I bought this v35 off of eBay and turns out it hasn't been paid off and I can't pay it off because I don't have the old account info.
Can I still go through the online carrier unlock methods to get this unlocked? Is there any way to unlock it myself or otherwise?
You need to return it for a refund.
Ohitstarik said:
I bought this v35 off of eBay and turns out it hasn't been paid off and I can't pay it off because I don't have the old account info.
Can I still go through the online carrier unlock methods to get this unlocked? Is there any way to unlock it myself or otherwise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly I can't. I tried to refund it on eBay and they sided with the seller on some bull****. The point I made was that I couldn't unlock it because it wasn't paid off (not that it wasn't paid off in the first place), and the seller said it was locked to at&t in the ad (but they didn't say anything about it not being paid off).
So, I'm stuck with this at&t phone in my hand. Apparently at&t users can use it though.
Also: the IMEI is clean
Ohitstarik said:
Sadly I can't. I tried to refund it on eBay and they sided with the seller on some bull****. The point I made was that I couldn't unlock it because it wasn't paid off (not that it wasn't paid off in the first place), and the seller said it was locked to at&t in the ad (but they didn't say anything about it not being paid off).
So, I'm stuck with this at&t phone in my hand. Apparently at&t users can use it though.
Also: the IMEI is clean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow that seems outrageously bogus. Ebay sides with seller that is selling a phone, that isn't paid off? Hard to imagine how they justified that. You can't sell a used car that isn't paid off, unless paying the lien on it is part of the selling transaction, which it usually is. How is it justified selling a phone that isn't paid off, knowing that it can't be unlocked without it being paid for?
I guess that they indicated it was locked to at&t somehow mitigates this in ebays eyes? But it's not like you bought it from the seller knowing you'd have to now pay more to at&t to be able to pay it off and unlock it? that seems totally unfair.
That is crazy for all of the reasons already given. Unless you file an appeal or escalate in some other way, the best you can hope for is that it wasn't stolen, gets paid off, and stays off IMEI blacklists. You have a paperweight if the latter happens.
Ohitstarik said:
I bought this v35 off of eBay and turns out it hasn't been paid off and I can't pay it off because I don't have the old account info.
Can I still go through the online carrier unlock methods to get this unlocked? Is there any way to unlock it myself or otherwise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It definitely is bull****.
Can't say I'm the most responsible person, if I pushed hard enough I might have been able to get something out of this back in the day. It still hasn't been paid off, this all happened 2 years ago. It really surprised me since ebay pretty much always sides with the buyer no matter what.
I've been lazy and have been using the phone lightly for ground control stuff for drones, but it's been sitting around for most of the time. I have a OnePlus 6T but was still thinking of switching to the V35 and selling the 6T. 2gb less ram, but the screen and cameras from what I see are worth it.
Its not possible though? Through bootloader unlock and flashing a new ROM? I guess the network & software side are a different, and the IMEI points to the network stuff. I guess I'll just try to sell it to some At&t user.
Ohitstarik said:
It definitely is bull****.
Can't say I'm the most responsible person, if I pushed hard enough I might have been able to get something out of this back in the day. It still hasn't been paid off, this all happened 2 years ago. It really surprised me since ebay pretty much always sides with the buyer no matter what.
I've been lazy and have been using the phone lightly for ground control stuff for drones, but it's been sitting around for most of the time. I have a OnePlus 6T but was still thinking of switching to the V35 and selling the 6T. 2gb less ram, but the screen and cameras from what I see are worth it.
Its not possible though? Through bootloader unlock and flashing a new ROM? I guess the network & software side are a different, and the IMEI points to the network stuff. I guess I'll just try to sell it to some At&t user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I don't think crossflashed or boot unlocked will matter. It's the IMEI that will be recognized, no disguising it. And that's too bad, as they are good phones. How much is owed on it? Even on at&t that might be a problem?
That's the thing, they won't even let me pay it off/figure out how much is left on the account. The people at At&t I talked to said you can still use it on the at&t network, but you just can't unlock it (which doesn't make sense). I wonder if there's other forces at play, e.g. this was a store model phone or something like that..
Ohitstarik said:
That's the thing, they won't even let me pay it off/figure out how much is left on the account. The people at At&t I talked to said you can still use it on the at&t network, but you just can't unlock it (which doesn't make sense). I wonder if there's other forces at play, e.g. this was a store model phone or something like that..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's how it makes sense...
AT&T can still make money by people using it on AT&T. If carrier unlocked then they don't. The person who didn't finish paying for it was probably reported for not paying a contracted debt. (Technically, it's still AT&T property.)
Probably one of those "buy one, get one free deals" -- but you have to maintain a new line for x number of months (6?, 12? 24?). That's the probably the "debt" they didn't pay, not the phone itself but probably the terms of the freebie deal where a new line is started and maintained.
We saw this a lot with T-Mobile V30. Tons sold on eBay that were "free" phones but with unpaid T-Mobile financial commitment attached.
AT&T have long since written this V35 off, but IF a rep let you pay off the deal:
1) Cost is probably more than the phone is worth. X number of monthly bills? What is X? Would you have to start a new line?
Is interest owed?
Too many questions.
2) It would supremely annoy AT&T's accountants, who have already reconciled 2018 books and would have to adjust their ledger.
3) The debt would no longer be outstanding and AT&T would have to go back and retract the black mark on the previous owner's credit reports. Because some stranger paid the bill? Easier for them to leave it just as it is.
I got you. It's definitely a bummer but that makes sense and at least gives some cleared up closure for me
I was just wondering how you know it has balance? Did AT&T rep said so? Have you run imei check on swappa and on imeipro.info? One of these sites would show if phone is still under obligation. There is a possibility that phone is paid off but just locked to AT&T. I feel this to be the case because too much time has passed for it to have not been paid off or it should have had bad imei by now. Let's assume that it was paid off but locked to AT&T, even then AT&T will not unlock it. I went through many V35 phones that AT&T wouldn't unlock because many of these AT&T branded phones were sold by third parties and mvnos where AT&T didn't have unlock info, or would just refuse to unlock the phone.
