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If I purchase the g2x from T-mobile without being a t-mobile customer, will they provide an unlock code?
Go to the store and ask or call them and ask, best way to get solid answers
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I think the phone has to be in service for either 60 or 90 days (don't remember which) and then they'll give you the unlock code. You have to tell them you're traveling internationally. It takes about 24 hours from the time of the request for HTC phones and the code is sent in an e-mail. I just got the code for my G2 which I'm selling to get a G2X. The code for the G2X has to come from LG so I don't know what their turn around time is.
BarryH_GEG said:
I think the phone has to be in service for either 60 or 90 days (don't remember which) and then they'll give you the unlock code. You have to tell them you're traveling internationally. It takes about 24 hours from the time of the request for HTC phones and the code is sent in an e-mail. I just got the code for my G2 which I'm selling to get a G2X. The code for the G2X has to come from LG so I don't know what their turn around time is.
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I've heard if you've been a customer for (60-90? days), even prepaid, they'll give you an unlock code even on a freshly purchased phone. I've got a T-Mo prepaid card that I keep afloat with minimum top-ups for my trips to the US, so if I do buy the G2x or another T-Mo phone I should be able to get the unlock from them.
I thought it was mandatory now. If you ask for the unlock code, they have to give it to you regardless. Guess I was wrong?
Anyone here work at t-mobile that can give any solutions to non t-mobile customers who don't want to open an account?
I suspect this device is carrier locked, but I would buy one if I could confirm that I could use it on AT&T out of the box.
Compatibility AT&T 4G
nomisunrider said:
Anyone here work at t-mobile that can give any solutions to non t-mobile customers who don't want to open an account?
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Click to collapse
Sorry nomisunrider, not trying to hijack your thread, but since we are already Hijacking the o2x forum
I have another question for Non-T-Mobile (AT&T) people.
My question is how compatible is the G2X going to be with AT&T's "4G"?
Also I am currently using Nexus One AT&T 3G, but I am thinking that I should be able to change that to the 4G service without altering my contract, or loosing grandfathered "unlimited data plan"?
Any input or info much appriciated
nomisunrider said:
Anyone here work at t-mobile that can give any solutions to non t-mobile customers who don't want to open an account?
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Click to collapse
T-Mobile isn't in the business of selling phones. They'll only sell you a phone in conjunction with a pre- or post-paid wireless plan. As someone said, out of the box the phone is locked to T-Mobile. You can request an unlock code after 60 or 90 days of maintaining an account in good standing.
nomisunrider said:
Anyone here work at t-mobile that can give any solutions to non t-mobile customers who don't want to open an account?
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Click to collapse
why don't you wait until after the 20th and most likely you will find them online unlocked..just like the t-mobile sg vibrant
I have a friend on t-mobile. Can he call them up and request sim unlock codes?
I am also in this situation but I prefer not to buy from ebay. What about unlocking services? Do they permanently unlock the phone? Does flashing a different ROM on the phone affect the unlock?
nomisunrider said:
Anyone here work at t-mobile that can give any solutions to non t-mobile customers who don't want to open an account?
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Cant get it right away, but I am sure it will be available soon.
http://www.expansys-usa.com/lg-g2x-android-smartphone-unlocked-216928/
I believe the G2X is unlocked out of box I got to review the device today and it has at&t options under network settings like the Nexus One.
