Now that today is the official release of the pixel 2 and instead of speculations is it confirmed that bootloader can't be unlocked on Verizon edition phones?
Here's the thing..... Unless you're credit is HORRIFIC.... Google store should approve you to finance through them....so what's the point of getting it through Verizon only to be locked?
318sugarhill said:
Here's the thing..... Unless you're credit is HORRIFIC.... Google store should approve you to finance through them....so what's the point of getting it through Verizon only to be locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm buying it outright but the kinda blue color is what I'm thinking of and if the bootloader can't be locked the Google store I go
318sugarhill said:
Here's the thing..... Unless you're credit is HORRIFIC.... Google store should approve you to finance through them....so what's the point of getting it through Verizon only to be locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not Google store that does the financing. It's a third party and they do a credit check, set you up with an account, and then send you all kinds of offers and credit limits. No thanks. I'd rather just do the monthly from Verizon if you don't care about bootloader. If you want to unlock the bl then you have no choice. Either pay outright or finance from a credit agency.
bobby janow said:
It's not Google store that does the financing. It's a third party and they do a credit check, set you up with an account, and then send you all kinds of offers and credit limits. No thanks. I'd rather just do the monthly from Verizon if you don't care about bootloader. If you want to unlock the bl then you have no choice. Either pay outright or finance from a credit agency.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First.... Symantics. Second, too get that Verizon account you had to go through a credit check and you think Verizon isn't selling your information? Or hasn't already?
It's 6 of 1, half dozen of the other. The monthly finance payment is the same. I did the device payment through Verizon because Best buy offered me $100 gift card and depixel 8 was out to unlock the Verizon bootloader. Otherwise it would have been Google store all the way.
Your statement is just an expansion of every minute detail but bottom line is the same. Synchrony bank vs Verizon financing. Still the same monthly phone payment. If you need to compartmentalize it to justify one way or another doesn't really change the reality
318sugarhill said:
First.... Symantics. Second, too get that Verizon account you had to go through a credit check and you think Verizon isn't selling your information? Or hasn't already?
It's 6 of 1, half dozen of the other. The monthly finance payment is the same. I did the device payment through Verizon because Best buy offered me $100 gift card and depixel 8 was out to unlock the Verizon bootloader. Otherwise it would have been Google store all the way.
Your statement is just an expansion of every minute detail but bottom line is the same. Synchrony bank vs Verizon financing. Still the same monthly phone payment. If you need to compartmentalize it to justify one way or another doesn't really change the reality
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well naturally if you don't already have a Verizon account then it would be ridiculous to set one up just to buy this phone. I didn't think we were talking about that but the fact of opening another credit account when one already exists. The discussion though it really about bootloaders. If you have a Verizon account (let's just assume most reading this do) then if you don't need to root the device why not go through Verizon? I'm just not seeing the reason to open another credit account with a limit of 3k, which I believe is the default of Synchrony.
Whether or not any company sells your information is well beyond the scope of this discussion and a debate I'm not willing to get into. But I would like to know if a Verizon model bought from Google is able to be bl unlocked. I haven't seen the definitive answer yet but I'm sure it's coming very soon.
i just got my google pixel 2 XL in the mail. i took out the verizon sim card that was already in there and put in my tmobile sim. i turned on the phone and skipped past all the prompts to get to the home screen. i then went to developer options to see if oem unlock is greyed out and it is. i did a factory reset with tmobile sim in just for good measure but it's still greyed out.
freebee269 said:
i just got my google pixel 2 XL in the mail. i took out the verizon sim card that was already in there and put in my tmobile sim. i turned on the phone and skipped past all the prompts to get to the home screen. i then went to developer options to see if oem unlock is greyed out and it is. i did a factory reset with tmobile sim in just for good measure but it's still greyed out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So to clarify.. you bought a Verizon branded phone from Google and not from Verizon right? Did you connect to the network after putting in the TM sim? Those are 2 very important facts.
bobby janow said:
So to clarify.. you bought a Verizon branded phone from Google and not from Verizon right? Did you connect to the network after putting in the TM sim? Those are 2 very important facts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i thought the question in the OP was about a verizon bootloader meaning a phone got from verizon. the one i have came from verizon. my tmobile is still active so when i put it in it automatically connected to tmobiles network.
freebee269 said:
i just got my google pixel 2 XL in the mail. i took out the verizon sim card that was already in there and put in my tmobile sim. i turned on the phone and skipped past all the prompts to get to the home screen. i then went to developer options to see if oem unlock is greyed out and it is. i did a factory reset with tmobile sim in just for good measure but it's still greyed out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you that's the answer I was looking for...crappy
freebee269 said:
i thought the question in the OP was about a verizon bootloader meaning a phone got from verizon. the one i have came from verizon. my tmobile is still active so when i put it in it automatically connected to tmobiles network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks. We have determined that Verizon bought phones are and will be bootloader locked. However, we're trying to determine if Google bought Verizon phones are locked as well.
bobby janow said:
Ok, thanks. We have determined that Verizon bought phones are and will be bootloader locked. However, we're trying to determine if Google bought Verizon phones are locked as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be good to know this as well... Maybe even the ones from the pop up stores
ouikikazz said:
Would be good to know this as well... Maybe even the ones from the pop up stores
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wasn't the Pixel in the same position and anything Verizon related whether the store or fr Verizon the same?
My money is it will be locked. Why would Verizon go through he trouble for exclusive especially a color if it could be bought elsewhere without the same restrictions?
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
bobby janow said:
Well naturally if you don't already have a Verizon account then it would be ridiculous to set one up just to buy this phone. I didn't think we were talking about that but the fact of opening another credit account when one already exists. The discussion though it really about bootloaders. If you have a Verizon account (let's just assume most reading this do) then if you don't need to root the device why not go through Verizon? I'm just not seeing the reason to open another credit account with a limit of 3k, which I believe is the default of Synchrony.
Whether or not any company sells your information is well beyond the scope of this discussion and a debate I'm not willing to get into. But I would like to know if a Verizon model bought from Google is able to be bl unlocked. I haven't seen the definitive answer yet but I'm sure it's coming very soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear you... But my point remains the same. 99.9% chance Verizon model gets locked. No reason to believe pixel 2 will be different than the original in that regard. So..... For ZERO difference in price or payment you get an unlocked bootloader or a locked one. jcase has been saying for years.... If you want an unlocked phone... Buy an unlocked phone. He's right. The ability to unlock through an exploit ultimately makes the device less secure for everyone. Me I take the choice to unlock mine.... So I'll go the hassle of synchrony credit to get the phone on device payments
Tidbits said:
Wasn't the Pixel in the same position and anything Verizon related whether the store or fr Verizon the same?
My money is it will be locked. Why would Verizon go through he trouble for exclusive especially a color if it could be bought elsewhere without the same restrictions?
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can think of one reason. If you bought it from Google then they are not responsible for any incursions into the bootloader or bricks. Even hardware problems they can just say "Hey you didn't buy it from us so call your vendor." I believe that if the bootloader is unlocked somehow on a Verizon model then they can also say you voided your warranty although I don't believe it will be unlocked anytime in the near future.
bobby janow said:
I can think of one reason. If you bought it from Google then they are not responsible for any incursions into the bootloader or bricks. Even hardware problems they can just say "Hey you didn't buy it from us so call your vendor." I believe that if the bootloader is unlocked somehow on a Verizon model then they can also say you voided your warranty although I don't believe it will be unlocked anytime in the near future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why even go with the exclusive deal and leave it like they did with the 5X/6P? Why was the original pixel intended for Verizon no matter where it was purchased was locked down?
