Related
So I called Google to report a lost/stolen Nexus 4, so that they could block the IMEI (I'm in Canada) But then they just responded:
"I have received word back from our specialist they let me know that since the device was not lost/stolen during the shipping process that the situation is out of our scope of support. "
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is crazy! Google can easily block IMEI's from accessing the Play Store, and render the phones useless. Why haven't they done this? I'm the original purchaser- so what is the problem?
Have you called Fido? Once they block the IMEI, it is also entered in a central database that other carriers draw from. Should not matter whether you bought the phone from your provider or not.
CMNein said:
Have you called Fido? Once they block the IMEI, it is also entered in a central database that other carriers draw from. Should not matter whether you bought the phone from your provider or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure they enter it into a central database? The last I heard was that if you block the IMEI with the carrier only, it only applies to Fido and people have been able to use the stolen handset on other carriers. I've read anecdotes of people getting Google to successfully block the IMEI of their stolen IMEI's.
It makes much more sense if Google does it themselves. A phone that can't access the Play Store becomes useless!
montrealguy said:
Are you sure they enter it into a central database?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not 100%, but definitely worth looking into.
montrealguy said:
So I called Google to report a lost/stolen Nexus 4, so that they could block the IMEI (I'm in Canada) But then they just responded:
This is crazy! Google can easily block IMEI's from accessing the Play Store, and render the phones useless. Why haven't they done this? I'm the original purchaser- so what is the problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not Google's job. It's the carrier's job... Google isn't running a network. It's like trying to get UPS to block the IMEI for you; it makes no sense.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2
Product F(RED) said:
It's not Google's job. It's the carrier's job... Google isn't running a network. It's like trying to get UPS to block the IMEI for you; it makes no sense.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely disagree. Google blocking IMEI's of stolen phones is much more efficient than carriers blocking the IMEI's one by one. All they need to do is block any phone with that IMEI from accessing the Play Store. And voila- you can't even use the stolen phone in a different country!
It would be a good idea, sure.
In the meantime have you talked to your provider, or pushed Plan B to your phone from Google Play?
Product F(RED) said:
It's not Google's job. It's the carrier's job... Google isn't running a network. It's like trying to get UPS to block the IMEI for you; it makes no sense.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely disagree. Google blocking IMEI's of stolen phones is much more efficient than carriers blocking the IMEI's one by one. All they need to do is block any phone with that IMEI from accessing the Play Store. And voila- you can't even use the stolen phone in a different country!
Yeah, when the imei is blocked by T-Mobile, or another carrier, you can still sell the phone as a WiFi only device and make 200$ but if it can't even be used as that, its worthless
Sent from my Nexus 4 @1.944 GHz on Stock 4.2.2
montrealguy said:
I completely disagree. Google blocking IMEI's of stolen phones is much more efficient than carriers blocking the IMEI's one by one. All they need to do is block any phone with that IMEI from accessing the Play Store. And voila- you can't even use the stolen phone in a different country!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing the point. Google doesn't have access to the carrier database of IMEI numbers. They actually cannot do it.
Yes this is pretty standard...unless lost in shipping Google has nothing to do with this, the carrier must handle it,and let me tell you ahead of time, IMO which I've had happen twice with my carrier at least T-Mobile, they will NOT block or kill an IMEI and handle a stolen phone without a police report. I know its a pain, but if every Joe who wants to sell a phone and then recoup with a stolen claim could just call without any paperwork to back it up would be too easy. I know getting the police isn't exactly proof someone isn't trying to scam anyway not like the cops are actively pursuing cell phone thieves, but they require it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Know what's kind of ironic about this?
Blocking the IMEI is actually a very inefficient and easily-circumvented method to screen phones. Heck I'm not even using my phone's IMEI for my carrier right now as I need a plan that isn't offered for the Nexus 4. For the sake of not derailing this thread I won't delve into details, but I can assure you, it's very easy to calculate a new IMEI.
Product F(RED) said:
You're missing the point. Google doesn't have access to the carrier database of IMEI numbers. They actually cannot do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And I agree that it isn't on Google to screen the IMEI's. As said there.
imagine : you stole the IMEI of a friend who you dont' love or hate, you calle google for block they IMEI ..... easy to abuse with this system ... it's not google job to block IMEI....
for google, a slolen phone .... is a phone who give $$$ to google, why he block them ?
Johmama said:
Know what's kind of ironic about this?