I am sure you can still get it unlocked. Go on eBay, search for "lg v35 unlock code". Look for $9.99 listing by seller uws-tech. He should be able to unlock this phone. In my case, over the years, AT&T refused to unlock 5 of lg v35 i tried, i even made complaint on BBB, but AT&T failed to unlock and third party unlock service like the above mentioned unlocked them for me. They worked fine on all carriers i tried them on afterwards.
I tried to unlock it through AT&Ts unlocking service online, and it said it wasn't paid off.
It's clean IMEI though, I ran it through some IMEI checkers online. I remember the seller online did say it was locked to AT&T but I just assumed that was because of the unpaid balance thing. I didn't realize phones would be forever locked to AT&T, even after 2 years. You think that's the case? I'll give a shot to the seller you're talking about if so.
Yes most carriers do not automatically unlock phones once the phone is paid off, although some carriers are starting to do that. Give the unlock service a try but make sure that you use the seller i suggested or the ones who offer premium service. When i quick searched ebay last night he seemed to be the only one but today found cheaper seller, universe.2018. Try this one if you haven't already ordered:. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Unlock-Cod...ium-Service-/283645621174?hash=item420a98b3b6
Just make sure the listing mentions premium service and that they support all imei because for V35 phones they have to look up special database that the cheaper services do not utilize.
Used the seller you noted last night, worked like a charm. V35 is now unlocked, thanks to everyone in the thread.
Ohitstarik said:
Used the seller you noted last night, worked like a charm. V35 is now unlocked, thanks to everyone in the thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm in the same situation as you except my phone is a cricket variant. Which seller did you use on Ebay? $7.50 one or $9.99 one? Thanks.
Ohitstarik said:
Used the seller you noted last night, worked like a charm. V35 is now unlocked, thanks to everyone in the thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone isn't asking for an unlock code. It's just not connecting to any mobile network. It shows an error in "call services" app in the notification badge. Did your phone do this? Or did it ask for an unlock code?
intervalchange said:
My phone isn't asking for an unlock code. It's just not connecting to any mobile network. It shows an error in "call services" app in the notification badge. Did your phone do this? Or did it ask for an unlock code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock procedure would be same for Cricket version and one of the sellers I pointed in my posts above will work for you. Is your phone on AT&T/Cricket firmware? (It will show AT&T logo on startup), if it has already been cross-flashed to another firmware such as ULM or Fi firmwares, it will not show the popup for unlock code. You can't reflash AT&T firmware back on V35 because AT&T don't release their firmwares.
You will need to use Dev patched LG UP that you can get from ChazzMatt's post here (make sure you thank the OP): https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76510671&postcount=168
to flash Mexican version of the software that you can get here: https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-lmv350awm-firmwares/
Then after phone setup, you can insert non-AT&T sim to enter the unlock code. After the phone is unlocked, you can flash any KDZ you like back and it will stay unlocked.
Android# said:
Unlock procedure would be same for Cricket version and one of the sellers I pointed in my posts above will work for you. Is your phone on AT&T/Cricket firmware? (It will show AT&T logo on startup), if it has already been cross-flashed to another firmware such as ULM or Fi firmwares, it will not show the popup for unlock code. You can't reflash AT&T firmware back on V35 because AT&T don't release their firmwares.
You will need to use Dev patched LG UP that you can get from ChazzMatt's post here (make sure you thank the OP): https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76510671&postcount=168
to flash Mexican version of the software that you can get here: https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-lmv350awm-firmwares/
Then after phone setup, you can insert non-AT&T sim to enter the unlock code. After the phone is unlocked, you can flash any KDZ you like back and it will stay unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a non rooted V35 on Android 9. Will this method work on Pie?
intervalchange said:
I have a non rooted V35 on Android 9. Will this method work on Pie?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is unrooted but again as I asked above you need to make sure whether it is on AT&T firmware or not? This part is very important because if you are on AT&T version of firmware and not getting unlock pop-up, the person who sold you the phone may have used up all the 10 tries to enter the unlock code. After 10 failed tries the phone is permanently locked and you cannot unlock it even if you have an unlock code so no point in buying a code if it is hardlocked.
So to make it less confusing, if the phone shows AT&T logo when you restart, don't bother buying unlock code it won't work.
If phone doesn't show AT&T logo when you restart it, use the directions to flash Mexico region KDZ, finish setup after phone starts up, enter non-AT&T sim card in phone, a popup should appear, enter unlock code and phone will restart and will be unlocked.
Yes as long as you still have unlock tries left, this will work regardless of which firmware you are on. I think they only have Oreo on LG firmwares website for Mexico region but that doesn't matter, once you unlock phone, you can use LG UP to go back to your original firmware as the unlock itself is permanent. By the way use the DL partition option in LG UP when downgrading to Mexico region Oreo and then DL partition or Upgrade option to go back to your original firmware.
Android# said:
Your phone is unrooted but again as I asked above you need to make sure whether it is on AT&T firmware or not? This part is very important because if you are on AT&T version of firmware and not getting unlock pop-up, the person who sold you the phone may have used up all the 10 tries to enter the unlock code. After 10 failed tries the phone is permanently locked and you cannot unlock it even if you have an unlock code so no point in buying a code if it is hardlocked.
So to make it less confusing, if the phone shows AT&T logo when you restart, don't bother buying unlock code it won't work.
If phone doesn't show AT&T logo when you restart it, use the directions to flash Mexico region KDZ, finish setup after phone starts up, enter non-AT&T sim card in phone, a popup should appear, enter unlock code and phone will restart and will be unlocked.
