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ive come here because this is the most knowledgable place about android phones and need some advice from the experts
i recently broke my atrix and could not afford a new phone from at&t. i knew it wasnt a good idea but bought a galaxy s2 off craigslist for 200$. tested it with my sim card and all worked so i paid the guy. next day no data working, called at&t and gave them the imei # and they registered it and all was good for about two days. then went to make a call after 2 days of use and get a recording the device is blocked by at&t. call them and they tell me the phone was reported lost or stolen. after explaining all of this to them they gave me contact email for the owner to return it to him and a discount on a new phone. this was over a week ago and the person has not responded. is this phone garbage at this point? what can i do with this phone? i have done some unlocking, rooting and custom roms with my atrix and evo and i would like to know my options to get the phone usable .....
Won't work until you contact owner
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Illnevertell said:
Won't work until you contact owner
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so basically i can save it for spare parts if this guy never contacts me, excluding the mainboard...
resetting the imei to a generic wont help either?
Did you try telling at&t you can't contact the owner? Or maybe tell them you contacted him and he told you that there must have been a mistake and it wasn't stolen just sold.
Im missing something? Why would at&t ask for/why give them the imei number? Unlike cdma, imei is not used by gsm in authentication/connection to network. But since youve given it to them i can only assume they checked it, found it dtolen and blocked it.
Im assuming as soon as u put the sim in another phone it works?
I know the imei is held within the efs, and that it can be changed on the original galaxy s2, u may want to look into that
kishke said:
Did you try telling at&t you can't contact the owner? Or maybe tell them you contacted him and he told you that there must have been a mistake and it wasn't stolen just sold.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i did, in my initial conversation with a supervisor explain that i had bought this skyrocket legitimately (or what i thought was a legitimate buy) and being that i was willing to return the phone i still feel possesion was 9/10ths of the law. she explained to me that these devices are shut down via imei# via fcc database and only the owner could in fact, turn the device back on. good side to this is they actually are sending me the exact phone brand new. also what i found odd was that his contact email is a hotmail, i would have expected a gmail account. im taking a guess that maybe he was in on this 200$ scam and him and the guy i bought it from split the money. i called the seller back and he asked me "which phone was this", telling me hes sold more then one phone. at&t is making me whole at the end of the day but the skyrocket i got in this scam is brand new and would hate to just throw it out
icenight89 said:
Im missing something? Why would at&t ask for/why give them the imei number? Unlike cdma, imei is not used by gsm in authentication/connection to network. But since youve given it to them i can only assume they checked it, found it dtolen and blocked it.
Im assuming as soon as u put the sim in another phone it works?
I know the imei is held within the efs, and that it can be changed on the original galaxy s2, u may want to look into that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea i was reading this efs folder holds that. is there a procedure that you know of for this specific phone in a post you can point me to? thanks..
You could just put it on Craigslist and sell it again.. pass along the good karma.
aycockonxion said:
You could just put it on Craigslist and sell it again.. pass along the good karma.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no i wont do that. stuff like this at the wrong time could end badly for the seller and i wouldnt want to outright rob anyone
icenight89 said:
Im missing something? Why would at&t ask for/why give them the imei number? Unlike cdma, imei is not used by gsm in authentication/connection to network. But since youve given it to them i can only assume they checked it, found it dtolen and blocked it.
Im assuming as soon as u put the sim in another phone it works?
I know the imei is held within the efs, and that it can be changed on the original galaxy s2, u may want to look into that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be wrong, but wasn't legislation passed that forces them to do this now?
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
00mred00 said:
I could be wrong, but wasn't legislation passed that forces them to do this now?
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i read that sometime earlier this year or ending 2011 they are required by law to do this now. which if i had known i would have never took a 200$ chance. im still left with a 200$ paperweight. ill take all suggestions at this point and thanks for all the responses...
You could sell it to someone looking to go to straight talk, different sim so it should work.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Its a long shot but try flashing my efs fix, it may change ur imei:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1611796
I should also note that its been found several times that people have accidentally wiped there imei's with the skyrocket, so i know that it can be done.
Have hope, ur phone is NOT yet reclused to a paperweight
Like someone said before the block should be only on at&t, you could probably sell it to someone who uses another carrier and clarify that in will probably won't work for at&t.
kishke said:
Like someone said before the block should be only on at&t, you could probably sell it to someone who uses another carrier and clarify that in will probably won't work for at&t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just go to a mobile store and ask them to force another IMEI number
ok thanks everyone, i will look into which option i decide to go with and post here my results...thank you all for the great input:cyclops:
Hello All,
Any recommendations to a website that will Sim Unlock my T-Mobile device to use it on international GSM?
Thanks
Are you currently a T-Mobile customer or no? If so you should be able to get them to unlock it for you. If not I don't know the answer.
Ebay and other unlocking sites offer the T-Mobile app unlock up for sale, anywhere between 25-50 bucks or so.
