Related
I'm amazed by the number of people who don't know this...
All US carriers to sell LOCKED handsets are REQUIRED by LAW to provide unlock codes upon request.
All you need to do is call the carrier the handset is locked to hand request the unlock code. They will ask you for the IMEI and provied you with the code. If they give you any heat or static about it, just tell them that you KNOW they are required by law to give you the code.
The only way they can refuse is if the IMEI for the handset is tied to an account that still owes money, but if you purchased at retail pricing and never had an account, or currently have an account in good standing, they cannot refuse.
STOP PAYING FOR SIM UNLOCKING AND CALL THE CARRIER!
I have NEVER paid for a SIM unlocking service and am currently using the latest NRG energy rom on my unlocked AT&T FUZE.
SIM Unlock
I don't think what you're saying is true. I have searched for any trace of a US law requiring SIM unlocks an haven't found one. I did find this on wikipedia:
Singapore is the only country that forbid outright SIM locking and contract/phone bundling.
The US and UK don't have any SIM locking laws, but American and British carriers usually offer unlocking codes voluntarily.
Many countries listed below have some form of simlocking laws specifying the period of simlocking and the cost of obtaining unlocking codes. However their effectiveness may be questioned when we look at the iPhone's worldwide distribution practices. The worldwide launch of the iPhone has definitively shattered numerous myths about whether some country has laws against SIM locking.
(from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIM_lock )
~cp
risc193 said:
I'm amazed by the number of people who don't know this...
All US carriers to sell LOCKED handsets are REQUIRED by LAW to provide unlock codes upon request.
All you need to do is call the carrier the handset is locked to hand request the unlock code. They will ask you for the IMEI and provied you with the code. If they give you any heat or static about it, just tell them that you KNOW they are required by law to give you the code.
The only way they can refuse is if the IMEI for the handset is tied to an account that still owes money, but if you purchased at retail pricing and never had an account, or currently have an account in good standing, they cannot refuse.
STOP PAYING FOR SIM UNLOCKING AND CALL THE CARRIER!
I have NEVER paid for a SIM unlocking service and am currently using the latest NRG energy rom on my unlocked AT&T FUZE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but I don't mind paying for a security unlocker
seeps said:
I don't think what you're saying is true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second the OP here. It's true but you can only ask your cell phone provider to unlock a phone you bought from them (and not from a friend or fleebay), you have an active contract in good standing, you are atleast 2-3 months into the contract and so on. Basically if they sold u a locked phone, you can demand an unlock.
It sucks to run the whole nine yards, and then pay the same amount of money for the security unlocker. I really wish Olipro could have a security unlock only service.
If you get your carrier to unlock your phone is that when you can flash a Radio from a different device?
X2D said:
If you get your carrier to unlock your phone is that when you can flash a Radio from a different device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope...subsidy unlocking is NOT the same as security unlocking.
actually US carriers are required to give you the subsidary unlock code for your device (excluding iPhone and cdma/gsm hybrids although technically, not offerring it for the iPhone is illegal) but only if you are going out of the country and don't to want to use their service or pay their fees since it does not directly interfere with their service.
ATT will give you the code in a couple days if you lie and say your going away for a week or two.
Also that wikipedia article is wrong because phones in Belguim cannot be opertor locked either. Caused a fiasco with the iPhone.
leaving the country
tmobile has unlocked a few phones for me that i didnt even buy from them
i'm on att but my sister has tmobile so i use her account to request unlocked codes for phones i've purchased on ebay or craigslist
i just always tell them that i'm going over seas and would like to be able to use a pre paid sim over there
hello guys,
I have bought i blocked touch pro here in the Czech republic... Pleeease, wouldn´t you be so great and call AT&T and provide the code for me?
You would be soooo nice! please, please, please
my IMEI is: 353142027737330
Please, anybody...
It must be PPC from AT&T...
Maybe you are rigth but.
maybe you are right about it but let me tell you , I got a locket at&t phone , i buy a code with a internet compay the code never works they send my information to htc and verify the unlock code , any way it never works , i needed buy the olipro services , everything was fine his program unlock my phone forever i did not type a code or something like that , now my htc fuze is unlocked and i am happy , conclusions be carefull unlock codes not always works , choose olipro software its 100% safe
risc193 said:
I'm amazed by the number of people who don't know this...
All US carriers to sell LOCKED handsets are REQUIRED by LAW to provide unlock codes upon request.
All you need to do is call the carrier the handset is locked to hand request the unlock code. They will ask you for the IMEI and provied you with the code. If they give you any heat or static about it, just tell them that you KNOW they are required by law to give you the code.
The only way they can refuse is if the IMEI for the handset is tied to an account that still owes money, but if you purchased at retail pricing and never had an account, or currently have an account in good standing, they cannot refuse.
