[Q] SIM/Unlocking question. - G2 and Desire Z General

Hello, my friend from Israel want's the G2, and we got some questions.
His provider is Orange by the way.
He wants to buy one on Ebay and a lot of them already come unlocked.
Is this trustworthy? I've been hearing a lot of G2's don't work when unlocked.
Also, unlocked means he can insert is SIM card and it should work?
Also, if he does buy a locked version. Is it possible for me to go to a T-Mobile store and ask them to unlock it for me?
Also, does anyone know if it will work in Israel?

If they say it is unlocked then it should work with other providers worldwide.
Yes, you can request the code from T-Mobile, but this is possible only if you are the direct owner.

As long as it's unlocked it looks like it would work fine with an Orange SIM Card in Israel.

So er, just to verify - the Desire Z is sold "sim free" - this is the same as unlocked, right?

yeah!.............

Pickx said:
So er, just to verify - the Desire Z is sold "sim free" - this is the same as unlocked, right?
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Click to collapse
I would imagine. Phones are usually locked when they are sold through one specific carrier. If you are buying from a carrier it's probobly locked, if through 3rd party company it's more than likely unlocked.

unlock bell desire z
i'm planing to buy the Desire Z from bell then use it with Fido, do i need to unlock the phone or is already unlock???
please help

When you purchase the phone it will be sim locked you will need to unlock there are many different services that will work ranging from 10 - 50 dollars us

cliffkaiyan said:
i'm planing to buy the Desire Z from bell then use it with Fido, do i need to unlock the phone or is already unlock???
please help
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Click to collapse
It needs to be unlocked. I just did this last night myself. Because the phone just came out yesterday, it will cost a bit more to unlock. I went through HTCsimunlocknow dot com and I was a little worried when I paypaled over my money and they didn't give me a transaction number, and then when they came back and asked me for $10 more (they SAY it'll cost $15).
Slightly bumpy road, and I'm still in the process of figuring out the mobile internet settings, as Fido can't really help me out with that.

cliffkaiyan said:
i'm planing to buy the Desire Z from bell then use it with Fido, do i need to unlock the phone or is already unlock???
please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question for you sir? What is Bell's policy on unlocking their phones? Companies can be real pricks when it comes to intellectual property. If they say that they cannot give you the unlock code, then buy the phone from the US. All t-mobile needs is a receipt of proof of purchase and your IMEI number and they'll fork over the unlock code.
I never go with all the unnecessary flashing of services which more than often damage the phone's memory.
What was the point of my rambling, oh ... CALL your provider and ASK for the unlock code.

Desire Z is free sim. so you can buy it for use everywhere
but the T-Mo G2 is lockd, you can ask the T-mobile to unlock it if you are the owner direct.
good luck!

Roqueez said:
Question for you sir? What is Bell's policy on unlocking their phones? Companies can be real pricks when it comes to intellectual property. If they say that they cannot give you the unlock code, then buy the phone from the US. All t-mobile needs is a receipt of proof of purchase and your IMEI number and they'll fork over the unlock code.
I never go with all the unnecessary flashing of services which more than often damage the phone's memory.
What was the point of my rambling, oh ... CALL your provider and ASK for the unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The salesperson at the Bell store told me that it would be a $35 charge, and they'd make me wait a whole bunch of days before they grant any sort of unlock code. Given the nightmare stories I've been told about Bell's customer service, I didn't even bother attempting to squeeze it out of them, as I figured that they had no incentive to grant it anyway (my only leverage was that I bought the phone outright and they're not subsidizing a contract).