There is an app on there to check if you are eligible for unlock.
Traditionally, you could call T-Mo's Customer Care and request an unlock. They have been generally pretty lenient on letting people unlock (especially for long time customers).
However, seeing as there is this unlock app built in to the phone that has a temporary unlock option, you may only get authorized to use that until your phone is paid off or something to that extent.
It is definitely worth a call.
toefurkey said:
There is an app on there to check if you are eligible for unlock.
Traditionally, you could call T-Mo's Customer Care and request an unlock. They have been generally pretty lenient on letting people unlock (especially for long time customers).
However, seeing as there is this unlock app built in to the phone that has a temporary unlock option, you may only get authorized to use that until your phone is paid off or something to that extent.
It is definitely worth a call.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased the phone from ebay USA, and i live abroad already. Then found out when i got the phone and tried using my local SIM that it were locked
But now i got it unlocked, for anybody else seeking unlock service PM me.
I'd remove the link if I were you....
Bought my wife's G5 from T-Mobile Online. Called to request to have it unlocked and they told me they have a 40 day waiting period then I can have it unlocked. They waived it immediately once I told them I was in the military and currently stationed overseas. Took about 6hrs to receive the unlock information.
dinggus said:
Bought my wife's G5 from T-Mobile Online. Called to request to have it unlocked and they told me they have a 40 day waiting period then I can have it unlocked. They waived it immediately once I told them I was in the military and currently stationed overseas. Took about 6hrs to receive the unlock information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats. You saved the 40 days waiting. My case was different, after i purchased mine on ebay, i found out that the IMEI is blacklisted (outstanding balance), so i had to go to third party services.
Zaynoun said:
Congrats. You saved the 40 days waiting. My case was different, after i purchased mine on ebay, i found out that the IMEI is blacklisted (outstanding balance), so i had to go to third party services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that sucks. I'll always buy from Swappa since I bought my LG v10 from there. Also remember, if you're buying a phone from someone, to ask for the IMEI to verify with the carrier that it isn't blacklisted. You probably actually paid the person enough so they can fix themselves.
dinggus said:
Well, that sucks. I'll always buy from Swappa since I bought my LG v10 from there. Also remember, if you're buying a phone from someone, to ask for the IMEI to verify with the carrier that it isn't blacklisted. You probably actually paid the person enough so they can fix themselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the issue was solved with 45$ I was in a hurry to buy it because the price was attractive and swappa had much higher prices. Well next time, for sure more investigation must be done before buying.
I dont mean to hijack this thread but it's exactly my problem. I have at&t in Iowa (pretty much no tmobile presence here) bought a brand new g5 off ebay wasnt paying attention to the fact that it was locked to tmobile. I did try a site that charges 30 something bucks to get it unlocked and they emailed be back the next day saying they couldnt do it. I checked the eimi or whatever on swappa, says its clean. I saw somewhere that the best way to get the unlock code is to order a prepaid sim and load some money on it and wait 2 weeks and then request the unlock code? I went to tmobile's website and got halfway through the prepaid sim screens but when i put the eimi number in it comes back with nothing, i am assuming thats because the phone has never been activated anywhere before? Appreciate the help, I dont want to pile more dumb on top of dumb...
I need help unlocking my LG g5. I bought it online through eBay from someone that works at LG.
The phone came sealed, I ordered a unlock code, but I discovered as soon as I turned it on that now I need to unlock through t-mobile device unlock app.
The site I ordered my code said they would change my status on the t-mobile database so I can unlock the device through the app.
I Googled around and that should have worked. But apparently my IMEI is not registered t-mobile.
I bought a prepaid Sim and put it on the phone. It's working at t-mobile but its still not at their database (the IMEI).
What should I do?
Is there any way to force the IMEI to t-mobile database so it can be unlocked through the third party?
Or is there any other way to unlock it.
Please help...
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA-Developers mobile app
fvc2000 said:
I need help unlocking my LG g5. I bought it online through eBay from someone that works at LG.
The phone came sealed, I ordered a unlock code, but I discovered as soon as I turned it on that now I need to unlock through t-mobile device unlock app.
The site I ordered my code said they would change my status on the t-mobile database so I can unlock the device through the app.
I Googled around and that should have worked. But apparently my IMEI is not registered t-mobile.
I bought a prepaid Sim and put it on the phone. It's working at t-mobile but its still not at their database (the IMEI).
What should I do?
Is there any way to force the IMEI to t-mobile database so it can be unlocked through the third party?
Or is there any other way to unlock it.
Please help...
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try the permanent lock option on the t-mobile unlock app? What message did you get then?
So far I tried 2 different services and requested unlock code but none of them worked, they simply didn't get back to me with any results.
Can someone suggest one that actually worked for them please and PM me?
Thanks guys.
Zaynoun said:
Did you try the permanent lock option on the t-mobile unlock app? What message did you get then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says:
Unlock Failed: This mobile device is eligible for unlock. For device unlock eligibility details, please go online or contact Customer Support.