I don't see this time around being different. It'll be locked down and have to wait for an exploit to be found to unlock it.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
318sugarhill said:
I hear you... But my point remains the same. 99.9% chance Verizon model gets locked. No reason to believe pixel 2 will be different than the original in that regard. So..... For ZERO difference in price or payment you get an unlocked bootloader or a locked one. jcase has been saying for years.... If you want an unlocked phone... Buy an unlocked phone. He's right. The ability to unlock through an exploit ultimately makes the device less secure for everyone. Me I take the choice to unlock mine.... So I'll go the hassle of synchrony credit to get the phone on device payments
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wholeheartedly agree with you. But of course you know there is a "but" in there. If you want an unlocked bl on a payment plan then you have no option at this time and as you state there is no difference in price. (well other than possibly hurting your credit score by taking out another line of credit) But if you wait until black Friday that ZERO difference in price that you speak of will no longer be that. Now you're talking of possibly a $400 difference like they did last year with no trade in, unlike this years "qualified device trade in". But that is obviously speculation and time will tell.
---------- Post added at 01:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:34 PM ----------
Tidbits said:
Then why even go with the exclusive deal and leave it like they did with the 5X/6P? Why was the original pixel intended for Verizon no matter where it was purchased was locked down?
I don't see this time around being different. It'll be locked down and have to wait for an exploit to be found to unlock it.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a good point. If the Verizon Pixel / XL 2 bought from Google is indeed locked down then it doesn't make sense. Except for the fact that they may not have enough of them like last year? But if the Google bought Verizon 2 is not locked down then all bets are off. Still waiting on confirmation about that.
Just thought of another thing. What if Google wanted in on the finance action for the Verizon version? Maybe that was part of the exclusivity.
Then Verizon would want some control if they are going to give a piece of that pie. Even more reason as to looking down Pixels intended to Verizon.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Tidbits said:
Then Verizon would want some control if they are going to give a piece of that pie. Even more reason as to looking down Pixels intended to Verizon.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how companies that large operate on things like this. They could even have said to Verizon, we'll give you the exclusive if you give us some selling rights to your network. Could work both ways.
bobby janow said:
I don't know how companies that large operate on things like this. They could even have said to Verizon, we'll give you the exclusive if you give us some selling rights to your network. Could work both ways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon isn't going to concede money for anything intended for their Network without locking the bootloader. History has proven this.
Google doesn't need rights to Verizon Network.
Fun fact any manufacturer can make a device to work on Verizon. Verizon even has to open source their standards to their Network. Most companies forgo CDMA standards as it is expensive to license which is paid to Qualcomm. So if anything Verizon often pays for this licensing for device makers for certain things in exchange. Like locked bootloader or slight variations to design or options.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Related
I am solving this as we speak, so I will update, but went to BB, bought the N5 (I have my reasons why I bought there, not from Play store)
The box states, software lock is in place to prevent the use with non-Sprint sim cards. Also Sprint brochure in box, and no pin-tray key in the box. In other words, the phone is packaged for Sprint specifically.
I bought it, I will call up Sprint and T-Mobile (which is who I want to use) and see what's up.
Anyone else has info?
dozyaustin said:
I am solving this as we speak, so I will update, but went to BB, bought the N5 (I have my reasons why I bought there, not from Play store)
The box states, software lock is in place to prevent the use with non-Spring sim cards.
I bought it, I will call up Sprint and T-Mobile and see what's up.
Anyone else has info?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow - can't imagine how they are doing that. Worst case scenario, I'd expect that you should be able to download the stock image from Google and flash it to remove any such lock
jj14 said:
Wow - can't imagine how they are doing that. Worst case scenario, I'd expect that you should be able to download the stock image from Google and flash it to remove any such lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is ridiculous .. called sprint .. first response (formulaic) was a no (need to be on their line for 90 days blah blah blah ..) I have not gotten hold of anyone who knows what Nexus 5 is. Will keep trying
jj14 said:
Wow - can't imagine how they are doing that. Worst case scenario, I'd expect that you should be able to download the stock image from Google and flash it to remove any such lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please help me how to do that? This is my first Nexus. Thanks.
I really hope that being simlocked to Sprint doesn't affect Android updates down the line. It shouldn't, because it's technically not a "Sprint variant" of the phone, but you never know.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
dozyaustin said:
it is ridiculous .. called sprint .. first response (formulaic) was a no (need to be on their line for 90 days blah blah blah ..) I have not gotten hold of anyone who knows what Nexus 5 is. Will keep trying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dozyaustin said:
Can you please help me how to do that? This is my first Nexus. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait till you get the phone. For all you know, it may be SIM unlocked like the version from the play store. For other phones like the S4, Sprint does have the 90 day requirement before unlocking it for use with International SIMs.
On the Nexus 5, hopefully, they haven't locked down the US bands (like they do with the S4 and other phones). The play store version is not locked.
The http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2513701 thread shows you how to flash the stock images - but again, no guarantees that it will do the trick till you actually try it out.
I didn't want to risk this, so I just bought from the play store. I asked the play store person if the phone was guaranteed to get timely updates direct from google, and he gave a "Phones purchased from the play store will get timely updates from google" response. I'm guessing it was a canned response, but I do hope that Sprint doesn't cripple the version sold by Sprint/Bestbuy etc.
That's pretty crappy. I'd return it.
No, Flashing the stock image will not remove the SIM lock. The SIM lock is stored in a different place.
jj14 said:
Wait till you get the phone. For all you know, it may be SIM unlocked like the version from the play store. For other phones like the S4, Sprint does have the 90 day requirement before unlocking it for use with International SIMs.
On the Nexus 5, hopefully, they haven't locked down the US bands (like they do with the S4 and other phones). The play store version is not locked.
The http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2513701 thread shows you how to flash the stock images - but again, no guarantees that it will do the trick till you actually try it out.
I didn't want to risk this, so I just bought from the play store. I asked the play store person if the phone was guaranteed to get timely updates direct from google, and he gave a "Phones purchased from the play store will get timely updates from google" response. I'm guessing it was a canned response, but I do hope that Sprint doesn't cripple the version sold by Sprint/Bestbuy etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As he stated in the OP, he bought the phone from Best Buy and got the info right from the box.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Update
Sprint Tech Support confirmed the phone is locked. The problem is that they COULD unlock it, but the phone needs to be activated first. To activate the phone, I have to add it to a plan (a 2 year contract). Without that, they cannot do anything with a "cold" phone. Thus far I got nowhere .. the plan is definitely to return it if they do not budge.
I purchased mine from the Google play store as well.
Why would sprint sell it at a subsidized price of $150 or $50 for new customers without locking it to their network during your 2 year contract.
Also, I bet sprint will only unlock it for international use during the 2 year contract. Just like the iPhone and s4.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
freshlysqueezed said:
I purchased mine from the Google play store as well.
Why would sprint sell it at a subsidized price of $150 or $50 for new customers without locking it to their network during your 2 year contract.
Also, I bet sprint will only unlock it for international use during the 2 year contract. Just like the iPhone and s4.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well sure, I understand that with the subsidized phones, but I paid it up front - I paid the full $450 for a Nexus. I wanted an unlocked phone ... it's a bum deal.