Related

How to unlock your G1.. for free

Alas, the question that is asked by many... finally answered.
People, please do NOT give in to scams such as these.
You can unlock your phone, for FREE by calling T-Mobile.
Dial in 611 and when prompted say "representative".
You will be prompted for the standard account authorization (last 4 digits of the primary account holders social), then be transfered to an eagerly awaiting T-Mobile customer representative, who will be more than willing to hand over an unlock code for you.
That's it. It's that simple.
As for unlocking in foreign countries, I'm not sure how that would work out for you guys. Get in contact with a T-Mobile customer in good standing, and I'm sure he can unlock it for you with no problems
Now that it's been posted, please STOP POSTING UP FAKE "HOW TO UNLOCK" TUTORIALS.
No one wants to buy your "new advanced revolutionary technique."
Knowledge is free.
Lol. Or yu could just flash jf's rc30.
Btw. One of the criteria for calling tmoh is that you have to have been with them for 3 months.
so i can call the # say representative my last 3 #s of my s.s.# and do i have to ask for 1 or do they just say it?
APrinceAmongMen said:
Lol. Or yu could just flash jf's rc30.
Btw. One of the criteria for calling tmoh is that you have to have been with them for 3 months.
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Click to collapse
jf rc30 is not for sim unlocking which is using the g1 on other networks like att. etc..
To get an unlock code call 611 then ask for representative they will ask for the last 4 # on your ss thats is on file for that account. Then they will ask you why you want to unlock it just tell them your going out of county and you would like to use your phone there.
They will put the order in and it will take 24hr-14day because they submit it to htc.
They will need the imei of your g1 go get that number dail #06#
Thats what i did and i got my code in 2days free of charge.
davidhooper4 said:
so i can call the # say representative my last 3 #s of my s.s.# and do i have to ask for 1 or do they just say it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Dial 611.
2. Say "English"
3. Say "Representative"
4. Say/Enter the last 4 digits of your social.
5. Wait for rep.
6. Tell the rep you're leaving the country and want to switch to one of the local networks over there while you're gone. (they might try to sell you a roaming plan, but emphasize the fact that you are going to be using a local SIM and they'll understand)
7. Rep will now guide you through unlocking your T-Mobile G1.
8. Enjoy.
haykuro said:
1. Dial 611.
2. Say "English"
3. Say "Representative"
4. Say/Enter the last 4 digits of your social.
5. Wait for rep.
6. Tell the rep you're leaving the country and want to switch to one of the local networks over there while you're gone. (they might try to sell you a roaming plan, but emphasize the fact that you are going to be using a local SIM and they'll understand)
7. Rep will now guide you through unlocking your T-Mobile G1.
8. Enjoy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that was soooooooo awesome man just got done and it worked so when i get the new unlock code how do i install it?
also can i switch between sim cards without canceling a plan or how does the switching sim cards work if i may ask?
not nesseseraly
haykuro said:
Alas, the question that is asked by many... finally answered.
People, please do NOT give in to scams such as these.
You can unlock your phone, for FREE by calling T-Mobile.
Dial in 611 and when prompted say "representative".
You will be prompted for the standard account authorization (last 4 digits of the primary account holders social), then be transfered to an eagerly awaiting T-Mobile customer representative, who will be more than willing to hand over an unlock code for you.
That's it. It's that simple.
As for unlocking in foreign countries, I'm not sure how that would work out for you guys. Get in contact with a T-Mobile customer in good standing, and I'm sure he can unlock it for you with no problems