Yes as long as you still have unlock tries left, this will work regardless of which firmware you are on. I think they only have Oreo on LG firmwares website for Mexico region but that doesn't matter, once you unlock phone, you can use LG UP to go back to your original firmware as the unlock itself is permanent. By the way use the DL partition option in LG UP when downgrading to Mexico region Oreo and then DL partition or Upgrade option to go back to your original firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is not on AT&T software. There's no logo of any carrier when it boots up. I have downloaded the LGUP software and am ready to go however I don't get the last part.
When flashing the KDZ, should I click on DL partition instead of the refurbish or upgrade option?
Related
Look at this!
http://octopusbox.com/
Too good to be true?
not sure what this even has to do with our phone... it's not even listed as a supported device
um it does show our phone as supported.
http://octopusbox.com/eng/news/details/35
ManelScout4Life said:
um it does show our phone as supported.
http://octopusbox.com/eng/news/details/35
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
must have been a page i didnt click on. i only briefly looked. my bad
well who wants to buy it?
i am still waiting for att to send me my unlock code. it seems like forever.
There is much cheaper solution than recently released online unlockers. Buy one of the universal SIM unlock modules off ebay - works like a charm. I have couple of here which are much older than LG iQ, sure enough it is not on the supported list but they bypass the sim lock just fine. They cost like 5 bucks shipped and fit fine in the sim slot. Sure enough you have to manually configure all data settings for the operator you will be using as well as disable proxy or many things won't work.
Tested and confirmed working on my own LG iQ
leobg said:
There is much cheaper solution than recently released online unlockers. Buy one of the universal SIM unlock modules off ebay - works like a charm. I have couple of here which are much older than LG iQ, sure enough it is not on the supported list but they bypass the sim lock just fine. They cost like 5 bucks shipped and fit fine in the sim slot. Sure enough you have to manually configure all data settings for the operator you will be using as well as disable proxy or many things won't work.
Tested and confirmed working on my own LG iQ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but the box in the first post lets you unlock as many devices as you want. also just call att.
josefcrist said:
but the box in the first post lets you unlock as many devices as you want. also just call att.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, most people own one phone and I doubt you can get the box for 3 bucks.
Don't know about AT&T, but up here in the great white north no carrier will ever give you unlock codes, no matter what.
I found a vendor that unlocks Telus LG IQ in GTA. They are located in Pacific Mall unit A22. GOSU mobile solutions. I think they use the octopusbox to unlock the phone.
It takes about 30 minutes while you wait. I had mine unlocked today. I am now using it with Rogers sim. It's a little expensive than the unlock code solution(I haven't found one that worked for LG IQ yet) but for me it was worthwhile. Cost: $25
leobg said:
Well, most people own one phone and I doubt you can get the box for 3 bucks.
Don't know about AT&T, but up here in the great white north no carrier will ever give you unlock codes, no matter what.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
damn that sucks. I just read the wikipedia article on Canada and sim unlocks. carriers really screw you guys over.
Hi. Sorry for interrupt you guys. I have Verizon LG Fathom, and I try to unlock that device all day and night for 4-5 days. However, I couldn't find any way. LG Fathom does have MEID number only, it doesn't have an IMEI number? I just want to know, do you guys have the same MEID number problem issue? If my phone has IMEI nubmer, I think I can get a unlock code and stop being sad like that
can90 said:
Hi. Sorry for interrupt you guys. I have Verizon LG Fathom, and I try to unlock that device all day and night for 4-5 days. However, I couldn't find any way. LG Fathom does have MEID number only, it doesn't have an IMEI number? I just want to know, do you guys have the same MEID number problem issue? If my phone has IMEI nubmer, I think I can get a unlock code and stop being sad like that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it cant be unlocked because it is not a gsm phone.
I am in Australia, bought the AT&T version of this phone from eBay. It was locked. Call AT&T wireless international customer service, told him I bought this phone off someone, and the staff gave me the unlocked code immediately (well, it took him a while to figure it out) with no questions asked.
Hi guys,
i want to create this reference thread for all people must Permanent Unlock their S8/S8+ locke on TMO Network.
I'm one of you and actually i'm hold waiting some unlock method for my G950U .
Services just tried :
https://www.unlockbase.com (they don't provide anymore T-Mobile Unlock App unlock)
http://www.cellunlocker.net/ (paid them 130 buks and they refund me after 3 days cause they have no more access to T-Mobile server)
Hold at the moment.
My device is full paid off but actually i'm not in USA , i'm in Italy
You could go to the T-Mobile website and request and unlocked code .. if phone is paid in full they will unlock it without an issue
oswald-josh said:
You could go to the T-Mobile website and request and unlocked code .. if phone is paid in full they will unlock it without an issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't have a T-Mobile account, i have bought device on Ebay. It was paid off, sure.
wolfgart said:
i don't have a T-Mobile account, i have bought device on Ebay. It was paid off
You do not need a T-Mobile account. Try to call T-Mobile internationally or contact them thru the twitter account. According to the website this is the only requirements to unlock it
--
Unlock requirements
We provide mobile device unlock codes free within two business days (or provide further information about timing) for eligible devices.
Device eligibility is determined as follows:
The device must be a T-Mobile device.
The device must not be reported to T-Mobile as lost, stolen, or blocked.
The account associated with the device must not be canceled, and be in good standing.
You have requested no more than two mobile device unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months.
The device must satisfy all the Postpaid or Pay in Advance (Prepaid) Unlocking terms outlined below.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
still waiting working methods ....
wolfgart said:
Device eligibility is determined as follows:
The device must be a T-Mobile device.
...... apply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They require you to use their service for 40 days, i mean you can tell them that, because u are in italy, and there is no way for you connect to their server and ask for temporary unlock, and you need it to be permanent unlock ( one of the xda user did that).