Blocking the IMEI is actually a very inefficient and easily-circumvented method to screen phones. Heck I'm not even using my phone's IMEI for my carrier right now as I need a plan that isn't offered for the Nexus 4. For the sake of not derailing this thread I won't delve into details, but I can assure you, it's very easy to calculate a new IMEI.
And I agree that it isn't on Google to screen the IMEI's. As said there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isnt a matter of derailing the thread. It is a matter of you are not allowed to get into details as this is illegal and banned from being talked about here.
zelendel said:
It isnt a matter of derailing the thread. It is a matter of you are not allowed to get into details as this is illegal and banned from being talked about here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, that too. Sorry, forget I mentioned anything.
How did you contact Google? I have a similar problem and I need to make some inquiries.
Thanks!!
jo_iii said:
How did you contact Google? I have a similar problem and I need to make some inquiries.
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://support.google.com/googleplay/#contact=1&ts=3013792
Good luck
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Android The Greek said:
https://support.google.com/googleplay/#contact=1&ts=3013792
Good luck
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess giving a reply to a 3 month old post is as the saying goes better late than never.
I have a Galaxy 900A
I purchased my S5 from a man through a craigslist ad. He stated the phone was on the AT&T network, while I am on TMobile.
I knew I would need to have the phone unlocked and he assured me that my carrier could assist me. He went on to remind me of the commercials you hear about on the radio... "Bring your cell phone over to our network and we'll switch you for free". I had, in fact, heard these very commercials and made the purchase of $300.
NOT TRUE!!
TMobile informed me that the phone had been reported as stolen when I called them as I was leaving this buy.
What can I do??
I have researched some online solutions for this and there are several sites which claim to do a carrier unlock on the phone (isn't this for phones NOT on a blacklist though?)
There are other sites which offer IMEI repair. Is it possible to Root a phone, change the IMEI number to another number which is not blacklisted?
Any suggestions..? I would prefer a solution that I can navigate myself, a newbie in all regards to mobile software. If the solution requires a seasoned mobile techy-type, who would y'all recommend I enlist for the job?
Thanks so much,
Christy Lynn
cbarry designs said:
I have a Galaxy 900A
I purchased my S5 from a man through a craigslist ad. He stated the phone was on the AT&T network, while I am on TMobile.
I knew I would need to have the phone unlocked and he assured me that my carrier could assist me. He went on to remind me of the commercials you hear about on the radio... "Bring your cell phone over to our network and we'll switch you for free". I had, in fact, heard these very commercials and made the purchase of $300.
NOT TRUE!!
TMobile informed me that the phone had been reported as stolen when I called them as I was leaving this buy.
What can I do??
I have researched some online solutions for this and there are several sites which claim to do a carrier unlock on the phone (isn't this for phones NOT on a blacklist though?)
There are other sites which offer IMEI repair. Is it possible to Root a phone, change the IMEI number to another number which is not blacklisted?
Any suggestions..? I would prefer a solution that I can navigate myself, a newbie in all regards to mobile software. If the solution requires a seasoned mobile techy-type, who would y'all recommend I enlist for the job?
Thanks so much,
Christy Lynn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing IMEI is illegal and may not be a topic on XDA, no one is going to help you. In fact i`am gona report this thread to the mods to be deleted. Good luck, call the police and see what can be done to get you your money back.
I have seen at least 3 cases I can remember in this forum only of people that bought on Craigslist and got scammed.
Here's hoping that people learn that it's a stolen/fake phone dumping place.
Sent from my SM-G900H using Tapatalk
cbarry designs said:
I have a Galaxy 900A
I purchased my S5 from a man through a craigslist ad. He stated the phone was on the AT&T network, while I am on TMobile.
I knew I would need to have the phone unlocked and he assured me that my carrier could assist me. He went on to remind me of the commercials you hear about on the radio... "Bring your cell phone over to our network and we'll switch you for free". I had, in fact, heard these very commercials and made the purchase of $300.
NOT TRUE!!
TMobile informed me that the phone had been reported as stolen when I called them as I was leaving this buy.
What can I do??
I have researched some online solutions for this and there are several sites which claim to do a carrier unlock on the phone (isn't this for phones NOT on a blacklist though?)
There are other sites which offer IMEI repair. Is it possible to Root a phone, change the IMEI number to another number which is not blacklisted?
Any suggestions..? I would prefer a solution that I can navigate myself, a newbie in all regards to mobile software. If the solution requires a seasoned mobile techy-type, who would y'all recommend I enlist for the job?
