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I'm very interested in the HTC Aria because of its small size, but I have tmobile service. I'm not getting a data plan (I've got wifi everywhere I go) and I'm fine with buying it retail. My only question is how to unlock it to use tmobile's network. I heard I can call ATT and get an unlock code. I also heard there were online service that could generate an unlock code. Well, at this point I'm really nervous to buy this phone because I don't want to purchase this device and not be able to use it on my network. This is going to be my first android phone and I'm eager to get into the whole rooting and custom ROM business. Please help!
Thanks,
dm
EDIT: My grandma has had service with ATT for about a year now. I've heard that tmobile with give the unlock codes for free if you've had service with them for 90 days. I'm curious if ATT does the same.
2x EDIT: Sorry for the typo in the title.
there are plenty of unlock services via the web, just find a site and after you pay the usual $20 they will email you directions on how to unlock the device so that you are able to run it on tmobile.
Thanks for the quick response! I'm scared that's what I may have to resort to, but I just assume the potential for getting scammed is pretty high. Are there any reputable ones that you know of that unlock the Aria? I know it's pretty new...
I did some searching and the only ones that I can find are:
www(dot)iunlockit(dot)com/htc-aria-unlock-code-p-58064.html
www(dot)unlockallcellular(dot)com/aria-unlock-code-p-58064.html?osCsid=brnitand0jq564to0v7tirhnk7
Like I said, this looks fishy because it appears to be the same site with different domain names. Are these reputable sites? I still haven't bought my Aria because I want to be certain that I can unlock it fairly easily.
I paid $2 to unlock my LG VU on eBay...
Worked perfectly. They said they'd do it for all AT&T phones
if i unlock this phone to use on tmobile will i still be able to use 3g and all of the other features on this phone?
no 3g (but if you don't want data it won't matter) all other features should be just peachy afaik
I never thought about ebay; great idea.
and, no, I'm not going to be using a data plan, seeing as I rarely use data and I've got wifi everywhere I'm at (work, school, home, etc.)
Thanks a lot guys. I'll leave an update once I get the phone. Hopefully within the next week.
i was going to do the same (to get out of the data) but
free phone+2 years of data=360
just the phone=380
we'll see what att's policies are like in 2 years though
So I bought the Aria and I love it. However, I can't find anyway to unlock it. I bought one of those ebay unlock services, seeing as it advertised an unlock code in 2 hours or less. Well, that was two days ago. I also looked up on those sites that I mentioned previously and they are scams. So I've got this awesome phone that I can't use as a phone. What are my options now? I love this phone!
donald =/
I have tried this a couple of AT&T phones and it worked for me.
Call up AT&T and tell them you have to leave country for work and would not like to spend money on roaming. They asked for IMEI number and handed me the code instantly.
ayush20m said:
I have tried this a couple of AT&T phones and it worked for me.
Call up AT&T and tell them you have to leave country for work and would not like to spend money on roaming. They asked for IMEI number and handed me the code instantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this with every single one of my AT&T phones and they never gave me trouble. For me it was the true since I travel to Hong Kong every year to visit my parents.
ayush20m said:
I have tried this a couple of AT&T phones and it worked for me.
Call up AT&T and tell them you have to leave country for work and would not like to spend money on roaming. They asked for IMEI number and handed me the code instantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done this as well....
dmellenbruch said:
So I bought the Aria and I love it. However, I can't find anyway to unlock it. I bought one of those ebay unlock services, seeing as it advertised an unlock code in 2 hours or less. Well, that was two days ago. I also looked up on those sites that I mentioned previously and they are scams. So I've got this awesome phone that I can't use as a phone. What are my options now? I love this phone!
donald =/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there, did you find a way to unlock the phone?
I'm wondering on the details about calling AT&T to get the code. I bought my Aria through ebay and presently have the phone at Mexico. Do AT&T ask for phone number (registered with AT&T), ssn or any other personal details regarding the phone? or just by calling them with IMEI # they will provide the code?
I don't have AT&T for obvious reasons.
Unlock
tongas said:
Hi there, did you find a way to unlock the phone?
I'm wondering on the details about calling AT&T to get the code. I bought my Aria through ebay and presently have the phone at Mexico. Do AT&T ask for phone number (registered with AT&T), ssn or any other personal details regarding the phone? or just by calling them with IMEI # they will provide the code?