I am trying to find out whether a friend of mine could activate it on his account, I get it unlocked, and then we re-activate his iPhone back ... not sure Sprint will go for it.
Ugh .. I just want a Nexus 5 you know? ... and this seemed like a fine way of getting it (My old Captivate died finally for good on Tuesday. and I do not really have $350 just siting around, so the $100 markup was my financing "cost" to get 18 month of payments (I have no interest financing through best buy; my other card has high interest .. it was not a bad financing plan). Ugh .. if only Sprint let me unlock it.
Returned it. will get the tmo version next week. i really wish the wait on play store was shorter. my phone is dead ... waiting is too painful.
dozyaustin said:
Returned it. will get the tmo version next week. i really wish the wait on play store was shorter. my phone is dead ... waiting is too painful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you actually test it out on another carrier? There are reports that the version is the same as the Play Store (unlocked) on Reddit.
STXInnovation said:
Did you actually test it out on another carrier? There are reports that the version is the same as the Play Store (unlocked) on Reddit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think Sprint has any clue what they are talking about. I had a 200 dollar BB giftcard so I went in tonight and purchased a "Sprint" N5 and I don't even have Sprint service Ran by the AT&T store and picked up a micro sim, popped it in and everything is working perfectly. The device is definitely not locked to Sprint. Full LTE data with AT&T without having to configure anything.
capathy21 said:
I don't think Sprint has any clue what they are talking about. I had a 200 dollar BB giftcard so I went in tonight and purchased a "Sprint" N5 and I don't even have Sprint service Ran by the AT&T store and picked up a micro sim, popped it in and everything is working perfectly. The device is definitely not locked to Sprint. Full LTE data with AT&T without having to configure anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great to hear. Makes me feel comfortable of using my Amazon credits to purchase one!
STXInnovation said:
That's great to hear. Makes me feel comfortable of using my Amazon credits to purchase one!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I know I could have used the BB giftcard for something else but it meant I got a N5 for 250 plus tax out of pocket and I got it without having to wait! Love it so far and like I said everything works perfect. Android Central got the official word from Sprint and Google that their version is the exact same as the Play Store version. I trust them much more than some Sprint tech lol.
capathy21 said:
Yea I know I could have used the BB giftcard for something else but it meant I got a N5 for 250 plus tax out of pocket and I got it without having to wait! Love it so far and like I said everything works perfect. Android Central got the official word from Sprint and Google that their version is the exact same as the Play Store version. I trust them much more than some Sprint tech lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you provide a link to Android Central? I just want to be completely sure before I order.
Thanks :laugh:
STXInnovation said:
Could you provide a link to Android Central? I just want to be completely sure before I order.
Thanks :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems like there was another link but this one also breaks it down.
http://www.androidcentral.com/nexus-5-models-whats-different-between-two
I am using one right now with my AT&T sim and everything is working. The device even has an imei number which Sprint phones usually do not have(or at least didn't used to when I had Sprint). They only made one version of the device for North America and it is compatible with Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T.
That is very strange. The T-Mobile did not work. Makes me sad.
Sent from my LG-P659 using xda app-developers app
Weird, I just got 2 sprint N5's and they are both unlocked. Though I did get them from the Sprint store.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Very easy process. I bought a phone off contract. Called tmobile, they let me unlock it instantly. Simple process, give them the imei and Sim card number (tmobile), and have an activated Sim from the service you want to use.
Turn phone off, replace Sim with working Sim, turn phone on. Profit.
Sent from my LG-H901 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
So in other words, keep calling back until they quit with the "your device isn't eligible" nonsense.
They didn't tell me that once. They did tell me I could use this phone abroad, on their network. They were very accommodating with me. Bought the phone on Monday, called yesterday, but didn't have phone with me. Called back today and it took 20mins.
Sent from my LG-H901 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
When you buy the V10 form TMO, did they ask you to join any plan?
I got V10 at $630 and on a pay as you go plan.
and they need me to add another $100 to that account and wait for 14 days to unlock.
didn't these apply to you?
I had to get a prepaid plan, which was $40 I believe. Also, I believe they did the unlock as a courtesy since I already am a customer, and have been for several years.
Sent from my LG-H901 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
fghxu said:
When you buy the V10 form TMO, did they ask you to join any plan?
I got V10 at $630 and on a pay as you go plan.
and they need me to add another $100 to that account and wait for 14 days to unlock.
didn't these apply to you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, same story, I need find a way to unlock the phone. but the TMO put a "device unlock app" on this phone. making it really hard to unlock.
youtube showes ATT version of this phone can be unlocked online pretty easily.
regret bought from TMO
Warrior1975 said:
I had to get a prepaid plan, which was $40 I believe. Also, I believe they did the unlock as a courtesy since I already am a customer, and have been for several years.
Sent from my LG-H901 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've been a customer for several years. Those of us that are with other carriers are the people that are having a problem. I would hope if your a established customer they wouldn't give you a hard time about it.
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA Free mobile app
2 weeks to wait isn't that bad though. You have the prepaid service. They told me originally I had to wait 2 weeks as well due to the buyers remorse deal.
Sent from my LG-H901 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
I was able to get them to unlock it without all of that. Just got it permanently unlocked. No $100 refill. No 14 days. It's only been 2 days since I bought it and I'm already unlocked.
I simply kept asking over and over, said please, asked them to make an exception, explained to them that I know it is not true that the $100 is a requirement because I have had T-Mobile unlock a phone for me without all that in the past. Then I finally asked him to elevate this to his supervisor. That's when the magic happened.
If you aren't getting anywhere, try that. If the rep is being super stubborn, just call back. You'll get someone different.
The key here is to be super nice, polite, sincere, and to use the magical key words: "please make an exception."
I'm telling you. Works every time.
Hi Guys
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
But I just got the LG V10 unlocked from T Mobile!!!!!! You guys can do the same too!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
I bought this phone with pre-paid plan. called two days ago, the TMO representative said me three rules to unlock a prepaid phone are:
1) you use the phone with a TMO phone number:
2) passed the 14 days since you first make a call (passed the 14 days return period)
3) add another $100 to your prepaid account.
This is not same thing that I was told before I bought the phone!! Before I bought the phone, I actually called the TMO unlock department to make sure they can unlock the phone for me if I pay the full device only price.
Alright, Here are the steps to unlock the phone today:
1) call the T mobile pre-paid department. tell them I bought the phone for a few days and found out the t-mobile signal is extreme bad at work and also not good at home (this is true to me!). So I want to cancel the pre-paid plan. The TMO representative says if you don't use the phone for 180 days. the account will automatically expired and cancelled.
2) then I said I want to get the $10 on my account refunded because it is tmo's signal issue. I also told them I am more concerned on the device that paid in full can't work with other carriers.
3) the TMO representative asked: if they can unlock the device, will I still concerned about the credit in my prepaid account? I said if you can unlock the phone, I don't care about the $10 in my account.
4) TMO rep then asked my email account and send in the instructions to unlock the phone. followed the email. the phone is instantly unlocked.
The whole process took only about 15~20 minutes. very easy.
tips: try to call in the evenings, their offshore representative is more easy to talk with
hope this helps you guys!
I believe same strategy can be apply to you guys with post-paid plans.
Cheers!