STOP PAYING FOR SIM UNLOCKING AND CALL THE CARRIER!
I have NEVER paid for a SIM unlocking service and am currently using the latest NRG energy rom on my unlocked AT&T FUZE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the UNLOCK CODE
I called the carrier and asked for my phone sim-unlock code and they took my IMEI number and gave me unlockcode. simple
thanks OP
unlock sim
how to unlock sim card free without calling carrier
Hi just purchased my idol 3 from koodo in Canada it was locked and was wondering if anyone has a good place for unlocking? Thanks
If it's showing sim locked you should return it. Alcatel would have no reason to lock it since they are not selling the phone via a carrier....if you ended up getting one someone fiddled with previously it's possible they managed to lock it....you won't find any place setup to unlock the idol 3 since it's intended to be sold unlocked.
In Canada they only sell with carriers. Telus koodo and bell. I put my wife's rogers sim in my koodo phone and asked for a unlock code. Even when you go to purchase a phone on alcatel website you can only purchase from the cell companies in Canada that offer the phone. We cannot purchase from Alcatel.
There might be an unlocking company online that will charge to unlock it. Or a company that will ship a US version to CA.
Romman0 said:
There might be an unlocking company online that will charge to unlock it. Or a company that will ship a US version to CA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other canadians here have identified their phones as the 6045i (when everyone was uploading their stock firmware) so it's the same model as USA.
If the Canadian is locked, then it would still be beneficial to get a US version or paying for an unlock code or service.
Thanks for the help guys. Sucks that the Canadian model is locked. But not surprised. Lol
Def locked when bought from a Canadian carrier. They lock everything except the nexus phones...even when bought at full price.
I'd try cell unlocker or some other 3rd party unlock service. Telus/Koodo charges $50 for an unlock code.
scatoclysm said:
Def locked when bought from a Canadian carrier. They lock everything except the nexus phones...even when bought at full price.
I'd try cell unlocker or some other 3rd party unlock service. Telus/Koodo charges $50 for an unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For that much would be cheaper to purchase in usa...have shipped to friend in usa then reshipped to canada....can then flash the stock canadian firmware we have online.
Yeah, Canada's wireless is borked... The CRTC did change all the rules and did force the carriers to provide a way to unlock in a contract and immediately unlock when you purchase the device in full, the only problem is, the morons forgot to add the part where the carriers should have to do it for free, when you own the device. So, now they can still charge... looks a lot like it did before, with just more pointless words in the act.
The free part was unlikely to be an oversight. It was probably the most requested part of the code of conduct. They stopped short of free and price controls when it came to unlocks.
Bit of a shame, I think if a contract has been fulfilled, they should do it for free.
At least there's a trend lately of affordable high performance phones... Hopefully that leads to fewer phones bought on contract up here. Many normal customers just aren't aware if the "device balance" mark up, and plan mark ups. Better off paying outright.
I've contacted T-Mobile directly, and they said that they do not have the ability to do so because I did not purchase the device directly from them, even though it is a T-Mobile branded device. The representative also contacted Samsung with me on the phone, Samsung specifically stated that the device can be unlock, and the carrier does it. Doesn't make any sense to me that they can't unlock it when they have my phone's IMEI in their database, and they can recognize it. To top that off, the device is paid in full, not financed. Anyway, got this escalated to the manual unlock team, but was told there's no guarantees. Will see how that goes.
Have anyone gotten their T-Mobile branded device bought directly from Samsung unlocked? Or anyone got their carrier branded device bought from Samsung unlocked?
I been trying to find a sim I can try to see if mine is unlocked but seems like everyone I know is on TMobile hahaha I bought mine thru Samsung as well paid in full I will try going to a att see if they have a sim I can try
If everything is the same, then the device should be locked. Just tried an ATT sim on my T-Mobile device, and that doesn't work.
Exact situation I went through with AT&T. They also first told me they couldn't unlock it cuz I didn't buy directly from them, however, after a few escalations to support I finally got someone that understood and I had the unlock code before the phone call ended. Just keep trying.
The escalation of my case to the unlock team resulted in receiving an automated email telling me to use the unlock app when I explicitly mentioned that method does not work..... Sigh... The incompetence of these people. Contacting them on twitter now, we'll see the results of that.
In the meantime, what's everyone's experience so far trying to get their carrier branded device unlocked?
Same issues with my s8... Samsung says T-Mobile will should be able to unlock it...and T-Mobile says it is not an eligible phone since not purchased through T-Mobile. Any other suggestions how i can unlock my phone?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
MNX1024 said:
The escalation of my case to the unlock team resulted in receiving an automated email telling me to use the unlock app when I explicitly mentioned that method does not work..... Sigh... The incompetence of these people. Contacting them on twitter now, we'll see the results of that.