What are the chances that they will not be able to unlock the phone even after 40 days since it is bought from samsung and not from T-mobile?
aviseqdas said:
What are the chances that they will not be able to unlock the phone even after 40 days since it is bought from samsung and not from T-mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
honestly is base on your luck, luck here is that, you actually talk to the specialist otherwise, you just gonna talk to some dumb people.
I bought mine from Samsung, paid in full, received it on 4/21 so it's 36 days and program tells me not eligible, called CS, told me to download the program that doesn't work, called Samsung was told to call t-mo. Such a Bu???t and how T-mo will know I paid for the phone to Samsung? I probably will download eng boot and install unlocked FW, but not sure if that's going to work, last carrier phone ever. Actually it was my fault, should have returned the phone back to Samsung first week, when they send me locked phone without the unlocking code. BTW for OP to pay $130 to unlock the phone that should be unlocked to begin with (if it was paid in full as OP said) is wrong.
pete4k said:
I bought mine from Samsung, paid in full, received it on 4/21 so it's 36 days and program tells me not eligible, called CS, told me to download the program that doesn't work, called Samsung was told to call t-mo. Such a Bu???t and how T-mo will know I paid for the phone to Samsung? I probably will download eng boot and install unlocked FW, but not sure if that's going to work, last carrier phone ever. Actually it was my fault, should have returned the phone back to Samsung first week, when they send me locked phone without the unlocking code. BTW for OP to pay $130 to unlock the phone that should be unlocked to begin with (if it was paid in full as OP said) is wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Went through T-Force on Twitter and seemed to have gotten a rep on the first go who understood the situation and submitted my IMEI number to the right place. The rep needs to submit your IMEI to one of their highest level tech support engineers to be added into their "device distribution inventory system". This makes it look in their system that your phone was sold by T-Mobile and came out of their inventory. If they just try to whitelist your IMEI in the Unlock device app, that will not work. This needs to be done 100% on T-Mobiles end, Samsung will not be able to do anything, and you will want to bash your head into the wall after talking to them, totally useless.
T-Force:
That's correct. Even in attempting to "whitelist" the device, this would be unsuccessful since the phone wasn't purchased from T-Mobile. The escalation I've submitted is going to our highest tier of support, so if anyone can do it - they will be the ones. Hopefully this helps to clarify things!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There may be hope for everyone in the future, this one of the final responses I got from them:
I am right there with you. It definitely makes things harder on both sides since the phone isn't technically bought from us, even though it is branded a T-Mobile phone and our system rejects any IMEI that didn't come from our inventory. None the less, we're all about giving you full access to what is yours. Teams are currently working on a process update that'll make things a lot more seamless, but in the meantime we've got this work around! I really appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us today!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
14 hours later I tried the Unlock Device app and requested the permanent unlock and it was successfully permanently SIM unlocked.
Device is fully unlocked, tested with an AT&T SIM card and everything worked fine. After 2 reboots the Device Unlock app even disappeared from my phone. I'm so happy with how fast T-Mobile dealt with this. The more people that make a stink about this issue on social media hopefully T-Mobile will find a permanent fix for people buying a SIM locked at full price and have it easily unlocked under their standard procedure.
fragg3d said:
Went through T-Force on Twitter and seemed to have gotten a rep on the first go who understood the situation and submitted my IMEI number to the right place. The rep needs to submit your IMEI to one of their highest level tech support engineers to be added into their "device distribution inventory system". This makes it look in their system that your phone was sold by T-Mobile and came out of their inventory. If they just try to whitelist your IMEI in the Unlock device app, that will not work. This needs to be done 100% on T-Mobiles end, Samsung will not be able to do anything, and you will want to bash your head into the wall after talking to them, totally useless.
There may be hope for everyone in the future, this one of the final responses I got from them:
14 hours later I tried the Unlock Device app and requested the permanent unlock and it was successfully permanently SIM unlocked.
Device is fully unlocked, tested with an AT&T SIM card and everything worked fine. After 2 reboots the Device Unlock app even disappeared from my phone. I'm so happy with how fast T-Mobile dealt with this. The more people that make a stink about this issue on social media hopefully T-Mobile will find a permanent fix for people buying a SIM locked at full price and have it easily unlocked under their standard procedure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the si from Samsung website (fully pay)and two days ago I called T-Mobile request sim unlock last night I got email from T-Mobile said my phone only can unlock is from T-Mobile unlock app but I try so many times using T-Mobile unlock app all show up said failed need to contact T-Mobile. Now what can I do?
paullu said:
I bought the si from Samsung website (fully pay)and two days ago I called T-Mobile request sim unlock last night I got email from T-Mobile said my phone only can unlock is from T-Mobile unlock app but I try so many times using T-Mobile unlock app all show up said failed need to contact T-Mobile. Now what can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
contact them again...
paullu said:
I bought the si from Samsung website (fully pay)and two days ago I called T-Mobile request sim unlock last night I got email from T-Mobile said my phone only can unlock is from T-Mobile unlock app but I try so many times using T-Mobile unlock app all show up said failed need to contact T-Mobile. Now what can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go though T-Force on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/TMobileHelp ) the phone reps seem to be totally clueless about this issue. It will ONLY work when your devices IMEI is added to their "device distribution inventory system" and not just whitelisted in the Unlock Device app. This makes it look to their system (and the app) that the phone was sold by them and came out of T-Mobiles inventory.
EDIT:
Got the phone unlocked, talked to them on Twitter direct messages, and after 24 hours i was able to use the Unlock APP and unlock the phone
I called T-mobile they said they can't unlock it , I have to use device on T-mobile for 40 days ,even though its fully paid off
I even asked them see if they can enter device information on " Device Distribution Center " but they said there is no possible way to do ... hmm
Oh well guess gotta wait 40 days.
Got phone unkocked !