Call tmobile and ask them, it's simple really. Just get a prepaid sim, activate it and put $100 on account. They say wait 7 days, but you can usually call and unlock within instant to 3 days. You can do this with any phone.
clockcycle said:
Call tmobile and ask them, it's simple really. Just get a prepaid sim, activate it and put $100 on account. They say wait 7 days, but you can usually call and unlock within instant to 3 days. You can do this with any phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
best and simply way
It still requires you to become a T-Mo customer and pay 100$ in advance though. It's hardly a great method unless you're already on T-Mo or find a way to get back that 100$ credit.
I've tried the "human" factor; called 2 shops and talked with 2 chat operators on support with no success; they haven't granted me any exception even though my cause was legit.
BTW, what would happen in this scenario:
I buy the phone. Put "someones" T-Mo sim-card and that person calls the support right away. Would they unlock the phone assuming that person is on T-Mo for 1+ year?
tersagun said:
It still requires you to become a T-Mo customer and pay 100$ in advance though. It's hardly a great method unless you're already on T-Mo or find a way to get back that 100$ credit.
I've tried the "human" factor; called 2 shops and talked with 2 chat operators on support with no success; they haven't granted me any exception even though my cause was legit.
BTW, what would happen in this scenario:
I buy the phone. Put "someones" T-Mo sim-card and that person calls the support right away. Would they unlock the phone assuming that person is on T-Mo for 1+ year?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that will work if the person has not unlocked over 2 phones in the previous year. The sim card must be in the phone for at least 2-3 days to register the phone on the person's T-Mobile account. For more details check out the official T-Mobile unlock policy.
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588
This looks like a loophole in the t-mobile unlock policy. Has anyone tried that? If the device is associated with a canceled account, the account balance must be zero, including all pending charges
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Crazy to see this whole unlock thing again. It first started out with the galaxy s6 when they introduced that unlocking app. Went through hell with tmobile to get my s6 edge unlocked to work with cricket (AT&T). You cannot unlock any phone anymore without the app and getting around the whole 40 days thing was highly annoying. After I got my phone unlocked, all worked nice and dandy until my phone decided not to make or take calls on lte.. While on lte all incoming calls will not come through and outgoing will not go out. Had to force the phone to stay on hspa for get and receive calls. Sucked. Sold thag phone and just got the international version downside of international version (at least for Samsung) is that the radio isn't optimized so I always have very low bars of lte and often jump to hspa... Most times I have 1 bar of lte. Unless I'm really close to a tower where the signal goes go 3 or 4 bars.
Sent from my SM-G928F using Tapatalk
So I finally got some clarity as to why I can't unlock yet. I have to wait the 14 day demise period?!
I have been struggling to get this phone. Since I'm in Canada I have to either buy from Swappa or ebay and none of the sellers are willing to pick up the phone and ask tmo to unlock it for me which is ridiculous. Is anyone aware of any 3rd party sites that can unlock this device? One's like cellunlocker say they cannot do it due to the tmo unlock app or whatever it is. If anyone knows of a site to make it happen that would save me a lot of headaches and I could just buy one already!
markbencze said:
I have been struggling to get this phone. Since I'm in Canada I have to either buy from Swappa or ebay and none of the sellers are willing to pick up the phone and ask tmo to unlock it for me which is ridiculous. Is anyone aware of any 3rd party sites that can unlock this device? One's like cellunlocker say they cannot do it due to the tmo unlock app or whatever it is. If anyone knows of a site to make it happen that would save me a lot of headaches and I could just buy one already!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No there is no current vendor or method to unloc other than tmobile directly..
3 months ago there was, all 3rd party vendors with remote access to tmobile activations were able to inject imei and have them made eligible for unlock via the device unlock app.
That loophole has since been closed. It now requires direct contact with tmobile and must meet the requirements.
I just bought walmart tmobile $30 kit activated. Bought $100 refill off ebay for $53. Called for 3 days until my phone showed up on the network. They unlocked after having supervisor authorize exemption.
You can close / cancel the account, after they refund you with a master card with remaining funds. Ymmv
clockcycle said:
No there is no current vendor or method to unloc other than tmobile directly..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is. It just costs a lot. https://www.unlockbase.com/phone-unlocking-service/tmobile-device-unlock-app-official-unlock/
Interesting. So does this mean that the phone is technically "unlocked". This is going to play out a little differently with me because I purposely ordered a T-Mobile version for use on AT&T because of my experience with the Note 4. Now I am a bit worried because I wonder what routine the phone uses and if it locks the bootloader if I put an ATT sim in it first. I guess that is the risk you run when you want to step up to the plate first. I think I will wait before I stick a sim in the phone as I would hate for me to be locked out of it by ATT. Not sure if I am going to root this one or not, wavering on keeping it stock and will for a while until the brains get there hands on it and I get more information on the downsides.
http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s7_a...cks_to_the_first_inserted_sim_-news-16902.php
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Along these same lines is the question of whether or not the US S7's/S7E's have hardware support for all bands, cdma and gsm, and its just a software block that will be on them? I've seen posted elsewhere the FCC filings that seem to point to one US model of both phones that work on all carriers but nobody seems to know any specifics.
I'm blown away by the fact that all these major Android and Tech blogs go to these conferences and have Samsung tech people right in front of them and they don't ask these kinds of questions. If each phone was capable of working on all bands in the US, holy crap that's huge, and would mean that maybe at some point we would have a chance at an unlocked US phone that wasn't tied to any carriers. Wishful thinking, I know, with Samsung.
Edit: Found this thread over in the regular S7 section, thought if someone stumbled on this thread in S7E it would be useful to follow. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/how-to/finally-single-hardware-variant-carriers-t3308040
I've always bought HTC One and before that, I used to own iPhones... I could always buy a factory unlocked HTC online no hassles, so I am new to this and I am SO CONFUSED!
I want to buy an unlocked S7 Edge with a Snapdragon 820 to use in South America. I have a friend that can bring me the phone from USA, but there is no way to buy one.
1) Where can I check the bands used on the AT&T vs T-Mobile one to see which one is better for me?
2) I spoke with T-Mobile rep and he said phone must be tied to a plan for 7 days for them to unlock it (this is paying the full $800 for the phone), is it easy to have my friend make an account with T-Mobile to get the phone and cancel it? Will he have credit score issues or something? (Keep in mind I am paying the full amount not subsidized)
3) How soon (if ever) would a Factory Unlocked with Snapdragon 820 appear in Amazon or Best Buy?
schn1tt3r said:
I've always bought HTC One and before that, I used to own iPhones... I could always buy a factory unlocked HTC online no hassles, so I am new to this and I am SO CONFUSED!
I want to buy an unlocked S7 Edge with a Snapdragon 820 to use in South America. I have a friend that can bring me the phone from USA, but there is no way to buy one.
1) Where can I check the bands used on the AT&T vs T-Mobile one to see which one is better for me?
2) I spoke with T-Mobile rep and he said phone must be tied to a plan for 7 days for them to unlock it (this is paying the full $800 for the phone), is it easy to have my friend make an account with T-Mobile to get the phone and cancel it? Will he have credit score issues or something? (Keep in mind I am paying the full amount not subsidized)
3) How soon (if ever) would a Factory Unlocked with Snapdragon 820 appear in Amazon or Best Buy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.frequencycheck.com/models
schn1tt3r said:
I've always bought HTC One and before that, I used to own iPhones... I could always buy a factory unlocked HTC online no hassles, so I am new to this and I am SO CONFUSED!
