Hi,
My phone is locked to specific network operator, How do i unlock it? Is bootloader unlocking/ rooting the same as unlocking network restrictions?
Is buying unlock codes from ebay a must?
Thanks
Bootloader locks and SIM lock are different things. Bootloader locks prevent you from running non-standard software; SIM locks prevent you from taking your phone to another operator.
Most phones ship with locked bootloaders, but while some bootloaders can be unlocked, others are encrypted, depending on where the phone's from and what restrictions the vendor wants to place on the device. Encrypted bootloaders can't be modified and thus restrict what you can do with the device.
SIM locks are placed on the phone by the network operator. They're there to tie the phone to an operator. The commercial justification is that if your phone is tied to a single operator then you're much less likely to insert a SIM card from another operator and stop paying your bills, which would result in a loss of the money the operator has paid to subsidise your handset.
To remove your SIM lock you should contact your network operator, who may be able to provide you with an unlock code for a fee if you're out of contract, and sometimes even if you're in-contract. They don't do locking here, and most of my stuff is parallel import, but when I lived in the UK you could usually get this stuff done at a shop with the right hardware. I wouldn't be buying anything from eBay, but that's just me.
I cant do that mate! I bought the phone a is from someone else. The phone is brand new but is locked to another operator than mine. So are you telling me this is not a "Do it yourself"' tasks?
Tito_S said:
I cant do that mate! I bought the phone a is from someone else. The phone is brand new but is locked to another operator than mine. So are you telling me this is not a "Do it yourself"' tasks?
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Click to collapse
That's what he's telling you. It does, however, depend on the phone - some phones you can do it yourself but almost never for free (sometimes you need to buy hardware, sometimes buy a code from a website).
I am about to buy an unwanted contract upgrade Z3 but it is locked to another network. If I unlock it would this mean the bootloader is unlocked or not?
I do not want to loose the DRM protected camera features and the sellers network is refusing to give him the unlock code until he has had the phone for 6 (!) months.
The SIM unlock code will not touch the bootloader so your DRM keys will still be intact.
fl4r3 said:
The SIM unlock code will not touch the bootloader so your DRM keys will still be intact.
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Click to collapse
And using one of the paid unlock code services online is possible with the Z3?
I was under the impression that newer phones could not be unlocked this way and had to be rooted.
Root has nothing to do with SIM lock.
Usually the code works the same way whether it is obtained from the operator or a separate online service. However there is normally a delay from when the device is released and when unlock codes from online services become available. So I cannot say if they have them available for the Z3 yet.
As long as you use one of the reputable online services you should be fine as they will only advertise it if it is available.
I was under the impression that newer phones could not be unlocked this way and had to be rooted.
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Click to collapse
You can use SIM unlock codes on network locked phones straight from the shop - so no rooting or anything needs to be involved. You just insert a different SIM, then an option should come up to insert the SIM unlock code.
It gets more difficult to find exploits for rooting newer phones without unlocking the bootloader. But that is a separate issue.
Hope that helps.
You are confusing two different things.
If your phone is SIM locked, you'll only be able to use it under whatever company's network it is locked to. It doesn't make a difference whether it's rooted or not or whether the bootloader is unlocked or not.
You can probably unlock the SIM lock through a paid service (IMEI unlocking) although with newer phones is a little harder to find a service that will do it.
Look at several unlocking services (there are many online) to see if they can unlock that phone before you make the purchase.
Brilliant. Thanks for the help!
Anyone care to recommend a good online service to use?
The carrier will do it for free usually. Find someone who currently has a subscription
They said it would be 21 days before they would release the code for some reason. I've used a paid online service although even they ae saying 7 days.
finty said:
They said it would be 21 days before they would release the code for some reason. I've used a paid online service although even they ae saying 7 days.
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Click to collapse
Real delivery time for Sony codes from 3rd party service is 3-7 days. These 3rd party unlock codes come from manufacturer (Sony) and they support all Sony models. No matter if the model is just released etc. If you are using good supplier with history and your phone has at least 2 attempts left to type unlock code (is not hard locked) it's very safe process. Good luck.
Not asking for code
I have a brand new Z3 locked to T-Mobile.
When I insert my own sim, it does'nt ask for unlock code. It also says at the top of the notification bar that the phone is network locked and I can only make emergency calls.
Can you please help me on how to get the phone to ask for an unlock code so that I can enter one and unlock the phone.
Thank you.
Device unlock apk.
Do you have that in your app drawer?.
If you don't go look in the mods n apps section I just posted a link to the app you need. There is no way to make the t-mobile D6616 ask for an unlock code. At least no way I found. T-mobile r jerks.
Edit
Here's the link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwEKM70ewjHNQ01UWlNmRXJGbkE/view?usp=docslist_api
Sent from my D6616 using XDA Free mobile app
Dear imprezif,
I have the app and tried getting an unlock done through it. I get the message this device is not eligible for unlock, contact T-Mobile for device unlock eligibility.
You are right about T-Mobile though!
Thank you for your response and I will keep trying...
Work this app on z3 compact? ther is something like that for z3 compact? thanks for help...
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.
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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Hi Folks,
one of my colleague have xperia xz carrier locked and he had have travel to another country for some months but unfortunately the network his phone is locked is not available in that country he is going to so is there any way to run other networks on this phone?
he told me he already tried to contact with service center but xperia service center isn't that good and they failed to help him so please tell me any solution if there is to unlock XZ?
well there are 2 recommended methods which you can use to get your phone unlocked.
1 - Visiting Xperia Service Center and explaining them complete issue I'm sure they are going to assist you in this issue and I'm pretty sure they will resolve this issue.
2 - If you don't have any Xperia service center near you or they failed to help you then there is another safe solution is to get your phone unlock by any unlocking service provider such as safeunlockcode the one I know, I used safeunlockcode to unlock my galaxy s6 edge plus and i got my phone safely unlock so i can recommend you the only one I have tried. but you can ask other members or search on google you will find many other.
all you have to do order your networking unlocking code from any service provider and they will email you unlock code with complete guide to use that code.
I suggest you to try live customer support service of unlocking service provider and tell them your phone and model before creating an order that would be helpful more.
Best of luck.
Happy Unlocking