Thanks so much,
Christy Lynn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry it happened Christy, but as was stated, cloning imei numbers is highly illegal. And as such, discussion of such topic is forbidden at XDA.
Will have to close this thread now.
MD
Hey guys,
i got this legit t-mo gs7e which came for free through this promotional agency. it is clearly branded as t-mobile and only works with t-mobile US sim card, but t-mo hotline keeps saying it is not a t-mobile phone. longer description in this thread which i accidentally posted in the GS7normal section: (i asked for the thread to be moved over here to avoid double post but nothing happened)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-galaxy-s7/help/unlockable-t-mobile-s7-edge-t3572986
will this new root help me making any use of this phone or do i have to just buy a new one? i been on the hotlines for about 3 weeks now and about to give up and just try to sell it and buy something else, so you people are really my last resort.
also willing to tip if someone can guide me through the process.
definately a legit, not-blocked, paid-off phone, just nobody can remove the sim-lock and i need to use it both in foreign countries and on diff networks in the US.
thanks in advance,
b
bingo500 said:
Hey guys,
thanks in advance,
b
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read this - maybe help
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-s7-edge/how-to/unlocked-sm-g935t-t-mobile-t3487667
Is it a G935T?
tengtengvn said:
Is it a G935T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, G935TUVU4BQB1
jasons1004 said:
Read this - maybe help
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-s7-edge/how-to/unlocked-sm-g935t-t-mobile-t3487667
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, i read through this before, but 1) the thread is actually mad old and not for nougat firmware and 2) it seems like nobody was able to actually remove the sim-lock with this, just remove the bloatware etc.
[/COLOR]
bingo500 said:
thanks, i read through this before, but 1) the thread is actually mad old and not for nougat firmware and 2) it seems like nobody was able to actually remove the sim-lock with this, just remove the bloatware etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there is any hack or anything to sim unlock the phone. I believe it hinges on getting your imei into the tmo database, or using a paid service. Check this post and maybe try and contact that TMobile rep: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-lg-v10/general/unlocking-sim-tmobile-t3241032/post65795953
It will not help you unlock the sim lock.
I have been watching your comments since your firdt post about yiur phone and i hate to say it but i think you are going to have to use a pay service.
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA Premium HD app
thanks guys, pretty sure a paid service won't be able to unlock it, that thread yrrch mentioned also has a couple people in it w similar phones where the paid ones didn't help.. but i'll def try call that higher level t-mo rep that is mentioned in there. it is one of these "partner purchase" programs i believe.
edit: matter of fact i reached out to unlockradar.com couple days ago, they can't unlock it either.
bingo500 said:
thanks guys, pretty sure a paid service won't be able to unlock it, that thread yrrch mentioned also has a couple people in it w similar phones where the paid ones didn't help.. but i'll def try call that higher level t-mo rep that is mentioned in there. it is one of these "partner purchase" programs i believe.
edit: matter of fact i reached out to unlockradar.com couple days ago, they can't unlock it either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I guess a paid service requires that your phone be registered in the carrier's database. Then if the unlock app doesn't work, you could choose to pay. So hopefully you can reach that woman and have her help! Good luck and keep us posted
OK, so I have a question. I'm Trying to move from t-mobile to Verizon but I'm trying to keep my same phone. So no matter what I do im better off getting a new phone?
To unlock that device you'll need to find a store that has the equipment to do it. There are boxes out there that unlock immediately through a connected cable.
Araltd said:
To unlock that device you'll need to find a store that has the equipment to do it. There are boxes out there that unlock immediately through a connected cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure of this statement ? I've read that T-Mobile App SIM lock is impossible to hack.
lapocompris said:
Are you sure of this statement ? I've read that T-Mobile App SIM lock is impossible to hack.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The models that have unlock device apps can only be unlocked (Tmobile metropcs possibly others?) will have to be unlocked thru the app (AFAIK) other models (certain models, which vary accordingly) can be unlocked instantly thru cable.
Now, is it "impossible to hack"? I dunno? I don't think anything is impossible to hack.... (don't read into that, I'm not saying it's been done, I'm merely making a statement that's all)
Sent from my Rooted Galaxy S7 EDGE on Android 7.0 Nougat, here's the instructions how to do it!