Now that it's been posted, please STOP POSTING UP FAKE "HOW TO UNLOCK" TUTORIALS.
No one wants to buy your "new advanced revolutionary technique."
Knowledge is free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i rang up t-mobile (UK) and they said they charge £15 to have it unlocked!
Also when calling in to tmo for your free sim unlock code make sure your bill is paid up to date.
It's not a scam if you're not a t-mobile costumer. I don't understand why this keeps coming up. T-mobile won't just send me a free code since I'm on ATT.
T-Mobile has to send you a code, try calling 1-877-453-1304.
oops! double post- browser issues....
so t-mobile HAVE to provide you with an unlock code if you ring them? What about if you aren't a customer and bought the phone off ebay? Can you get a friend with a t-mobile contract to ring?
u know u dont have to think about this if u buy one in Vietnam? I got mine for $464 with unlock code provided right at the couter desk. Errrhh... Do i miss something?
alexsandros said:
i rang up t-mobile (UK) and they said they charge £15 to have it unlocked!
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I think there is a US law that's come into affect that all Carriers must allow customers to unlock there phone free of charge.
In the UK though carriers are allowed to charge and will.
If it is a UK phone then they don't need to give it free.. but if it is a US Phone you can call the US number or email them and get a free unlock code.
No Need to Lie
davidhooper4 said:
that was soooooooo awesome man just got done and it worked so when i get the new unlock code how do i install it?
also can i switch between sim cards without canceling a plan or how does the switching sim cards work if i may ask?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to lie. I got mine unlocked by calling in and telling them I wanted to unlock IN CASE I travel out of the country, which I do every few years...
alexsandros said:
i rang up t-mobile (UK) and they said they charge £15 to have it unlocked!
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Click to collapse
USA has a new law that requires all cellphone providers to unlock your phone (free of charge). It's your legal right to unlock your phone, in the United States.
UK may be different, and like I said, you may need to check with your local policies.
MontAlbert said:
so t-mobile HAVE to provide you with an unlock code if you ring them? What about if you aren't a customer and bought the phone off ebay? Can you get a friend with a t-mobile contract to ring?
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Click to collapse
Legally, if you are a T-Mobile customer for 3 months (or just a customer in good standing), you have the right to unlock ANY (T-Mobile) phone you'd like.
Regardless how you got your hands on it, as long as it isn't stolen, you are guaranteed an unlock code.
This article explains a little more about unlocking laws. (It speaks mainly about the legality of unlocking, but is aimed at the iPhone)
haykuro said:
Legally, if you are a T-Mobile customer for 3 months (or just a customer in good standing), you have the right to unlock ANY (T-Mobile) phone you'd like.
Regardless how you got your hands on it, as long as it isn't stolen, you are guaranteed an unlock code.
This article explains a little more about unlocking laws. (It speaks mainly about the legality of unlocking, but is aimed at the iPhone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you buy a phone off ebay, you cannot get the code from T-Mobile. If you buy a phone at full cost with no discount (subsidy) for signing a contract, you can have the phone unlocked immediately.
korndub said:
if you buy a phone off ebay, you cannot get the code from T-Mobile. If you buy a phone at full cost with no discount (subsidy) for signing a contract, you can have the phone unlocked immediately.
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Click to collapse
Not true. T-Mobile has to unlock it. It is the law by the FCC that any phone you buy can and must be unlocked by the original company on request.