I don't have AT&T for obvious reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
I try maybe all store in Ebay and nothing, only get my code here:www.freeyourhtc.com/
I hope this help.
Thanks Rafa, but just bought a code from the ebay seller... will let everybody know if it worked or not.
Ebay Unlock code for HTC Aria actually worked!
I finally got to say that the ebay deal really worked for me!!! Couldn't be more happy!
Please refer to this post for more info:
How sketchy are the ebay unlockers?
Was a little skeptical about it but just got the code on the email minutes ago and worked right away!!!
Cost me 9.95 because the price was reduced and paid with PayPal. Bought it in the morning and got the code 5-6 hours later.
Thanks again to breakeven and xda-developers forum!!!
Can I unlock my phone if im in a two year contract?
I used http://www.cellunlock.net/ to unlock my gf's MyTouch 3G. They took 1 day and I got the code.
It seems they usually take less time, but they had some problems.
$10 if you use the code crackb50 on checkout.
And no, I don't work for them.
kevina90 said:
Can I unlock my phone if im in a two year contract?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Course you can!
If you have at&t, then I would suggest you try the call them and get the code for free method first. If that's doesn't work, then just buy a code.
The reason why me and many others went through ebay, it's because most of the unlockers out there with web site presence, and being the aria a relative new phone, they do not carry yet codes or access to them. I tried first 1 of this unlockers and wrote email to 2 of them and none of the 3 had access to codes yet, finally the ebay thing worked for me and take only about 7 hours to get the code.
You should know that unlocking the phone will no release you of the contract but just give you the ability of changing gsm provider. Unlocking the phone it is only intended for that. If what you want is to remove some crappy apps installed by default, then what you might need is to have root access to phone instead unlocking. Rooting the phone is quite easy with the aria and is free; you just need some further reading about.
Sent using XDA app
I have not ever done this before, but I found this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/UNLOCK-Code-AT-...Accessories&hash=item1c138c9851#ht_4764wt_913
I was wondering if any of these are legit or do they all fall into the realm of too good to be true. I have called at&t and they stated that I could not have an unlock code so that is why I am going down this route, if it turns out to be legit.
Anyway I welcome your feedback about what may be just a dumbass question, LOL.
p.s. the only reason I am looking at this guy's page is that he has +50000 reviews with 99.8% quality.
my one experience with an ebay unlock code was it bricked the phone I was using. After doing further research I found that this was a constant for that phone. I have not seen any posts about unlocking an Aria yet but I also have not been looking for them since I am on AT&T so there is no need to unlock the phone for a different carrier currently.
that's the same guy i used to unlock 3 at&t phone. i never had a problem
If you are going out of the country then call att and tell them that. they will give you your unlock code for free all youll have to do is get a different (Non att) sim.
sd73ta said:
If you are going out of the country then call att and tell them that. they will give you your unlock code for free all youll have to do is get a different (Non att) sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They changed that policy. Now you have to wait for your contract to run out before they will unlock your phone, even if you tell them you're traveling. I tried calling them and having them unlock it, and that's what they told me. I was really disappointed too, because they've unlocked my phone before and never gave me any trouble because of the contract.
Maybe if I had threatened to unlock it anyhow, I might have had better luck– but I doubt it.
Ya I tried calling them too. Told them my situation and it was denied. I guess I will try this guy. At the most I am out 10 bucks.
Sent from my HTC Intruder using the XDA app.
fluffyarmada said:
They changed that policy. Now you have to wait for your contract to run out before they will unlock your phone, even if you tell them you're traveling. I tried calling them and having them unlock it, and that's what they told me. I was really disappointed too, because they've unlocked my phone before and never gave me any trouble because of the contract.
Maybe if I had threatened to unlock it anyhow, I might have had better luck– but I doubt it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strange, I just re-upped my contract when buying my Aria, and unlocked my phone with the code from ATT tech support for free. I do go internation a few times/year, so that may be a flag that I am not entirely lying, but it was no problem. Also, I used chat, instead of phone...they gave the my code in 10 seconds.
So I took the plunge. Fast service from this guy. Bought yesterday and got today. Went by t-mobile store and borrowed a sim. Put in unlock code and let me in the system. Rebooted to verify with t-mobile sim. Did not ask for code the second time.
Altogether happy. Me -$13.00. Phone unlocked.
Buyer beware. Cannot guarantee same results.
