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Anyone know how or where to unlock the new G2? I want to use it with ATT LOL
Is there a method or a website I can get the unlock code?
Thanks!
Ps. I had the samsung captivate but the gps and lag on that thing made me return it. That's why I bought the G2.
You do realize that it won't work on ATT's 3G ; only EDGE?
Also, you might want to wait for the NA version of the Desire Z going to Canada ; you might pick up one of those since they have the 850Mhz band used for ATT's 3G.
About the unlock, you will have to wait for the phone to officially launch all over, and then unlock codes should pop up soon on eBay and other such sites.
Superfrag said:
You do realize that it won't work on ATT's 3G ; only EDGE?
Also, you might want to wait for the NA version of the Desire Z going to Canada ; you might pick up one of those since they have the 850Mhz band used for ATT's 3G.
About the unlock, you will have to wait for the phone to officially launch all over, and then unlock codes should pop up soon on eBay and other such sites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I'm aware that it will only work on edge.
The disire z is running sense which I don't want. I want as much stock android 2.2 on the phone. Besides the discontinued nexus one, this is my only choice.
Thanks for your reply.
Superfrag said:
About the unlock, you will have to wait for the phone to officially launch all over, and then unlock codes should pop up soon on eBay and other such sites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or.....if you're an existing T-mobile customer you can call them and request the unlock code.....That always seems to be the easiest way.
Yup, if you've bought it from them, and have been a customer for quite a while, just tell them that you need the unlock code since you travel a lot, and they should give it to you.
I see your point about being totally stock, however, some users have flashed the G2 ROM on the Desire Z with no hiccups, and thus getting Stock Android.
would you guys say that t-mobile can give me the unlock code even if did not buy the phone from them? lets say i bought it at best buy. i do have t-mobile account for my brother. but i bought the g2 full price from best buy.
As long as you have an account they should do it.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Circazero said:
would you guys say that t-mobile can give me the unlock code even if did not buy the phone from them? lets say i bought it at best buy. i do have t-mobile account for my brother. but i bought the g2 full price from best buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have your brother call them and tell CS that he bought the G2 and is planning an international trip and wants the unlock code. Simple
you should buy a desire z and flash a vanilla ROM on it so you'll get 3G support. Why get a super nice smart phone and only use EDGE?
funkadesi said:
have your brother call them and tell CS that he bought the G2 and is planning an international trip and wants the unlock code. Simple
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't even need to say that. Just say you want it unlocked--you just need 40 days of active service. Check T-Mobile's SIM Unlock policy, it's the first hit on Google for "T-Mobile SIM Unlock".
Well my brother has had his account for over 5 years already. Well try calling and ask
For the unlock code because I "am leaving the country for travel" lol
Circazero said:
Well my brother has had his account for over 5 years already. Well try calling and ask
For the unlock code because I "am leaving the country for travel" lol
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Click to collapse
i tell them this all the time you will have to wait about a wk for your unlock code it will be sent you via email from htc
xile6 said:
i tell them this all the time you will have to wait about a wk for your unlock code it will be sent you via email from htc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once they give you the unlock code The phone will be unlocke for ever? I should save the Code somewhere right?
Circazero said:
Once they give you the unlock code The phone will be unlocke for ever? I should save the Code somewhere right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once its unlocked its unlocked . I always get mines done via tmobile live chat because u dont get all that chit chat just and ok all put that order n for u an ur have the code in 1-7days.
Also note to enter the code u must put a non tmobile sim n the phone then it will ask for unlock code. Thats how they all have worked but I havent unlocked my g2 yet tho
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
xile6 said:
Once its unlocked its unlocked . I always get mines done via tmobile live chat because u dont get all that chit chat just and ok all put that order n for u an ur have the code in 1-7days.
Also note to enter the code u must put a non tmobile sim n the phone then it will ask for unlock code. Thats how they all have worked but I havent unlocked my g2 yet tho
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do they ask for exactly?
Do they charge u for the unlock code?
stupid question but....
I don't get signal in my new house, but my friends on verison and att do. If I unlock my sim, does that mean I can use those towers when i don't have signal, or does that just mean I could switch my carrier and keep my phone? I had a rooted G1 and when I traveled to my mom's house who's town did not have t-mobile yet, I was able to use thier local carriers signal, I didn't know if everyone could do that, or if it was because my phone was rooted or what. anywho, sorry for rambling, but if someone could kindly make me less stupid be answering my question...
tekkaman_01 said:
stupid question but....
I don't get signal in my new house, but my friends on verison and att do. If I unlock my sim, does that mean I can use those towers when i don't have signal, or does that just mean I could switch my carrier and keep my phone? I had a rooted G1 and when I traveled to my mom's house who's town did not have t-mobile yet, I was able to use thier local carriers signal, I didn't know if everyone could do that, or if it was because my phone was rooted or what. anywho, sorry for rambling, but if someone could kindly make me less stupid be answering my question...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when we say "Unlock" we mean that you can put any simcard and the phone will pick up signal depending on the carrier.
if there are no towers near you, if you have roaming enabled, your phone will roam using other towers but they may charge you for that as far as i know.
