it, and activate it on Verizon. (I don't even care about bloatware anymore. I just want to have a working phone)
polorsport said:
Maybe you can answer this question. If the phone is still locked. Can I flash firmware to unlock it, and activate it on Verizon. (I don't even care about bloatware anymore. I just want to have a working phone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you can't unlock it just by flashing the unlocked firmware. T-Mobile will have to unlock it.
Read one of the threads a out flashing unlocked firmware, it will answer many of your questions, including the ones you have asked in this thread.

Unlocked note 8 AT&T but no gsm sim works

Hi everyone
I’m kinda puzzled with this note 8 and need some advice. Recently got a note 8 from AT&T and since I was traveling I had it unlocked to use by a third party company ( since att doesn’t unlock until Device payment is complete)
I got the code, unlocked the phone successfully. Before I left USA I put a working T-Mobile sim to test if connectivity, no luck, it doesn’t work, I tried a Verizon sim, nothing works....
Note... this T-Mobile sim and Verizon sim if I put it on a different device it will work...
any reason why this is happening
jmathew86 said:
Hi everyone
I’m kinda puzzled with this note 8 and need some advice. Recently got a note 8 from AT&T and since I was traveling I had it unlocked to use by a third party company ( since att doesn’t unlock until Device payment is complete)
I got the code, unlocked the phone successfully. Before I left USA I put a working T-Mobile sim to test if connectivity, no luck, it doesn’t work, I tried a Verizon sim, nothing works....
Note... this T-Mobile sim and Verizon sim if I put it on a different device it will work...
any reason why this is happening
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is not unlocked. Seems like an error happened when you got the unlock code. I'd try again.
Did you use this device on the att network? I mean, do you have it activated?
If you unlocked it by codes and the message after inserting the code is something like "unlock successfull" then your device must accept other GSM SIM cards.
Also, I would recommend you place a 5 min call with your device, with the att sim card and then insert again the tmob card.
What is the message when you insert the tmobile card in this device?
I did the same thing by using a Tmobile SIM during the unlocking process, and it worked on TMobile right after I unlocked it. It sounded like you did not unlock it using a different network SIM but using some other method. I am not sure if that mattered or not.
I then traveled to Asia, and I bought and used a local SIM card with zero issues. The 4G LTE was faster in that country than AT&T... LOL

For anyone buying the Essential Phone outright to use on Sprint, beware.

