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I bought a G1 off of Craigslist. Like an idiot I reset it and now it is locked and I can't use it since I am on ATT. I asked a friend to call Tmo to get the unlock code but they wouldn't give it saying that the original owner needs to ask for it.
I want to use this guide, to unlock it but I need to activate the phone first in order to downgrade to RC29. If I use my friends T-Mobile SIM card what will happen with his plan and does he need to have a data plan in order to activate it in the first place?
I am assuming that after its been activated I won't need to use his SIM anymore to get around the phone and I am confident enough to be able to downgrade it through use of the excellent guides on this forum.
If there is an easier way to unlock my phone, it would be much appreciated but I have no way of paying over the internet for a code, so I'm stuck at the moment.
You don't need his SIM card to be able to flash RC29, and that guide isn't going to change the fact your phone will still be SIM locked.
Really? That sucks. I guess I will just sell it and buy an unlocked one. Thanks for the reply.
crzyaznkdxd said:
Really? That sucks. I guess I will just sell it and buy an unlocked one. Thanks for the reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some stes will have you pay $20 to get the unlock code, they work but the best way would be to call the carrier (which you said you can't do already). Either way will unlock the phone for you
Did you try getting your friend to call tmo and see if they can provide him with the unlock code with your phone? He'll need some numbers off of your phone though.
dont know if anyone knew this...but sim cards are sold seperately, you could buy a prepaid sim card from tmobile, no phone. Just a prepaid card where you add your own minutes put that into the phone, then that activates it, and you will also be a tmobile customer- where you can now call and ask for the unlock code.
Klyentel said:
dont know if anyone knew this...but sim cards are sold seperately, you could buy a prepaid sim card from tmobile, no phone. Just a prepaid card where you add your own minutes put that into the phone, then that activates it, and you will also be a tmobile customer- where you can now call and ask for the unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But they have a loyalty agreement and won't give unlock codes if you haven't been a customer for three months I believe.
evilkorn said:
But they have a loyalty agreement and won't give unlock codes if you haven't been a customer for three months I believe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh, wow, that sucks
I have not ever done this before, but I found this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/UNLOCK-Code-AT-...Accessories&hash=item1c138c9851#ht_4764wt_913
I was wondering if any of these are legit or do they all fall into the realm of too good to be true. I have called at&t and they stated that I could not have an unlock code so that is why I am going down this route, if it turns out to be legit.
Anyway I welcome your feedback about what may be just a dumbass question, LOL.
p.s. the only reason I am looking at this guy's page is that he has +50000 reviews with 99.8% quality.
my one experience with an ebay unlock code was it bricked the phone I was using. After doing further research I found that this was a constant for that phone. I have not seen any posts about unlocking an Aria yet but I also have not been looking for them since I am on AT&T so there is no need to unlock the phone for a different carrier currently.
that's the same guy i used to unlock 3 at&t phone. i never had a problem
If you are going out of the country then call att and tell them that. they will give you your unlock code for free all youll have to do is get a different (Non att) sim.
sd73ta said:
If you are going out of the country then call att and tell them that. they will give you your unlock code for free all youll have to do is get a different (Non att) sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They changed that policy. Now you have to wait for your contract to run out before they will unlock your phone, even if you tell them you're traveling. I tried calling them and having them unlock it, and that's what they told me. I was really disappointed too, because they've unlocked my phone before and never gave me any trouble because of the contract.
Maybe if I had threatened to unlock it anyhow, I might have had better luck– but I doubt it.
Ya I tried calling them too. Told them my situation and it was denied. I guess I will try this guy. At the most I am out 10 bucks.
Sent from my HTC Intruder using the XDA app.
fluffyarmada said:
They changed that policy. Now you have to wait for your contract to run out before they will unlock your phone, even if you tell them you're traveling. I tried calling them and having them unlock it, and that's what they told me. I was really disappointed too, because they've unlocked my phone before and never gave me any trouble because of the contract.
Maybe if I had threatened to unlock it anyhow, I might have had better luck– but I doubt it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strange, I just re-upped my contract when buying my Aria, and unlocked my phone with the code from ATT tech support for free. I do go internation a few times/year, so that may be a flag that I am not entirely lying, but it was no problem. Also, I used chat, instead of phone...they gave the my code in 10 seconds.
So I took the plunge. Fast service from this guy. Bought yesterday and got today. Went by t-mobile store and borrowed a sim. Put in unlock code and let me in the system. Rebooted to verify with t-mobile sim. Did not ask for code the second time.