I believe the device was purchased from Samsung.com and only those devices are not recognized by T-Mobile unlock app.. I heard that you've to call T-Mobile business support instead of technical support for this issue.. I had the same wth an S7 and was discussing in S7 forums
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I was wondering if any firmware is available to I can get rid of the retail mode. I'm sorry if I posted in the wrong fourm. I'm aware that the phone doesn't have cellular capabilities I want to use it as a wifi only device
XxCyberHackerxX said:
I was wondering if any firmware is available to I can get rid of the retail mode. I'm sorry if I posted in the wrong fourm. I'm aware that the phone doesn't have cellular capabilities I want to use it as a wifi only device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Received a demo S8" oh really? Maybe ask the store from where it was stolen from, they probably know the process to take it out of retail mode. If you bought it legitimately then it's the sellers responsibilty to provide a working phone. Is the wifi-only mode because the IMEI is blacklisted? I guess you don't live up to your username. Just kidding.
I googled it, there are pages and videos that tell you how to remove retail mode.
Go into development settings and turn off demo mode.. it's that easy ...
Settings...
About phone...
Tap build number until it says unlocked...
Then back out to setting
Then development settings
Then go down and turn demo off
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
djxn40 said:
Go into development settings and turn off demo mode.. it's that easy ...
Settings...
About phone...
Tap build number until it says unlocked...
Then back out to setting
Then development settings
Then go down and turn demo off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he's talking about retail mode which is a totally separate thing. There's a Samsung Retail app and a code you have to enter.
Oh sorry ?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
henrybravo said:
"Received a demo S8" oh really? Maybe ask the store from where it was stolen from, they probably know the process to take it out of retail mode. If you bought it legitimately then it's the sellers responsibilty to provide a working phone. Is the wifi-only mode because the IMEI is blacklisted? I guess you don't live up to your username. Just kidding.
I googled it, there are pages and videos that tell you how to remove retail mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha that made me crack up. I bought the phone on eBay. I just need some firmware to put in Odin to flash the phone to factory settings
henrybravo said:
"Received a demo S8" oh really? Maybe ask the store from where it was stolen from, they probably know the process to take it out of retail mode. If you bought it legitimately then it's the sellers responsibilty to provide a working phone. Is the wifi-only mode because the IMEI is blacklisted? I guess you don't live up to your username. Just kidding.
I googled it, there are pages and videos that tell you how to remove retail mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
henrybravo said:
I think he's talking about retail mode which is a totally separate thing. There's a Samsung Retail app and a code you have to enter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to reflash the phone to get rid of all the demo videos and applications
*UPDATE* I managed to completely get the phone stock
XxCyberHackerxX said:
*UPDATE* I managed to completely get the phone stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you go about this?
Thanks!
G_Loc said:
How did you go about this?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sent you a message
XxCyberHackerxX said:
I sent you a message
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello there
I also have a GS8 + demo unit and would like to know how can you remove or flash a new firmware ??
Thanks
Wow.... Its amazing all these Demo phones getting stolen and sold already.
I am not blaming anyone who buys them on Ebay... but realize this. Once the stores send it in, the new blacklisting methods on carriers share among the carriers. Once its listed. Account gets flagged saying you have an unauthorized device. After that, they suspend the account till you put a clean IMEI.
I know AT&T and its network sister partner services do this for sure.
I would say those who buy this from ebay as a Demo device, or from Craigslist. Ask them for the Invoice receipt or proof of purchase. (Claim in case of warrenty issues) if they stutter or make up an excuse. Realize its a stolen store phone which will get tracked. They may not go after the small 100$ or entry level phones but the high end galaxies and iphones... they sure will.
Mysticales said:
Wow.... Its amazing all these Demo phones getting stolen and sold already.
I am not blaming anyone who buys them on Ebay... but realize this. Once the stores send it in, the new blacklisting methods on carriers share among the carriers. Once its listed. Account gets flagged saying you have an unauthorized device. After that, they suspend the account till you put a clean IMEI.
I know AT&T and its network sister partner services do this for sure.
I would say those who buy this from ebay as a Demo device, or from Craigslist. Ask them for the Invoice receipt or proof of purchase. (Claim in case of warrenty issues) if they stutter or make up an excuse. Realize its a stolen store phone which will get tracked. They may not go after the small 100$ or entry level phones but the high end galaxies and iphones... they sure will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's very true. I go mine from eBay and will ask for the original invoice. If Samsung ever came asking for the phone I would give it to them
Mysticales said:
Wow.... Its amazing all these Demo phones getting stolen and sold already.