Hi Wolfgart,
You said you had purchased this phone directly from Samsung.com or Ebay.com and not from Tmobile and then you were in Italy and not in USA but still were able to unlock it successfully, can you please share the exact steps/procedure you followed to successfully unlock our T-mobile branded Samsung S8 ? I am in the same situation as yours and would be helpful for others what you have gone through to unlock it. Thanks.
What the *&^%$# I have been "Bamboozled"
shahrit said:
Hi Wolfgart,
You said you had purchased this phone directly from Samsung.com or Ebay.com and not from Tmobile and then you were in Italy and not in USA but still were able to unlock it successfully, can you please share the exact steps/procedure you followed to successfully unlock our T-mobile branded Samsung S8 ? I am in the same situation as yours and would be helpful for others what you have gone through to unlock it. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL....maybe TMO doesn't think the folks in Italy are theevin white trash that voted for Trump..
shahrit said:
Hi Wolfgart,
You said you had purchased this phone directly from Samsung.com or Ebay.com and not from Tmobile and then you were in Italy and not in USA but still were able to unlock it successfully, can you please share the exact steps/procedure you followed to successfully unlock our T-mobile branded Samsung S8 ? I am in the same situation as yours and would be helpful for others what you have gone through to unlock it. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, i simply have called by phone TMO support and told them that i now i'm in Italy for the next 12 months cause Job and i have to rest in contact with my family in CA.
I've tried to call them a lot of time and always talked with dump operators. Last one guy was a really great guy and finally helped me to have device permanent unlocked.
wiseguyy said:
LOL....maybe TMO doesn't think the folks in Italy are theevin white trash that voted for Trump..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahhaha.
Really absurd that US People could vote for a Crazy man like Trump....
Oh my God
fragg3d said:
Go though T-Force on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/TMobileHelp ) the phone reps seem to be totally clueless about this issue. It will ONLY work when your devices IMEI is added to their "device distribution inventory system" and not just whitelisted in the Unlock Device app. This makes it look to their system (and the app) that the phone was sold by them and came out of T-Mobiles inventory.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my s8+ from ebay, but the guy bought it from samsung,
on the June 20, I went to the T-Mobile store on the 21 and added insurance and they're charging me 15 a month because I didn't buy it from them.
Got home and called T-Mobile to add the imei, they were gonna give me the run around and I said politely that samsung is gonna tell me to call tmo, she wait a moment and spoke to someone, and she sent the request in,
waited 3 days, and the device didn't unlock, checked the website and til today to check device status it doesn't have any info, but called T-Mobile and the rep transferred me to his supervisor, and he said he will take care of it, to wait at least 3 days for the email, and yesterday I tried the device unlocked, and it worked. Then later during the day I received the email from T-Mobile.
Be polite, and let them know u will be leaving the country, it sometimes it works, most of the time even buying from T-Mobile paying in full, they make me wait 40 days.
I also told them that is why I stopped buying from them directly,
Sent from my SM-G955U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Hi,
So a friend of mine is bringing the Essential Phone to India from the USA. It is a Sprint model. Can anyone help me and tell me how can I go about unlocking the device so that I can use it with Indian carriers?
zaydenQ said:
Hi,
So a friend of mine is bringing the Essential Phone to India from the USA. It is a Sprint model. Can anyone help me and tell me how can I go about unlocking the device so that I can use it with Indian carriers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have your friend from the USA stay on a sprint account for 50 days then he can call them to unlock it for international as long as it's paid in full.
Unlock sprint
Hey. Can somebody help me with the unlock my essential phone pH 1
I had to send mine back. They have two types of UICC unlocks. One of them in for carriers inside the USA only and the other is for international carriers. The problem is that the international unlock is temporary. Even if the phone is paid in full their systems are relocking lots of phones when used on international carriers using the essential on USA carriers seems to be fine. Mine was paid in full with sprint and was unlocked for 1 month when I called Sprint they said that the international UUIC unlock is temporary so I needed to request it again. I decided to return the phone and once I got the refund and I purchased one directly from essential and my problems were solved.
Sprint is a CDMA network, so you need to check a few things before actually using the phone outside Sprint network.
CDMA networks use network-based white lists to verify their subscribers. That means you can only switch CDMA phones with your carrier’s permission. Details: https://www.unlockunit.com/blog/cdma-networks/
However, you might be able to use your phone with a local Indian GSM network. You must make sure that your phone has also GSM capabilities. you can check this on https://www.gsmarena.com/
And you can check your network's bands here: https://www.frequencycheck.com/
Jahdiel2011 said:
I had to send mine back. They have two types of UICC unlocks. One of them in for carriers inside the USA only and the other is for international carriers. The problem is that the international unlock is temporary. Even if the phone is paid in full their systems are relocking lots of phones when used on international carriers using the essential on USA carriers seems to be fine. Mine was paid in full with sprint and was unlocked for 1 month when I called Sprint they said that the international UUIC unlock is temporary so I needed to request it again. I decided to return the phone and once I got the refund and I purchased one directly from essential and my problems were solved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was your phone unlocked after 50 days with Sprint? I'm only keeping Sprint for 50 days to get them to do the international unlock. After that I will cancel. My phone was automatically unlocked for US sims after I paid off the lease and I'm using it with a T-mobile sim now. I noticed that the UICC menu is gone with my T-mobile sim in the phone. Do you know if the phone can be relocked for international sims even if it doesn't have a Sprint sim in the phone?
DrvLikHell said:
Was your phone unlocked after 50 days with Sprint? I'm only keeping Sprint for 50 days to get them to do the international unlock. After that I will cancel. My phone was automatically unlocked for US sims after I paid off the lease and I'm using it with a T-mobile sim now. I noticed that the UICC menu is gone with my T-mobile sim in the phone. Do you know if the phone can be relocked for international sims even if it doesn't have a Sprint sim in the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was paid in full and was unlocked both domestically and internationally. I was not 50 days with Sprint. Since I had to travel abroad I asked for the International unlock which they granted as I had already paid for the phone. I started using the phone in South America and around one month later I got the Invalid SimCard message. When I called they said that the UUIC international unlock is temporary so I need to call Sprint and request it again. The domestic unlock is permanent not the same for the international (It made no sense) I called again yesterday to get info on their policies again and now I got different info the phone was supposedly unlocked according to their systems.