Sent from my HTC Intruder using the XDA app.
breakeven said:
I have not ever done this before, but I found this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/UNLOCK-Code-AT-...Accessories&hash=item1c138c9851#ht_4764wt_913
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also used blowfish06 to try and unlock my HTC Aria. He couldn't unlock it for whatever reason and immediately refunded my money. I'd use him again.
breakeven said:
Went by t-mobile store and borrowed a sim. Put in unlock code and let me in the system. Rebooted to verify with t-mobile sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just curious so please forgive me but how did that go, you walked into store..umm, can I borrow a sim ? they just hand them out to try out ?
I spoke with ATT tech (actually chat and then called to verify..) and they said they will give unlock code in 90 days from day of activation, no problem on their part, no cost.
i'm curious about all this too and still with a locked HTC Aria.
I went to the ebay link and read everything.
At some point it says:
"...be advised I cannot do refunds if phone asking for a PIN (personal code) which is password set on the phone (?)"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if this is my phone and I have the personal password, then I might have it.
When inserting a SIM card the phone says:
"SIM network unlock PIN", SOOOOO, I don't get it... will write the guy an email about it and hear what he says about it...
Eager to unlock this phone!
So..
1. I have heard various things from people regarding what AT&T will do for them. I would call them first and if they will unlock it for you then great. I spoke to them and they would not give it to me and told me that they had an exclusive right to the phone for the foreseeable future.
2. I did just walk into the t-mobile store and ask for a sim. The girl looked at me puzzled and said they are 20 bucks. I told here I need it for five seconds to unlock my phone. She said that Phones don't do that. I said that I have the code. She gave me a used sim.
In conclusion I think that I did go searching for a credible way to do this. I don't want a million people telling me what at&t's policy is since I did call them though. At any rate I did unlock my phone so I am good.
breakeven said:
So..
1. I have heard various things from people regarding what AT&T will do for them. I would call them first and if they will unlock it for you then great. I spoke to them and they would not give it to me and told me that they had an exclusive right to the phone for the foreseeable future.
2. I did just walk into the t-mobile store and ask for a sim. The girl looked at me puzzled and said they are 20 bucks. I told here I need it for five seconds to unlock my phone. She said that Phones don't do that. I said that I have the code. She gave me a used sim.
In conclusion I think that I did go searching for a credible way to do this. I don't want a million people telling me what at&t's policy is since I did call them though. At any rate I did unlock my phone so I am good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I ask you and if you remember what was the message the phone displayed before you unlock it with the t-moblie SIM card?
It was the message "SIM network unlock PIN" or what did it say?
I believe what you did, I've done certain type of things in past, walking into a store and asking for those sort of things... lol... great that it worked!
Ya it was something like "SIM NETWORK UNLOCK" not a personal unlock and I had to put in the 8 digit unlock code I bought off ebay. The previous post of mine was just about all the people stating all the AT&T policies that they have heard of and asking why I didn't just call them when I stated in my first post that I did. Also ya social engineering worked great there as they gave me some old sim to use they they found in a desk that didn't work but had a different network ID on it so it would prompt me for the SIM UNLOCK code.
seems then that I 'm having the same message, will try buying a code from the ebay guy then.
thanks a lot for your response.
PS. Calling AT&T wont work for me either as I bought the phone through ebay and I have not and will never have AT&T phone # or something to just simply call them and say 'hey I bought one of your phones over ebay, would you please give me the unlock code?' lol...
just bought a code from the ebay seller... will see how it develops and if the code works.
I will post results and everything related once I have the code
universal Sim
I have tried a few online sellers and they say a code is not available for my aria. Bummer, hopefully that will change. I remembered I had one of those universal sim chips like a Rebel Sim. I sort of works. Sometimes when I turn the phone on I can manually choose the network and get service, but most of the time it won't connect. Maybe I can buy a newer version of the universal sim.
Well dude, I got to say that the ebay deal really worked for me!!! Couldn't be more happy!
Was a little skeptical about it but just got the code on the email minutes ago and worked right away!!!
Cost me 9.95 because the price was reduced and paid with PayPal. Bought it in the morning and got the code minutes ago.
There's another ebay seller with the same price/offer which seems to work too (good feedback too)
--------------
ravemind said:
universal Sim
I have tried a few online sellers and they say a code is not available for my aria. Bummer, hopefully that will change. I remembered I had one of those universal sim chips like a Rebel Sim. I sort of works. Sometimes when I turn the phone on I can manually choose the network and get service, but most of the time it won't connect. Maybe I can buy a newer version of the universal sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What phone did you tried to unlock?