Altogether happy. Me -$13.00. Phone unlocked.
Buyer beware. Cannot guarantee same results.
Sent from my HTC Intruder using the XDA app.
breakeven said:
I have not ever done this before, but I found this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/UNLOCK-Code-AT-...Accessories&hash=item1c138c9851#ht_4764wt_913
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also used blowfish06 to try and unlock my HTC Aria. He couldn't unlock it for whatever reason and immediately refunded my money. I'd use him again.
breakeven said:
Went by t-mobile store and borrowed a sim. Put in unlock code and let me in the system. Rebooted to verify with t-mobile sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just curious so please forgive me but how did that go, you walked into store..umm, can I borrow a sim ? they just hand them out to try out ?
I spoke with ATT tech (actually chat and then called to verify..) and they said they will give unlock code in 90 days from day of activation, no problem on their part, no cost.
i'm curious about all this too and still with a locked HTC Aria.
I went to the ebay link and read everything.
At some point it says:
"...be advised I cannot do refunds if phone asking for a PIN (personal code) which is password set on the phone (?)"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if this is my phone and I have the personal password, then I might have it.
When inserting a SIM card the phone says:
"SIM network unlock PIN", SOOOOO, I don't get it... will write the guy an email about it and hear what he says about it...
Eager to unlock this phone!
So..
1. I have heard various things from people regarding what AT&T will do for them. I would call them first and if they will unlock it for you then great. I spoke to them and they would not give it to me and told me that they had an exclusive right to the phone for the foreseeable future.
2. I did just walk into the t-mobile store and ask for a sim. The girl looked at me puzzled and said they are 20 bucks. I told here I need it for five seconds to unlock my phone. She said that Phones don't do that. I said that I have the code. She gave me a used sim.
In conclusion I think that I did go searching for a credible way to do this. I don't want a million people telling me what at&t's policy is since I did call them though. At any rate I did unlock my phone so I am good.
breakeven said:
So..
1. I have heard various things from people regarding what AT&T will do for them. I would call them first and if they will unlock it for you then great. I spoke to them and they would not give it to me and told me that they had an exclusive right to the phone for the foreseeable future.
2. I did just walk into the t-mobile store and ask for a sim. The girl looked at me puzzled and said they are 20 bucks. I told here I need it for five seconds to unlock my phone. She said that Phones don't do that. I said that I have the code. She gave me a used sim.
In conclusion I think that I did go searching for a credible way to do this. I don't want a million people telling me what at&t's policy is since I did call them though. At any rate I did unlock my phone so I am good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I ask you and if you remember what was the message the phone displayed before you unlock it with the t-moblie SIM card?
It was the message "SIM network unlock PIN" or what did it say?
I believe what you did, I've done certain type of things in past, walking into a store and asking for those sort of things... lol... great that it worked!
Ya it was something like "SIM NETWORK UNLOCK" not a personal unlock and I had to put in the 8 digit unlock code I bought off ebay. The previous post of mine was just about all the people stating all the AT&T policies that they have heard of and asking why I didn't just call them when I stated in my first post that I did. Also ya social engineering worked great there as they gave me some old sim to use they they found in a desk that didn't work but had a different network ID on it so it would prompt me for the SIM UNLOCK code.
seems then that I 'm having the same message, will try buying a code from the ebay guy then.
thanks a lot for your response.
PS. Calling AT&T wont work for me either as I bought the phone through ebay and I have not and will never have AT&T phone # or something to just simply call them and say 'hey I bought one of your phones over ebay, would you please give me the unlock code?' lol...
just bought a code from the ebay seller... will see how it develops and if the code works.
I will post results and everything related once I have the code
universal Sim
I have tried a few online sellers and they say a code is not available for my aria. Bummer, hopefully that will change. I remembered I had one of those universal sim chips like a Rebel Sim. I sort of works. Sometimes when I turn the phone on I can manually choose the network and get service, but most of the time it won't connect. Maybe I can buy a newer version of the universal sim.
Well dude, I got to say that the ebay deal really worked for me!!! Couldn't be more happy!
Was a little skeptical about it but just got the code on the email minutes ago and worked right away!!!
Cost me 9.95 because the price was reduced and paid with PayPal. Bought it in the morning and got the code minutes ago.
