Hi XDA,
I'm pretty new here and I hope that this is the right section for this. Keeping it short, I'm going to receive a brand new Galaxy S8 from Europe, but it's going to be locked on T-Mobile Germany, since this is where I'm getting from.
As far as I know, I will be able to use it here, on AT&T, but only after unlocking it. And here comes my question: how can I do this? I know about flashing firmware or something like that, but, honestly, I'm not such a tech savvy person. Is there such thing as an easier method?
Thanks in advance,
George
You need to pay for an unlock code, cheapest ones are usually on ebay.
peachpuff said:
You need to pay for an unlock code, cheapest ones are usually on ebay.
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I don't know if TMOBILE GERMANY works the same way as they do here in the US - but there are guidelines for when yoiu get a phone unlocked by teh carrier - and they have started using an AP that makes it impossible to use an UNLOCKED CODE to unlock the device. I found this ouit with the S6 when I purchased it (and the Note 5)
Their rules are pretty strict here in the US - you have to own the phone and be on service for 44 days before they will release the phone to be unlocked - unless you have been with TMOBILE for moe than a year in which case they will give allow you to unlock immediately.
Now that is here in the US and I am not sure if they do the same thing with TMOBILE Germany. BUT I would definitely look into it before you buy it.
You might consider buying a G950F and just use that - it is already unlocked and will work fine on ATT.
whatever you do - good luck.
Related
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
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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????
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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!
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The OP is from Greece.
uansari1 said:
The OP is from Greece.
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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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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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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.
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Hey guys, im looking to bay a Samsung Focus that is locked in at&t but i am thinking to unlock i mean to by the unlock code or somthing similar! so if i unlock it, will i have any problems to use it here i Europe/Norway ?
Sorry if i opend the thred, but i could not finde a clear answer!
thank u
suua said:
Hey guys, im looking to bay a Samsung Focus that is locked in at&t but i am thinking to unlock i mean to by the unlock code or somthing similar! so if i unlock it, will i have any problems to use it here i Europe/Norway ?
Sorry if i opend the thred, but i could not finde a clear answer!
thank u
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Hi, I'm currently using a Focus across Europe, successfully.
Mine was bought in US and initially SIM locked to AT&T. Paid for unlock and now is SIM unlocked (flashing, restoring, downgrading, upgrading etc. firmware doesn't affect SIM lock).
So yes, you can buy it, unlock it (fastgsm or ebay) and use with no issues across the world, actually, not only Europe.
EnderPsp said:
Hi, I'm currently using a Focus across Europe, successfully.
Mine was bought in US and initially SIM locked to AT&T. Paid for unlock and now is SIM unlocked (flashing, restoring, downgrading, upgrading etc. firmware doesn't affect SIM lock).
So yes, you can buy it, unlock it (fastgsm or ebay) and use with no issues across the world, actually, not only Europe.
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thanks for the replay and for the answer buddy =)
Yes, I got it from eBay.
However, I specifically chose one which buyer said specifically it works for any carrier in the world ("world-wide phone").
It's working beautifully, I am very pleased about it.
Some tip about buying from eBay, in case you aren't used to it(like I was):
Make sure you read carefully the buyer description.
For example, being in hurry, while I did make sure about other things, I didn't notice that it didn't include a micro-USB data cable. It's my fault, the buyer actually didn't mention about it.
Also, the charger was not the original one(Samsung Traveler). The buyer just mentioned 'charger'.
These are really not important at all as I got an original micro-USB for like 10$.
I was more interested about phone being in good shape and that it works in my country.
But since you have to choose it might help you.
Good luck!
Hey, am planning on buying a new samsung focus. Am thinking of getting an at&t locked one off ebay then unlocking it using this coz it'll be cheaper than buying an unlocked one. Would anyone recommend this or will i end up getting screwed?
jmunge89 said:
Hey, am planning on buying a new samsung focus. Am thinking of getting an at&t locked one off ebay then unlocking it using this coz it'll be cheaper than buying an unlocked one. Would anyone recommend this or will i end up getting screwed?
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1. Make sure the phone is "new", not refurb. Then check if it had water damage, things replaced etc. Keep in mind that Amazon sells new Focuses for $229
2. I've used a similar unlock for $0.99 and got a good code in <1h
3. Find a good SD card
Good luck!
Agreed
I concur with EnderPsp. I used a similar code to SIM unlock my ATT Focus. The code came to me in less than 15 minutes and the unlock went smoothly. You probably already know this so forgive me, but you are about to become a fellow Focus owner. This is a SIM unlock and will not unlock your Focus for sideloading xaps etc, just allow you to use other carriers.
EnderPsp said:
1. Make sure the phone is "new", not refurb. Then check if it had water damage, things replaced etc. Keep in mind that Amazon sells new Focuses for $229
2. I've used a similar unlock for $0.99 and got a good code in <1h
3. Find a good SD card
Good luck!
