I'm a little confused on how 3rd parties can offer unlock services for a fee, but we can't unlock the phones ourselves. What tools do they have that developers in these forums don't have access to? I've seen reference to "unlock code databases". Are these somehow stolen from the carriers, or hacked somehow? I'm seeing a variety of carrier locked phones for sale on eBay that I'd like to unlock for use on other networks (I travel frequently), but I've never used one of these services before and also don't want to pay to unlock the phone if I can avoid it. Just curious if there's a simple explanation how the 3rd parties can offer this service, but DIYers can't. Thanks!
Looks like this should have been in the Q&A section, sorry. Moderators feel free to move. Also, I did a quick Google search and seems like I answered my own question... Many of the services are outright scams, but some reverse engineer the algorithm to calculate the unlock codes from the IMEI, and some devices are unlocked with random numbers from a database, so unless you can hack the database or know someone on the inside, you can't 3rd party unlock... Any way to find out if the S10+ is an algorithm or random number? I'm hesitant to trust one of these 3rd parties, unless someone has a reputable service to recommend? Thanks!
gwbyrd said:
I'm a little confused on how 3rd parties can offer unlock services for a fee, but we can't unlock the phones ourselves. What tools do they have that developers in these forums don't have access to? I've seen reference to "unlock code databases". Are these somehow stolen from the carriers, or hacked somehow? I'm seeing a variety of carrier locked phones for sale on eBay that I'd like to unlock for use on other networks (I travel frequently), but I've never used one of these services before and also don't want to pay to unlock the phone if I can avoid it. Just curious if there's a simple explanation how the 3rd parties can offer this service, but DIYers can't. Thanks!
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Million dollar question. Lol
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
Tmobile brand here. I been with tmobile for years.. once I got this phone 10+ I wanted it unlocked and tforce did it same day on Facebook for me.
Related
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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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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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
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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.
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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).
Just so you know here,
Ive just unlocked my Dell Streak with this website
http://www.unlockstreak.com/pages/download-dell-streak-unlock-software
Although they charge you $29 us , for me, it was worth it ,
Ive nothing to do with the site, but the emails they sent, although, weren't used as they weren't required, they offered a good technical backup
At the end of the day, you can pay by paypal, so, if everything goes up in the air, you can get your $29 back,
ROFL
If it's AT&T locked, all you have to do is call AT&T Technical support and they will give you the code free of charge, no hassles. I actually just did this today.
All they need is your Streak's IMEI, which can be found by going to the dialer and pressing *#06# .
I'm pretty sure that all they have to do is look it up in a database, so it should be a similar procedure for other carriers.
I just don't understand how people can be okay with paying for a code, when half the time it's a scam even. I absolutely *will* not pay for an unlock code, especially when I already own the device 100%, it's absolutely outrageous that people have the nerve to charge up to $100 for a code. Extremely greedy programmers, that's all it is.
Emission said:
If it's AT&T locked, all you have to do is call AT&T Technical support and they will give you the code free of charge, no hassles. I actually just did this today.
All they need is your Streak's IMEI, which can be found by going to the dialer and pressing *#06# .
I'm pretty sure that all they have to do is look it up in a database, so it should be a similar procedure for other carriers.
I just don't understand how people can be okay with paying for a code, when half the time it's a scam even. I absolutely *will* not pay for an unlock code, especially when I already own the device 100%, it's absolutely outrageous that people have the nerve to charge up to $100 for a code. Extremely greedy programmers, that's all it is.
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This may be true in most cases but for me it was not. After repeated attempts calling att and giving them the imei their computer ALWAYS came back with "UNLOCK CODE NOT FOUND". I had to pay because i didnt want to wait for my case to be resolved. Ive gotten unlock code multiple times from att for my previous phone with no issue till i got the streak.
got my code in 2 days via e-mail from at&t
Emission said:
If it's AT&T locked, all you have to do is call AT&T Technical support and they will give you the code free of charge, no hassles. I actually just did this today.
All they need is your Streak's IMEI, which can be found by going to the dialer and pressing *#06# .
I'm pretty sure that all they have to do is look it up in a database, so it should be a similar procedure for other carriers.
I just don't understand how people can be okay with paying for a code, when half the time it's a scam even. I absolutely *will* not pay for an unlock code, especially when I already own the device 100%, it's absolutely outrageous that people have the nerve to charge up to $100 for a code. Extremely greedy programmers, that's all it is.