---------------
Thanks to breakeven and xda-developers forum!!!
I decided to test this out today for fun.
I tried 3 different ebay unlockers (all were rated as top-sellers) and all 3 were unable to unlock my off-contract Aria (from Amazon). They did, however, offer to try on another server, at around 2-3x the original cost, which I refused and was refunded my money.
I really don't care if my Aria can be unlocked since I have no intention of leaving AT&T anyway, but I thought I'd share MY experience with the rest of you. YOUR experience may vary.
On a side note, I unlocked 2 different models of Blackberry (again, just for fun) a few days ago using one of those ebay sellers with no problem. So I wouldn't worry too much about getting ripped off (as long as they are top rated sellers).
tongas
hey tongas would you mind telling us which ebay seller unlocked you Aria?
Thanks
hi,
I purchased a Moto E4 model XT1766 in the USA recently and am looking for a way of unlocking it
(and possibly rooting it also) so that I can use it in the UK,
at the moment when I put my UK sim in it I get the error “Insert correct SIM card” and am very wary of buying an unlock code from ebay etc.
in that regard, is it possible for me to get it unlocked to work over here, with my own simcard?
(it's on Asda Mobile which uses the EE network)
having visited the Gsmarena website I do have some concerns though - please see my attached photos for more info
any help would be very welcome.
carkev said:
hi,
I purchased a Moto E4 model XT1766 in the USA recently and am looking for a way of unlocking it
(and possibly rooting it also) so that I can use it in the UK,
at the moment when I put my UK sim in it I get the error “Insert correct SIM card” and am very wary of buying an unlock code from ebay etc.
in that regard, is it possible for me to get it unlocked to work over here, with my own simcard?
(it's on Asda Mobile which uses the EE network)
having visited the Gsmarena website I do have some concerns though - please see my attached photos for more info
any help would be very welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears this is a sprint branded model based on your screen shots. Check with sprint prepaid to find out what their unlocking policy is. I think it used to be 12 months of paid service before they would unlock.
That said, I paid a couple bucks for an unlock code on ebay for a Verizon model, which worked as a US domestic sim unlock (sometimes more difficult to achieve than international unlock).
I wound try online chat with sprint to see what they say, or maybe social engineer a code out of them. Next I'd do the ebay code, especially if it's inexpensive.
dandrumheller said:
It appears this is a sprint branded model based on your screen shots. Check with sprint prepaid to find out what their unlocking policy is. I think it used to be 12 months of paid service before they would unlock.
That said, I paid a couple bucks for an unlock code on ebay for a Verizon model, which worked as a US domestic sim unlock (sometimes more difficult to achieve than international unlock).
I wound try online chat with sprint to see what they say, or maybe social engineer a code out of them. Next I'd do the ebay code, especially if it's inexpensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks,
I only prepaid for one month, so I doubt Sprint will look kindly on me but it would be wise of me to check with them anyway and make certain the prepay was not an auto top up one!
I'm not that trustful of ebay as yet but it wouldn't do me any harm to spent such a small amount - nothing to lose really.
update:
Sprint have been a right pain really - no joy at all - but for a good reason!
despite the phone having a Sprint sim in it, I am actually with Boost Mobile!
I found a receipt in the box that showed this, and have manged to log onto Boost's website and raise a support ticket - I will update further if I get any joy from them
Hi together,
due to the great price for the phone via Sprint, there are several pretty cheap ones also on ebay. I want to use the phone only outside the US (Germany) - is there any problem when it is locked to Sprint? Few years ago i imported a Verizon Locked Photon Q, and as i remember it was fully usable outside the US.
The ebay listing also includes the IMEI of the phones, and when i check them, they are "Clean on Sprint". But does that mean that they are locked? And if so, can i somehow unlock the phone, when i am in Germany and not on a Sprint Network?
Sorry about the confusion, i dont really get you phone locking stuff in the US
Best regards and thank you so much in advance!
If the phone is truly still locked to Sprint, it probably won't work with any other SIM card (the phone will just report Invalid SIM). You could look at ting.com/byod and check the IMEI there to see if it reports clear GSM / CDMA capabilities. If that shows up OK, then it at least doesn't have any financial obligation, and it should work.