Do NOT activate the phone directly after getting it from Best Buy/ Essential, as it'll lock your device to Sprint. They won't be able to unlock it in Sprint, or by using Sprint tech support either. I went to a Sprint store, and was told they cannot unlock in-store. I was then told to contact their support number, and was transferred 8 times to the highest level of tech support, which ended in them telling me there was absolutely no way to unlock it. So, I was forced to take it back to Best Buy, and have to wait till Wednesday for it to arrive. Apparently Sprint sims will lock to your phone if it's taken to them directly and activated, so I'd suggest putting in a VZW sim and then activating the phone on Sprint. Don't make the same mistake I made.
TheF|ipSide said:
Do NOT activate the phone directly after getting it from Best Buy/ Essential, as it'll lock your device to Sprint. They won't be able to unlock it in Sprint, or by using Sprint tech support either. I went to a Sprint store, and was told they cannot unlock in-store. I was then told to contact their support number, and was transferred 8 times to the highest level of tech support, which ended in them telling me there was absolutely no way to unlock it. So, I was forced to take it back to Best Buy, and have to wait till Wednesday for it to arrive. Apparently Sprint sims will lock to your phone if it's taken to them directly and activated, so I'd suggest putting in a VZW sim and then activating the phone on Sprint. Don't make the same mistake I made.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. It works when I put my FreedomPop Sim in
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Jonathanlc2005 said:
Not true. It works when I put my FreedomPop Sim in
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FreedomPop uses Sprint network. So, before saying not true, it'd be better for someone who tried other network other than Sprint network including MVNO to confirm.
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PowerPC said:
FreedomPop uses Sprint network. So, before saying not true, it'd be better for someone who tried other network other than Sprint network including MVNO to confirm.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again... Not true. It also uses TMobile and I connected to hspa+ fine
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Jonathanlc2005 said:
Once again... Not true. It also uses TMobile and I connected to hspa+ fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol you want screenshots of Sprint causing my phone to become locked? I can throw up pictures of my receipts of buying a UNLOCKED Essential phone, and then it becoming magically locked when my Sprint sim was inserted in it. It also rejected AT&T AND T-Mobile sims. Why would I fabricate a story of my phone becoming locked? The Sprint store reps told me this is something that happens a lot, along with Best buy employees telling me they had this happen before. Only reason I posted this was to make sure this happened to no one else. The only way this just happened to just me is if Essential accidentally shipped a locked Sprint phone out that was packaged like an unlocked phone, and I was just unfortunate enough to receive it. Or maybe I just imagined spending an hour and a half speaking to Sprint reps trying to unlock my phone and the about phone section and activation status on my phone are just bogus.....
Some more details that might be useful for buyers:
1. In store pickup seems to make the phone lock to Sprint, even if the first time you turn it on its with a different SIM inside.
2. People have reported Essential phone being unlocked if you choose delivery instead and use another SIM on first turn on of the device.
What kind of analogy is this.. putting VZW sim then activate to Sprint.
Picked-up mine and its unlock. No mumbo jumbo
To be clear, OP is saying (I think) if you first turn on phone with sprint sim and activate it, it will lock to Sprints SIM.
If you first activate it with a different sim, you will have no problems with any sim, including sprint.
Has anyone bought an unlocked phone and first activated it with a Sprint Sim?
My question is.. Why would you buy the Sprint variant outright? Why not buy the unlocked modem from best buy, amazon or essential? Its cheaper too.. Then put your sprint sim.
tlxxxsracer said:
My question is.. Why would you buy the Sprint variant outright? Why not buy the unlocked modem from best buy, amazon or essential? Its cheaper too.. Then put your sprint sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't. I bought an unlocked one from Best buy and took it directly to Sprint to get it activated. When they did, it carrier locked my device, and I was only receiving Sprint updates... Either Essential shipped me a locked Sprint phone, or Sprint locked it when I activated my phone that I owned, which is illegal.
It's easy to see what variant in Fastboot. It will show Variant - Sprint if it is flashed with Sprint software. Are you sure Best Buy didn't just accidentally grab a Sprint model by accident?
When you get your new one power up by holding down Volume Down to get to Fastboot and check the Variant tag.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Isn't the bootloader unlocked so you can just flash a new rom? Did the Sprint SIM lock the bootloader?
bobloadmire said:
Isn't the bootloader unlocked so you can just flash a new rom? Did the Sprint SIM lock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same question
I can flash LOS but I still remain carrier locked. In fastboot it shows I am using the Open-US variant, but my device is locked to Sprint. So frustrated right now.
What if the variant just says Sprint?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
jesus359 said:
What if the variant just says Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Minesays that and I'm locked. No issue. I'll have them unlock it after 50 days... I'm on free year plan.
You bought the Sprint one not the unlocked one. They sell SPRINT at best buy
---------- Post added at 05:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 AM ----------
TheF|ipSide said:
I didn't. I bought an unlocked one from Best buy and took it directly to Sprint to get it activated. When they did, it carrier locked my device, and I was only receiving Sprint updates... Either Essential shipped me a locked Sprint phone, or Sprint locked it when I activated my phone that I owned, which is illegal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're wrong. I work for Sprint and activating it doesn't lock it to Sprint. I have Sprint also and bought the unlocked version online and I can use my vzw sim just fine
seshaz said:
You bought the Sprint one not the unlocked one. They sell SPRINT at best buy
---------- Post added at 05:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 AM ----------
You're wrong. I work for Sprint and activating it doesn't lock it to Sprint. I have Sprint also and bought the unlocked version online and I can use my vzw sim just fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought unlocked at Best Buy. Variant is Open US in bootloader. I don't use on sprint, so I wouldn't know if it locks. Best buy does sell unlocked.
in Fastboot mode check the variant and it should say "OPENUS"
seshaz said:
You bought the Sprint one not the unlocked one. They sell SPRINT at best buy
---------- Post added at 05:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 AM ----------
You're wrong. I work for Sprint and activating it doesn't lock it to Sprint. I have Sprint also and bought the unlocked version online and I can use my vzw sim just fine
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Then why does it say I have the OPENUS version in the bootloader, and why does my receipt say I paid for an unlocked essential phone? Before making allegations, inform yourself.

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