I want to buy an unlocked S7 Edge with a Snapdragon 820 to use in South America. I have a friend that can bring me the phone from USA, but there is no way to buy one.
1) Where can I check the bands used on the AT&T vs T-Mobile one to see which one is better for me?
2) I spoke with T-Mobile rep and he said phone must be tied to a plan for 7 days for them to unlock it (this is paying the full $800 for the phone), is it easy to have my friend make an account with T-Mobile to get the phone and cancel it? Will he have credit score issues or something? (Keep in mind I am paying the full amount not subsidized)
3) How soon (if ever) would a Factory Unlocked with Snapdragon 820 appear in Amazon or Best Buy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-mobile requires a device to be active for 40 days according to their terms of service. before they will give unlock code. The thread mentioned above compares the two carriers. The problem is that we don't know how ATT is going to modify the phone before sale IF they do at all. In the past ATT has been notorious for locking the bootloader which makes rooting difficult. T-Mobile usually doesn't. According to the above mentioned thread what I saw is that the T-M version is missing one or two bands. However, this might not be the case if all phones are created equal as the phone might have a built in routine that occurs upon sim insertion to install carrier specifics which makes me nervous because who knows if it can be undone. I am glad I have 14 days to return as if this is what Sammy has done, essentially barring me from and unlock then the phone is going back. I am not paying 800 dollars for a phone that funnels me to one direction.
jackler1 said:
T-mobile requires a device to be active for 40 days according to their terms of service. before they will give unlock code. The thread mentioned above compares the two carriers. The problem is that we don't know how ATT is going to modify the phone before sale IF they do at all. In the past ATT has been notorious for locking the bootloader which makes rooting difficult. T-Mobile usually doesn't. According to the above mentioned thread what I saw is that the T-M version is missing one or two bands. However, this might not be the case if all phones are created equal as the phone might have a built in routine that occurs upon sim insertion to install carrier specifics which makes me nervous because who knows if it can be undone. I am glad I have 14 days to return as if this is what Sammy has done, essentially barring me from and unlock then the phone is going back. I am not paying 800 dollars for a phone that funnels me to one direction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is weird, I spoke with online support (T-Mobile) and he said after 7 days if paid in full... but still, problem is I know no one that has a T-Mobile account where I can "link" my phone to have it unlocked. So that is the reason I want to know if it would be a problem to have my friend make a T-Mobile account, pay the phone in full to get it unlocked, and cancel T-Mobile. And yeah, from what I read, your statement about AT&T is the reason I want T-Mobile. I can't live with a phone that doesn't have AdAway. You should see my FireFox browser on my computer with Greasemonkey + adblock plus + anti adblock killer, and NoScript
schn1tt3r said:
That is weird, I spoke with online support (T-Mobile) and he said after 7 days if paid in full... but still, problem is I know no one that has a T-Mobile account where I can "link" my phone to have it unlocked. So that is the reason I want to know if it would be a problem to have my friend make a T-Mobile account, pay the phone in full to get it unlocked, and cancel T-Mobile. And yeah, from what I read, your statement about AT&T is the reason I want T-Mobile. I can't live with a phone that doesn't have AdAway. You should see my FireFox browser on my computer with Greasemonkey + adblock plus + anti adblock killer, and NoScript
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He should read the policies better
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588
Unlock eligibility for monthly phones, tablets, and mobile internet devices
The device must have been active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days on the requesting line.
If the device is financed using T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP)or if it's leased through JUMP! On Demand™, all payments must be satisfied and the device must be paid in full.
If the device is on an account that is under a service contract term, at least 18 consecutive monthly payments must have been made or the account has migrated to Simple Choice no contract rate plan.
If the device is associated with a canceled account, the account balance must be zero, including all pending charges
Unlock eligibility for Pay in Advance (Prepaid) phones, tablets, and mobile internet devices
The device has been active on the T-Mobile network for more than 1 year on the requesting line.
If the device has been active for less than 1 year on the requesting line, the Pay in Advance account associated with the device must have had more than $25 in refills for basic phones or $100 in refills for smartphones or tablet since device first use date. $100 in total refills is required for each device that is requested to be unlocked.
schn1tt3r said:
That is weird, I spoke with online support (T-Mobile) and he said after 7 days if paid in full... but still, problem is I know no one that has a T-Mobile account where I can "link" my phone to have it unlocked. So that is the reason I want to know if it would be a problem to have my friend make a T-Mobile account, pay the phone in full to get it unlocked, and cancel T-Mobile. And yeah, from what I read, your statement about AT&T is the reason I want T-Mobile. I can't live with a phone that doesn't have AdAway. You should see my FireFox browser on my computer with Greasemonkey + adblock plus + anti adblock killer, and NoScript
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just spend another 10 dollars to get an unlock code from an app from the playstore. Screw waiting for T-Mobile.
I wonder if it's possible to just flash the appropriate carrier firmware then just activate with sim card.
The reason i ask is I am on verizon and sprint has a buy one get the second 50% off. I have friend on sprint and is pre ordering the s7 edge but asked if I wanted the second line for verizon, I had to turn her down, but that was before I knew about carrier sim lock. Am i completely thinking the wrong way?
anrichardson said:
I wonder if it's possible to just flash the appropriate carrier firmware then just activate with sim card.
The reason i ask is I am on verizon and sprint has a buy one get the second 50% off. I have friend on sprint and is pre ordering the s7 edge but asked if I wanted the second line for verizon, I had to turn her down, but that was before I knew about carrier sim lock. Am i completely thinking the wrong way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK you can set it up but once the sim is inserted it will flash carrier firmware and you will have to set up again. You cannot choose which carrier firmware without the appropriate sim card.
anrichardson said:
I wonder if it's possible to just flash the appropriate carrier firmware then just activate with sim card.
The reason i ask is I am on verizon and sprint has a buy one get the second 50% off. I have friend on sprint and is pre ordering the s7 edge but asked if I wanted the second line for verizon, I had to turn her down, but that was before I knew about carrier sim lock. Am i completely thinking the wrong way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the S6, you could use odin to flash METRO PCS stock tar - it is the same exact firmware as TMOBILE but it didn't include the "UNLOCK AP". TMobile Unlock app made it impossible to unlock the device with an unclock code that you might have purchased from an online service.
So once you flashed the Metro PCS stock rom in Odin, you could buy and use an Unlock Code to unlock the device.
schn1tt3r said:
I've always bought HTC One and before that, I used to own iPhones... I could always buy a factory unlocked HTC online no hassles, so I am new to this and I am SO CONFUSED!
I want to buy an unlocked S7 Edge with a Snapdragon 820 to use in South America. I have a friend that can bring me the phone from USA, but there is no way to buy one.
1) Where can I check the bands used on the AT&T vs T-Mobile one to see which one is better for me?