Sim locked Nexus One

Hi guys,
I have a question. I just won a Nexus One on ebay and the guy that sells it tells me it's SIM locked to T-Mobile. Is there such a version ? And if so, how easy is it to unlock it myself ?
Waiting for your answers, thanks in advance!!!
Nope. All N1's are sim unlocked.
Even when bought with a T-Mobile program ? Sorry for asking again but this guy insists that it's locked. And I also found some site that offer unlock services for the Nexus One, so I reaaaaaally want to make sure before buying one as I won't be able to return it if there is a problem as I live in Greece
johnny21a said:
Even when bought with a T-Mobile program ? Sorry for asking again but this guy insists that it's locked. And I also found some site that offer unlock services for the Nexus One, so I reaaaaaally want to make sure before buying one as I won't be able to return it if there is a problem as I live in Greece
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that no N1's are sim locked. Google said the same when the phone was released. Worst case scenario is that you'll have to drop $10-15 to get an unlock code online, but I'm pretty sure it's unlocked.
Anyone else care to comment?
All Nexus Ones come unlocked. There is no locked version of the Nexus One - it would defeat one of the imperial concepts Google is shipping with the phone.
if that is the case so why people is buying unlocked N1s
it's much cheaper to buy T-Mobile version and then put any sim inside
am i right or i am missing something????
obadvw said:
if that is the case so why people is buying unlocked N1s
it's much cheaper to buy T-Mobile version and then put any sim inside
am i right or i am missing something????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile version requires a 2 year contract which over its lifespan will cost more than buying the unsubsidized version upfront.
And to the OP, Google has said that all N1 phones are unlocked whether its subsidized or not - one of the advantages of selling the phone themselves.
Even if your phone 'is' Sim locked, which it's probably not, after 90 days of service with T-Mobile, you can call them, ask for an unlock code, and they will send you one via email, for free. Don't pay money to some idiot on eBay when you can do this yourself at zero cost, especially since you likely won't have to do it at all.
Also, stop pressuring the seller about whether or not it's really locked or not. Maybe he'll look into it, find out it's really unlocked after all, and jack up the price!
SpyderMS said:
Even if your phone 'is' Sim locked, which it's probably not, after 90 days of service with T-Mobile, you can call them, ask for an unlock code, and they will send you one via email, for free. Don't pay money to some idiot on eBay when you can do this yourself at zero cost, especially since you likely won't have to do it at all.
Also, stop pressuring the seller about whether or not it's really locked or not. Maybe he'll look into it, find out it's really unlocked after all, and jack up the price!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OP is from Greece.
uansari1 said:
The OP is from Greece.
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Click to collapse
oops
I suppose he could try asking the seller to call T-Mobile and get the unlock code.
SpyderMS said:
oops
I suppose he could try asking the seller to call T-Mobile and get the unlock code.
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Click to collapse
It would be an option if the phone was locked... but it's not. I don't know of any way that a normal consumer can lock a sim unlocked phone.
uansari1 said:
It would be an option if the phone was locked... but it's not. I don't know of any way that a normal consumer can lock a sim unlocked phone.
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Click to collapse
I know it's not locked, but he's paranoid it could be. It was just a suggestion to ease his fears
I know for a fact that some nexus ones are locked
I know this is an old thread, but it's what i found try to figure out why i my phone didn't work with a tmobile sim while on a business trip. I Purchased my nexus one from KT olleh in Korea in march '11. I call KT and they connected me to HTC in Korea. HTC gave me the unlock code for free over the phone. I just wanted to share so that other people with locked N1s don't think they going insane. The FAQ should probably be updated.
FAQ Updated:
- Q13: Is Nexus One carrier-locked? Will it work with my carrier / network?
A: There should be no such thing as carrier-locked N1. All the rumors of carrier-locked N1s, including bits of misinformation from SFR/Vodafone, are untrue. There might be several weird cases, only one reported on the forum after 1 year of phone existence, in which the previous statements won't hold - but if truly existent, these are abnormalities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

How sketchy are the ebay unlockers?