If you purchase out right you can get code immediately (meaning requesting the code). If its an upgrade/new activation must wait until buyers remorse is up and not be past due or had an unlock code in last 90 days. I'm not at work now but that's the policy, I believe not sure if its 90 or 60 though can't remember. Hope this helps
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
I've been asking around and several people have informed me that if you purchase the phone for full retail, t-mobile will provide you with an unlock code. I also found this on wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIM_lock#United_States
"One of the two national GSM carriers, T-Mobile,[43] will unlock handsets for those with active account in good standing for at least 40 days and no unlock code request in the last 90 days. T-Mobile will also unlock a phone if the full retail price is paid and proof of purchase is provided through a faxed document. "
nomisunrider said:
I've been asking around and several people have informed me that if you purchase the phone for full retail, t-mobile will provide you with an unlock code. I also found this on wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIM_lock#United_States
"One of the two national GSM carriers, T-Mobile,[43] will unlock handsets for those with active account in good standing for at least 40 days and no unlock code request in the last 90 days. T-Mobile will also unlock a phone if the full retail price is paid and proof of purchase is provided through a faxed document. "
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Click to collapse
There we go that's the policy takes 24 hours for the request to process and up to 7 days to receive the code.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium App
i'm a sales rep and according to our new policy (if reps follow it) we cant even sell phones without service and if you arent a customer (if you did buy the phone full price wo being a customer) we do not provide unlock codes....
h0wlings0nnets said:
i'm a sales rep and according to our new policy (if reps follow it) we cant even sell phones without service and if you arent a customer (if you did buy the phone full price wo being a customer) we do not provide unlock codes....
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Sorry to inform you, but you need to brush up on your company's policies.
I just got off of the phone with t-mobile customer care (1-877-453-1304). I called them because I wanted clarification on this before I purchased 2 full retail price phones.
The program is called the "Sim Subsidy Unlock Program." It is for anyone that purchases a phone for the full retail price from a corporate store or an authorized retailer and pays all of the price upfront.
You need to call customer care, explain that you purchased a phone for full price and request a "remedy request form number." They will then open this request and you then have 7 days to fax the following to the Sim Unlock Team at 1-813-353-6557 :
ATTENTION: SIM UNLOCK TEAM
Full Name
Mobile Number
Email Address
Readable Copy Of Sales Receipt
It takes 24 to 72 hours to process and they will email you instructions to unlock your phone.
Yeah, if you bought the phone full price, then you will not be required to wait any time to unlock the phone. The 3g and 4g frequency will not work well, or at all, because the phone uses 1700 and 2100 for 3g and 4g. The 1700 frequency is exclusive to T-Mobile.
Sent from my LG G2X using XDA App
I know many of you are coming from Vibrant / Galaxy S 4G and hence would like to buy Tmobile G2X unlocked.
I thought it'd be a good idea to have a thread where we have consolidated discounted unlocked pricing options.
Currently it seems $529 - $540 is the unlocked price. Please post if you know any better pricing....
$499 from T-Mobile. Why would you spend anymore than that somewhere else?
jrwingate6 said:
$499 from T-Mobile. Why would you spend anymore than that somewhere else?
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Because we are on at&t.....
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
I think that T-mobile price is off contract, not unlocked. Please correct me if I am wrong as i too am looking to pick one up, but live in another country so must get it unlocked as well.
I was always under the impression that if you bought a phone off contract then all you had to do was call T-Mobile and ask for the unlock code. I don't think they require you to be a T-Mobile customer. After all it's your device.
Word around the campfire is that T-Mobile isn't selling this phone to non-contracted customers, and if you contact them with the device and request a code they'll deny it. It's a t-mobile exclusive phone in the US, and they won't offer up unlock codes unless you're a customer and wait the 90 days, or the phone is no longer exclusive.
This is all rumor so far, but here was a T-Mo sales rep in another thread that said they were given new directives regarding selling off contract phones to non-Tmo customers.
Divinedark said:
Word around the campfire is that T-Mobile isn't selling this phone to non-contracted customers, and if you contact them with the device and request a code they'll deny it. It's a t-mobile exclusive phone in the US, and they won't offer up unlock codes unless you're a customer and wait the 90 days, or the phone is no longer exclusive.
This is all rumor so far, but here was a T-Mo sales rep in another thread that said they were given new directives regarding selling off contract phones to non-Tmo customers.
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Click to collapse
So your telling me, since I am no longer under contract with T-Mobile, I can't walk into there store and purchase the device for $499 retail even though I am a T-Mobile customer?