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I woulda seriously considered paying $50-100 for a true unlock for my iphone 3g around when i purchased it, At&t wont unlock it period and you have to jailbreak + ultrasnow.
The real issue is that no american carrier is required to unlock any phone, just be glad you can get a code at all (excluding issues fast's). they could charge you for the code like other carriers elsewhere
TheManii said:
I woulda seriously considered paying $50-100 for a true unlock for my iphone 3g around when i purchased it, At&t wont unlock it period and you have to jailbreak + ultrasnow.
The real issue is that no american carrier is required to unlock any phone, just be glad you can get a code at all (excluding issues fast's). they could charge you for the code like other carriers elsewhere
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The American cell phone carriers settled a lawsuit on this. I believe that as part of the settlement is that AT&T gives unlock codes to their customers who meet certain criteria. If you call and don't meet the criteria then you've only wasted a phone call. If you buy an unlock code that does not work (which happens many times) you are out the cost. So - American carriers are required, in certain circumstances, to give you the unlock code.
If you are buying a phone from an AT&T customer have the original purchaser get the code. One thing they require is proof of legitimate ownership and it's easier for the original buyer to do this. Another requirement is that you are an AT&T customer, if you are buying a phone to use on another network you may not meet this requirement, but the original buyer will.
Historically AT&T has been pretty lenient with long term customers who ask for unlock codes for travel purposes.
I've asked about unlocking iphones when i called to unlock my streak (twice mind you) and they still wont unlock them as of jan. I bought the phone straight from them and it's contract has run though and ended.
If they do unlock them than it's definitely not though the obvious call at&t and ask for unlock code.
That and iphones dont get unlock codes per-say, they're unlocked though itunes and at&t needs to authorize it with apple or something. So either apple+at&t is an exception or it might be a case of "strongly recommend but not required for all"
Hello,
I have read the sprint samsung unlock thread DIY and also some other threads for flashing ROMs etc
Instead of trying to do this myself is it possible to unlock a phone that I recently purchased off CL by calling a service/purchasing a code from a website?
Is there a certain service that is more reputable than others?
I would normally unlock a device myself but this one seems more difficult than normal, with people as recent as today "softbricking" their phones.
Thanks,
aga080
No, so do it yourself or buy an already locked phone.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
aga080 said:
Hello,
I have read the sprint samsung unlock thread DIY and also some other threads for flashing ROMs etc
Instead of trying to do this myself is it possible to unlock a phone that I recently purchased off CL by calling a service/purchasing a code from a website?
Is there a certain service that is more reputable than others?
I would normally unlock a device myself but this one seems more difficult than normal, with people as recent as today "softbricking" their phones.
Thanks,
aga080
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Click to collapse
It depends on which model (L720 or L720T) and where you are located. There is not "code" unlock on these, but a competent mobile phone tech in your area should be able to do it for about the market rate to do a traditional Samsung late model smartphone "code" unlock (30-45 bucks).
Hey everyone,
I stumbled across this tonight and the sentence below got my attention.
The bill will restore a copyright exemption that allows customers (or authorized third parties) to modify a phone's firmware, removing the restrictions that most carriers place on their phones.
As of today, Americans can legally unlock their phones again
http://www.theverge.com/2014/8/1/5959915/president-barack-obama-signing-phone-unlocking-bill
Would that mean that we should be allowed to get a bootloader unlock regarding what att supports and doesn't support?
That would be awesome. Now just gotta wait and see if the carriers and manufacturers actually follow through with this or will only follow through with it on New Devices and leave the older ones to rot.
Tell me if I'm wrong but doesn't this only apply to carrier unlock. Has nothing to do with bootloaders
NightHawkUndead said:
Tell me if I'm wrong but doesn't this only apply to carrier unlock. Has nothing to do with bootloaders
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I think you're right but when I read in the article all that stuff about unlocking more stuff more than just the Sim. That definitely got me interested to read this bill. They'll try to resist but who knows.