And even if I go online, to T-Mobile IMEI check website, it says my IMEI is not recognized at T-Mobile.
Thats the problem.
Although I'm using it at T-Mobile, and it is a T-Mobile branded phone.
And because it's not at the database, I can't do ANYTHING to try to unlock it through third parties.
fvc2000 said:
It says:
Unlock Failed: This mobile device is eligible for unlock. For device unlock eligibility details, please go online or contact Customer Support.
And even if I go online, to T-Mobile IMEI check website, it says my IMEI is not recognized at T-Mobile.
Thats the problem.
Although I'm using it at T-Mobile, and it is a T-Mobile branded phone.
And because it's not at the database, I can't do ANYTHING to try to unlock it through third parties.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it has been bought on contract and must have been activated first so that IMEI would be registered at T-Mobile.
Mine was blacklisted and i unlocked it. It shouldn't be a big deal for yours.
I would suggest drop T_mobile a visit or call, and check with them what is wrong.
Logically, if the IMEI is not on their database then it shouldn't be carrier locked.
I will drop you a PM for a contact that might help you in this issue.
Zaynoun said:
Maybe it has been bought on contract and must have been activated first so that IMEI would be registered at T-Mobile.
Mine was blacklisted and i unlocked it. It shouldn't be a big deal for yours.
I would suggest drop T_mobile a visit or call, and check with them what is wrong.
Logically, if the IMEI is not on their database then it shouldn't be carrier locked.
I will drop you a PM for a contact that might help you in this issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong my friend. If the phone is on TMO but IMEI is not in theit database that means phone wasn't activated on TMO network, which means you're not gonna be able to unlock it through official unlock app.
I wonder if this phone unlockeble at all without using that unlock app.
twoxa said:
Wrong my friend. If the phone is on TMO but IMEI is not in theit database that means phone wasn't activated on TMO network, which means you're not gonna be able to unlock it through official unlock app.
I wonder if this phone unlockeble at all without using that unlock app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am activated on TMO network, since I'm using the phone at tmobile.
I just discovered that for some weird reason my IMEI was wrong at tmobile.
I hope this is the reason.
fvc2000 said:
i am activated on tmo network, since i'm using the phone at tmobile.
I just discovered that for some weird reason my imei was wrong at tmobile.
I hope this is the reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's weird
twoxa said:
Wrong my friend. If the phone is on TMO but IMEI is not in theit database that means phone wasn't activated on TMO network, which means you're not gonna be able to unlock it through official unlock app.
I wonder if this phone unlockeble at all without using that unlock app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noway get it unlocked without using the app. That is why unlocking service is starting from 30$ up to 45$. After i got confirmation from my unlock provider, i run the app, permanent unlock, and then unlock successfull reboot phone.
Hi there,
I've been trying to unlock a T-Mobile LG G5 that I bought through ebay but nobody seems to be able to.
The unlock app returns that I'm not elegible for unlock.
I tried many third party unlock sites, but apparently my IMEI is not registered at T-Mobile.
I went to many T-Mobile stores, talked to managers, but I even though they all tried helping me unlock, since my device is paid (it shows up in their database as GOOD IMEI) and I'm not american, at the customer support (on the phone) they say they cant unlock my phone because my IMEI is not from their network. Although the phone IS from t-mobile, with t-mobile box, t-mobile rom, and t-mobile apps.
Does someone have any insight in what to do.
I tried even at ebay people that unblock blacklisted IMEIs, but mine just doesn't show up for anybody. I've been refunded for already 4 different unlocking services.
Is it possible my IMEI is really from another network and the device is locked there? Or is T-Mobile screwing something up?
PS: my phone does work with t-mobile, although the manager said I should watch out since my IMEI apparently is from another network, if it gets blacklisted there, I loose t-mobile access also.
Only T-Mobile can unlock. File paypal claim for fraud.
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
You need to have your phone running on t-mobile network for some time until it registers.
Maybe a pre-paid sim and make some calls every day for like 1 month.
After that t-mobile will be able to see it on their system.
LGSilva said:
You need to have your phone running on t-mobile network for some time until it registers.
Maybe a pre-paid sim and make some calls every day for like 1 month.
After that t-mobile will be able to see it on their system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its been running at t-mobile for 1 week already and nothing yet.
Are you sure the IMEI will magically show up there?
Because the IMEI already shows up for the folks at t-mobile. It just doesn't show up at the imei check, nor for the unlock companies.
Is there a way to unlock through custom rom?
So I'm not saying this is the case but I did see reports last year from users who purchased units that were intended for employees. T-Mobile employees have access to a discounted G5 that is not intended for resale. Users that bought those G4s had issues with unlocking the device for some reason or another. The device itself is T-Mobile branded and the IMEI is clean but for some reason they are not recognized by the system to some extent. I'm just guessing that might be the case with your unit. Since you said that the IMEI is clean and that it is indeed a T-Mobile unit. I don't know of a solution since I did not see updates from those users that had purchased it secondhand.