In the meantime, what's everyone's experience so far trying to get their carrier branded device unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you been able to get your phone unlocked? I'm in the same situation right now
How in the hell can they not unlock a device that is BRANDED by T-Mobile and PAID OFF with T-Mobile? I would of returned the device (if within the return period) and Bought an Exynos Variant. I have an Exynos S8+ on AT&T here in the US and I haven't had any issues with carrier compatibility.
Hi everyone,
I recently just get my new google pixel 3a from amazon,
but it seems like they send me the Verizon version of it.
The version of the phone is android 10 and I am trying to unlocked OEM under developer options in order to root my device,
but it's likely seems like there is no way that I can unlock the OEM...?
So I was wondering if anyone know the way of unlocking it or maybe there is a way that I can root without Unlocking the OEM.
Thank you!!
Skylar514 said:
Hi everyone,
I recently just get my new google pixel 3a from amazon,
but it seems like they send me the Verizon version of it.
The version of the phone is android 10 and I am trying to unlocked OEM under developer options in order to root my device,
but it's likely seems like there is no way that I can unlock the OEM...?
So I was wondering if anyone know the way of unlocking it or maybe there is a way that I can root without Unlocking the OEM.
Thank you!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is notorious for locking down their equipment!!! I would recommend seeing if you can return it and get the unlocked variant!
Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk
Just a heads up if anyone happens to find this after grabbing the $200 3a from Verizon: they claim they will unlock your phone after 60 days, something on their site I confirmed with a rep. I'll update January 24 if it does or doesn't happen as I plan to root then (for me, a $200 discount was worth a two month delay).
iamxaq said:
Just a heads up if anyone happens to find this after grabbing the $200 3a from Verizon: they claim they will unlock your phone after 60 days, something on their site I confirmed with a rep. I'll update January 24 if it does or doesn't happen as I plan to root then (for me, a $200 discount was worth a two month delay).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just so you are aware, the rep is talking about the SIM card lock. This is different than the bootloader unlock which is required to root your phone.
A SIM card unlock allows you to use the phone with other service providers. Most providers will lock the phone as long as you owe money on the phone. If you bought it outright or have paid the phone off, then the provider will generally SIM unlock the phone. Verizon won't even SIM card unlock the phone until it has been active for 60 days. They say this is to prevent pre-sale theft of their phones, but the policy is certainly more strict than any other provider. However do not misinterpret this to mean that Verizon will SIM unlock all phones after 60 days. If you owe money on the phone, they are not obligated to SIM card unlock it. It is possible sometimes to get the provider to SIM unlock the phone while you still owe money on the phone, but that can be hit and miss.
A bootloader unlock is needed to root the phone. Verizon is the one USA service provider that locks the bootloader of all their devices by policy. Even if a Verizon phone is SIM card unlocked, there is no guarantee that you will be able to bootloader unlock the phone or root it. Generally speaking, you should consider every Verizon phone to be bootloader locked and considering it "winning the lottery" if you are actually able to bootloader unlock it. There are times when Verizon messes up the IMEI numbers and allow phones to be unlocked, but that this just luck if it happens.
I've owned Verizon phones before that were bootloader locked and I will never buy another one. But that is my personal preference. If you have no interest in rooting your phone, then the bootloader isn't that important of an issue. But if you do want to root the phone (and it sound like you do), I would recommend that you see about returning the phone during the return period and purchasing the "Unlocked" version (the "NON-Verizon version).
Sic is correct. Verizon will only SIM unlock the phones. That was the main reason I left them back when I had to use rumrunner on my M7. Once it died and I had to get another phone, I left Verizon and never looked back. When they asked why I was leaving, I told them I might return if they ever let us unlock our bootloaders. The employee knew there was no saving me at that point.
If you want to have an unlocked bootloader, the best bet would be to have a non-carrier branded phone.
Long story short I bought a Note 20 Ultra from the U.S. which the seller advertised as unlocked, but it was locked to T-Mobile when I received it and I'm not able to return the phone. T-Mobile won't help cause the phone isn't paid off.
I tried to click "Permanent unlock" in the menu and it said not eligible, reason code 8. Then I tried temporary unlock and it unlocked the phone for a month.
My question is, is there a way to prevent my phone from being locked again?
If I flash the unlocked Samsung firmware on this, would that prevent it? If not, why? What exactly makes the phone locked again?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
kukumaka said:
Long story short I bought a Note 20 Ultra from the U.S. which the seller advertised as unlocked, but it was locked to T-Mobile when I received it and I'm not able to return the phone. T-Mobile won't help cause the phone isn't paid off.