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

Bell Motorola Atrix on Rogers/FIDO

I thought I started this thread but it seems to have disappeared ? Anyway thought I'd start it back up since there are many of us in Canada will likely be going this route. Any quirks between carrier settings or special settings needed for this to work fairly flawlessly ?
Only thing you need is to add proper apn settings to make it work on any other carrier, that and the phone has to be unlocked.
im waiting this too lol for mexico the thing its when will be unlocked!!!i cant wait lol
Ahhh yess... the good old "locked" phone scenario. I guess that would be same issue with AT&T model.
APN settings shouldn't be an issue for data. I know the exact one to use for FIDO but MMS might still be an issue?
peachpuff said:
Only thing you need is to add proper apn settings to make it work on any other carrier, that and the phone has to be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never dealt with an unlocked phone before. What exactly do you have to do to unlock it?
TheEscapist said:
Never dealt with an unlocked phone before. What exactly do you have to do to unlock it?
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Click to collapse
You have to get a special code either from bell, a store that unlocks phones etc. Bell will usually give it to you after you bought for a month while at the store the code is like $10. (Each phone has a different code) Then you just input the code (each phone has a different method but it's very easy.)
RacecarBMW said:
You have to get a special code either from bell, a store that unlocks phones etc. Bell will usually give it to you after you bought for a month while at the store the code is like $10. (Each phone has a different code) Then you just input the code (each phone has a different method but it's very easy.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, so if I bought it from Bell, I'd have to wait a month before they'd give it to me? There's no way I just couldn't buy it outright from them?
TheEscapist said:
Wait, so if I bought it from Bell, I'd have to wait a month before they'd give it to me? There's no way I just couldn't buy it outright from them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the unlock code let you use any sim in the atrix from any carrier in the world (of course that are bands compatible) so many people (like me) want the unlock code so i can buy it from at&t and then use the unlcok code to use it in my country that have the same bands
zen kun said:
the unlock code let you use any sim in the atrix from any carrier in the world (of course that are bands compatible) so many people (like me) want the unlock code so i can buy it from at&t and then use the unlcok code to use it in my country that have the same bands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I know. He said that Bell would give me the unlock code so I could use it on Rogers, but I'd have to wait a month after I bought it. I was asking if there was any way I could just buy the unlock code from Bell right away.
Yes that is something I mentioned in the previous thread that I started (now gone). I mentioned that it is very likely Bell would keep the phone for their own customers (existing or new sign up), so they may not sell you the phone at all without a contract with them. Unlock codes can be had on the internet for $25 or less, but will Bell sell the phone with no contract. Let`s see what happens.
Bell selling you the phone off contract is ENTIRELY based off of which person you talk to. They're all allowed to do it, but it's looked down on since they make less money if you do it that way.
the other thing that you may have to look into is ATT probably has tethering disabled. I for one want to use this on Telus. it'll have to be rooted (I assume) to be able to use this feature. Plus all of att's bloatware which I'd want to get rid of as well (again rooting will do the trick)
Odd's are Bell won't be the only ones selling it; re-sellers will probably have it off contract as well (Tbooth, bestbuy.ca maybe walmart) but I was surprised this morning when I looked at bestbuy US and Amazon, they are selling it for 599, so off contract at bestbuy.ca and Tbooth they'll probably have it for 699/799 (just my guess though)
well it looks like the bloatware is just a matter of uninstalling it, very glad its not part of the ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=960917
kenio8185 said:
Bell selling you the phone off contract is ENTIRELY based off of which person you talk to. They're all allowed to do it, but it's looked down on since they make less money if you do it that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right, I got this confirmed by a Cell Phone sales representative.
I visited a Bell Store and a The Source and both told me that I can buy the Atrix full price, but I have to activate it with Bell (35$) + Pay for the first month (50$).
The reason is that if they sell only the phone, they get only 1$ from bell.
If they sell a plan they get 5$ !
My advise, shop around until you find someone that is not that cheap, or just offer him/her the 5 bucks
i typed in the apn settings on my phone the internet only works on the broswer all the apps dont get 3g
but when i switch to wifi everything works :S
weird anyone want to help a newwwwwwwwwebee iphone user?
I have a Bell Atrix on Telus.
cellunlock.net is the cheapest and i've used them for 5 phones so far. 14.99 for any Moto phone, use android50 coupon code for 50% off (if it still works)
The folks instore didn't know anything about unlocking, Telus CSR told me it was 50$ to unlock the desire before i sold it, i was like EFF THAT!
I bought the phone for 599$ but I sold my Desire for 250 and my Milestone for 250$, 100$ to upgrade wasn't bad.
Entered APN and everything is dandy.
rogers/fido users
fido and rogers users may run in to an issue with their call display/name display feature.
when you receive calls they will show up as "payphone" on your display and won't show the name or number of the person that is calling.
to fix this its simply a matter of calling rogers and asking them to "exclude" (very important to say exclude because they cannot remove just the name display but they CAN exclude it. found that out after 4 different calls between tech support and customer care). once the name display is excluded you can now see the numbers of the caller, and if they are already in your phone you will see their name as well.

Unlock Sprint Version

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

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