Kawaisa said:
So I'm not saying this is the case but I did see reports last year from users who purchased units that were intended for employees. T-Mobile employees have access to a discounted G5 that is not intended for resale. Users that bought those G4s had issues with unlocking the device for some reason or another. The device itself is T-Mobile branded and the IMEI is clean but for some reason they are not recognized by the system to some extent. I'm just guessing that might be the case with your unit. Since you said that the IMEI is clean and that it is indeed a T-Mobile unit. I don't know of a solution since I did not see updates from those users that had purchased it secondhand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But could I be able to flash a custom rom, and unlock it?
i'm in the same boat. waiting on my prepaid sim card from tmobile read somewhere if you wait like 2 weeks you can get it unlocked....if not...lesson learned...
After 40 days if there is no EIP balance the Unlock App will work.
This includes with the employee discounted phones. I had the same thing last year with the g4.
fvc2000 said:
But could I be able to flash a custom rom, and unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, only T-Mobile can do sim unlock.
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
fvc2000 said:
Its been running at t-mobile for 1 week already and nothing yet.
Are you sure the IMEI will magically show up there?
Because the IMEI already shows up for the folks at t-mobile. It just doesn't show up at the imei check, nor for the unlock companies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so I had this exact same problem with my LG V10 which I bought off swappa. I live in Canada so what I had to do was buy a prepaid north American roaming plan and use the phone on their network for at least 40 days. After which time i requested an unlock and they granted it. However it wouldn't actually work. this continued for a couple months and I was giving up hope. I had at least 10 unlock request "approved" yet it wouldn't work. Tmo even told me it wasn't a tmo phone. which of course it was. Anyway I spoke with several tech people and supervisors and nothing worked. So then I filed a complaint with the fcc and a few days later I got a call from a lady who was able to resolve it. Here's her info so you can reach out to her after you've reached the 40 day eligibility provided it doesn't work. She can make it happen.
Jennifer Garza
Specialist - Executive Response?*
Office of the President/CEO
Desk:?*877-290-6323 ext. 3417976
Email:?*[email protected]
She's a nice lady. Just don't waste her time asking for an unlock prior to meeting their requirements or she'll add you to the ignore list
Thank you!
I am going through the same hell you went through.
I've been approved unlock from 5 different supervisors. And none of them understand why my phone isn't getting unlocked.
It seams like the system know the IMEI is not bought at a T-Mobile store (although it IS t-mobile phone) and is not registerind on the unlock database.
All supervisors act as surprised that I'm not being able to unlock the device since it shows to them as unlocked.
How do I open a claim at FCC? I'm from brazil. Am I allowed to enter a claim?!
And do I really need to wait for 40 days to contact this Jennifer? What are the requirements?
markbencze said:
Ok so I had this exact same problem with my LG V10 which I bought off swappa. I live in Canada so what I had to do was buy a prepaid north American roaming plan and use the phone on their network for at least 40 days. After which time i requested an unlock and they granted it. However it wouldn't actually work. this continued for a couple months and I was giving up hope. I had at least 10 unlock request "approved" yet it wouldn't work. Tmo even told me it wasn't a tmo phone. which of course it was. Anyway I spoke with several tech people and supervisors and nothing worked. So then I filed a complaint with the fcc and a few days later I got a call from a lady who was able to resolve it. Here's her info so you can reach out to her after you've reached the 40 day eligibility provided it doesn't work. She can make it happen.
Jennifer Garza
Specialist - Executive Response?*
Office of the President/CEO
Desk:?*877-290-6323 ext. 3417976
Email:?*[email protected]
She's a nice lady. Just don't waste her time asking for an unlock prior to meeting their requirements or she'll add you to the ignore list
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fvc2000 said:
Thank you!
I am going through the same hell you went through.
I've been approved unlock from 5 different supervisors. And none of them understand why my phone isn't getting unlocked.
It seams like the system know the IMEI is not bought at a T-Mobile store (although it IS t-mobile phone) and is not registerind on the unlock database.
All supervisors act as surprised that I'm not being able to unlock the device since it shows to them as unlocked.
How do I open a claim at FCC? I'm from brazil. Am I allowed to enter a claim?!
And do I really need to wait for 40 days to contact this Jennifer? What are the requirements?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Requirements are that device must be paid in full, you must use it in their network for 40 days. If you've done both of those them just contact Jennifer directly. Email and then call her. If you don't get a reply Google the fcc in USA and file a claim about tmo refusing to unlock your phone. That's how I worded mine. I just said I meet all the requirements and they refuse to do it...might be a stretch of the truth but it worked.
I've got bigger problems.
T-Mobile doesn't have a roaming plan in my country (brazil).
So I wont be able to stay in their network for 40 days.
You think I should call her and explain my situation or email her?
bastage said:
After 40 days if there is no EIP balance the Unlock App will work.