There's another ebay seller with the same price/offer which seems to work too (good feedback too)
--------------
ravemind said:
universal Sim
I have tried a few online sellers and they say a code is not available for my aria. Bummer, hopefully that will change. I remembered I had one of those universal sim chips like a Rebel Sim. I sort of works. Sometimes when I turn the phone on I can manually choose the network and get service, but most of the time it won't connect. Maybe I can buy a newer version of the universal sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What phone did you tried to unlock?
---------------
Thanks to breakeven and xda-developers forum!!!
I decided to test this out today for fun.
I tried 3 different ebay unlockers (all were rated as top-sellers) and all 3 were unable to unlock my off-contract Aria (from Amazon). They did, however, offer to try on another server, at around 2-3x the original cost, which I refused and was refunded my money.
I really don't care if my Aria can be unlocked since I have no intention of leaving AT&T anyway, but I thought I'd share MY experience with the rest of you. YOUR experience may vary.
On a side note, I unlocked 2 different models of Blackberry (again, just for fun) a few days ago using one of those ebay sellers with no problem. So I wouldn't worry too much about getting ripped off (as long as they are top rated sellers).
tongas
hey tongas would you mind telling us which ebay seller unlocked you Aria?
Thanks
Hi,
I am not technically inclined. I need to get my Samsung Galaxy SGHI1337 unlocked.
I am ready to pay for the unlocking service. But all my friends and families are on AT&T network like I am.
Where can I get a non-AT&T SIM card cheap to get my phone unlocked via cellunlocker.net? I only have access to an old, never-activated AT&T SIM card.
I know cellunlocker gives you 3 options, but I heard inserting a non-AT&T SIM card is the most successful route.
Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friend, co-worker / friend, classmate.
go to a store and tell them you want to unlock it because your contract is up in a couple months and you want to make sure you can use their service, they prob have one in the store thats even activated for testing purposes.
just a few thoughts off top of my head.
Thanks!
MoodSwinger said:
Friend, co-worker / friend, classmate.
go to a store and tell them you want to unlock it because your contract is up in a couple months and you want to make sure you can use their service, they prob have one in the store thats even activated for testing purposes.
just a few thoughts off top of my head.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All my friends and families are at this point are on AT&T network. It really sucks. Asked some friends' friends....they are scared of loaning me the SIM.
But thanks for the idea of going to a store instead!! I have not even thought of that one.
Another Quick Question
MoodSwinger said:
Friend, co-worker / friend, classmate.
go to a store and tell them you want to unlock it because your contract is up in a couple months and you want to make sure you can use their service, they prob have one in the store thats even activated for testing purposes.
just a few thoughts off top of my head.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called TMobile. They said they sell a SIM card for $10.00 at the store. After that, I will need to activate the service at the store.
The problem is I am fine with AT&T since I get special discount through relatives working for AT&T. I just want to get phone unlocked so I can take it with me to Europe.
But does the SIM have to be activated for the unlocking purpose? If not, I can just buy a TMobile SIM and unlock, right?
Thanks a lot in advance!
confused2014 said:
I called TMobile. They said they sell a SIM card for $10.00 at the store. After that, I will need to activate the service at the store.
The problem is I am fine with AT&T since I get special discount through relatives working for AT&T. I just want to get phone unlocked so I can take it with me to Europe.
But does the SIM have to be activated for the unlocking purpose? If not, I can just buy a TMobile SIM and unlock, right?
Thanks a lot in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to a mall or T-mobile kiosk and get a $10 prepaid sim. They should activate it where you buy it.
Yeah like ^^he said^^, I was more thinking walk into a place, a kiosk is a good idea too, when they see you face to face and you deal with a "person" they do things a bit different than give the "company response" over the phone.
Not sure of where you live, but I heard they sell Straight Talk sims at Walmart now...don't know myself. but I think they are like $7.
Also maybe an easier time walking into a MVNO, like Boost or Metro PCS or one of those where you can Bring Your Own Phone and just tell them you want to unlock it and see if it will work with their service before your contract is up. But you have better luck going in and standing in front of the person IMO.
Good Luck.