Just called Tmobile to unlock
They said I could, that they would give me the code, but that the G2 is still not in their system, so they can't request unlock codes for this phone.
They asked me to call again in a few days.
Does that make sense?
Circazero said:
What do they ask for exactly?
Do they charge u for the unlock code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U call/live chat. I say hi I will like to get the unlick code for my phone as I will be going out if the counrty for vacation, and would like to use my phone.
They normally say let me check our acc. Then they say they will put the order n. They need your phone # and last 4 ss#
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
im planning on calling tmo tomorrow since thats when the g2 will officially be in their system
Okay i will b getting my HD2 today and its on T-Mo and im on ATT i know i need to unlock it to use it on Att but i want to run Andriod on it.
Now the question would be do i have to unlock it prior to using andriod via nand or can i just unlock it in andriod or will it remove the unlock ?
There's no hack to unlock it, you're gonna need a code. Reportedly unlock codes work fine in Android, but you might just as well unlock it in WinMo. Flashing another firmware does not remove the unlock code.
StephanV said:
There's no hack to unlock it, you're gonna need a code. Reportedly unlock codes work fine in Android, but you might just as well unlock it in WinMo. Flashing another firmware does not remove the unlock code.
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Click to collapse
I know i would need to unlock it via code. I just wanted to make sure if i unlocked it via Winmo i could just go ahead and install andriod. Thanks i will be doing that today.
Question is there a good site that provides that service cause i have heard of some shaddy webpages
I recommend getting a code from ebay, it worked for me.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
same for me
M
hd2life said:
I recommend getting a code from ebay, it worked for me.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App
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ebay cost me £6 and took 12hours. The local shop wanted 30 and the phone for 2 days
I'm not sure but I think you can call T-Mobile and they will give you the code for free. There was a post some time ago talking about this. Maybe you can look it up and see what people have done to get the code.
I will be trying to get the code 1st off of Tmobile see if that works i spoke to a buddy of mine that works there. He said that they have to give it to you no matter what. Since i dont have there service i will have my firend call it in and she been a customer for ages of theres.
i will post back once i get a response
*Edit*
So we called last night they said 24hrs been about so no email yet.
I got the code its unlocked but now no 3g speeds that is so disappointing
No 3g speeds on aT&t? Well that's expected since aT&t operates on 3g bands the HD2 doesn't support.
Colombia81er said:
I got the code its unlocked but now no 3g speeds that is so disappointing
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Click to collapse
The only way you would be able to use AT&T network is if you buy the Telstra HD2 T9193 other than that your just going to be stuck on edge.
I'm wondering if anyone on here has "unlocked" their phones for GSM use. I tried an ATT prepaid SIM, and it said I had to enter the SIM pin, and I had 100 tries. I didn't know what this was, so I gave up.
Anyone call Verizon to "unlock" their Trophy? I want to pull an I'm going overseas excuse (actually I am going overseas - but not till September) and ask them if they can unlock my phone.
I don't mean unlocking in terms of unlocking it for developer use!
Thanks!
Yes, I did it about a week after it was released...
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/htc-7-trophy/144400-how-sim-unlock-your-trophy-official-way.html
I hear now they have it all sorted out and have the codes readily available. It was really simple.
bigboy292000 said:
Yes, I did it about a week after it was released...
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/htc-7-trophy/144400-how-sim-unlock-your-trophy-official-way.html
I hear now they have it all sorted out and have the codes readily available. It was really simple.
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Click to collapse
Cool, so I was on the right track. I figured I'd just need to call VZW..
Thanks!
[SOLVED]
Ok, A bit of a problem. Trying to SIM Unlock a Motorola Bravo MB520 that ISN'T on the AT&T carrier.
It's on Cellular One, a carrier I was not familiar with until I had shut down the phone and turned it back on to see their logo on boot screen. So I did some research, tried to call a store that's a state away but all I got was busy signal, every time.
Cellularone.com website was more than not helpful. No numbers to call, just a form to fill out for email. No address, no phone numbers, not even a live chat.
Cellularoneonline.com is strictly for certain area codes only, which I found redundant. Tried to call the 1800 number they had listed, but only got a friendly "F off" from an automated machine telling me to check "cellularone.com"
Tried to do it locally. Wanted $50 for all sim unlocks. Hell, No. LOL
Turned to motofan.ru, 6 days later and no response. Yeah I understand it takes time, but ya know.
Rather iffy on trying the Defy SIM Unlock as recommended on another thread as it's for a completely different phone. (I'm familiar with android enough to be iffy about such things as coming from the Droid X2 to the DInc2.)
I purchased this device from a garage sale as a test to myself to root it, unlock it, and keep it on the side incase something happens to my DInc2.