Are you sure the phones are still Sprint Locked? Or was the seller just indicating they were Sprint variant phones, and were unlocked?
kbonnel said:
If the phone is truly still locked to Sprint, it probably won't work with any other SIM card (the phone will just report Invalid SIM). You could look at ting.com/byod and check the IMEI there to see if it reports clear GSM / CDMA capabilities. If that shows up OK, then it at least doesn't have any financial obligation, and it should work.
Are you sure the phones are still Sprint Locked? Or was the seller just indicating they were Sprint variant phones, and were unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the fast reply :good:
- I checked multiple lisitings from this seller at ting.com/byod, and they all say its compatible with ting/gsm/cdma. So if i get this right, the phone itself should not be locked then, because its neither stolen nor in financial trouble?
- i dont know if i am able to post ebay links here, one of the lisitings from this seller is 332465030454 - the seller just says that the buyer itself should check the IMEI. But as i understood it, i cant check if the phone is net/simlocked to sprint, just if its "legal"..
regards
Kampfgans said:
Thank you so much for the fast reply :good:
- I checked multiple lisitings from this seller at ting.com/byod, and they all say its compatible with ting/gsm/cdma. So if i get this right, the phone itself should not be locked then, because its neither stolen nor in financial trouble?
- i dont know if i am able to post ebay links here, one of the lisitings from this seller is 332465030454 - the seller just says that the buyer itself should check the IMEI. But as i understood it, i cant check if the phone is net/simlocked to sprint, just if its "legal"..
regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really wish I was able to give you a definitive answer, esp. since you are in Germany, as the return capabilities are a lot harder since it takes a while to ship back and forth. I was reviewing the company's website to see where they get their inventory, but couldn't really come up with a clear answer. They do indicate in the FAQ that they offer a service to test the ESN for a fee, but it doesn't go into much detail. Maybe give them a call, or send the seller a message on ebay to see if they are willing to pop in a non-sprint sim to verify it at least doesn't report back invalid - sim.
kbonnel said:
I really wish I was able to give you a definitive answer, esp. since you are in Germany, as the return capabilities are a lot harder since it takes a while to ship back and forth. I was reviewing the company's website to see where they get their inventory, but couldn't really come up with a clear answer. They do indicate in the FAQ that they offer a service to test the ESN for a fee, but it doesn't go into much detail. Maybe give them a call, or send the seller a message on ebay to see if they are willing to pop in a non-sprint sim to verify it at least doesn't report back invalid - sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to let you know about the outcome - they cannot guarantee that it is unlocked
Hopefully there will be another Amazon Deal or somebody doesnt need his F&F code
Kampfgans said:
Just to let you know about the outcome - they cannot guarantee that it is unlocked
Hopefully there will be another Amazon Deal or somebody doesnt need his F&F code
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what was the outcome? I have one ebay seller that isn't sure either. He bought it from sprint. Wanted to use it in Germany
saschb2b said:
So what was the outcome? I have one ebay seller that isn't sure either. He bought it from sprint. Wanted to use it in Germany
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assume anything bought from Sprint that the seller can't verify was active on Sprint's network for 50 days as unusable.
Sprint will only generate ISU (international SIM Unlock) that is permanent after a device has been on the network for 50 days.
This policy is strictly enforced and even if the device is paid off, it does not matter.
Hello guys and happy new year.
I'm planning to buy the essential phone from ebay. I have found some quite interesting offers from sprint locked devices. My question is the device will work at cosmote greece?
„Invalid sim“
I bought an essential phone from USA a few days ago and it is sim locked for sprint and I have not found any way to make it simlock free.
It says invalid sim.
I can use it as an expensive MP3 player or camera or when using WiFi.
But not as a telephone.
I asked the seller for help. He said he would call sprint.
I was able to flash Oreo beta2 Android 8.
In fast boot mode the mobile said it was a sprint variant.
I guess only sprint can made it sim lock free with a code.
If there is no solution I will maybe have to send it back.
What a pity situation. Why is essential phone not selling the phone for Europe ?
That's what I was afraid about. Thought a proper rom flash could remove the lock. But it seems you can't do it yourself. Essential will bring it to Europe. But when is not sure.
saschb2b said:
So what was the outcome? I have one ebay seller that isn't sure either. He bought it from sprint. Wanted to use it in Germany
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As already mentioned above -the seller could not guarantee it to me that i will be able to use it.