I stopped at a T-Mobile store and said I was looking to change to them from AT&T and they gave me a sim to unlock the phones with. I guess it depends on who you talk to.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
If your on att you can order a prepaid sim off eBay for $0.99 just make sure its one compatible with tmo for example and not att and it will work for phone unlocking. For example http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SPOT-MO...MOBILE-4G-UNLIMITED-iPhone-4-4S-/190892268791 good luck
wickedninjalo said:
If your on att you can order a prepaid sim off eBay for $0.99 just make sure its one compatible with tmo for example and not att and it will work for phone unlocking. For example http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SPOT-MO...MOBILE-4G-UNLIMITED-iPhone-4-4S-/190892268791 good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do I need to actually activate any plan on the simcard? Or it will connect to network out of the box, if unlock was successful?
darshakk said:
Do I need to actually activate any plan on the simcard? Or it will connect to network out of the box, if unlock was successful?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah you shouldn't need to activate it. Just pop it in and it should recognize that it's a SIM that isn't supported (tmo based) by the network your locked to (att) and it should ask for the unlock code and you can proceed with whatever unlocking procedure your using.
I've done this on a gs1, Infuse, and a gs3. For selling purposes. An unlocked device is alot easier to sell, that's why I did it. Haven't done it to my gs4... Yet. But it should work just the same.
wickedninjalo said:
Nah you shouldn't need to activate it. Just pop it in and it should recognize that it's a SIM that isn't supported (tmo based) by the network your locked to (att) and it should ask for the unlock code and you can proceed with whatever unlocking procedure your using.
I've done this on a gs1, Infuse, and a gs3. For selling purposes. An unlocked device is alot easier to sell, that's why I did it. Haven't done it to my gs4... Yet. But it should work just the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, that's exactly what I was searching for this whole morning. I'll order one and unlock it. Thanks
darshakk said:
Awesome, that's exactly what I was searching for this whole morning. I'll order one and unlock it. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to help
Straight talk has like a kit and they send you the sim cards from the various carriers, my mom recently tried to switch from at&t on her iphone (crapple) to straight talk because it would be cheaper, then the week before she was going to cancel her at&t plan, her at&t work discount went from 19% to 50% off her bill so... but yeah came with a sim kit and all, just not the unlock code
mejakola said:
Straight talk has like a kit and they send you the sim cards from the various carriers, my mom recently tried to switch from at&t on her iphone (crapple) to straight talk because it would be cheaper, then the week before she was going to cancel her at&t plan, her at&t work discount went from 19% to 50% off her bill so... but yeah came with a sim kit and all, just not the unlock code
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once your contact is up they might just give it to you if you ask. Those kits would never coming to unlock code. The first reason each code is different for each device. Second I'm sure they would have a lawsuit on their hands if they did. You can always just tell them you're going out of the country and need the unlock code to use the cell phone over there.
but in the end it's so much more fun in hacking to get to device unlocked on your own. But again that's my own opinion.
99 cents for several different ones at http://pickyoursim.com/
I had Verizon at one point and I wanted a new sim card so I just went to the closest Verizon retail store and asked for another one. They asked me why and I told them that I was having network problems so they gave me a free one.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
I was thinking about requesting to unlock the Note 7 from AT&T when I get the phone or maybe in a couple month. Have any of you unlocked a phone through them before? does it cost anything?
Unlocked AT&T Note 7
As long as you aren't on a contract or payment plan in the phone they will unlock it after the return policy is up (14 days). It's all automated through their website and very easy. Doesn't cost a thing.
e36eury said:
As long as you aren't on a contract or payment plan in the phone they will unlock it after the return policy is up (14 days). It's all automated through their website and very easy. Doesn't cost a thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, does that get rid of the bloatware at all too?
XavierAD said:
Thanks, does that get rid of the bloatware at all too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It just allows you to use any SIM card in it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hecorat.packagedisabler&hl=en
You don't need to unlock the phone to get rid of the bloat. Just download that.
e36eury said:
It just allows you to use any SIM card in it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hecorat.packagedisabler&hl=en
You don't need to unlock the phone to get rid of the bloat. Just download that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again, is that better than Package Disabler Pro?
XavierAD said:
Thanks, does that get rid of the bloatware at all too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XavierAD said:
Thanks again, is that better than Package Disabler Pro?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dunno. It's what I use, it works. Can't say if it's better or worse.
I just tried to unlock my paid off Galaxy S4 from AT&T. They sent me a pin code that I have to input into the phone. But, the pin won't work unless I insert the sim card of another carrier. So, it is actually a pain in the ass because now I have to find another sim card, probably from T-Mobile, just to unlock the damn phone.