I am not blaming anyone who buys them on Ebay... but realize this. Once the stores send it in, the new blacklisting methods on carriers share among the carriers. Once its listed. Account gets flagged saying you have an unauthorized device. After that, they suspend the account till you put a clean IMEI.
I know AT&T and its network sister partner services do this for sure.
I would say those who buy this from ebay as a Demo device, or from Craigslist. Ask them for the Invoice receipt or proof of purchase. (Claim in case of warrenty issues) if they stutter or make up an excuse. Realize its a stolen store phone which will get tracked. They may not go after the small 100$ or entry level phones but the high end galaxies and iphones... they sure will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*facepalm*.
These are demo units, they are built with no IMEI or any of the cell antennas.
These are bought to use as WiFi only devices usually.
They are not blacklisted stolen units, those are completely different (and do exist a lot on eBay).
Skander1998 said:
*facepalm*.
These are demo units, they are built with no IMEI or any of the cell antennas.
These are bought to use as WiFi only devices usually.
They are not blacklisted stolen units, those are completely different (and do exist a lot on eBay).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
o.0 Where do you work at? Cause the "Demo" phones "I" get are fully functional from samsung. Then I install the retail demo software on it, which has the password. It syncs up with the demo software for that phone and off it goes. I can disable functions, protect it from hard resets and even open it all back up again.
Yes, they quite so have an IMEI.
However in fairness. If you have a wifi only S8 "demo" unit. Please share the screenshot of it showing no imei in the about phone info area.
Mysticales said:
o.0 Where do you work at? Cause the "Demo" phones "I" get are fully functional from samsung. Then I install the retail demo software on it, which has the password. It syncs up with the demo software for that phone and off it goes. I can disable functions, protect it from hard resets and even open it all back up again.
Yes, they quite so have an IMEI.
However in fairness. If you have a wifi only S8 "demo" unit. Please share the screenshot of it showing no imei in the about phone info area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All demo units in Qatar and MENA region are like that (in Samsung shops), I'll get you a screenshot when I go out sometime.
It will show IMEI 0000000000
Here is an example demo phone http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Gal...198937?hash=item3d3ac81fd9:g:HyUAAOSw9OFZE-Kz
The back will have a NOT FOR SALE sticker without the usual IMEI printout even. Just a SRN
I see, so in those regions eh?
I know here in USA, Its a fully working model. Just is softwared to demo mode it.
G_Loc said:
How did you go about this?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you share this also?
Good job
XxCyberHackerxX said:
*UPDATE* I managed to completely get the phone stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello brother can you also help me through inbox
:good:
XxCyberHackerxX said:
*UPDATE* I managed to completely get the phone stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you do it?
Hi guys, my G6 was recently blacklisted in Canada due to non payment...
At this point, is the phone locked? So it will need to be unlocked.
Or being blacklisted is another story? Like it will work again only if it had a new (different) iemi?
If so, can I change the iemi by myself?
Thanks
Only way it will work now is with a sim from a different country. Otherwise you have a fancy WiFi brick.
dzdiode said:
Hi guys, my G6 was recently blacklisted in Canada due to non payment...
At this point, is the phone locked? So it will need to be unlocked.
Or being blacklisted is another story? Like it will work again only if it had a new (different) iemi?
If so, can I change the iemi by myself?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That discussion is not allowed here, FYI.
Sent from my LG-H872 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
zPacKRat said:
That discussion is not allowed here, FYI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why?
SolarisSixth said:
Only way it will work now is with a sim from a different country. Otherwise you have a fancy WiFi brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If so, why when I asked phone repair shops they said it can be fixed... They ask a lot of money for it.
Only way the owner can get the IMEI unblocked is to pay the network what you owe and ask them to revoke the block.
Discussion of IMEI is banned on XDA as it is illegal in many countries and the site doesn't want to be shut down.
The repair shops offer to replace the motherboard, which comes with a different IMEI number and costs a lot.
Hello,
the imei can not be changed, and if it is it is perfectly illegal.
why not pay what you need and find in exchange a functional phone !?
It would be too easy not to pay off your debt and help you get around your operator's punishment
Thanks guys for the replies.
Actually the phone I'm paying for it but I have made an important delay on one of my bills, personal issues... This is life
Now I'm paying for it but the carrier will unblock the imei in months... So nothing is illegal here.
But I understand and respect the fact that's we can't talk about it here.
Sorry!