Finally, i ended up ordering it directly from Essential. Have it since 2 weeks now, works great on Telekom!
Hi, I am in Ireland and got a PH-1 which was locked by Sprint but i contacted them and they told me they have unlocked it for me and i can use it in Ireland but i am actually not able to use it on any network here, it just says Invalid Sim every time i put the sim card in.
Can anyone help me please?
forget sprint in europe!
In Germany it does not work with "Sprint" Locked Essential Phone.
Sam.anas said:
Hi, I am in Ireland and got a PH-1 which was locked by Sprint but i contacted them and they told me they have unlocked it for me and i can use it in Ireland but i am actually not able to use it on any network here, it just says Invalid Sim every time i put the sim card in.
Can anyone help me please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way to unlock it is with a Sprint SIM and they update the the phone or enter in a code.
Heloo i bought essential ph-1 amd it says invalid sim card. Im from georgia and want to work gsm carrier. Can i unlock the phone?
Hi,
So a friend of mine is bringing the Essential Phone to India from the USA. It is a Sprint model. Can anyone help me and tell me how can I go about unlocking the device so that I can use it with Indian carriers?
zaydenQ said:
Hi,
So a friend of mine is bringing the Essential Phone to India from the USA. It is a Sprint model. Can anyone help me and tell me how can I go about unlocking the device so that I can use it with Indian carriers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have your friend from the USA stay on a sprint account for 50 days then he can call them to unlock it for international as long as it's paid in full.
Unlock sprint
Hey. Can somebody help me with the unlock my essential phone pH 1
I had to send mine back. They have two types of UICC unlocks. One of them in for carriers inside the USA only and the other is for international carriers. The problem is that the international unlock is temporary. Even if the phone is paid in full their systems are relocking lots of phones when used on international carriers using the essential on USA carriers seems to be fine. Mine was paid in full with sprint and was unlocked for 1 month when I called Sprint they said that the international UUIC unlock is temporary so I needed to request it again. I decided to return the phone and once I got the refund and I purchased one directly from essential and my problems were solved.
Sprint is a CDMA network, so you need to check a few things before actually using the phone outside Sprint network.
CDMA networks use network-based white lists to verify their subscribers. That means you can only switch CDMA phones with your carrier’s permission. Details: https://www.unlockunit.com/blog/cdma-networks/
However, you might be able to use your phone with a local Indian GSM network. You must make sure that your phone has also GSM capabilities. you can check this on https://www.gsmarena.com/
And you can check your network's bands here: https://www.frequencycheck.com/
Jahdiel2011 said:
I had to send mine back. They have two types of UICC unlocks. One of them in for carriers inside the USA only and the other is for international carriers. The problem is that the international unlock is temporary. Even if the phone is paid in full their systems are relocking lots of phones when used on international carriers using the essential on USA carriers seems to be fine. Mine was paid in full with sprint and was unlocked for 1 month when I called Sprint they said that the international UUIC unlock is temporary so I needed to request it again. I decided to return the phone and once I got the refund and I purchased one directly from essential and my problems were solved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was your phone unlocked after 50 days with Sprint? I'm only keeping Sprint for 50 days to get them to do the international unlock. After that I will cancel. My phone was automatically unlocked for US sims after I paid off the lease and I'm using it with a T-mobile sim now. I noticed that the UICC menu is gone with my T-mobile sim in the phone. Do you know if the phone can be relocked for international sims even if it doesn't have a Sprint sim in the phone?
DrvLikHell said:
Was your phone unlocked after 50 days with Sprint? I'm only keeping Sprint for 50 days to get them to do the international unlock. After that I will cancel. My phone was automatically unlocked for US sims after I paid off the lease and I'm using it with a T-mobile sim now. I noticed that the UICC menu is gone with my T-mobile sim in the phone. Do you know if the phone can be relocked for international sims even if it doesn't have a Sprint sim in the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was paid in full and was unlocked both domestically and internationally. I was not 50 days with Sprint. Since I had to travel abroad I asked for the International unlock which they granted as I had already paid for the phone. I started using the phone in South America and around one month later I got the Invalid SimCard message. When I called they said that the UUIC international unlock is temporary so I need to call Sprint and request it again. The domestic unlock is permanent not the same for the international (It made no sense) I called again yesterday to get info on their policies again and now I got different info the phone was supposedly unlocked according to their systems.