This includes with the employee discounted phones. I had the same thing last year with the g4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This happens even with postpaid or only with pre paid SIM's?
chorales said:
i'm in the same boat. waiting on my prepaid sim card from tmobile read somewhere if you wait like 2 weeks you can get it unlocked....if not...lesson learned...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did yours work?
The weirdest thing is that NOW tmobile is telling me my phone is already unlocked. I have their emails telling me how to proceed with the unlock and everything. But the phone just doesn't unlock!
markbencze said:
Ok so I had this exact same problem with my LG V10 which I bought off swappa. I live in Canada so what I had to do was buy a prepaid north American roaming plan and use the phone on their network for at least 40 days. After which time i requested an unlock and they granted it. However it wouldn't actually work. this continued for a couple months and I was giving up hope. I had at least 10 unlock request "approved" yet it wouldn't work. Tmo even told me it wasn't a tmo phone. which of course it was. Anyway I spoke with several tech people and supervisors and nothing worked. So then I filed a complaint with the fcc and a few days later I got a call from a lady who was able to resolve it. Here's her info so you can reach out to her after you've reached the 40 day eligibility provided it doesn't work. She can make it happen.
Jennifer Garza
Specialist - Executive Response?*
Office of the President/CEO
Desk:?*877-290-6323 ext. 3417976
Email:?*[email protected]
She's a nice lady. Just don't waste her time asking for an unlock prior to meeting their requirements or she'll add you to the ignore list
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't have this complications unlocking my T-Mobile Lg G5 at all. I purchased it off ebay and i live already overseas, then upon checking eligibility for unlocking over T-Mobile IMEI verification, it came out that the phone has a bad ESN / IMEI due to outstanding balance. Third party websites like unlockbase or unlockunit don't unlock bas IMEI phones already, so i used one service on ebay that was same price as unlockbase and unlockunit ( about 40$) and they unlocked my phone within 36 hours. I then run the Unlock app, permanent unlock and voila, unlocking done and device rebooted. This was on April 14th.
I don't know if lately T-Mobile added some security on their servers so that IMEI won't be accessable by third parties. And i helped lot of guys on my thread unlock their devices as well through the procedure i already went through.
---------- Post added at 01:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:02 PM ----------
MicroMod777 said:
Only T-Mobile can unlock. File paypal claim for fraud.
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at all. I unlocked my black ESN/IMEI Lg G5 and it is working super fine. and that was 14th April, and unlocking took less than 36 hours. Maybe T-Mobile added lately some security stuff to prevent these unlocking procedures.
---------- Post added at 01:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:17 PM ----------
fvc2000 said:
Is there a way to unlock through custom rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am afraid this will be faaaaar hard to get. T-Mobile Lg G5 has a pretty locked Bootloader with is super hard to unlock. Rooting and TWRP as well are still pending for this device. So flashing a custom ROM ( when available) might solve it but you have to wait for some time for that.
---------- Post added at 01:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:23 PM ----------
fvc2000 said:
Its been running at t-mobile for 1 week already and nothing yet.
Are you sure the IMEI will magically show up there?
Because the IMEI already shows up for the folks at t-mobile. It just doesn't show up at the imei check, nor for the unlock companies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might have bought a non-activated t-mobile phone. So that's why the IMEI is totally not on their database, and in case they will find it it will show unlocked because device is not activated. The device should have been activated on the same account or the origial purchaser. After the minimum period of use on their network it will show up on the IMEI verification. What they are seeing now is the device original IMEI in their system ( each device IMEI should be entered in their system before offering for sale), but this IMEI will show up in the verification area only when it gets activated and the carrier network recognizes it that it is SIM unlocked. I suppose so...
fvc2000 said:
Did yours work?
The weirdest thing is that NOW tmobile is telling me my phone is already unlocked. I have their emails telling me how to proceed with the unlock and everything. But the phone just doesn't unlock!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i got my prepaid sim yesterday so the waiting game begins...
fvc2000 said:
I've got bigger problems.
T-Mobile doesn't have a roaming plan in my country (brazil).
So I wont be able to stay in their network for 40 days.
You think I should call her and explain my situation or email her?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either that or sell the phone.
fvc2000 said:
I've got bigger problems.
T-Mobile doesn't have a roaming plan in my country (brazil).
So I wont be able to stay in their network for 40 days.
You think I should call her and explain my situation or email her?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmo's SImple Global does cover Brazil
http://www.t-mobile.com/optional-services/roaming.html
fvc2000 said:
This happens even with postpaid or only with pre paid SIM's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Prepaid should be fine.
Hello,
I bought a T-Mobile Galaxy S7 on samsung.com and i haven't been able to SIM unlock it.
After many calls and chats, T-Mobile support told me this: "... because the device was purchased directly from the manufacturer our system doesn't recognize the device as being a T-Mobile device. Even though it is a T-Mobile model and has T-Mobile software, a T-Mobile device is considered to be one bought or sold by T-Mobile directly. We have a database of the IMEI's of the devices we carry and sell, and this lets us unlock eligible devices upon a customer's request."