DuffmasterFresh said:
I just tried to unlock my paid off Galaxy S4 from AT&T. They sent me a pin code that I have to input into the phone. But, the pin won't work unless I insert the sim card of another carrier. So, it is actually a pain in the ass because now I have to find another sim card, probably from T-Mobile, just to unlock the damn phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird. Mine worked fine with my AT&T sim.
These were the unlock instructions they sent me to unlock my AT&T Galaxy S4:
Instructions:
Unlock Steps - Use Non-AT&T SIM Card
1. Power off the device, remove the battery, and insert a non-AT&T SIM card.
2. Re-insert the battery and power on the device with non-AT&T SIM.
3. The device displays Enter the device unlock code.
4. Enter the eight-digit unlock code.
5. Press OK.
Note: You are allowed five attempts to unlock before your device permanently locks to the AT&T network.
EDIT: I just went online and looked for a different unlock method because I don't have another sim card and I don't want to go to T-Mobile to ask for one. Remove your sim card, power on the phone, go to the dialer and enter #7465625*638*# then enter your unlock code, which should be emailed to you from AT&T after you ask them to unlock it.
You can always get a free T-Mobile sim to throw in it for the unlock.
e36eury said:
You can always get a free T-Mobile sim to throw in it for the unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I had no Idea you could do that.
e36eury said:
As long as you aren't on a contract or payment plan in the phone they will unlock it after the return policy is up (14 days). It's all automated through their website and very easy. Doesn't cost a thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just yesterday I've talked about this at att store, and the guy told me I have to use their service (active account) for at least 6 month after purchasing a phone, before they allow unlock it...wtf?
May be the case now, but a year ago when I bought my wife her iPhone 6, it unlocked the first time I hooked it to a computer (about an hour after walking out of the store with it), and my S7e was unlocked after the 14 day return policy was up. Doesn't mean there hasn't been a recent change, but when I've paid for a device outright it's always been unlocked.
Does anyone know if the wifi hotspot validation is disabled after ATT unlocks the phone? I'm not feeling like asking AT&T permission on when to enable wifi hotspot on my phone that I have paid a full price for.
From what I've noticed:
1. ATT can unlock devices through this site:
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/request/#/unlockstep1
2. For my note 7 I purchased, the IMEI isn't recognized
3. Support is useless they will only refer to the website mentioned in step 2
I have already purchased a sim unlock code from a third party. Hope it works
domineus said:
From what I've noticed:
1. ATT can unlock devices through this site:
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/request/#/unlockstep1
2. For my note 7 I purchased, the IMEI isn't recognized
3. Support is useless they will only refer to the website mentioned in step 2
I have already purchased a sim unlock code from a third party. Hope it works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i went through the same thing and had to call and talk to a supervisor, she put in a manual unlock
request and i got the unlock code the next day. i bought my Note 7 outright from Samsclub.
ParishM said:
i went through the same thing and had to call and talk to a supervisor, she put in a manual unlock
request and i got the unlock code the next day. i bought my Note 7 outright from Samsclub.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be calling first thing tomorrow morning and requesting a supervisor to provide a manual unlock request.
domineus said:
I'll be calling first thing tomorrow morning and requesting a supervisor to provide a manual unlock request.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because i'm not an AT&T customer (Cricket) she said she had to manually create a temporary
account so she could submit the unlock request. the first two reps i spoke to were worthless
and kept telling me there was nothing they could do and i had to submit the request online.
finally on the 3rd call i demanded a supervisor and it took her a bit but she managed to figure
it out.
good luck !
ParishM said:
because i'm not an AT&T customer (Cricket) she said she had to manually create a temporary
account so she could submit the unlock request. the first two reps i spoke to were worthless
and kept telling me there was nothing they could do and i had to submit the request online.
finally on the 3rd call i demanded a supervisor and it took her a bit but she managed to figure
it out.
good luck !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's nothing. Third call this morning
I have to go back to the store and rescan it so it registers in their system. Seriously, I was told that.
I'll call back in a few minutes - it's been close to an hour. But that's unnerving. Can't they see there's something wrong with the att unlock website? It's rather simple actually.
it's a hassle but it can be done
Hi,
So a friend of mine is bringing the Essential Phone to India from the USA. It is a Sprint model. Can anyone help me and tell me how can I go about unlocking the device so that I can use it with Indian carriers?
zaydenQ said:
Hi,
So a friend of mine is bringing the Essential Phone to India from the USA. It is a Sprint model. Can anyone help me and tell me how can I go about unlocking the device so that I can use it with Indian carriers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have your friend from the USA stay on a sprint account for 50 days then he can call them to unlock it for international as long as it's paid in full.