Everything works, looks almost brand new, just no charging/USB cable(s), device only.
Any help is appreciated, and will keep this bookmarked and will keep checking it for the meanwhile to check on any updates.
If you need anything from me in regards to the device like IMEI, info about the phone like kernel, baseband, etc, post and I'll get it to the thread asap (Exception is the IMEI, I'll send it through a private message)
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BladeMaverick said:
Well, fortunately the device is already unlocked since it's on a "local" carrier. Just went to T-Mobile because I was switching from Verizon, to Net10, then to T-Mobile thanks to some shenanigans from Net10 not wanting to port but did port my number from Verizon. (Long story short, Net10 Tech support is about like Dell. Outsourcing. 'nuff said on that topic. Stating that I would have to purchase another Sim card for my number to work on their network, for their mistake in the port.
T-Mobile tested the device for me, it was already unlocked. Just got T-Mobile and the device works perfect. Welp one mystery solved. Sorry about that. >_<;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should look into the Defy Sim Unlock solution. While I understand your reservations about it, nearly EVERYTHING that works on the Defy will work on the Bravo, provided it doesn't touch the bootloader or deal with the Camera. We've been running Defy roms and apps for as long as I've had my Bravo, and I can tell you that sometimes they even work better for us than for the Defy they're made for. Defy and Bravo have the same partition table, kernels, almost all drivers (camera sticks out) and software -- the biggest differences are bootloader version, efuse levels, camera, and search button.
I'd suggest calling ATT, but you have to be a customer to get the sim unlocked from them. Unless motofan.ru comes through, you either have to pay up or use the Defy tool.
As for your kernel/baseband, we only have the one kernel and a few extra basebands that work from Defy Baseband Switcher, so its rather easy to figure out what you're using.
To give you an idea of how very similar the Bravo and the Defy are, it only takes changing 3 libraries, 2 modules, mot_ise_imager_cfg.bin from /etc/, and replacing 2 folders, and editing the build.prop to port Defy CM9. One folder is /lib/hw/ and the other is /etc/motorola/ (baseband). Oh, and all libraries and modules are all camera related -- /etc/motorola/ is all that's really needed, but then you could just use Baseband Swither -- so nothing really needs to be done to make it work, just some extra work for the camera to be functional. (And yes, I have been porting a lot today)
To get past blur setup, you can just type "eebluroffee" on the first screen. If it doesn't work, remove the keyboard, call it back up, and try again. I recommend waiting about 2 minutes AFTER the screen comes on before entering the code -- a lot of crap is still loading up and key presses can be missed by the system.
Then root it and install any custom rom available -- any are better than the stock Froyo or Eclair.
Aight, I'll give the Defy SIM unlock a whirl tomorrow either at work or after.
Unfortunately I'm not an AT&T customer, I'm with Verizon ATM and don't know anyone off hand who is an AT&T customer. About everyone I know is either Sprint or Verizon. xD; Yeah AT&T is around town, but I don't know anyone with the carrier. So I guess that option is chucked out the door. <_>;
BladeMaverick said:
Aight, I'll give the Defy SIM unlock a whirl tomorrow either at work or after.
Unfortunately I'm not an AT&T customer, I'm with Verizon ATM and don't know anyone off hand who is an AT&T customer. About everyone I know is either Sprint or Verizon. xD; Yeah AT&T is around town, but I don't know anyone with the carrier. So I guess that option is chucked out the door. <_>;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd offer, but I'm on my parents family plan and don't have the passcode to get the sim -- already tried once for someone else.
Well, fortunately the device is already unlocked since it's on a "local" carrier. Just went to T-Mobile because I was switching from Verizon, to Net10, then to T-Mobile thanks to some shenanigans from Net10 not wanting to port but did port my number from Verizon. (Long story short, Net10 Tech support is about like Dell. Outsourcing. 'nuff said on that topic. Stating that I would have to purchase another Sim card for my number to work on their network, for their mistake in the port.
T-Mobile tested the device for me, it was already unlocked. Just got T-Mobile and the device works perfect. Welp one mystery solved. Sorry about that. >_<;
Sorry to revive a dead thread but google and the forum search arent helping me find the defy unlock. I got the same phone and want to put it on strait talk but put the sim in and it asks for a sim unlock code. I thought consumer cellular already unlocked the phone but I guess not.....
AndroidGreg said:
Sorry to revive a dead thread but google and the forum search arent helping me find the defy unlock. I got the same phone and want to put it on strait talk but put the sim in and it asks for a sim unlock code. I thought consumer cellular already unlocked the phone but I guess not.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the Defy Sim Unlock Thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=34729215
Don't flash the file Baseband_change(EP93_U_00.59.01).zip or you'll have to flash the sbf to recover (boots straight to bootloader recovery\sbf interface). Its supposed to only work for CM based roms and for a different baseband than what we have, but its still worth trying since it won't brick you (its only a modified file and an init.rc patch). Just make a nandroid beforehand and you'll be set. I recommend using CM7 for trying this out. Stock Bravo System won't work.