Besides this I've got info from trusted sources saying that even devices purchased Unlocked from essential are being locked by sprint when inserting sprint sim cards so stay away from those sim cards.
unlocked then relocked
My phone was unlocked by Sprint shortly after I paid it off, about two days after I received it. I was able to insert a Vietnamese SIM card and download all the Essential security updates.
Then somehow it got relocked. called Sprint to asked them to unlock it internationally, as I actually do travel internationally for work quite a bit. They responded with an email refusing to unlock it until it had been on the network for 50 days.
I have had the last three phones on Sprint unlocked internationally with less trouble than this one.
I guess I'll try again when the 50 days are up.
Jahdiel2011 said:
Mine was paid in full and was unlocked both domestically and internationally. I was not 50 days with Sprint. Since I had to travel abroad I asked for the International unlock which they granted as I had already paid for the phone. I started using the phone in South America and around one month later I got the Invalid SimCard message. When I called they said that the UUIC international unlock is temporary so I need to call Sprint and request it again. The domestic unlock is permanent not the same for the international (It made no sense) I called again yesterday to get info on their policies again and now I got different info the phone was supposedly unlocked according to their systems.
Besides this I've got info from trusted sources saying that even devices purchased Unlocked from essential are being locked by sprint when inserting sprint sim cards so stay away from those sim cards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that information. When you were in South America and got the invalid sim card message, were you on a non-US sim? Did you put the Sprint sim back in at any time before you got that message? I'm trying to figure out if they can relock the device without the Sprint sim card in it, because if so I'm not keeping this phone. I requested the international unlock on my phone as well, but they told me I had to wait until the phone was active for 50 days. They wouldn't budge on that at all. Maybe the 50 day policy is why yours got relocked?
huzordaddy said:
My phone was unlocked by Sprint shortly after I paid it off, about two days after I received it. I was able to insert a Vietnamese SIM card and download all the Essential security updates.
Then somehow it got relocked. called Sprint to asked them to unlock it internationally, as I actually do travel internationally for work quite a bit. They responded with an email refusing to unlock it until it had been on the network for 50 days.
I have had the last three phones on Sprint unlocked internationally with less trouble than this one.
I guess I'll try again when the 50 days are up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone was unlocked for domestic sims 48 hours after the lease was closed. US sims work in it now, but I put a European sim in it and it asked for an unlock code. Did your phone get relocked while it had the Vietnamese sim in it, or were you swapping between that and the Sprint sim?
Once my 50 days are up and I cancel Sprint, I really don't want to have a phone that can be randomly locked by a company that I no longer have any business with. If that's the case I'm going to get rid of this phone and go with another brand.
DrvLikHell said:
Thanks for that information. When you were in South America and got the invalid sim card message, were you on a non-US sim? Did you put the Sprint sim back in at any time before you got that message? I'm trying to figure out if they can relock the device without the Sprint sim card in it, because if so I'm not keeping this phone. I requested the international unlock on my phone as well, but they told me I had to wait until the phone was active for 50 days. They wouldn't budge on that at all. Maybe the 50 day policy is why yours got relocked?
My phone was unlocked for domestic sims 48 hours after the lease was closed. US sims work in it now, but I put a European sim in it and it asked for an unlock code. Did your phone get relocked while it had the Vietnamese sim in it, or were you swapping between that and the Sprint sim?
Once my 50 days are up and I cancel Sprint, I really don't want to have a phone that can be randomly locked by a company that I no longer have any business with. If that's the case I'm going to get rid of this phone and go with another brand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not even bring the Sprint Sim on my trip so I'd say Yes. They can relock it even with other sim card. I was using non US sims the whole time. I'm not sure if the issue is the 50 days policy but I did not want to have a phone I paid in full and cannot own as I should.
How can they lock the phone if it's not on their Network? Sounds like some funny business with firmware updates.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
I got a Essential from an ebay reseller, I checked the IMEI before buying it , said it was clean... and thought that's all that mattered :/
It's locked to someone's sprint account or something, i can't use it on sprint even if I wanted! I have no way of contacting that owner... what can I do?
Can I put some other firmware on it or is there some unlocking service I can opt for?
When I contacted sprint they said the phone is clean/not stolen... so yeah... very frustrating.
Please help/advise.
Edwii said:
I got a Essential from an ebay reseller, I checked the IMEI before buying it , said it was clean... and thought that's all that mattered :/
It's locked to someone's sprint account or something, i can't use it on sprint even if I wanted! I have no way of contacting that owner... what can I do?
Can I put some other firmware on it or is there some unlocking service I can opt for?
When I contacted sprint they said the phone is clean/not stolen... so yeah... very frustrating.
Please help/advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's locked to someone elses Sprint account, and it's not sim unlocked so you can't use it on a GSM service, the only option you have is to return it to the eBay seller. If the seller said it was unlocked or otherwise ready to be activated, that was incorrect and you can do an "Item not as described" type of return, stating that it is not able to be used and you'll get your money back. eBay offers very good protection for this sort of thing.
avd said:
How can they lock the phone if it's not on their Network? Sounds like some funny business with firmware updates.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to know the same thing. From what I've learned the sim lock is a single bit somewhere that's nearly impossible to change without an unlock code. And I've never heard of a phone relocking. I don't know how they're doing it with the Essential. The interesting thing is that when you put in a non-sprint sim, the phone will then update to a newer firmware because sprint is behind on theirs, but it can still relock with the newer firmware. Also, with a non-sprint sim the UICC menu disappears, but then it comes back when you put a sprint sim back in. I don't know what its deal is.