Samsung support is useless.
I tried a 3rd party unlock service two weeks ago and I'm still waiting. They asked me to please be patient because the T-Mobile server has been down.
T-Mobile unlock app did more damage than good.
I'm also still trying to return the cellphone but Samsung hasn't sent any prepaid labels yet, I've called 3 times on 3 different weeks and they said they're about to send it. , that I should wait a couple of days.
So, in the mean time, is there any other option to unlock this thing? like a brute force unlock.
Thanks.
Let me know if you find an answer. I have an s6 edge that till date after it being active on T-Mobile for over 8 months (Samsung purchase phone - T-Mobile variant) the application from T-Mobile tells me the device is not eligible". Samsung care says they don't unlock that my carrier does lol
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Would it be possible to flash the MetroPCS ROM and use a SIM unlock service for MetroPCS? Or do the same with AT&T?
yeah everyone i have tried for unlocking says the service is down...more like the inside person they use is not available...have asked a couple of sites and ebay sellers...same thing...they must all use the same person or exploit.
I was getting the runaround from Samsung to goto T-Mobile and vice versa.. luckily the T-Mobile tech support was helpful and agreed to be on conference with Samsung support and it was a battle with Samsung to get some responsible answer as they kept saying that they don't unlock phones. Then when we escalated to the manager, she repeated the same but at the end created a case to service the phone. Once it reached Samsung, they just said updated software and are sending back on same day.. Not sure if it got fixed, will let you know as soon as I get it..
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nktwister said:
I was getting the runaround from Samsung to goto T-Mobile and vice versa.. luckily the T-Mobile tech support was helpful and agreed to be on conference with Samsung support and it was a battle with Samsung to get some responsible answer as they kept saying that they don't unlock phones. Then when we escalated to the manager, she repeated the same but at the end created a case to service the phone. Once it reached Samsung, they just said updated software and are sending back on same day.. Not sure if it got fixed, will let you know as soon as I get it..
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Click to collapse
I doubt if updating software can actually sim unlock it. But who knows, perhaps Samsung has a magical software update. Let us know please. If it works we could dump the OS a d reflash other locked units with Odin maybe? Lol
jazzdglass said:
I doubt if updating software can actually sim unlock it. But who knows, perhaps Samsung has a magical software update. Let us know please. If it works we could dump the OS a d reflash other locked units with Odin maybe? Lol
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Click to collapse
That was a bummer.. the stupid Samsung technical support just reflashed the same software and sent back the phone in a generic box (did not get original box back) .. the same problem still exists.. the device unlock app doesn't work and T-Mobile doesn't have the unlock code for this imei..
I got T-Mobile to fix mine.
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Febby said:
I got T-Mobile to fix mine.
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Click to collapse
Can you please elaborate on what you asked and what was done by T-Mobile? Did you buy your phone from Samsung.com?
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nktwister said:
Can you please elaborate on what you asked and what was done by T-Mobile? Did you buy your phone from Samsung.com?
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Click to collapse
What you want to state to them is for them to request a ticket for your Imei to be white listed for the device unlock application. Let them know it is the T-Mobile variant of the phone bought directly from Samsung.com
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Febby said:
What you want to state to them is for them to request a ticket for your Imei to be white listed for the device unlock application. Let them know it is the T-Mobile variant of the phone bought directly from Samsung.com
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Click to collapse
I did the same and the T-Mobile rep said that it did not work and they are getting the same error that imei cannot be whitelisted for the mobile device unlock application.. they are clear that it was T-Mobile phone from Samsung.com.. were you on g930t rom? Did you buy yours from Samsung.com or from someone else?
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nktwister said:
I did the same and the T-Mobile rep said that it did not work and they are getting the same error that imei cannot be whitelisted for the mobile device unlock application.. they are clear that it was T-Mobile phone from Samsung.com.. were you on g930t rom? Did you buy yours from Samsung.com or from someone else?
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It was bought directly via samsung.com as a t-mobile variant with t-mobile firmware. That's odd unless if your model was modified at some point? Perhaps lazy t-mobile rep? What I was told is that after 5 days even if bought from Samsung as a t-mobile variant it will lock itself once a sim card is left in it
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Febby said:
It was bought directly via samsung.com as a t-mobile variant with t-mobile firmware. That's odd unless if your model was modified at some point? Perhaps lazy t-mobile rep? What I was told is that after 5 days even if bought from Samsung as a t-mobile variant it will lock itself once a sim card is left in it
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Click to collapse
Oh ok, the rep has not given up and she is still trying everyday for a solution.. my model was never modified, everything stock and used on T-Mobile for 1.5 months.. I wonder how you can be eligible for unlock if you've not used tmo sim for more than 5 days.. Maybe your rep involved some engineer to add the imei through backdoor process? Did you email them proof of purchase?
nktwister said:
Oh ok, the rep has not given up and she is still trying everyday for a solution.. my model was never modified, everything stock and used on T-Mobile for 1.5 months.. I wonder how you can be eligible for unlock if you've not used tmo sim for more than 5 days.. Maybe your rep involved some engineer to add the imei through backdoor process? Did you email them proof of purchase?