I would hold off on buying this for AT&T (or other providers) until we get clarification on what bands it supports and how to enable them if needed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1041402
jrwingate6 said:
So your telling me, since I am no longer under contract with T-Mobile, I can't walk into there store and purchase the device for $499 retail even though I am a T-Mobile customer?
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I do the $60 prepaid plan w/ no contract and they sold the phone to me for $499.
almostinsane said:
I do the $60 prepaid plan w/ no contract and they sold the phone to me for $499.
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I just tried it online and they are allowing me to buy the phone off contract as well. cancelled at the last minute cause I already have my on-contract g2x
@Divinedark, you heard the wrong thing through the wrong grapevine. Sorry bro. Your inside source has been proved wrong. I also called T-Mobile and told them I was interested in buying a G2x off contract but only if I were able to get a unlock code for it right away. They said it wouldn't be a problem. I guess you should just go ahead and remove your post since it's false information.
jrwingate6 said:
@Divinedark, you heard the wrong thing through the wrong grapevine. Sorry bro. Your inside source has been proved wrong. I also called T-Mobile and told them I wasn't a customer but I was interested in buying a G2x off contract but only if I were able to get a unlock code for it right away. They said it wouldn't be a problem. I guess you should just go ahead and remove your post since it's false information.
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Click to collapse
I've called Tmobile custom support on multiple different days and they said they would not offer up an unlock code for a non contract phone
AuroEdge said:
I've called Tmobile custom support on multiple different days and they said they would not offer up an unlock code for a non contract phone
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Click to collapse
They did it for me and my Vibrant back in July and I wasn't on contract. Did you word this wrong because if you purchase a phone through a upgrade and are under a contract they will not give you a unlock code since you do not own the device. If you aren't under contract and you purchase the device at retail price then it's all yours and they will give you a unlock code. Whether or not you have to be a T-Mobile customer is a different story.
If you have to be a customer then just purchase the phone retail and sign up for the cheapest plan possible. Ask for a unlock code which you will get within 3 days and then just cancel your account.
I did not word this wrong. I was very explicit about wanting to buy the phone, without contract, and that I am NOT a customer of T-Mobile. Every answer I received was very candid about the fact that their policy is to not give out codes and that they do have a SIM subsidy program for those who are T-Mobile customers. I will add with a grain of salt one might get lucky when they call up customer support and find a representative who does not know the current policy and unlocks your phone. Not likely.
I am going to take a chance and go through a website and pay $14.99 for it.
Customer support does not provide unlock codes. The Sim Unlock Team does.
Read this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=12981927&postcount=19
They have always unlocked devices for me but I guess it's because I am a T-Mobile customer, just not locked into a contract with them. My Vibrant being my most recent device I got unlocked. Just called customer service and they emailed me the unlock code 2 to 3 days later.
Thats kind of childish on there part. There not losing any money by giving you the code since you paid for the device in full. They may have made a little bit of money off you actually. I'm sure they didn't have to pay LG $499. Like you said, your best bet is to pay a 3rd party $15 for a unlock code.
I got great news I just called T Mobile and was upfront of what I was wanting to do with the purchase of the G2x and they said as long as you buy it at full retail price, they said they have the options under their policy to give out unlock phone code at the moment of purchase. So I'm thinking of buying the G2x and than buy a phone on contract with AT&T that has good resale value and sell it, and in a way AT&T is subsidizing my G2x.
lionsson said:
I got great news I just called T Mobile and was upfront of what I was wanting to do with the purchase of the G2x and they said as long as you buy it at full retail price, they said they have the options under their policy to give out unlock phone code at the moment of purchase. So I'm thinking of buying the G2x and than buy a phone on contract with AT&T that has good resale value and sell it, and in a way AT&T is subsidizing my G2x.