Just the fact that it's possible for sprint to relock a phone remotely is enough to steer me away from this phone. I can't be in a situation where I'm relying on my phone for communication in another country and then, oops, sprint decided to relock my phone and now I can't contact anyone. I've been in situations where that could be very dangerous. If I stay with the PH1, I'll sell my sprint phones and get one directly from the company. Otherwise, I'm already looking at other phones.
Edwii said:
I got a Essential from an ebay reseller, I checked the IMEI before buying it , said it was clean... and thought that's all that mattered :/
It's locked to someone's sprint account or something, i can't use it on sprint even if I wanted! I have no way of contacting that owner... what can I do?
Can I put some other firmware on it or is there some unlocking service I can opt for?
When I contacted sprint they said the phone is clean/not stolen... so yeah... very frustrating.
Please help/advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
File a claim.
Device different than specified.
So Far the PH-1 is a great option only if you buy it directly from essential and Never EVER put a Sprint Sim Card on it.
Edwii said:
I got a Essential from an ebay reseller, I checked the IMEI before buying it , said it was clean... and thought that's all that mattered :/
It's locked to someone's sprint account or something, i can't use it on sprint even if I wanted! I have no way of contacting that owner... what can I do?
Can I put some other firmware on it or is there some unlocking service I can opt for?
When I contacted sprint they said the phone is clean/not stolen... so yeah... very frustrating.
Please help/advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
File a claim with eBay, they'll get your money back!
I have found that a lot of eBay sellers just put "Check IMEI" in their listing, with no other claim to being locked/unlocked, etc. So that it then becomes the buyer's responsibility to throughly check it before they buy. I checked the IMEI on Ting's website and they said it was good to go (vs. a phone that I have with a Bad ESN that they knew about and would understandably not accept - and no this is not a post about Bad ESN so back off wolfdroids!) I didn't bother filing a claim though because it makes an excellent WiFi Smartphone.
Still, I hate Sprint. No nonsense "Account Number and PIN" or we're not going to help you. I wanted to see about paying off the lease myself. Nope! They don't want my money.
atrac88 said:
I have found that a lot of eBay sellers just put "Check IMEI" in their listing, with no other claim to being locked/unlocked, etc. So that it then becomes the buyer's responsibility to throughly check it before they buy. I checked the IMEI on Ting's website and they said it was good to go (vs. a phone that I have with a Bad ESN that they knew about and would understandably not accept - and no this is not a post about Bad ESN so back off wolfdroids!) I didn't bother filing a claim though because it makes an excellent WiFi Smartphone.
Still, I hate Sprint. No nonsense "Account Number and PIN" or we're not going to help you. I wanted to see about paying off the lease myself. Nope! They don't want my money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Find someone that has a Sprint account and see if they can add it on so you can pay it off and use it. It's too good of a phone to be stuck at home being used as a mini-tablet
@Jahdiel2011 About how long did your international sim unlock last before it relocked on you?
30 days or so
I have been looking all over the place to unlock my v20, the places I have see charge a lot of money just to unlock it. I bought the phone from ebay its in perfect condition, I guess the original owner did not pay off their account. So I'm trying to find a way to unlock it any ideas?
Green Ranger 54 said:
I have been looking all over the place to unlock my v20, the places I have see charge a lot of money just to unlock it. I bought the phone from ebay its in perfect condition, I guess the original owner did not pay off their account. So I'm trying to find a way to unlock it any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that if there's a balance owed to t-mobile then even the commercial unlock services won't be able to unlock ? it
If I root will that unlock it? I'm on firmware 10s
Green Ranger 54 said:
If I root will that unlock it? I'm on firmware 10s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you're probably screwed honestly.
Was the phone advertised as unlocked? You might be able to get it refunded with paypal if you file a dispute and it was falsely advertised.
I'd recommend sticking to sites like Swappa for used phone purchases, it's not 100% but they at least check IMEIs prior to listing so you know if it checked out.
I know If I flash a new rom on it, I know that should at least do something for me to unlock it
Green Ranger 54 said:
I know If I flash a new rom on it, I know that should at least do something for me to unlock it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing a different rom won't unlock your phone
You need the tmo app to unlock it. It won't work if the bootloader is unlocked.
Is your provider tmo? You might be able to sweet talk them into resuming data use since you are a customer. If you are not, then contact paypal and file a dispute to get your money back.
Checking an IMEI before purchase may not help because it can take tmo 6 months to shut down service after non payment.
If the IMEI is blacklisted then you are screwed.
I checked the imei it's clean. It's just the previous owner left a balance
Green Ranger 54 said:
I checked the imei it's clean. It's just the previous owner left a balance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what do you mean its locked then? What can't you do?
I'm trying to unlock the phone to use in another carrier, I'm not a t-mobile customer I just bought the phone from ebay. But the phone is still locked in t-mobiles network because of the bill. I checked at multiple sites the imei is clean
You can check your phone's IMEI status here: https://www.t-mobile.com/verifyIMEI.aspx
Your LG unlocks through the Device Unlock App, so it's quite expensive comparing with other unlocking services.
I would suggest to check the phone's IMEI and if it's blocked, try to get your money back because it's not worth it.
There's a site that unlocks it but you need root tho
gsmzambia.com
It was mentioned in one of the unlocking thread awhile back I'm planning to try it out at the end of the month
ki11aprime said:
There's a site that unlocks it but you need root tho
gsmzambia.com
It was mentioned in one of the unlocking thread awhile back I'm planning to try it out at the end of the month
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
was it a success?
So I bought alos off eBay. Lg v20 I was able to get with t-mobile app temporary unlocked for a month.once I got it I flash new rom . Then I try with different sim still working .need to wait a month to see if it will stay unlocked .