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Hey thanks. I think i'll be getting a new unlocked one from Amazon instead. It's even cheaper than some of the locked ones on ebay I noticed that you live in Europe. Can i assume that the at&t unlocked version of the phone is working ok for you. I want to make sure that i dont get any problems. My carrier uses GSM 900 and 3G 2100 bands.
JamesAllen said:
I concur with EnderPsp. I used a similar code to SIM unlock my ATT Focus. The code came to me in less than 15 minutes and the unlock went smoothly. You probably already know this so forgive me, but you are about to become a fellow Focus owner. This is a SIM unlock and will not unlock your Focus for sideloading xaps etc, just allow you to use other carriers.
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Sideloading means installing non-market apps on the device, right? If thats the case it really won't be much of a bother to me. Which reminds me, does the samsung focus have the SIM Toolkit(STK) application?
jmunge89 said:
Hey thanks. I think i'll be getting a new unlocked one from Amazon instead. It's even cheaper than some of the locked ones on ebay I noticed that you live in Europe. Can i assume that the at&t unlocked version of the phone is working ok for you. I want to make sure that i dont get any problems. My carrier uses GSM 900 and 3G 2100 bands.
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Yes, both my Focuses work fine across Europe (AT&T and my wife's Rogers).
Just make sure the Radio is set to "World" not "North America".
jmunge89 said:
Sideloading means installing non-market apps on the device, right? If thats the case it really won't be much of a bother to me. Which reminds me, does the samsung focus have the SIM Toolkit(STK) application?
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You're mainly right about sideloading. Unfortunately there is no STK on WP7, but there is an app called "Network Profile" that you can download from marketplace and might help you a bit.
I am considering buying a Galaxy Note but I have a dilemma so I hope you will be able to help me out with it.
If I decide to buy it I will probably have to buy it through a mobile carrier meaning that I will have to unlock it to run it on a different network. I have someone to do it for me so I don't know what kind of software they will use.
Since I am new to Android, I would like to keep away from the rooting as long as possible so I am talking about stock software here.
Therefore, I would like to ask this:
1) Have any of you unlocked their Galaxy Notes? Are there any side-effects or it feels totally SIM-free?
2) Am I going to be cut-off from the official software updates (ICS and so on?) or it will be totally like a SIM-free experience?
3) Are all the splash screens, apps and other carrier-related stuff gone after the unlock?
Thank you in advance!
This doesn't answer your questions, but why would you buy a carrier phone and use it on another network? Why not buy unlocked?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
If you plan to get the ATT one, I dont think it will get 3G/+ on Tmo. The intenational one I have definitely does not have that band. Unless there is another unlocked version that has those bands. And my international version does not have LTE as well.
And why would you sign a contract with ATT and want to use it on another n/w? Doesnt make any sense whatsoever.
Eborg said:
I am considering buying a Galaxy Note but I have a dilemma so I hope you will be able to help me out with it.
If I decide to buy it I will probably have to buy it through a mobile carrier meaning that I will have to unlock it to run it on a different network. I have someone to do it for me so I don't know what kind of software they will use.
Since I am new to Android, I would like to keep away from the rooting as long as possible so I am talking about stock software here.
Therefore, I would like to ask this:
1) Have any of you unlocked their Galaxy Notes? Are there any side-effects or it feels totally SIM-free?
2) Am I going to be cut-off from the official software updates (ICS and so on?) or it will be totally like a SIM-free experience?
3) Are all the splash screens, apps and other carrier-related stuff gone after the unlock?
Thank you in advance!
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I live in Europe so I am talking about an international version.
Technically I wouldn't be buying it directly from a carrier, I just wanted to keep the discussion simple. I would buy it from a store but they get it abroad, unlock them and sell them legally. It's the only way I can get it where I live.
Ordering from Expansys or similar sites would mean that I would have to pay import customs which would probably amount to 200-300$ or more.
Where are you from? There are more retailers than expansys
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
I live in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Since it is not yet a member of the EU, you have to pay customs fees for this kind of stuff.
I will be going to the UK in a few weeks and thought about buying it there but that would mean that I wouldn't have any warranty. Most sites do not offer warranty outside the UK or EU. Also, even if I found one seller that offers worldwide warranty, I would still have costs shipping the phone to the UK or wherever and back (still EU issues) if needed.
Buying the phone locally should give me a 2-year warranty so that's why I am thinking about that option.
if you get it sim free fromthe uk then you woudl be paying more than you woudl in say germany - sim free in the uk are about £500+
sim free means it isnt locked to a carrioer that doesnt stop anything regarding updates to ics, you wil lstil lget them just might be at alater date than other countries
unlocking is not the same as debranding which would remove the software and logos etc
mine is sim free whcih i bought on a 2 year contract and it is no different to any other note locked on the networks
Eborg said:
I am considering buying a Galaxy Note but I have a dilemma so I hope you will be able to help me out with it.