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Click to collapse
If you don't currently have a contract with AT&T, one has to ask. Why the hell would you want to go into one? If your in a area where T-Mobile has service, they have less dropped calls and faster download speeds. Every phone I get through T-Mobile has been better call wise and data wise than my Wifes iPhone with AT&T. We live North of Baltimore.
jrwingate6 said:
@Divinedark, you heard the wrong thing through the wrong grapevine. Sorry bro. Your inside source has been proved wrong. I also called T-Mobile and told them I was interested in buying a G2x off contract but only if I were able to get a unlock code for it right away. They said it wouldn't be a problem. I guess you should just go ahead and remove your post since it's false information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stated nothing as fact... bro... I was merely stating that in another of the AT&T threads, someone who said they worked for T-Mo was told just what I wrote. It seems very location specific. Some people are being told they will sell them one, some are saying that they'll sell it, but not give them the code, and some are saying they're not being offered either. So, there you go... bro...
Must be something new...
It has always been T-Mobile's policy to only give unlock codes to current customers who have been with them for at least 90 days and have a good pay history. This is something new if they now allow non customers to buy a device and obtain a lock code. Since the unlock codes must come from LG, I highly doubt anyone would be provided with a unlock code on the day they buy the phone.
Could be some CS reps looking to up their quotas by giving less than accurate information. Get it in writing before you buy.
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.)
Hi;
I currently have Cricket for cell phone service. Yes, I know I do not need it unlocked ATT model to run on Cricket. I paid $935 last Friday, did not activate the ATT sim card that came with the phone but, rather insert my Cricket card and working like a champ. I went to ATT unlock device website but it does not recognize the imei of the phone either as an ATT customer or non ATT customer and thus unable to complete request to unlock it.
Reason I want it unlocked is because I jump based on best price offer for prepaid service available whether it is TMobile, MetroPCS or Cricket.
I called ATT customer service service and after explaining the above matter, they set up a case and said it would be unlocked by today Monday. Sunday I get a email that the feature is now available for my imei on my Apple ipad pro 9.7???? That email made no sense as it is a phone and not an ipad. I called 2x yesterday and they held their ground that I must have it on their gophone or ATT post paid plan for 6 months. I said I am not interested in ATT plans as Cricket is a better bang for their bucks.
Any suggestions how to approach ATT in a different manner to unlock it. I am thinking of just taking it back to BB and ordering the unlock version even thought they are slower on updates. My last option would be to just pay in ebay to get it unlocked.
Any any help will be appreciated,
Ian B
Mr Ian B said:
Hi;
I currently have Cricket for cell phone service. Yes, I know I do not need it unlocked ATT model to run on Cricket. I paid $935 last Friday, did not activate the ATT sim card that came with the phone but, rather insert my Cricket card and working like a champ. I went to ATT unlock device website but it does not recognize the imei of the phone either as an ATT customer or non ATT customer and thus unable to complete request to unlock it.
Reason I want it unlocked is because I jump based on best price offer for prepaid service available whether it is TMobile, MetroPCS or Cricket.
I called ATT customer service service and after explaining the above matter, they set up a case and said it would be unlocked by today Monday. Sunday I get a email that the feature is now available for my imei on my Apple ipad pro 9.7???? That email made no sense as it is a phone and not an ipad. I called 2x yesterday and they held their ground that I must have it on their gophone or ATT post paid plan for 6 months. I said I am not interested in ATT plans as Cricket is a better bang for their bucks.
Any suggestions how to approach ATT in a different manner to unlock it. I am thinking of just taking it back to BB and ordering the unlock version even thought they are slower on updates. My last option would be to just pay in ebay to get it unlocked.
Any any help will be appreciated,
Ian B
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you should just suck it up and pay a service to unlock your phone, I would be scared to return and new one will have issues (red tint) ECT, after seeing the update speed for g935u I will never buy that unlocked us model, why dont you get the g955f ? Battery life and speed looks to be supreme
this makes no sense.
if you on cricket, what's the hurry to unlock it?
att phones work on cricket, no need to unlock
netnerd said:
this makes no sense.
if you on cricket, what's the hurry to unlock it?
att phones work on cricket, no need to unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input but, I guess you did not read my reason why I want it unlocked now and not at their terms.