I also wouldn't try to guess the IMEI unlock code -- you only have so many wrong tries (10 I think, not positive on that) before any attempts, even the paid for correct code, won't work -- meaning you'll be sim locked forever.
If that doesn't work, you're next option is to go to motofan.ru and see if they can unlock your phone (I just checked and apparently they're not issuing codes right now).
After trying those options and still no luck, all you can do is buy the code from somewhere online\previous carrier\maybe ATT???
//They really shouldn't make it so difficult to switch carriers.
I also have a bravo that i just now realized was from Cellular One. It was stuck in a bootloop, so I flashed a stock sbf before I realized it wasn't ATT. Any idea of where I can find a Cellular One sbf? I thought the sim card reader was messed, but it is probably just the fact that I used the wrong firmware.
AndroidGreg said:
Sorry to revive a dead thread but google and the forum search arent helping me find the defy unlock. I got the same phone and want to put it on strait talk but put the sim in and it asks for a sim unlock code. I thought consumer cellular already unlocked the phone but I guess not.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know of any way to tell the difference between an att and another carrier bravo? I bought one of ebay that was advertised as att but all unlockers say its not?
At&t Bravos have the logo and "at&t" in the bottom center of the front bezel.
marcelarr said:
Do you know of any way to tell the difference between an att and another carrier bravo? I bought one of ebay that was advertised as att but all unlockers say its not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should know by the software installed on it. AT&T has a ton of branded apps on it in the stock version. My bravo says AT&T at the bottom of the screen under the buttons, but above the mic.
You could also try an IMEI checker, such as http://swappa.com/esn
Get IMEI number here: http://www.att.com/esupport/article.jsp?sid=KB100016&cv=820#fbid=0-J0SOWaA6d
NickKG81 said:
You should know by the software installed on it. AT&T has a ton of branded apps on it in the stock version. My bravo says AT&T at the bottom of the screen under the buttons, but above the mic.
You could also try an IMEI checker, such as http://swappa.com/esn
Get IMEI number here: http://www.att.com/esupport/article.jsp?sid=KB100016&cv=820#fbid=0-J0SOWaA6d
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMEI checker says its ATT... but it has absolutely no ATT apps. It must be some kind of weird version, because Ive had 2 other Bravos previously and both of them had a ton of ATT apps I froze. Problem is Ive tried 2 different unlock methods and neither have given me a code, one said it was not ATT and the other one told me they did not find the code.
marcelarr said:
IMEI checker says its ATT... but it has absolutely no ATT apps. It must be some kind of weird version, because Ive had 2 other Bravos previously and both of them had a ton of ATT apps I froze. Problem is Ive tried 2 different unlock methods and neither have given me a code, one said it was not ATT and the other one told me they did not find the code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you just tried calling ATT yet?
Be careful, there is a limit of how many times you can enter in an incorrect unlock code, then it is tied to the carrier forever. I dont know how many times. It's on motorola or att's website.
NickKG81 said:
Have you just tried calling ATT yet?
Be careful, there is a limit of how many times you can enter in an incorrect unlock code, then it is tied to the carrier forever. I dont know how many times. It's on motorola or att's website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes... I have calle ATT and they say they will get back to me in 8 days by email with the code... probably. Crossing my fingers. Yea... I have not entered any code yet.
marcelarr said:
Yes... I have calle ATT and they say they will get back to me in 8 days by email with the code... probably. Crossing my fingers. Yea... I have not entered any code yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Att gave me the wrong code, as a last resort I ordered from cellunlocker.net
At first they gave me the same code as ATT, but when I contacted them about it, they offered to check another database and get back to me. They provided another code, 16 digits this time, and it worked! Thrilled to have a bravo again.
Alright, got a pretty wacky situation here. Trying to see if anyone has any ideas of how to fix this.
I bought an S10+ Verizon firmware from Swappa a few days ago. I intended to use it with T-Mobile. Good deal, good transaction, all good right? Wrong...
It was my understanding that most Verizon phones were unlocked and that I could just flash the Unlocked or T-Mobile firmware to get full T-Mobile functionality.
On receiving the phone I got a "This phone is locked, contact Verizon at etc etc" message. I shrugged and flashed it over to unlocked firmware, where I was met with an "Invalid SIM card. Network locked SIM card inserted." and "PIN to unlock SIM service provider" window. So the phone was locked. Here's my troubleshooting steps from there.
Contacted Verizon support online. They said they lock all their phones for 60 days now as of late July. I said I'd bought it used, they said it had been bought at Walmart recently and there was nothing they could do.
Contacted the seller. He gave me his proof of purchase that the phone was bought new from Samsung.com back in March. I used a site to check the IMEI and the phone was legit from March, and not reported stolen or sketchy at all. Samsung.com specifically says they don't lock their phones and it was well before the 60 day policy anyway.