NightHawkUndead said:
Tell me if I'm wrong but doesn't this only apply to carrier unlock. Has nothing to do with bootloaders
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I thought the same thin until I saw this line, "The bill will restore a copyright exemption that allows customers (or authorized third parties) to modify a phone's firmware, removing the restrictions that most carriers place on their phones" Plus as it stands most carries will carrier unlock a phone after a year anyway. Or you can say hey I am going out of country and need this phone unlocked and they will usually do it if they have the ability to do so. Sometimes they say they can't carrier unlock them because they are too knew blah blah. Either way you can legally carrier unlock a phone anyway it's when you get into firmware modding that it say's you void your warranty so I am guessing this bill if all goes as it should would get rid of the void warranty to some extent.
I very much doubt that. It's for the regional lock that became "illegal" last year. It was all over the news. Now that the petition hit 100,000 vote they had to legalize it again. But hey I'd go with the bootloader unlock. Why not. Hell I'm smacking a cyanogenmod rom to my phone as soon as the bootloader is unlocked. Lol
This is for carrier region unlock only. Nothing more. It's the same unlock that WAS legal until over a year ago by the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) it passed Congress and you can now legally unlock your phone for other carriers. Doesn't have anything to do with bootloader. Your carrier may not unlock if still on contract but it's no longer illegal to go through a 3rd party if you need unlock for overseas travel (for instance) and need to use a different dim to avoid international rates through your regular carrier. It sounds good and all but won't apply to many who are under contract anyway or happy with their carrier. When unlocking a phone you are technically editing hardware so that's why the word firmware is used. It's "broad" form is all....legal jargon if you will.
Bootloader isn't happening as a result of this. But maybe someday it won't matter who knows.
Thread cleaned of political comments and profanity
And as others have said...this has nothing to do with bootloader..it is unlocking sim to other carriers or regions.
The carriers still have all rights to lock down phones from tampering.
Reported for a signed petition to take off "(Bootloader)" Lol.
Based on the fact that this is clearly NOT referring to the bootloader, and due to the inordinately large volume of mod action already needed on this tiny thread, I've deleted the "(Bootloader)" from the title. It is misleading and unnecessary.
Thanks & most certainly carry on discussing the good news about carrier unlocking that this is.
Yea bootloader will never ever happen... it was bogus that before this if you couldn't buy an unlock code and use your phone "legally".
Let's hope the carriers honor this and provide unlock codes without many hoops...
Hi willing to pay $1000 USD bounty for verizon variant google pixel 4 and XL carrier unlock method. Need to be unlock for att, sprint, t-mobile, and for overseas. Thanks
No offense, but this seems highly suspect. Why not simply buy a unlocked phone for $1000?
Long story short, while there are reports of people being able to unlock new Verizon phones that haven't been connected to the Verizon network yet, it is HIGHLY unlikely anyone will find a way to crack the bootloader of a phone that is registered on the Verizon network. It would require a new exploit or workaround to be found and those are pretty few and far between these days.
sic0048 said:
No offense, but this seems highly suspect. Why not simply buy a unlocked phone for $1000?
Long story short, while there are reports of people being able to unlock new Verizon phones that haven't been connected to the Verizon network yet, it is HIGHLY unlikely anyone will find a way to crack the bootloader of a phone that is registered on the Verizon network. It would require a new exploit or workaround to be found and those are pretty few and far between these days.
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I never said I need unlock for 1 device. I have access to multiple device that needs unlock if paying someone $1k motivates them why not? Plus you will get the unlock for free without pitching in any money.
salman9430 said:
I never said I need unlock for 1 device. I have access to multiple device that needs unlock if paying someone $1k motivates them why not? Plus you will get the unlock for free without pitching in any money.
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Add 2 zeros to that offer and you *might* get lucky.
It will cost less to get an unlocked version of the pixel 4/xl. And take less time as those variants are already bootloader unlock capable and rootable. Many phone companies have unbranded unlocked phones.
salman9430 said:
...Plus you will get the unlock for free without pitching in any money.
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I don't need the unlock. I haven't used Verzion in years based largely on their bootloader policies. I am on a service provider that allows OEMs to unlock their phones without any hassles.
I'm just saying that it is one thing to promise $1000 for a bounty and another to actually shell it out to someone that finds an exploit. The average bounty is probably around $10-50 per person (which can add up to some serious money in the end), so having someone offer such a large amount is unusual. Certainly if I was a developer and saw your bounty, I would assume it was bogus. You know the old saying, "If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is." Perhaps I'm just too much of a skeptic.....