No worries, phone is being returned today.
Ian B
Mr Ian B said:
Thanks for your input but, I guess you did not read my reason why I want it unlocked now and not at their terms.
No worries, phone is being returned today.
Ian B
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the Verizon version, Verizon has an agreement with the FCC requiring their phones to be unlocked out of the box.
Also S8 Plus at Best Buy $820 outright.
Regards
Its not your problem i also got from att and it look like they didnt update there imei database so wait and try after some time to unlock your device
Rapazzo said:
Get the Verizon version, Verizon has an agreement with the FCC requiring their phones to be unlocked out of the box.
Also S8 Plus at Best Buy $820 outright.
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont see $820.00 on the site for ATT.
Ian B
Mr Ian B said:
Hi;
I currently have Cricket for cell phone service. Yes, I know I do not need it unlocked ATT model to run on Cricket. I paid $935 last Friday, did not activate the ATT sim card that came with the phone but, rather insert my Cricket card and working like a champ. I went to ATT unlock device website but it does not recognize the imei of the phone either as an ATT customer or non ATT customer and thus unable to complete request to unlock it.
Reason I want it unlocked is because I jump based on best price offer for prepaid service available whether it is TMobile, MetroPCS or Cricket.
I called ATT customer service service and after explaining the above matter, they set up a case and said it would be unlocked by today Monday. Sunday I get a email that the feature is now available for my imei on my Apple ipad pro 9.7???? That email made no sense as it is a phone and not an ipad. I called 2x yesterday and they held their ground that I must have it on their gophone or ATT post paid plan for 6 months. I said I am not interested in ATT plans as Cricket is a better bang for their bucks.
Any suggestions how to approach ATT in a different manner to unlock it. I am thinking of just taking it back to BB and ordering the unlock version even thought they are slower on updates. My last option would be to just pay in ebay to get it unlocked.
Any any help will be appreciated,
Ian B
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to activate the service on AT&T and then unlock it. The IMEI is not updated until you activate it. even if you bought it outright. You have to activate it on the plan AT&T gave you and then unlock it. After that you can cancel the AT&T plan and go to where you wish.
I have a AT&T store. If you need more assistants let me know.
If you wanted to pay full retail you should've just ordered from the Samsung website. They give you the unlock code from there. Or visit CellUnlocker and pay $24.99 for a unlock code. it takes two-three days to receive it.
YoungAceAtlanta said:
You have to activate the service on AT&T and then unlock it. The IMEI is not updated until you activate it. even if you bought it outright. You have to activate it on the plan AT&T gave you and then unlock it. After that you can cancel the AT&T plan and go to where you wish.
I have a AT&T store. If you need more assistants let me know.
If you wanted to pay full retail you should've just ordered from the Samsung website. They give you the unlock code from there. Or visit CellUnlocker and pay $24.99 for a unlock code. it takes two-three days to receive it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx for info but phone returned. I was in middle of cricket cycle and was not gonna start attending plan just so I can get unlocked.
Ian B
YoungAceAtlanta said:
You have to activate the service on AT&T and then unlock it. The IMEI is not updated until you activate it. even if you bought it outright. You have to activate it on the plan AT&T gave you and then unlock it. After that you can cancel the AT&T plan and go to where you wish.
I have a AT&T store. If you need more assistants let me know.
If you wanted to pay full retail you should've just ordered from the Samsung website. They give you the unlock code from there. Or visit CellUnlocker and pay $24.99 for a unlock code. it takes two-three days to receive it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do samsung.com send unlock code automatically or is it something I have to request to their customer service?
I just bought AT&T S8+ from Samsung.com. It will be great if I get the unlock code from Samsung once it is shipped out.