Contacted Verizon support where they said the phone was purchased as a Verizon phone so it can't be used with other networks. I should sign up for Verizon to enjoy all the features of my phone ? ....and also have it activated on the network so it could be cleared and unlocked. Alright...
I took the phone to a Verizon store where they put an active Verizon SIM in it. Verizon SIM worked great, T-Mobile still had an unlock code. The employee was confused and said they've never entered an Unlock PIN before so he sent me to corporate Verizon support store they had nearby.
Corporate Verizon store was a ton more helpful and the guy called up their god-tier upper support guys. Those guys took over an hour fiddling with things and along the way determined that the phone and it's IMEI were all clear, not stolen, and unlocked. The previous owner had a clean account and was in good standing. The store guy said he'd never seen anything like this and in his four years he'd never entered a SIM pin before. They additionally made sure I hadn't accidentally encrypted my SIM with a pin (I hadn't) and that all the default Verizon 000000, 123456, and 111111 codes weren't going to work. They recommended I contact Samsung support.
Samsung support thought I was an idiot and said that all the phones sold on their storefront are locked and I should contact Verizon to get it unlocked. I tried explaining all of the above but it was like talking to a brick wall.
So what have I tried?
Flashed the phone from Verizon to Unlocked to T-Mobile to Unlocked firmware using Frija and patched Odin. Verizon firmware throws a "contact Verizon" message and sometimes a code window, unlocked gives me code window, and T-Mobile just says it's locked and doesn't give me anything.
I have tried Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile SIMs from my friends. T-Mobile and AT&T work for a couple minutes completely normally on reboot. Connection establishes, data, text, and calls come in. Then it locks up and doesn't work. Verizon SIM works entirely normally, but doesn't unlock phone even after being left in for an hour.
Going forward I am going to try
Ask the internet for help. I've googled the living daylights out of this problem and I can't find anyone in my situation. Help?
[\LIST]
Flash the phone back to Verizon firmware. Perhaps the unlock mechanism works somewhere in the firmware and only when it's connected to the Verizon network. Take it to the store, have them pop a Verizon SIM in for a bit, and hope for the best. Flashing from Unlocked to VZW firmware isn't working right now for some odd reason though. It's going back to TMB instead and I'm confused about that to.
[\LIST]
Figure out how to get non-incompetent support out of Verizon (though I've mostly gotten there already) or Samsung and see if someone can help me. When I had to unlock my T-Mobile S8 I bought from Samsung, the IMEI numbers weren't passed to T-Mobile so the regular support people said it was impossible. Eventually I got in contact with someone who broke me out of idiot-land and directly contacted a network engineer who solved the problem in less than 10 minutes. Maybe I can find a network engineer at Verizon?
I could use a sketchy SIM unlock website. Is there any not-sketchy ones?
There's an XDA thread for S10+ U & U1 updates by the mod ibowtoandroid. I believe he has an unlock service that's legit but apparently not cheap. If you read through that thread you might find information helpful for your situation. But if you post a question that was previously answered you will likely be told to read through the thread even though the person who tells you that could have actually answered your question in the same amount of time. It's not the friendliest thread but you might find your answer.
There is a lot of discussion about switching carrier firmware. Since your phone shows up as locked by Verizon even though it shouldn't be you might need to use a Verizon SIM for 48 hours before the phone will revert back to unlocked status--at the time your phone was originally purchased it was necessary to use a Verizon SIM on their branded phones for 48 hours before they could be switched to another carrier.
It's possible you got that message when you purchased your phone because the 48 hour clock started over for some reason but that's only a guess--the ibowtoandroid guy is far more knowledgeable since he actually has a business that unlocks phones.
Are you sure the person who you bought your phone from actually unlocked it before selling it to you? Even if the phone shows up as a device that should be unlocked the previous owner who had the Verizon service might have needed to call Verizon to verify the phone's unlock status before selling it.
Sometimes people accidentally relock these phones when flashing carrier firmware. It doesn't sound like you did that based on your description but if the previous owner flashed firmware to completely reset the phone instead of just performing a factory reset he might have accidentally relocked your phone on the software end.
based on wat ur saying the phone definitely seems to b carrier locked. I got an A50 from verizon and it does the same ecact thing..
theres services online you can use or some boxes have methods as well.. my tmo a10e for example was locked but chimera tool has a neat feature called carrier relock.. it essentially locks it to up to 64 carriers instead of actually unlocking the sim..
one thing i suggest tho is dont try to do it urself unless ur a seasoned expert lol.. i tried on a n976v and after a few harmless at commands it completely killed my imei and cert and mipi etc etc
camwow13 said:
Alright, got a pretty wacky situation here. Trying to see if anyone has any ideas of how to fix this.
I bought an S10+ Verizon firmware from Swappa a few days ago. I intended to use it with T-Mobile. Good deal, good transaction, all good right? Wrong...
It was my understanding that most Verizon phones were unlocked and that I could just flash the Unlocked or T-Mobile firmware to get full T-Mobile functionality.