If I decide to buy it I will probably have to buy it through a mobile carrier meaning that I will have to unlock it to run it on a different network.....
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buying it through a carrier does not mean that the phone is locked to that carrier anyway. have you asked your carrier or the store you want to buy from if they sell the Note locked?. my Note is bought from German Telekom/T-Mobile and has no sim or netlock. i just tested the Note with simcards from other German and foreign carrier and they all work flawlessly. so maybe you can purchase a Note at your side that is also sim/netlocked free.
All Galaxy Notes available locally were on foreign carriers. The guy at the store could only confirm that it works will all SIM cards, not that the particular phone had to be unlocked or not, but it was definitely on a foreign carrier when they got it.
I am not sure if the phones are debranded or not. Is that something that I can do on my own without rooting the phone?
So, you guys can officially confirm that unlocked (and optionally debranded) Galaxy Note will act as if they were SIM-free in regards to official updates, apps and so on? No worries there?
As for getting it abroad, it wouldn't be the best solution since I would have to send it to the UK, Germany, Italy or wherever if something is wrong paying 100-200$ of customs fees every time if something goes wrong.
I'd just like to confirm that it is possible to update the firmware automatically with an unlocked Note. Cheers!
Richy99 said:
sim free means it isnt locked to a carrioer that doesnt stop anything regarding updates to ics, you wil lstil lget them just might be at alater date than other countries
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Quite.
Also to keep in mind : in the EU, the carrier must agree to unlock phones after at the most 6 months.
And regarding ICS upgrades for the Note, they're apparently fairly messy at the moment. Locally (France) my carrier and the local Samsung branch are apparently more or less pointing at one another for a botched upgrade (at the end of June, note that it was announced as "we're fixing a few things, should be any day now" in March) where they apparently managed to brick a number of user phones. Samsung tends to communicate fairly poorly on the issue.
Other than the updated stylus apps, I'm not really sure the upgrade is worth it. And I discovered the whole "Kies" crud when I got this phone which really annoyed me since I don't normally run Windows (or Mac OS) and some operators apparently like to push their stuff only through that channel.
---------- Post added at 01:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 PM ----------
Eborg said:
I'd just like to confirm that it is possible to update the firmware automatically with an unlocked Note. Cheers!
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There's no reason why you couldn't. Possibly you'd get the Samsung update instead of the one from the original carrier (not guaranteed). But unlocking phones is fairly standard procedure.
Actually I got an update from the previous carrier from which it was unlocked from judging by the bloatware installed with the update.
Hello,
I recently saw the (samsung.com) Buy One Get One (/us/mobile/phones/t-mobile-free-galaxy-s8-promotion) deal on the Samsung S8. I am really interested. The deal applies on buying the T-Mobile variants directly from samsung.com. (Not through T-Mobile)
However, I am from India, and am currently travelling to the US. I would like to buy both the phones and get them unlocked later so that I can use them back in India. I do not mind buying/activating a new T-Mobile line on one of the phones as long as I can SIM unlock the phone later for use with other SIMs. From what I read, T-Mobile does not have these phones registered in their database and it is difficult to get them to unlock the phone for me. What usually ends up happening is that Samsung people redirect to T-Mobile, who in turn redirect back to Samsung. Has anybody had any success?
Here are a couple of reddit threads dealing with the same matter (can't post links yet, sorry) :
/r/tmobile/comments/68w6ow/samsungcom_tmobile_s8_sim_unlock/
/r/tmobile/comments/6crs6v/unlocking_samsung_galaxy_purchased_from_samsungcom/
/r/GalaxyS8/comments/67a942/how_to_get_sim_unlock_code_for_phones_purchased/
Please let me know if this is possible, and how it can be done.
I have T-mo phone bought and paid in full direct from Samsung and I can confirm this nonsense, which should be totally illegal: T-mo has no record of my phone's IMEI and Samsung can't unlock the phone without T-mo. You could try paid services, but I have no idea how well and if they even work. You could also wait for root and probably unlock then, but it's risky. So far I have not been able to resolve this issue.
pete4k said:
I have T-mo phone bought and paid in full direct from Samsung and I can confirm this nonsense, which should be totally illegal: T-mo has no record of my phone's IMEI and Samsung can't unlock the phone without T-mo. You could try paid services, but I have no idea how well and if they even work. You could also wait for root and probably unlock then, but it's risky. So far I have not been able to resolve this issue.
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That's sad to hear. I would have loved to get the phone using this offer. From what I gathered from the reddit threads, you basically have to grind down on customer support (either Samsung or T-Mobile) to get it unlocked from their side.