2) I spoke with T-Mobile rep and he said phone must be tied to a plan for 7 days for them to unlock it (this is paying the full $800 for the phone), is it easy to have my friend make an account with T-Mobile to get the phone and cancel it? Will he have credit score issues or something? (Keep in mind I am paying the full amount not subsidized)
3) How soon (if ever) would a Factory Unlocked with Snapdragon 820 appear in Amazon or Best Buy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CuBz90 said:
AFAIK you can set it up but once the sim is inserted it will flash carrier firmware and you will have to set up again. You cannot choose which carrier firmware without the appropriate sim card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is it isn't it.? The million dollar question? Does it matter who you buy the phone from? With T-M they have eliminated contracts. You don't owe them a dime if the phone is paid in full, they just require that if they are going to provide you with an unlock code you have to be with them for 40 days. Now, for me, that is 50 for the first month plus taxes etc and a pro-rated 50 for the second. So approximated 85 dollars all in give or take. On day 40 I call and they give me the code to unlock and then I cancel not costing me much more than a lot of unlock services and i get something for it as does T-M . Now, if I stick my ATT sim in FIRST then it becomes ATT carrier locked. I may then have to call ATT who could say that because the phone was not purchased through them they have no obligation to unlock the phone. Catch 22.
This may not be looking good for me as a consumer as it seems to be a loophole for the carriers. This is why. The carriers can say they are under no obligation to unlock a phone for you if you haven't done business with them. For me that is tricky because my phone service is provided to me by work and so I have no rights to claim I have service technically.
This is how it adds up for me:
1. The firmware on the phone at purchase is generic. It only becomes specific when it recognizes a carrier via sim and downloads or loads a routine already on the phone which installs a carrier group and then deletes everything else. ATT may have a say on what the contents of the routine may be and it may lock you out. You then become beholden to the first place of service, not the place of purchase. This is bad because I can tell you that if there is no warning that this will happen T-M might be getting a phone back that says ATT on it.
2. We can get a preimage first and essentially odin that image onto the phone resetting it back to factory before branding. In essence and unlocked phone from the jump. This would be awesome for us tinkerers, not so much for the everyman.
3. The phone is unlocked from the jump. Put whatever sim you want in it and it works. Not likely.
4. We I am over thinking this thing and things will be as they always have, T-M gets there phone loaded with the firmware they want with the safeguards as they see them in place at sim insertion. I have to wait my 40 days and then I get the unlock code and use it with whomever. This seems most likely. There may be other scenarios that I didn't consider.
I guess it's a wait and see proposition but as I have sold my Note 4 and am using a Skyrocket right now I will have to hold myself back from inserting a sim in that bad boy until we see what shakes out. This sounds like it could be the greatest or the worst or the same thing as ever.
The carriers could say that they are like DTV (Direct TV) if you want service it's a two year contract. DTV doesn't care if you have your own equipment or not. The service is tied to registering the card. They give you a new card to go into your equipment, it marries when you call to activate and you are locked in for two years. There is no discount for paying for your own equipment. I could see the carriers going in that direction because they can change their terms and get out from under the FCC says situation. When you activate a sim you agree to a 2 year contract. The phone is unlocked take it where you want but you owe us for two years or an ETF. Most people lock themselves in regardless but not good for me.
My credit card just charged this morning BTW the phone is on it's way I would presume.
Very insightful post. I also sold my HTC one and have a Sony M4 for the moment. I wanted to take advantage of the free VR headset, but since I need the oh one to work in South America, I can't do anything.
Why not just purchase from US Cellular? The S6 and Note 5 came unlocked from them. http://www.uscellular.com/site/legal/mobile-wireless-device-unlocking.html
While I hope the article that said the S7 would; be automatically locked to the carrier for the Sim card you insert first - I am having a little trouble believing that - not saying it isn't true - and frankly for me, that is the perect situaiton - but it doesn't make sense.
If this were true, a user who purchased a phone with month to month payments - could conceivably insert a sim from a different carrier and use it without having paid in full for the device. Carriers typically won't unlock the phone if you still owe them money - there may be exceptions, but I haven't heard of any.
Just seems odd to me - but then I guess stranger things have happened....
It'd be nice if someone found a way to setup the phone without having carrier bloat installed before inserting the sim.
mocsab said:
While I hope the article that said the S7 would; be automatically locked to the carrier for the Sim card you insert first - I am having a little trouble believing that - not saying it isn't true - and frankly for me, that is the perect situaiton - but it doesn't make sense.
If this were true, a user who purchased a phone with month to month payments - could conceivably insert a sim from a different carrier and use it without having paid in full for the device. Carriers typically won't unlock the phone if you still owe them money - there may be exceptions, but I haven't heard of any.
Just seems odd to me - but then I guess stranger things have happened....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is another twist. I called T-M yesterday because my bank stopped payment because of the amount. I approved it but T-M cancelled the order. Just as well because I decided I wanted to switch to black instead of silver. That pushed me back a bit but they said I would still get the Netflix and VR set. and a phone by the 11th and overnight. I asked the agent about this issue and she had no clue. She did however say that because I had purchased the phone outright I could call in on day one and get the unlock code. I will believe if when I see it.
HOWEVER this is the twist which I never thought of. The phone is going to arrive with a SIM IN IT and ALREADY ACTIVATED. So I will have no choice. The only way to not have this happen is to purchase the phone on launch day and not let them put a sim in it. So all of us with pre-orders are going to receive carrier locked phones. Bare that in mind when you pre-order. Fortunately I have 14 days and can walk the phone back in if bad news comes.
noamaniac said:
Why not just purchase from US Cellular? The S6 and Note 5 came unlocked from them. http://www.uscellular.com/site/legal/mobile-wireless-device-unlocking.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
US Cellular doesn't offer service in my area for one and two, there is no mention on their website as to the status of the phone being locked or not. The price is right but no year of netflix only VR set. May be an option for some people.
jackler1 said:
There is another twist. I called T-M yesterday because my bank stopped payment because of the amount. I approved it but T-M cancelled the order. Just as well because I decided I wanted to switch to black instead of silver. That pushed me back a bit but they said I would still get the Netflix and VR set. and a phone by the 11th and overnight. I asked the agent about this issue and she had no clue. She did however say that because I had purchased the phone outright I could call in on day one and get the unlock code. I will believe if when I see it.
HOWEVER this is the twist which I never thought of. The phone is going to arrive with a SIM IN IT and ALREADY ACTIVATED. So I will have no choice. The only way to not have this happen is to purchase the phone on launch day and not let them put a sim in it. So all of us with pre-orders are going to receive carrier locked phones. Bare that in mind when you pre-order. Fortunately I have 14 days and can walk the phone back in if bad news comes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I have done Pre-orders in the past with TMobile - the SIM was not installed. Now, maybe they will install it this time - but that seems unlikely to me. That means they would have to open thousands of phones - work the sim card away from the business card holder it comes in and and insert in the phone. I don't think that is likely - but like I said, it could happen. Maybe because it does lock to the carrier of the first Sim card inserted, they will take the extra effort to insert sim cards in every pre-order.
But think about it a bit - anytime you buy a phone from a TMOBILE STORE - they have to manually insert the sim card while you wait - and like I said, all previous pre-orders I had to manually install the sim.
---------- Post added at 10:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:04 AM ----------
jackler1 said:
My credit card just charged this morning BTW the phone is on it's way I would presume.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also noticed today that I have pending charges on the card I purchased the S7 on - my best reccollection in the past for every pre-order I have done before is that I didn't see charges show up on my card until shipping was imminent. I don't know for sure that this is the case this time, but it has me hopeful for an early shipping date for pre-orders....Fingers Crossed!!! :laugh:
EDIT -
Shipping Label Created today by UPS 2-28-2016
Checked My UPS and discovered that a UPS Shipping Label has been created. (my credit card shows a charge today for the purchase price of my phone) looks like Shipping for my New S7 is Imminent!