Besides this I've got info from trusted sources saying that even devices purchased Unlocked from essential are being locked by sprint when inserting sprint sim cards so stay away from those sim cards.
unlocked then relocked
My phone was unlocked by Sprint shortly after I paid it off, about two days after I received it. I was able to insert a Vietnamese SIM card and download all the Essential security updates.
Then somehow it got relocked. called Sprint to asked them to unlock it internationally, as I actually do travel internationally for work quite a bit. They responded with an email refusing to unlock it until it had been on the network for 50 days.
I have had the last three phones on Sprint unlocked internationally with less trouble than this one.
I guess I'll try again when the 50 days are up.
Jahdiel2011 said:
Mine was paid in full and was unlocked both domestically and internationally. I was not 50 days with Sprint. Since I had to travel abroad I asked for the International unlock which they granted as I had already paid for the phone. I started using the phone in South America and around one month later I got the Invalid SimCard message. When I called they said that the UUIC international unlock is temporary so I need to call Sprint and request it again. The domestic unlock is permanent not the same for the international (It made no sense) I called again yesterday to get info on their policies again and now I got different info the phone was supposedly unlocked according to their systems.
Besides this I've got info from trusted sources saying that even devices purchased Unlocked from essential are being locked by sprint when inserting sprint sim cards so stay away from those sim cards.
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Thanks for that information. When you were in South America and got the invalid sim card message, were you on a non-US sim? Did you put the Sprint sim back in at any time before you got that message? I'm trying to figure out if they can relock the device without the Sprint sim card in it, because if so I'm not keeping this phone. I requested the international unlock on my phone as well, but they told me I had to wait until the phone was active for 50 days. They wouldn't budge on that at all. Maybe the 50 day policy is why yours got relocked?
huzordaddy said:
My phone was unlocked by Sprint shortly after I paid it off, about two days after I received it. I was able to insert a Vietnamese SIM card and download all the Essential security updates.
Then somehow it got relocked. called Sprint to asked them to unlock it internationally, as I actually do travel internationally for work quite a bit. They responded with an email refusing to unlock it until it had been on the network for 50 days.
I have had the last three phones on Sprint unlocked internationally with less trouble than this one.
I guess I'll try again when the 50 days are up.
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My phone was unlocked for domestic sims 48 hours after the lease was closed. US sims work in it now, but I put a European sim in it and it asked for an unlock code. Did your phone get relocked while it had the Vietnamese sim in it, or were you swapping between that and the Sprint sim?
Once my 50 days are up and I cancel Sprint, I really don't want to have a phone that can be randomly locked by a company that I no longer have any business with. If that's the case I'm going to get rid of this phone and go with another brand.
DrvLikHell said:
Thanks for that information. When you were in South America and got the invalid sim card message, were you on a non-US sim? Did you put the Sprint sim back in at any time before you got that message? I'm trying to figure out if they can relock the device without the Sprint sim card in it, because if so I'm not keeping this phone. I requested the international unlock on my phone as well, but they told me I had to wait until the phone was active for 50 days. They wouldn't budge on that at all. Maybe the 50 day policy is why yours got relocked?
My phone was unlocked for domestic sims 48 hours after the lease was closed. US sims work in it now, but I put a European sim in it and it asked for an unlock code. Did your phone get relocked while it had the Vietnamese sim in it, or were you swapping between that and the Sprint sim?
Once my 50 days are up and I cancel Sprint, I really don't want to have a phone that can be randomly locked by a company that I no longer have any business with. If that's the case I'm going to get rid of this phone and go with another brand.
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I did not even bring the Sprint Sim on my trip so I'd say Yes. They can relock it even with other sim card. I was using non US sims the whole time. I'm not sure if the issue is the 50 days policy but I did not want to have a phone I paid in full and cannot own as I should.
How can they lock the phone if it's not on their Network? Sounds like some funny business with firmware updates.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
I got a Essential from an ebay reseller, I checked the IMEI before buying it , said it was clean... and thought that's all that mattered :/
It's locked to someone's sprint account or something, i can't use it on sprint even if I wanted! I have no way of contacting that owner... what can I do?
Can I put some other firmware on it or is there some unlocking service I can opt for?
When I contacted sprint they said the phone is clean/not stolen... so yeah... very frustrating.