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Click to collapse
I've had T-Mobile service for around 2 years almost and I did use the T-Mobile s6 edge for almost 11 months.
I believe what the rep that helped me meant is that when you buy a T-Mobile variant phone from Samsung or any oem that you should run the Device unlock app asap otherwise once you leave a SIM card inserted for 5 days or more it will lock the device to that carrier that the sim belongs to.
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I can clarify a bit on this, as I went through the same thing. Tech support even 3 way called Samsung with me, and they were arguing for over an hour until we got fed up.
Basically, the IMEI needs to be added to the T-Mobile database, but because it was never sold by them it errors out. I just got off the phone with Tech Support and sadly, their notes don't go back far enough to tell me exact process, but I was told that the Business Support department was the one that actually solved the issue for me (along with contacting their Samsung Rep). Maybe that will help you guys out, at least as a starting point.
Edit: T-Mobile support just confirmed. Speak to Business Support, they can fix it.
Thanks for the replies.. I wasn't able to check last solution as my rep agreed to replace it with T-Mobile sold device.. so got an s7 edge which is cheaper now than s7
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entropism said:
I can clarify a bit on this, as I went through the same thing. Tech support even 3 way called Samsung with me, and they were arguing for over an hour until we got fed up.
Basically, the IMEI needs to be added to the T-Mobile database, but because it was never sold by them it errors out. I just got off the phone with Tech Support and sadly, their notes don't go back far enough to tell me exact process, but I was told that the Business Support department was the one that actually solved the issue for me (along with contacting their Samsung Rep). Maybe that will help you guys out, at least as a starting point.
Edit: T-Mobile support just confirmed. Speak to Business Support, they can fix it.
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Click to collapse
I registered in this forum just to say thanks to you. I wasted more than two weeks speaking to tech support. Their attitude was great but they did nothing effective. I read your post and spoke to business support, the unlock issue got resolved quickly over the weekend.
This really saves my ass because I am going overseas soon. T-mobile really need to have better communication between different departments.
A small update for anyone who ends up here via google:
T-Mobile is now aware of the issue, and if you contact them on Twitter (@tmobilehelp), their specialised customer service division, T-Force, can get you unlocked and out the door almost immediately. The process takes a few days, but they know the steps to take to get the ball rolling.
Wow, I can't believe it took 3 months to solve this.
I don't know how much time I lost calling T-Mobile and Samsung. BTW, Samsung support is the worst ever.
Since I heard the about the unlock problem, I started trying to return my phone in parallel while trying to unlock it. Samsung people didn't want to provide prepaid shipping labels, first I never got them after I was told to wait a couple of days. I called many times and got the same response. Then the 30 days passed and they started saying it was to late to return, that I had to pay restocking fee. It took me another month explaining it was their fault the 30 days passed and that I needed prepaid shipping label and a full refund. I received the shipping labels the 2nd week on May and returned the phone. I still haven't received my refund. I called today, and the representative told me the refund was posted just today, and told me to wait 3 to 5 business days.
I'm happy some of you were able to unlock it. I got tired of waiting and talking with the support guys. And I don't even have a T-Mobile line. That's why I wanted to unlock it in the first place.
The easiest way to unlock this is changing the IMEI number, i recently paid $80 to get it changed but it now shows up as unlocked & clean on the T-MOBILE network. Sorry i didn't read this post before maybe this information could have helped.
Hello,.
I bought a phone, 8t plus (tmobile version). when i try to check imei status it says invalid imei... it came with a deactivated sim card.
i tried paying three different unlock site services for the t-mobile unlock app. but they keep returning to me saying that they could not find the imei or its invalid.
I'm in a real pinch here, I love this phone, what are my options? is there some way to force unlock it with a different firmware or something like this? maybe you've got a clue why my imei doesn't show up anywhere?
many thanks
If it's bought from eBay, you're SOL - invalid IMEI is invalid IMEI. You will want to refund it and buy the virgin OnePlus 8T to ensure you don't run into problem.
It will be tough to remove the IMEI from the blacklist, as it's usually death sentence for that ID number, not to mention it's illegal to mess with it.
Especially for this reason, I don't buy used phone anymore unless it won't see network service (usually as a Linux hacking plaything), and I mainly buy new phones ever since to guarantee that I don't run into any problems.
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it doesnt give any error, through the tmobile unlock app it says "not eligible" which all unlock sites say that's what you want to get..