If I'm understanding what you said correctly, AT&T's database does not have IMEI of unactivated phone registered. Am I right?
Do you know if inserting an active SIM card from a AT&T customer will activate the phone with AT&T and update IMEI in their database? Opening an AT&T account just to get it unlocked seems too much.
lambition said:
Do samsung.com send unlock code automatically or is it something I have to request to their customer service?
I just bought AT&T S8+ from Samsung.com. It will be great if I get the unlock code from Samsung once it is shipped out.
If I'm understanding what you said correctly, AT&T's database does not have IMEI of unactivated phone registered. Am I right?
Do you know if inserting an active SIM card from a AT&T customer will activate the phone with AT&T and update IMEI in their database? Opening an AT&T account just to get it unlocked seems too much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in the same situation as you and would like to know the answer to this too. Thank you
Same issue here, I paid full retail for Verizon version first but had a ton of issues with the phone switching to 3g for calls and missing calls on it. I exchanged for AT&T version but cannot get the unlock code. I have tried the online portal, called AT&T and Samsung with no luck. I pretty much stick with cricket so I'm not in a hurry to unlock, it's more the point that I paid $945 for my phone and want the code for resale purposes or if I decide to switch carriers.
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/252902295417
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 06:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:13 PM ----------
It worked for me. Activate it on att network first gophone sim and make a 5 minute call
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Had the same issue with mine. Bought it from Samsung and I'm a ATT Prepaid Customer. ATT unlock device portal didn't work. So i went to ATT Community forums, and sent a Private message to @ ATTMobilityCare there. Mention my details, IMEI and the issue. They got in touch with me and my unlock request is processed immediately and got the code.
Something happened to me but if you contact AT&T tech service they were expedit the case and email you an unlock code it take about three days. That's what I did, but I couldn't wait on AT&T because I had to travel that week so I paid fastgsm to unlock my phone and it was only $20 it took 24 hours. Fastgsm and AT&T were the exact on lock code.
lambition said:
Do samsung.com send unlock code automatically or is it something I have to request to their customer service?
I just bought AT&T S8+ from Samsung.com. It will be great if I get the unlock code from Samsung once it is shipped out.
If I'm understanding what you said correctly, AT&T's database does not have IMEI of unactivated phone registered. Am I right?
Do you know if inserting an active SIM card from a AT&T customer will activate the phone with AT&T and update IMEI in their database? Opening an AT&T account just to get it unlocked seems too much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep just got declined using the unlock portal... opened an account on the forums and contacted the attmobcare you stated. Hopefully they can assist me too.
eaglerazor123 said:
Had the same issue with mine. Bought it from Samsung and I'm a ATT Prepaid Customer. ATT unlock device portal didn't work. So i went to ATT Community forums, and sent a Private message to @ ATTMobilityCare there. Mention my details, IMEI and the issue. They got in touch with me and my unlock request is processed immediately and got the code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mkalbarc said:
Yep just got declined using the unlock portal... opened an account on the forums and contacted the attmobcare you stated. Hopefully they can assist me too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They declined my request again using the forums. They said it was because I didn't buy it directly from AT&T they couldn't do it. Said I have to contact Samsung to get it unlocked. Why is this such a pain in the @ss...
Annnnnd Samsung told me it's AT&T s job to give the unlock code... wth. Is unlocking phones like something new? I actually thought I read somewhere it is like law now to unlock phones... smh... bought phone outright from Sammy, now using it with AT&T and have been a customer with them for like 12 years. I'm stumped...
So I had the same issue as the last 2 posters. I bought my ATT version direct from Samsung. Right after I got it on the 20th, I applied via the ATT portal for an unlock. I got rejected at that time. A couple days ago, I called support and I was told to call Samsung by ATT. Of course calling Samsung results in them telling you to call ATT. So I called yesterday, talked to tech support again, and this time they re-did the request for the unlock. I assume he used the same portal, because I got the standard email saying I need to hit reply to the email within 24hrs, or the case would be closed. Today I got the unlock code. Not sure if it was because I needed tech to submit the request, or the phone needed time to show up in the database.