On receiving the phone I got a "This phone is locked, contact Verizon at etc etc" message. I shrugged and flashed it over to unlocked firmware, where I was met with an "Invalid SIM card. Network locked SIM card inserted." and "PIN to unlock SIM service provider" window. So the phone was locked. Here's my troubleshooting steps from there.
Contacted Verizon support online. They said they lock all their phones for 60 days now as of late July. I said I'd bought it used, they said it had been bought at Walmart recently and there was nothing they could do.
Contacted the seller. He gave me his proof of purchase that the phone was bought new from Samsung.com back in March. I used a site to check the IMEI and the phone was legit from March, and not reported stolen or sketchy at all. Samsung.com specifically says they don't lock their phones and it was well before the 60 day policy anyway.
Contacted Verizon support where they said the phone was purchased as a Verizon phone so it can't be used with other networks. I should sign up for Verizon to enjoy all the features of my phone ? ....and also have it activated on the network so it could be cleared and unlocked. Alright...
I took the phone to a Verizon store where they put an active Verizon SIM in it. Verizon SIM worked great, T-Mobile still had an unlock code. The employee was confused and said they've never entered an Unlock PIN before so he sent me to corporate Verizon support store they had nearby.
Corporate Verizon store was a ton more helpful and the guy called up their god-tier upper support guys. Those guys took over an hour fiddling with things and along the way determined that the phone and it's IMEI were all clear, not stolen, and unlocked. The previous owner had a clean account and was in good standing. The store guy said he'd never seen anything like this and in his four years he'd never entered a SIM pin before. They additionally made sure I hadn't accidentally encrypted my SIM with a pin (I hadn't) and that all the default Verizon 000000, 123456, and 111111 codes weren't going to work. They recommended I contact Samsung support.
Samsung support thought I was an idiot and said that all the phones sold on their storefront are locked and I should contact Verizon to get it unlocked. I tried explaining all of the above but it was like talking to a brick wall.
So what have I tried?
Flashed the phone from Verizon to Unlocked to T-Mobile to Unlocked firmware using Frija and patched Odin. Verizon firmware throws a "contact Verizon" message and sometimes a code window, unlocked gives me code window, and T-Mobile just says it's locked and doesn't give me anything.
I have tried Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile SIMs from my friends. T-Mobile and AT&T work for a couple minutes completely normally on reboot. Connection establishes, data, text, and calls come in. Then it locks up and doesn't work. Verizon SIM works entirely normally, but doesn't unlock phone even after being left in for an hour.
Going forward I am going to try
Ask the internet for help. I've googled the living daylights out of this problem and I can't find anyone in my situation. Help?
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Flash the phone back to Verizon firmware. Perhaps the unlock mechanism works somewhere in the firmware and only when it's connected to the Verizon network. Take it to the store, have them pop a Verizon SIM in for a bit, and hope for the best. Flashing from Unlocked to VZW firmware isn't working right now for some odd reason though. It's going back to TMB instead and I'm confused about that to.
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Figure out how to get non-incompetent support out of Verizon (though I've mostly gotten there already) or Samsung and see if someone can help me. When I had to unlock my T-Mobile S8 I bought from Samsung, the IMEI numbers weren't passed to T-Mobile so the regular support people said it was impossible. Eventually I got in contact with someone who broke me out of idiot-land and directly contacted a network engineer who solved the problem in less than 10 minutes. Maybe I can find a network engineer at Verizon?
I could use a sketchy SIM unlock website. Is there any not-sketchy ones?
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hi, did you manage to solve the problem? mine S10 also asks for an unlock code 5 minutes after turning it on.
wwwxxx1982 said:
hi, did you manage to solve the problem? mine S10 also asks for an unlock code 5 minutes after turning it on.
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Click to collapse
Hello!
Yes I did solve the situation! Here's the steps that I used to unlock my Verizon Galaxy S10+
I had changed the firmware to unlocked firmware using Odin and Freya. This was premature.
Verizon does not do unlock codes. You need to have the Verizon firmware on the phone, a Verizon SIM card from a friend, access to the Verizon account, and like an hour of spare time.
Pop the Verizon SIM into your phone, you can get them from a friend, convince a Verizon store guy to help ya out, or just pay a few bucks for a prepaid plan. The phone has to be on the Verizon network for this to work.
Call up Verizon technical support. Tell them you've got a phone to unlock and have been working with their Tier 2 team to square things away. You have to be transferred to Tier 2.
Important to note that Verizon has instigated a 60 day locking policy to prevent theft and whatnot on their network. If the phone was purchased less than 60 days ago and activated on Verizon's network than you're outa luck. You got to wait. If you don't fall under this restriction, you should make sure the support people understand because they'll assume that's what's happening... a lot.
The Tier 2 people generally know what they're doing. They'll verify the device's IMEI and that it hasn't been stolen, is paid off, and that your Verizon account is in good standing. They'll need the PIN access code from the Verizon account holder or a two step verification with another one of their phones.