Please help/advise.
Edwii said:
I got a Essential from an ebay reseller, I checked the IMEI before buying it , said it was clean... and thought that's all that mattered :/
It's locked to someone's sprint account or something, i can't use it on sprint even if I wanted! I have no way of contacting that owner... what can I do?
Can I put some other firmware on it or is there some unlocking service I can opt for?
When I contacted sprint they said the phone is clean/not stolen... so yeah... very frustrating.
Please help/advise.
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If it's locked to someone elses Sprint account, and it's not sim unlocked so you can't use it on a GSM service, the only option you have is to return it to the eBay seller. If the seller said it was unlocked or otherwise ready to be activated, that was incorrect and you can do an "Item not as described" type of return, stating that it is not able to be used and you'll get your money back. eBay offers very good protection for this sort of thing.
avd said:
How can they lock the phone if it's not on their Network? Sounds like some funny business with firmware updates.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
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I'd like to know the same thing. From what I've learned the sim lock is a single bit somewhere that's nearly impossible to change without an unlock code. And I've never heard of a phone relocking. I don't know how they're doing it with the Essential. The interesting thing is that when you put in a non-sprint sim, the phone will then update to a newer firmware because sprint is behind on theirs, but it can still relock with the newer firmware. Also, with a non-sprint sim the UICC menu disappears, but then it comes back when you put a sprint sim back in. I don't know what its deal is.
Just the fact that it's possible for sprint to relock a phone remotely is enough to steer me away from this phone. I can't be in a situation where I'm relying on my phone for communication in another country and then, oops, sprint decided to relock my phone and now I can't contact anyone. I've been in situations where that could be very dangerous. If I stay with the PH1, I'll sell my sprint phones and get one directly from the company. Otherwise, I'm already looking at other phones.
Edwii said:
I got a Essential from an ebay reseller, I checked the IMEI before buying it , said it was clean... and thought that's all that mattered :/
It's locked to someone's sprint account or something, i can't use it on sprint even if I wanted! I have no way of contacting that owner... what can I do?
Can I put some other firmware on it or is there some unlocking service I can opt for?
When I contacted sprint they said the phone is clean/not stolen... so yeah... very frustrating.
Please help/advise.
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File a claim.
Device different than specified.
So Far the PH-1 is a great option only if you buy it directly from essential and Never EVER put a Sprint Sim Card on it.
Edwii said:
I got a Essential from an ebay reseller, I checked the IMEI before buying it , said it was clean... and thought that's all that mattered :/
It's locked to someone's sprint account or something, i can't use it on sprint even if I wanted! I have no way of contacting that owner... what can I do?
Can I put some other firmware on it or is there some unlocking service I can opt for?
When I contacted sprint they said the phone is clean/not stolen... so yeah... very frustrating.
Please help/advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
File a claim with eBay, they'll get your money back!
I have found that a lot of eBay sellers just put "Check IMEI" in their listing, with no other claim to being locked/unlocked, etc. So that it then becomes the buyer's responsibility to throughly check it before they buy. I checked the IMEI on Ting's website and they said it was good to go (vs. a phone that I have with a Bad ESN that they knew about and would understandably not accept - and no this is not a post about Bad ESN so back off wolfdroids!) I didn't bother filing a claim though because it makes an excellent WiFi Smartphone.
Still, I hate Sprint. No nonsense "Account Number and PIN" or we're not going to help you. I wanted to see about paying off the lease myself. Nope! They don't want my money.
atrac88 said:
I have found that a lot of eBay sellers just put "Check IMEI" in their listing, with no other claim to being locked/unlocked, etc. So that it then becomes the buyer's responsibility to throughly check it before they buy. I checked the IMEI on Ting's website and they said it was good to go (vs. a phone that I have with a Bad ESN that they knew about and would understandably not accept - and no this is not a post about Bad ESN so back off wolfdroids!) I didn't bother filing a claim though because it makes an excellent WiFi Smartphone.
Still, I hate Sprint. No nonsense "Account Number and PIN" or we're not going to help you. I wanted to see about paying off the lease myself. Nope! They don't want my money.
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Find someone that has a Sprint account and see if they can add it on so you can pay it off and use it. It's too good of a phone to be stuck at home being used as a mini-tablet
@Jahdiel2011 About how long did your international sim unlock last before it relocked on you?
30 days or so