How do these online phone unlocking businesses work? Do they all have subscriptions to some database? I heard that the codes they give you originate with the manufacturer. How does the database provider get the codes then? What is preventing anyone from starting an unlocking business or just giving out the codes for free?
I am asking myself the same question!!!
How is it possible that there are hundred of websites making money out of this service, which should theoretically not be allowed otherwise there would be no reason to restrict a specific phone usage to a certain network.
Who is behind this business ? Manufacturers, Network providers, or both?
How could those websites provide codes without receiving information from Manufacturers/Providers ?
And if they don't receive any information, how is it still not possible to unlock phones for free ?
I know you can call up your cell provider and they will give you an unlock code, but how other sites that charge you like $20 for an unlock code generate the code?
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As a T-Mobile customer, if I buy an at&t phone, can I have a friend that has an at&t plan call and get an unlock code for me?
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
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Someone must know the answer to this question on XDA, the king of cell phone forums, right?
In most cases the unlock code is a hash of the IMEI, MCC, MSN, and possibly some other numbers. The hashes are proprietary, but have often been reverse-engineered. Since the input is accessible to the user, and a reverse engineered hash is accessible the user can generate the unlock code. With smartphones it's often possible to read the unlock code (or verification function) from the firmware, and to rewrite it. For example, Galaxy_S Unlock by Helroz rewrites the data files containing the unlock status.
I am wondering if there is a program or service out there that can essentially reverse engineer unlock codes if given a significant number of known good IMEIs and Codes. For example, I have a listing of well over 100 IMEIs and their corresponding unlock codes and these are known to be correct. Is there any way that I can then calculate additional unlock codes?
Thanks,
Jonathan
Some users on this forum are suggesting this new tool available online.
It mentions being compatible with almost all new Nokia's phones released recently but there may be a catch! The executable possibly includes some malware. VirusTotal scan screen attached below. Although it may be a false positive, a Graftor malware can be harmful.
Would the developer of the NTool app, please either clean the app or justify why the use of a adware/malware dropper on the software?
And btw to all other users here, this is no freebie:
Just fill IMEI and press "SIM UNLOCK" button, then enter calculated code, if server will be able to calculate it for you.
Please note, that phone must be working and ask unlock code, as we will not return credits for unlock code calculation.
unlock code generation cost is 30 credits and only allowed for accounts with at least initial 200 credits
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Click to collapse
Don't use that tool.
First HMD Global promised info to unlock the bootloader. Second they refused to give that info. So HMD is not reliable.
Do not trust tools that want to send your imei number to a unknown party.
Need an unlock code for a phone I just got that was on cricket or some way I can unlock it, Galaxy A53, thanks.
did you get the unlock code
scottywnc said:
did you get the unlock code
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No guess no one knows how to unlock or get code, thanks. Problem with being old u get taken on some purchases on phones that u can't use.
scottywnc said:
did you get the unlock code
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I am also in need of an unlock code for a cricket phone.... thNk you very much
Excerpt from here :
PrerequisitesCricket, like other carriers, has some prerequisites that you have to meet before you can request your phone to be unlocked.
The device you want to unlock has been active for at least six 6 months of paid service.
The device is designed for use on and is locked to Cricket’s network.
The device has not been reported lost or stolen. otherwise known as blacklisted.
The device is not associated with a fraudulent account; your account must also be in “good standing.”
Cricket is actually one of the few carriers that supports military personnel pretty well. The Cricket policy is that they will unlock one Cricket-based smartphone for a service member who doesn’t meet the requirements, but that person will have to provide deployment papers or other supporting documentation.
How to unlock a Cricket phoneCricket actually makes it fairly easy to get an unlock code, so long as you meet the necessary requirements. The steps to do it online, over at the Cricket website are:
Sign in, visit Account Settings and select Get Code.
Scroll down to locate the number of the phone or line you’d like to unlock.
Select Request Unlock.
The unlock code for eligible Android phones will automatically be displayed on screen, as well as texted to your phone, so long as you meet the requirements. The unlock process for eligible iPhone users is a little different, as they will receive their unlock code via text message the following business day.
You can also use the Cricket app to unlock your phone.
Download and ppen your myCricket app.
If you’re already signed into the app, make sure to sign out.
From there, you can tap Unlock Device on the app’s sign-in screen.
Tap Unlock at the bottom of the screen.
Once your phone is successfully unlocked, restart it to complete the process. Once restarted, you should be able to take your Cricket phone and use it on any other network, including international ones.
Like we mentioned, Cricket is one of the few carriers that support military members with excellent communication services. If you need an expedited unlock, here’s the official word from Cricket:
“If you’re in the military and need expedited unlocking prior to deployment, please call Customer Support at 1-800-CRICKET (1-800-274-2538) or dial 611 from your Cricket phone. We appreciate your service. “
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Click to collapse
xXx yYy said:
Excerpt from here :
PrerequisitesCricket, like other carriers, has some prerequisites that you have to meet before you can request your phone to be unlocked.
The device you want to unlock has been active for at least six 6 months of paid service.
The device is designed for use on and is locked to Cricket’s network.
The device has not been reported lost or stolen. otherwise known as blacklisted.
The device is not associated with a fraudulent account; your account must also be in “good standing.”
Cricket is actually one of the few carriers that supports military personnel pretty well. The Cricket policy is that they will unlock one Cricket-based smartphone for a service member who doesn’t meet the requirements, but that person will have to provide deployment papers or other supporting documentation.
How to unlock a Cricket phoneCricket actually makes it fairly easy to get an unlock code, so long as you meet the necessary requirements. The steps to do it online, over at the Cricket website are:
Sign in, visit Account Settings and select Get Code.
Scroll down to locate the number of the phone or line you’d like to unlock.
Select Request Unlock.
The unlock code for eligible Android phones will automatically be displayed on screen, as well as texted to your phone, so long as you meet the requirements. The unlock process for eligible iPhone users is a little different, as they will receive their unlock code via text message the following business day.
You can also use the Cricket app to unlock your phone.
Download and ppen your myCricket app.
If you’re already signed into the app, make sure to sign out.
From there, you can tap Unlock Device on the app’s sign-in screen.
Tap Unlock at the bottom of the screen.
Once your phone is successfully unlocked, restart it to complete the process. Once restarted, you should be able to take your Cricket phone and use it on any other network, including international ones.
Like we mentioned, Cricket is one of the few carriers that support military members with excellent communication services. If you need an expedited unlock, here’s the official word from Cricket:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I already know all this, and the 6 mos is not met so that's why trying backdoor channel. Person I got it from said it was more than 6 mos but actually they had it more but only registered it 2. Now stuck unless I can unlock.
Does your device really ask for unlock code? Like when you put in a sim a prompt comes which requests you to enter an unlock pin?
Don't have anymore, sent back.