Once they run the unlock process you should get a text saying the phone is now unlocked. Leave the SIM in for another hour or two to allow the process to complete. I removed the SIM shortly after on the first try and it didn't work so I had to do it again.
After that the phone should be unlocked and you'll be able to flash whatever firmware you want and use it on whichever network. I've got mine running Unlocked firmware on T-Mobile, works great
If you don't have a Verizon S10+ that's locked to Verizon I dunno where to start. Contact the mod ibowtoandroid on here if you get really really stuck. He can get it unlocked but it will cost a ton. He's legit though.
camwow13 said:
Hello!
Yes I did solve the situation! Here's the steps that I used to unlock my Verizon Galaxy S10+
I had changed the firmware to unlocked firmware using Odin and Freya. This was premature.
.
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Click to collapse
thanks, but I upgraded the phone to another firmware with the code XAA and now I can’t get it back to Verezion
camwow13 said:
Hello!
Yes I did solve the situation! Here's the steps that I used to unlock my Verizon Galaxy S10+
I had changed the firmware to unlocked firmware using Odin and Freya. This was premature.
Verizon does not do unlock codes. You need to have the Verizon firmware on the phone, a Verizon SIM card from a friend, access to the Verizon account, and like an hour of spare time.
Pop the Verizon SIM into your phone, you can get them from a friend, convince a Verizon store guy to help ya out, or just pay a few bucks for a prepaid plan. The phone has to be on the Verizon network for this to work.
Call up Verizon technical support. Tell them you've got a phone to unlock and have been working with their Tier 2 team to square things away. You have to be transferred to Tier 2.
Important to note that Verizon has instigated a 60 day locking policy to prevent theft and whatnot on their network. If the phone was purchased less than 60 days ago and activated on Verizon's network than you're outa luck. You got to wait. If you don't fall under this restriction, you should make sure the support people understand because they'll assume that's what's happening... a lot.
The Tier 2 people generally know what they're doing. They'll verify the device's IMEI and that it hasn't been stolen, is paid off, and that your Verizon account is in good standing. They'll need the PIN access code from the Verizon account holder or a two step verification with another one of their phones.
Once they run the unlock process you should get a text saying the phone is now unlocked. Leave the SIM in for another hour or two to allow the process to complete. I removed the SIM shortly after on the first try and it didn't work so I had to do it again.
After that the phone should be unlocked and you'll be able to flash whatever firmware you want and use it on whichever network. I've got mine running Unlocked firmware on T-Mobile, works great
If you don't have a Verizon S10+ that's locked to Verizon I dunno where to start. Contact the mod ibowtoandroid on here if you get really really stuck. He can get it unlocked but it will cost a ton. He's legit though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was very helpful Thanks. I am pretty sure that my phone has passed that 60 days time frame and the device has a clean IMEI as well but I am not in the US. Do I have to be on the Verizon network or just a Verizon sim will work as well?
Tarar said:
That was very helpful Thanks. I am pretty sure that my phone has passed that 60 days time frame and the device has a clean IMEI as well but I am not in the US. Do I have to be on the Verizon network or just a Verizon sim will work as well?
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Can someone please help?
Tarar said:
Can someone please help?
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Click to collapse
if its locked its locked.. meet verizons requirements to have it unlock or pay for a service that can unlock it for you..
theres no easy way to unlock the device.. if there was then itd be posted on xda.. and if it was that easy thered b no point in carriers locking them to begin with
Tarar said:
Can someone please help?
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Click to collapse
elliwigy said:
if its locked its locked.. meet verizons requirements to have it unlock or pay for a service that can unlock it for you..
theres no easy way to unlock the device.. if there was then itd be posted on xda.. and if it was that easy thered b no point in carriers locking them to begin with
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its actually done through an android app modified by the carrier. The only way to get around it would be to have the carriers unique key as well as the private signing key so you could create your own version. Then you would need a way to modify the system image and successfully install it. After all that there's a good chance there's even more security server side. (Its Verizon, so you know...)
So yes, ultimately it isnt exactly possible.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using XDA Labs
jwarrior319 said:
Its actually done through an android app modified by the carrier. The only way to get around it would be to have the carriers unique key as well as the private signing key so you could create your own version. Then you would need a way to modify the system image and successfully install it. After all that there's a good chance there's even more security server side. (Its Verizon, so you know...)
So yes, ultimately it isnt exactly possible.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using XDA Labs
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yep.. exactly y i said he needs to unlock via official means or pay for a service.. theres plenty services out there.. of course they most likely have access to servers and some tend to be fairly expensive lol.. outside of that hes sol im afraid.
Sent from my SamPWND N976V or G975U
Verizon needs to unlock your phone if you don't want to pay a third-party service. I don't think you need to have a Verizon SIM inserted for them to unlock the phone as long as it meets the necessary requirements.
jhs39 said:
Verizon needs to unlock your phone if you don't want to pay a third-party service. I don't think you need to have a Verizon SIM inserted for them to unlock the phone as long as it meets the necessary requirements.