---------- Post added at 10:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:14 AM ----------
jackler1 said:
There is another twist. I called T-M yesterday because my bank stopped payment because of the amount. I approved it but T-M cancelled the order. Just as well because I decided I wanted to switch to black instead of silver. That pushed me back a bit but they said I would still get the Netflix and VR set. and a phone by the 11th and overnight. I asked the agent about this issue and she had no clue. She did however say that because I had purchased the phone outright I could call in on day one and get the unlock code. I will believe if when I see it.
HOWEVER this is the twist which I never thought of. The phone is going to arrive with a SIM IN IT and ALREADY ACTIVATED. So I will have no choice. The only way to not have this happen is to purchase the phone on launch day and not let them put a sim in it. So all of us with pre-orders are going to receive carrier locked phones. Bare that in mind when you pre-order. Fortunately I have 14 days and can walk the phone back in if bad news comes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TMobile has very clear policies about unlocking devices - If you have been a customer for more than a year, you can get it unlocked immediately, if you own the phone (paid outright)
If you have been a customer for less than a year, you have to wait 40 days
if you have a Pre-Pay account, you can unlock immediately as long as their is a minimum pre-paid balance of $100 on your account. (but, you can't pre-order an S7 for a Pre-Paid account. They won't sell it to you. You would have to start a different account and then move the phone to the prepaid account by switching sims.)
Like 23 right now compare that to 6 AT&T and 7 Verizon branded units. What exactly is the deal with T-Mobile?
maybe people who are stuck in twrp bootloop?
Tmobile service sucks maybe
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
Sub-Negro said:
Like 23 right now compare that to 6 AT&T and 7 Verizon branded units. What exactly is the deal with T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A good number of All but one of 'em are unopened/New,they probably bought 'em to take advantage of the $200 Rebate & headphone offers.
As long as they have a net gain from purchase price/rebate/sale price,I suppose it's a worthwhile endeavor.........
KOLIOSIS said:
A good number of All but one of 'em are unopened/New,they probably bought 'em to take advantage of the $200 Rebate & headphone offers.
As long as they have a net gain from purchase price/rebate/sale price,I suppose it's a worthwhile endeavor.........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile is basically giving these things away. If they used the trade in thing, it makes the phone either free or less than $200. They probably have another phone they are using and don't plan on leaving T-Mobile, so they just got one and are selling it. T-Mobile, effectively, puts you in a contract doing this. They take the price of the phone and give you bill credits for the whole term of the EIP. If you terminate service, you owe the phone. Combine that with the free line promotion they had a few days prior, I am guessing this is what is happening. The contract does not say anything about using the phone. As long as they keep their bill current and keep their service, it will be able to be used (I think...). I would be careful buying one of these V20s in case you are not allowed to use the phone on a line that isn't associated with the account, but that is me being a worry wort.
EDubs11 said:
T-Mobile is basically giving these things away. If they used the trade in thing, it makes the phone either free or less than $200. They probably have another phone they are using and don't plan on leaving T-Mobile, so they just got one and are selling it. T-Mobile, effectively, puts you in a contract doing this. They take the price of the phone and give you bill credits for the whole term of the EIP. If you terminate service, you owe the phone. Combine that with the free line promotion they had a few days prior, I am guessing this is what is happening. The contract does not say anything about using the phone. As long as they keep their bill current and keep their service, it will be able to be used (I think...). I would be careful buying one of these V20s in case you are not allowed to use the phone on a line that isn't associated with the account, but that is me being a worry wort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Swappa won't let you sell a phone that still has anything owed on it. They check the IMEI.
I assume the bill credits wouldn't affect this as long as the phone is free and clear.
Sub-Negro said:
Like 23 right now compare that to 6 AT&T and 7 Verizon branded units. What exactly is the deal with T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought one unopened for $485. It was purchased with the T-mobile employee discount for $285.
Evilv2 said:
I bought one unopened for $485. It was purchased with the T-mobile employee discount for $285.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice find,congratulations! ?
Sent from my Xiaomi Mi Mix using XDA Labs
KOLIOSIS said:
Nice find,congratulations!
Sent from my Xiaomi Mi Mix using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume lot of the unopened were bought with significant discounts. They are being sold for $500 +/- $15.
Watch out t-mobile is the carrier that's gets the lg partner purchase program phones. They can not be carrier unlocked. That's why there up and cheap.
aknotts415 said:
Watch out t-mobile is the carrier that's gets the lg partner purchase program phones. They can not be carrier unlocked. That's why there up and cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing you can use a paid SIM Unlock service to override this........................
KOLIOSIS said:
I'm guessing you can use a paid SIM Unlock service to override this........................
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Won't work. When they go to get the unlock code from T-Mobile the imei isn't in their system so they can't get it and it can't be done. Trust me. I've seen this happen on the v10 and g5. Just look it up.
aknotts415 said:
Won't work. When they go to get the unlock code from T-Mobile the imei isn't in their system so they can't get it and it can't be done. Trust me. I've seen this happen on the v10 and g5. Just look it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's the case, I'd think the sellers would know better than to post a listing on Swappa.
Guess we'll find out soon enough how many of the listings are fraudulent.....
KOLIOSIS said:
If that's the case, I'd think the sellers would know better than to post a listing on Swappa.
Guess we'll find out soon enough how many of the listings are fraudulent.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There not fraudulent. Not sure why u think that. Theres nothing wrong with selling lg partner purchase program phones. They just can't be carrier unlocked and the sellers don't go out of their way to tell you. They just say their not sure.
aknotts415 said:
There not fraudulent. Not sure why u think that. Theres nothing wrong with selling lg partner purchase program phones. They just can't be carrier unlocked and the sellers don't go out of their way to tell you. They just say their not sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Full disclosure is a given when selling on Swappa,anything less would be fraudulent,if not to the letter of the rules,it certainly would be in spirit/practice.
This is some good information though,glad you brought it up. :good:
I'm betting a lot of folks have never heard of such a thing.
Yeah ur right. Lol I wast trying to buy a v10 and g5 earlier this year and ran into this situation. Very difficult to deal with. Most sellers selling them do t really understand them selves and they blame T-Mobile. It probly is T-Mobile fault since it's branded T-Mobile. Just want everyone to be aware they can't be unlocked, even a third party unlock service can't. Having it on ur account for 40 days doesnt matter either. It's a crappy situation lol
aknotts415 said:
Yeah ur right. Lol I wast trying to buy a v10 and g5 earlier this year and ran into this situation. Very difficult to deal with. Most sellers selling them do t really understand them selves and they blame T-Mobile. It probly is T-Mobile fault since it's branded T-Mobile. Just want everyone to be aware they can't be unlocked, even a third party unlock service can't. Having it on ur account for 40 days doesnt matter either. It's a crappy situation lol
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I'd heard of employee deals/mfg-partner phones/etc..,but,I didn't know about the SIM Unlocking issue.
Again,many THX for bringing this up,you've no doubt saved some people a lot of trouble. :highfive:
FWIW,here's Swappa's policy on clean ESN's:
https://swappa.com/faq/sell/share_esn_numbers
Bulletproof,no,but,it sounds as if they're doing their due dilligence w/researching the ESN/IMEI,perhaps w/more tools than the general public is armed with.
Some sharp individuals here on XDA/Swappa running the show,I'm guessing/hoping they have this scenario covered,enough to ensure the buyers are protected in a worse-case scenario.