THEY say that they cant find the imei anywhere and that maybe I gave them invalid imei, but I'm sure I did not... this happened with more than 1 service site. any clues? i don't want to return it unless absolutely neccessary
Alright, double check your IMEI to ensure you don't make any mistake. There are three ways to check the IMEI, of course; 1. dial *#06#, browse into Settings, and go through "About phone", and 2. touch "Network Status" if the IMEI is not shown or 3. reboot your phone into Fastboot and scroll the UEFI Fastboot bootloader option down to "Show barcodes". It's easy to make mistakes with long numbers like IMEI - had to triple check mine before submitting the application for the bootloader unlock token.
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I checked, the imei i gave them was the correct one, I wish that was the problem. how can an imei be invalid (not blocked/blacklisted)?isn't there any way to flash something on the phone to sim ulock it? thanks
even services that CHECK if its blacklisted doesnt work with phones IMEI. what is going on here?! thanks
This phone is not blocked—it’s ready to use on the T-Mobile network.
Device Name Not Available
IMEI: *****************
that's what the unlock service site sent me, they said that is the reply they received..
Alright, if you have Straight Talk or maybe a T-Mobile SIM, test it to make sure it's alive.
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You have to have it so long before T-Mo will unlock the device.
Three days minimum if I recall. I had mine unlocked in a week after the purchase, and only have unlocked its UEFI bootloader a few days ago once the LineageOS 18 ROM matured just enough for my liking. Otherwise it's a 40 days wait.
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Proneous said:
Hello,.
I bought a phone, 8t plus (tmobile version). when i try to check imei status it says invalid imei... it came with a deactivated sim card.
i tried paying three different unlock site services for the t-mobile unlock app. but they keep returning to me saying that they could not find the imei or its invalid.
I'm in a real pinch here, I love this phone, what are my options? is there some way to force unlock it with a different firmware or something like this? maybe you've got a clue why my imei doesn't show up anywhere?
many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there!
can you PM me a screen shot of your IMEI, please? I really want to look in this. I have a oneplus 8t. Thanks.
I am outside of the usa at the moment so the T-Mobile SIM card that came with the phone is unable to activate... I'm starting to wonder if that's the only problem
I have found a rather expensive service provider that has full confidence that he can unlock my phone. Will update you further when I have more details.
Is it safe giving my imei to other forum members? can it be used for malicious activity?
Many thanks.
Alrighty, keep us posted.
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try this https://www.oneplus.com/unlock_token
---------- Post added at 10:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:30 AM ----------
Why did you buy a t-mobile phone if you're outside of the usa?
Proneous said:
This phone is not blocked—it’s ready to use on the T-Mobile network.
Device Name Not Available
IMEI: *****************
that's what the unlock service site sent me, they said that is the reply they received..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then use it on TMobile for minimum 3days then unlock it via tforce on facebook or twitter T-Mobile help. But this requires you to have TMobile service. That's the only way you will unlock that phone those unlocking site aren't connected to get the 8t from T-Mobile unlocked that's mainly for samsung devices trust me I run a repair shop and use the unlocking sites. If you can't get TMobile service then you best bet is to return the device if you can't return your SOL until a simunlock bypass come
I'm not from the USA . Anyone got suggestion how to get it activated ? Thanks
Hey friends!
i've promised to update as it unfolds, day before I was supposed to return phone I got it unlocked by a vendor claiming he is working with T-Mobile directly or something like this, and said he can do it although not cheaply.
That guy had a handful of troubles to deal with me as I put him on a timeline, and not only that, bombarded him with conflicting messages before I decided to actually use his service. he was extremely polite and understanding.
may I recommend an ebay vendor here? if yes I will put a link to his store.
thanks!
Proneous said:
Hey friends!
i've promised to update as it unfolds, day before I was supposed to return phone I got it unlocked by a vendor claiming he is working with T-Mobile directly or something like this, and said he can do it although not cheaply.
That guy had a handful of troubles to deal with me as I put him on a timeline, and not only that, bombarded him with conflicting messages before I decided to actually use his service. he was extremely polite and understanding.
may I recommend an ebay vendor here? if yes I will put a link to his store.
thanks!
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Click to collapse
Sounds like you purposely bought a phone that was either lost or stolen in the US and was sold to an overseas buyer because the blacklist on devices from US and Canadian carriers does not extend outside of the US and Canada.
jcsww said:
Sounds like you purposely bought a phone that was either lost or stolen in the US and was sold to an overseas buyer because the blacklist on devices from US and Canadian carriers does not extend outside of the US and Canada.
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Click to collapse
Sounds like you're trying to be holier than thou.
I bought it unbeknownst whether it's blacklisted or not. It was brand new and price was great. Where's the problem? Why should I care where it comes from if it works?
Proneous said:
Sounds like you're trying to be holier than thou.
I bought it unbeknownst whether it's blacklisted or not. It was brand new and price was great. Where's the problem? Why should I care where it comes from if it works?
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Click to collapse
It is more of a buyer beware statement about buying cheap devices from other countries.