Unlock sprint
Hey. Can somebody help me with the unlock my essential phone pH 1
I had to send mine back. They have two types of UICC unlocks. One of them in for carriers inside the USA only and the other is for international carriers. The problem is that the international unlock is temporary. Even if the phone is paid in full their systems are relocking lots of phones when used on international carriers using the essential on USA carriers seems to be fine. Mine was paid in full with sprint and was unlocked for 1 month when I called Sprint they said that the international UUIC unlock is temporary so I needed to request it again. I decided to return the phone and once I got the refund and I purchased one directly from essential and my problems were solved.
Sprint is a CDMA network, so you need to check a few things before actually using the phone outside Sprint network.
CDMA networks use network-based white lists to verify their subscribers. That means you can only switch CDMA phones with your carrier’s permission. Details: https://www.unlockunit.com/blog/cdma-networks/
However, you might be able to use your phone with a local Indian GSM network. You must make sure that your phone has also GSM capabilities. you can check this on https://www.gsmarena.com/
And you can check your network's bands here: https://www.frequencycheck.com/
Jahdiel2011 said:
I had to send mine back. They have two types of UICC unlocks. One of them in for carriers inside the USA only and the other is for international carriers. The problem is that the international unlock is temporary. Even if the phone is paid in full their systems are relocking lots of phones when used on international carriers using the essential on USA carriers seems to be fine. Mine was paid in full with sprint and was unlocked for 1 month when I called Sprint they said that the international UUIC unlock is temporary so I needed to request it again. I decided to return the phone and once I got the refund and I purchased one directly from essential and my problems were solved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was your phone unlocked after 50 days with Sprint? I'm only keeping Sprint for 50 days to get them to do the international unlock. After that I will cancel. My phone was automatically unlocked for US sims after I paid off the lease and I'm using it with a T-mobile sim now. I noticed that the UICC menu is gone with my T-mobile sim in the phone. Do you know if the phone can be relocked for international sims even if it doesn't have a Sprint sim in the phone?
DrvLikHell said:
Was your phone unlocked after 50 days with Sprint? I'm only keeping Sprint for 50 days to get them to do the international unlock. After that I will cancel. My phone was automatically unlocked for US sims after I paid off the lease and I'm using it with a T-mobile sim now. I noticed that the UICC menu is gone with my T-mobile sim in the phone. Do you know if the phone can be relocked for international sims even if it doesn't have a Sprint sim in the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was paid in full and was unlocked both domestically and internationally. I was not 50 days with Sprint. Since I had to travel abroad I asked for the International unlock which they granted as I had already paid for the phone. I started using the phone in South America and around one month later I got the Invalid SimCard message. When I called they said that the UUIC international unlock is temporary so I need to call Sprint and request it again. The domestic unlock is permanent not the same for the international (It made no sense) I called again yesterday to get info on their policies again and now I got different info the phone was supposedly unlocked according to their systems.
Besides this I've got info from trusted sources saying that even devices purchased Unlocked from essential are being locked by sprint when inserting sprint sim cards so stay away from those sim cards.
unlocked then relocked
My phone was unlocked by Sprint shortly after I paid it off, about two days after I received it. I was able to insert a Vietnamese SIM card and download all the Essential security updates.
Then somehow it got relocked. called Sprint to asked them to unlock it internationally, as I actually do travel internationally for work quite a bit. They responded with an email refusing to unlock it until it had been on the network for 50 days.
I have had the last three phones on Sprint unlocked internationally with less trouble than this one.
I guess I'll try again when the 50 days are up.
Jahdiel2011 said:
Mine was paid in full and was unlocked both domestically and internationally. I was not 50 days with Sprint. Since I had to travel abroad I asked for the International unlock which they granted as I had already paid for the phone. I started using the phone in South America and around one month later I got the Invalid SimCard message. When I called they said that the UUIC international unlock is temporary so I need to call Sprint and request it again. The domestic unlock is permanent not the same for the international (It made no sense) I called again yesterday to get info on their policies again and now I got different info the phone was supposedly unlocked according to their systems.
Besides this I've got info from trusted sources saying that even devices purchased Unlocked from essential are being locked by sprint when inserting sprint sim cards so stay away from those sim cards.
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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.
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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.
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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