Bottom line, Samsung cannot unlock the phone, only ATT can.
mkalbarc said:
Yep just got declined using the unlock portal... opened an account on the forums and contacted the attmobcare you stated. Hopefully they can assist me too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EvoKnvl said:
So I had the same issue as the last 2 posters. I bought my ATT version direct from Samsung. Right after I got it on the 20th, I applied via the ATT portal for an unlock. I got rejected at that time. A couple days ago, I called support and I was told to call Samsung by ATT. Of course calling Samsung results in them telling you to call ATT. So I called yesterday, talked to tech support again, and this time they re-did the request for the unlock. I assume he used the same portal, because I got the standard email saying I need to hit reply to the email within 24hrs, or the case would be closed. Today I got the unlock code. Not sure if it was because I needed tech to submit the request, or the phone needed time to show up in the database.
Bottom line, Samsung cannot unlock the phone, only ATT can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow soo I finally got my unlock code as well. I had to call the AT&T tech support, they had no idea why my portal request was denied and supplied the unlock code to me over the phone. So if anyone out there is in a similar situation just save yourself the hassle and call AT&T support.
I'm trying to use my Moto G Stylus 2021 on T-Mobile but it's locked to Boost Mobile. I bought it with the assumption that since T-Mobile bought Sprint, and Sprint owning Boost, it would work the T-Mobile. Wrong I was and I haven't had the phone for nearly enough time for them to unlock it for me. In the past I've just paid for the service, money is extremely tight right now for me. Any suggestiins would be a lifesaver.
caubol77 said:
I'm trying to use my Moto G Stylus 2021 on T-Mobile but it's locked to Boost Mobile. I bought it with the assumption that since T-Mobile bought Sprint, and Sprint owning Boost, it would work the T-Mobile. Wrong I was and I haven't had the phone for nearly enough time for them to unlock it for me. In the past I've just paid for the service, money is extremely tight right now for me. Any suggestiins would be a lifesaver.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it on a payment plan or did you pay in full? Often, as long as you don't owe anything on it, customer service will unlock it.
I paid for it fully. With Boost Mobile you are expected to have uninterrupted service for 12 months with them in order to have them network unlock a phone.
elrod16 said:
Is it on a payment plan or did you pay in full? Often, as long as you don't owe anything on it, customer service will unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boost here, unlocked
Just another word of caution: even though Sprint acquired both, if you live in a rural or somewhat remote location there is a chance that T-Mobile towers in the area might still use cellular technologies that aren't compatible with Boost devices.
I definitely don't have any kinda "expert" knowledge on the current state of their networks. I do however live in the middle of nowhere myself and it typically takes years before network switchovers and upgrades are fully deployed around me. So, just something you might want to ask about before getting too set on this plan. I know where I am T-Mobile (aside from having next to no service) was TDMA and Boost locally *still* uses CDMA.
elrod16 said:
Is it on a payment plan or did you pay in full? Often, as long as you don't owe anything on it, customer service will unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ShayBox said:
Boost here, unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called and they told me no. Am I not asking the right questions or saying the right things to them?
caubol77 said:
I called and they told me no. Am I not asking the right questions or saying the right things to them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went through the run around with them about two weeks ago when I switched to Fi. Took over an hour and having to call again just to get another service rep because the original guy wouldn't stop stalling. Or maybe he had no clue what I was asking him to do. He wouldn't give me my account number for porting my number either.
I'm not sure what other DIY alternatives you have, I don't following the unlocking scene, but I get why you wouldn't wanna shell out $30-$40 bucks for some stranger to mess with your phone.
ShayBox said:
Boost here, unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
brand new here i get all the way to getting unlock code i send command and it gives me 2 options so i use volume down to go to unlock but when i press power button it goes back to previous screen????