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Click to collapse
I believe Verizon only unlocks automatically with a sim installed thats had service for 60 days(might be 30 now). I remember seeing someone say they put a friend's Verizon sim in and rebooted and it unlocked for him. I guess they dont verify IMEI to unlock just sim number.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using XDA Labs
jhs39 said:
Verizon needs to unlock your phone if you don't want to pay a third-party service. I don't think you need to have a Verizon SIM inserted for them to unlock the phone as long as it meets the necessary requirements.
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Click to collapse
I am outside the USA so no way to be on the Verizon network. I will however reinstall the original Verizon firmware and have some one call them for me. Let's see whether that works out or not. Thanks man.
Tarar said:
I am outside the USA so no way to be on the Verizon network. I will however reinstall the original Verizon firmware and have some one call them for me. Let's see whether that works out or not. Thanks man.
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Click to collapse
Curious, how did you get a verizon device outside of the country?
To point out, this is the very reason Verizon changed their sim unlocking policy.. to help prevent fraud and theft as they would take vzw devices then sell them for profit to non vzw customers and theyd be unlocked..
Bcuz of this is why they implemented the device needing to be activated on the vzw network and a 60 day period before it will be unlocked.
I dont see them being able to manually override/bypass this as it is policy. That as well as most reps dont even kno the policy and will tell you its unlocked or "verizon doesnt lock devices" which is inaccurate lol
jwarrior319 said:
I believe Verizon only unlocks automatically with a sim installed thats had service for 60 days(might be 30 now). I remember seeing someone say they put a friend's Verizon sim in and rebooted and it unlocked for him. I guess they dont verify IMEI to unlock just sim number.
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Click to collapse
Its not based on sim number lol..
elliwigy said:
Its not based on sim number lol..
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So any random Verizon sim thats active and has had service for 60 days or more will unlock it?
If thats the case someone could still make money off them by using there sim before selling it.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using XDA Labs
jwarrior319 said:
So any random Verizon sim thats active and has had service for 60 days or more will unlock it?
If thats the case someone could still make money off them by using there sim before selling it.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using XDA Labs
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Click to collapse
No.. i didnt say that lol.. its not tied to the sim card.. device needs to be active on verizon for 60 days.. i always use my same sim card that ive had for years now in my new devices.. i still had to wait 60 days for it to be sim unlocked..
U cant just pop an old sim in and have it unlock.. the device itself needs to be active 60 days..
When checking if a device is sim unlocked or not u dont put the sim number into the checker, u put the imei.. this is bcuz its tied to the imei/device.. not sim card itself..
What i dont know however is if you only need to activate it once on vzw network or if it needs to remain on vzw the full 60 days.. then again u cant use it on other networks until its unlocked anyways
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk
elliwigy said:
No.. i didnt say that lol.. its not tied to the sim card.. device needs to be active on verizon for 60 days.. i always use my same sim card that ive had for years now in my new devices.. i still had to wait 60 days for it to be sim unlocked..
U cant just pop an old sim in and have it unlock.. the device itself needs to be active 60 days..
When checking if a device is sim unlocked or not u dont put the sim number into the checker, u put the imei.. this is bcuz its tied to the imei/device.. not sim card itself..
What i dont know however is if you only need to activate it once on vzw network or if it needs to remain on vzw the full 60 days.. then again u cant use it on other networks until its unlocked anyways
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where does it say that on the verizon site or fcc site? I see you just need to activate it with a valid verizon account then 60 days it's unlocked...
---------- Post added at 02:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:20 AM ----------
elliwigy said:
No.. i didnt say that lol.. its not tied to the sim card.. device needs to be active on verizon for 60 days.. i always use my same sim card that ive had for years now in my new devices.. i still had to wait 60 days for it to be sim unlocked..
U cant just pop an old sim in and have it unlock.. the device itself needs to be active 60 days..
When checking if a device is sim unlocked or not u dont put the sim number into the checker, u put the imei.. this is bcuz its tied to the imei/device.. not sim card itself..
What i dont know however is if you only need to activate it once on vzw network or if it needs to remain on vzw the full 60 days.. then again u cant use it on other networks until its unlocked anyways
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where does it say that on the verizon site or fcc site? I see you just need to activate it with a valid verizon account then 60 days it's unlocked...
Urbbs said:
Where does it say that on the verizon site or fcc site? I see you just need to activate it with a valid verizon account then 60 days it's unlocked...
---------- Post added at 02:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:20 AM ----------
Where does it say that on the verizon site or fcc site? I see you just need to activate it with a valid verizon account then 60 days it's unlocked...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I said lmao.. u need to activate it on vzw then wait 60 days and it will be unlocked..
A quick Google search you can easily find vzw unlock policy:
https://www.verizon.com/about/consumer-safety/device-unlocking-policy