I tried to click "Permanent unlock" in the menu and it said not eligible, reason code 8. Then I tried temporary unlock and it unlocked the phone for a month.
My question is, is there a way to prevent my phone from being locked again?
If I flash the unlocked Samsung firmware on this, would that prevent it? If not, why? What exactly makes the phone locked again?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing different firmware will have no effect on your SIM Locked status.
You're options are limited :
1) Pay the balance owed to T-Mobile.
2) Find a SIM Unlocking service that can SIM Unlock your phone. (If you go this route, be sure it's specific to the T-Mobile model).
3) Plead your case again to T-Mobile. They may allow for SIM Unlocking after a period of time, when they eventually write-off the debt owed on the phone.
Otherwise, you're stuck w/using it on T-Mobile or, the MVNOs that use their network.
KOLIOSIS said:
Flashing different firmware will have no effect on your SIM Locked status.
You're options are limited :
1) Pay the balance owed to T-Mobile.
2) Find a SIM Unlocking service that can SIM Unlock your phone. (If you go this route, be sure it's specific to the T-Mobile model).
3) Plead your case again to T-Mobile. They may allow for SIM Unlocking after a period of time, when they eventually write-off the debt owed on the phone.
Otherwise, you're stuck w/using it on T-Mobile or, the MVNOs that use their network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I've tried contacting T-Mobile and said I would pay any sort of fee to get it unlocked, and they keep telling me the original account holder has to call in and I can't do anything about it.
In terms of unlocking it with someone else, I talked to a few people yesterday and they all said the "server is offline".
I did talk to 1 person and they told me "one option by imei is 68 usd in 1-30 days"
I don't understand by imei means... I'm assuming he's saying to change the imei number?
kukumaka said:
Thanks. I've tried contacting T-Mobile and said I would pay any sort of fee to get it unlocked, and they keep telling me the original account holder has to call in and I can't do anything about it.
In terms of unlocking it with someone else, I talked to a few people yesterday and they all said the "server is offline".
I did talk to 1 person and they told me "one option by imei is 68 usd in 1-30 days"
I don't understand by imei means... I'm assuming he's saying to change the imei number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's probably not what the service you looked up meant.
There are some legit services out there that will SIM Unlock your phone, for a fee. They probably need the IMEI on your phone (use your phone's search function to find it) to permanently SIM Unlock your phone.
Changing the IMEI is illegal in a lot of countries & talk of it is expressly forbidden here on XDA.
Simply asking for services that change IMEI's here @ XDA will result in the thread being locked & possible banning of the OP on such threads if such actions do not immediately cease.
If you pursue IMEI changing here @ XDA, the mods will see it & PM you, if you're lucky, you'll get a warning before any bans are put in place.
KOLIOSIS said:
No, that's probably not what the service you looked up meant.
There are some legit services out there that will SIM Unlock your phone, for a fee. They probably need the IMEI on your phone (use your phone's search function to find it) to permanently SIM Unlock your phone.
Changing the IMEI is illegal in a lot of countries & talk of it is expressly forbidden here on XDA.
Simply asking for services that change IMEI's here @ XDA will result in the thread being locked & possible banning of the OP on such threads if such actions do not immediately cease.
If you pursue IMEI changing here @ XDA, the mods will see it & PM you, if you're lucky, you'll get a warning before any bans are put in place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not pursing an imei change, I was just saying I'm confused as to what he said option by imei.
Do you know how I can find legit services that will SIM unlock the phone? I saw some on eBay, also I think someone recommended unlockboot.com
kukumaka said:
I'm not pursing an imei change, I was just saying I'm confused as to what he said option by imei.
Do you know how I can find legit services that will SIM unlock the phone? I saw some on eBay, also I think someone recommended unlockboot.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd stay away from eBay for this....
Try this site, it appears to be legit :
T-Mobile Unlock App, Free IMEI Check - CellUnlocker.net
We unlock your T-Mobile phone, and you can use the T-Mobile unlock app. If you're T-Mobile device is locked, we can help. More at CellUnlocker.net
www.cellunlocker.net
If you're unsure of how to proceed, just reach out to their customer service department with your make/model/IMEI,& of course, make sure you specify that it's locked to T-Mobile.
KOLIOSIS said:
I'd stay away from eBay for this....
Try this site, it appears to be legit :
T-Mobile Unlock App, Free IMEI Check - CellUnlocker.net
We unlock your T-Mobile phone, and you can use the T-Mobile unlock app. If you're T-Mobile device is locked, we can help. More at CellUnlocker.net
www.cellunlocker.net
If you're unsure of how to proceed, just reach out to their customer service department with your make/model/IMEI,& of course, make sure you specify that it's locked to T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your attention and for your help, I appreciate it!