A little bit off topic, can you get square trade insurance for phones purchased at swappa?
aknotts415 said:
Yeah ur right. Lol I wast trying to buy a v10 and g5 earlier this year and ran into this situation. Very difficult to deal with. Most sellers selling them do t really understand them selves and they blame T-Mobile. It probly is T-Mobile fault since it's branded T-Mobile. Just want everyone to be aware they can't be unlocked, even a third party unlock service can't. Having it on ur account for 40 days doesnt matter either. It's a crappy situation lol
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Um I'm not trying to be a pain but I bought my G5 from Tmobile and had it unlocked in 24 hours as I was traveling out of the country. I used the app on the phone and the code the rep gave me. I've traveled to 7 countries since then and used sim cards from each one no problem.
seanmfield said:
Um I'm not trying to be a pain but I bought my G5 from Tmobile and had it unlocked in 24 hours as I was traveling out of the country. I used the app on the phone and the code the rep gave me. I've traveled to 7 countries since then and used sim cards from each one no problem.
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Ur probly wasn't a lg partner purchase program one then lol.
Hi friends,
Any way to unlock a financed S22 Ultra from Verizon??
Regards
Why exactly are you wanting to unlock a phone that you agreed to finance with Verizon while it's still under contract?
cccuc said:
Hi friends,
Any way to unlock a financed S22 Ultra from Verizon??
Regards
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When did you buy the phone? It will unlock automatically after 60 days. If you have an impending travel you can request for unlock but I am not sure if they will unlock.
Paul_Deemer said:
Why exactly are you wanting to unlock a phone that you agreed to finance with Verizon while it's still under contract?
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Because I'm outside US now
cccuc said:
Hi friends,
Any way to unlock a financed S22 Ultra from Verizon??
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. Pay it off.
cccuc said:
Because I'm outside US now
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This is a tough one, I don't think any carrier will "unlock" a device that is not paid off as it will increase risk of customer not paying it and selling it overseas (carriers overseas can use phones that are network locked in the US). If you are outside the US or have a trip coming, Verizon will suggest just using roaming. You may try one of those IMEI unlocking sites and pay the price for that.
Bad Boys whatcha whacha gonna do when Verizon come for you!
joancolmenares said:
This is a tough one, I don't think any carrier will "unlock" a device that is not paid off as it will increase risk of customer not paying it and selling it overseas (carriers overseas can use phones that are network locked in the US). If you are outside the US or have a trip coming, Verizon will suggest just using roaming. You may try one of those IMEI unlocking sites and pay the price for that.
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Actually, Verizon does. Verizon got its peepee smacked by the FCC several years ago. As part of the agreement, Verizon must unlock its devices at sale. A few years ago, several Verizon stores were victims of daylight armed robberies. To protect its stores, employees, and customers, Verizon asked the FCC for a waiver to unlock phones after 60 days.
gernerttl said:
Actually, Verizon does. Verizon got its peepee smacked by the FCC several years ago. As part of the agreement, Verizon must unlock its devices at sale. A few years ago, several Verizon stores were victims of daylight armed robberies. To protect its stores, employees, and customers, Verizon asked the FCC for a waiver to unlock phones after 60 days.
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This is the perfect example of "everyday you learn something new" I could get my TMO unlocked because I paid it off but did not know Verizon "had" to unlock it 60 days in... well that's the solution for OP
gernerttl said:
Yeah. Pay it off.
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They will still not unlock it until 60 days.
joancolmenares said:
This is a tough one, I don't think any carrier will "unlock" a device that is not paid off as it will increase risk of customer not paying it and selling it overseas (carriers overseas can use phones that are network locked in the US). If you are outside the US or have a trip coming, Verizon will suggest just using roaming. You may try one of those IMEI unlocking sites and pay the price for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon unlocks all phones automatically after 60 days. They have to. They made an agreement when they purchased a wireless band years ago that their phones would be unlocked. They somehow worked out the ability to lock them for the first 60 days.
More on why they unlock at 60 days and why they have to.
FCC says Verizon can lock phones to its network for 60 days after purchase
Verizon says it will start locking newly purchased phones “very soon.”
www.theverge.com
drfundy said:
They will still not unlock it until 60 days.
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Yes. I know Verizon unlocks its devices after 60 days.
I'm a Verizon customer.
drfundy said:
Verizon unlocks all phones automatically after 60 days. They have to. They made an agreement when they purchased a wireless band years ago that their phones would be unlocked. They somehow worked out the ability to lock them for the first 60 days.
More on why they unlock at 60 days and why they have to.
FCC says Verizon can lock phones to its network for 60 days after purchase
Verizon says it will start locking newly purchased phones “very soon.”
www.theverge.com
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Click to collapse
To be clear, it was also part of a larger problem. Verizon was also doing things like locking down GPS usage and USB tethering.
As it was rolling out 4G and as turn by turn navigation started becoming more popular, it wouldn't allow its customers to use any turn by turn navigation apps. The only one Verizon customers were allowed to was VZ Navigator and it was not free (~$9.99/month). Verizon also wouldn't allow its customers to use USB tethering.
The FCC intervened, smacked Verizon's peepee and included in the C Block purchase agreement.
gernerttl said:
To be clear, it was also part of a larger problem. Verizon was also doing things like locking down GPS usage and USB tethering.
As it was rolling out 4G and as turn by turn navigation started becoming more popular, it wouldn't allow its customers to use any turn by turn navigation apps. The only one Verizon customers were allowed to was VZ Navigator and it was not free (~$9.99/month). Verizon also wouldn't allow its customers to use USB tethering.
The FCC intervened, smacked Verizon's peepee and included in the C Block purchase agreement.
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Yes, I seem to recall some of those dirty tricks. This is the main reason I will not buy a phone financed through a carrier anymore.
gernerttl said:
Yes. I know Verizon unlocks its devices after 60 days.
I'm a Verizon customer.
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This was for the OP's benefit. So he doesn't pay it off expecting an immediate unlock.
drfundy said:
This was for the OP's benefit. So he doesn't pay it off expecting an immediate unlock.
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Based on his original post then his response, it seems he financed the phone then left the US. This makes it seem he wants to get it unlocked so he can use it without paying it off.
gernerttl said:
Based on his original post then his response, it seems he financed the phone then left the US. This makes it seem he wants to get it unlocked so he can use it without paying it off.
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Yep agreed. But the suggestion I responded to was to pay it off in full, so I pointed out that doing so would not work. He would still have a locked phone.
I thought the VZW phones were all unlock for non US GSM networks right out the box. I switched from VZW a few years back when sprint had the 1 year free offer, i stayed when they merged with TMO because of the 5G.
mc_365 said:
I thought the VZW phones were all unlock for non US GSM networks right out the box. I switched from VZW a few years back when sprint had the 1 year free offer, i stayed when they merged with TMO because of the 5G.
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I was with verizon for 18 months.. Leaving them, was the best move I ever made.. Plus it is the only time I enjoyed paying them almost a grand to leave my contract.. Went back to Sprint, then moved over to T-Mobile, long before the merger..
mc_365 said:
I thought the VZW phones were all unlock for non US GSM networks right out the box. I switched from VZW a few years back when sprint had the 1 year free offer, i stayed when they merged with TMO because of the 5G.
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Verizon got a waiver from the FCC allowing them to delay unlocking until after 60 days. There were several broad daylight armed robberies of its stores a few years ago. So Verizon asked for the waiver to deter robberies.