Hello XDA friends,
I recently bought a LGV35 AT&T with bad imei, I'm not form USA so I was thinking I was able to unlock it for carriers outside USA, I have an octopus box but unfortunately my box doesnt support that model yet, I tried to contact with a few unlock providers but unfortunately again they dont have support for that model neither, so I want to ask you that if there is a way to unlock it or I will have to wait until my box have an update to unlock that type of model.
Best regards.:fingers-crossed:
rapidrayo said:
Hello XDA friends,
I recently bought a LGV35 AT&T with bad imei, I'm not form USA so I was thinking I was able to unlock it for carriers outside USA, I have an octopus box but unfortunately my box doesnt support that model yet, I tried to contact with a few unlock providers but unfortunately again they dont have support for that model neither, so I want to ask you that if there is a way to unlock it or I will have to wait until my box have an update to unlock that type of model.
Best regards.:fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need a solution too. Thanks guys:fingers-crossed:
Me too.. Unfortunatley its been decided that there will never be any unlocking, rooting, sim unlocking or any ROMs for this phone. v30 and v40 get there own dedicated forums.. while v35 still gets none. The higher ups in the XDA world put a hex on the V35....They dont want any development.
Hey guys just a quick update, I already tried from different unlock services with no luck seems like they already don´t have access to unlock codes or something like that.
rapidrayo said:
Hey guys just a quick update, I already tried from different unlock services with no luck seems like they already don´t have access to unlock codes or something like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried 5 different companies too with no luck. :crying:
freccia said:
I tried 5 different companies too with no luck. :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we just only have to wait.
rapidrayo said:
I think we just only have to wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you optimistic? What do you think could happen to unlock our units?
I would like to be optimistic too :fingers-crossed:
freccia said:
Are you optimistic? What do you think could happen to unlock our units?
I would like to be optimistic too :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I'm optimistic
Because they told me that every week they receive new model for unlock, so maybe we are in an unrealease list (for me from AT&T) so maybe the OEM are not able yet to release the codes.
But don't be very very optimisitc because this a new a phone so the unlock service could be in a few weeks or maybe in months, but be positive!
rapidrayo said:
Yes I'm optimistic
Because they told me that every week they receive new model for unlock, so maybe we are in an unrealease list (for me from AT&T) so maybe the OEM are not able yet to release the codes.
But don't be very very optimisitc because this a new a phone so the unlock service could be in a few weeks or maybe in months, but be positive!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok! I'll be positive :fingers-crossed:
So you have a box eventually to unlock the phone too? If it will be suppurted earlier than the codes could you do it in a remote way (via internet)? I can pay for it.
Ive been trying to get an unlock code for 3 months
freccia said:
Ok! I'll be positive :fingers-crossed:
So you have a box eventually to unlock the phone too? If it will be suppurted earlier than the codes could you do it in a remote way (via internet)? I can pay for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
octoplus supports it but damage the efs partitcion , and gc pro i think it need to be rooted wich now is impossible i actually think they made the unlock by box pretty much impossible no download mode at all , no access to fastboot , even adb commands are worthless, the first time i see no way to unlock an lg phone from at&t from unlock code resellers , first time also that i see that the server for this phone went down since in lauch i unlocked 6 purchasing the unlock code for 5 bucks each
critocorp said:
octoplus supports it but damage the efs partitcion , and gc pro i think it need to be rooted wich now is impossible i actually think they made the unlock by box pretty much impossible no download mode at all , no access to fastboot , even adb commands are worthless, the first time i see no way to unlock an lg phone from at&t from unlock code resellers , first time also that i see that the server for this phone went down since in lauch i unlocked 6 purchasing the unlock code for 5 bucks each
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GCPro can't repair IMEI!
rapidrayo said:
Hello XDA friends,
I recently bought a LGV35 AT&T with bad imei, I'm not form USA so I was thinking I was able to unlock it for carriers outside USA, I have an octopus box but unfortunately my box doesnt support that model yet, I tried to contact with a few unlock providers but unfortunately again they dont have support for that model neither, so I want to ask you that if there is a way to unlock it or I will have to wait until my box have an update to unlock that type of model.
Best regards.:fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking codes providers are now working :good::fingers-crossed:
The price was right so I purchased an ATT v35 NIB on ebay from a reputable seller. It was sim locked to att. The ATT route to unlock would have involved a 90 day service committment, expensive and inconvenient. Found codes2unlock.com via the Howard forum, https://www.howardforums.com/showth...lock-AT-amp-T-USA-LG-V35-ThinQ-by-Unlock-Code.
They turned around a sim unlock code in less than 12 hr for $15. Worked like a charm. With that out of the way, I proceeded to flash the latest ULM (Fi) rom to at least partially free the phone. Would be great to have root as an option but I just don't have the will to play cat and mouse with Magisk to be able to use Google Pay.
freccia said:
Unlocking codes providers are now working :good::fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, ATT network unlock codes are working right now, i have 3 V35 unlocked by code at the moment without problem.
cmrntnnr said:
The price was right so I purchased an ATT v35 NIB on ebay from a reputable seller. It was sim locked to att. The ATT route to unlock would have involved a 90 day service committment, expensive and inconvenient. Found codes2unlock.com via the Howard forum, https://www.howardforums.com/showth...lock-AT-amp-T-USA-LG-V35-ThinQ-by-Unlock-Code.
They turned around a sim unlock code in less than 12 hr for $15. Worked like a charm. With that out of the way, I proceeded to flash the latest ULM (Fi) rom to at least partially free the phone. Would be great to have root as an option but I just don't have the will to play cat and mouse with Magisk to be able to use Google Pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cmrntnnr said:
The price was right so I purchased an ATT v35 NIB on ebay from a reputable seller. It was sim locked to att. The ATT route to unlock would have involved a 90 day service committment, expensive and inconvenient. Found codes2unlock.com via the Howard forum, https://www.howardforums.com/showth...lock-AT-amp-T-USA-LG-V35-ThinQ-by-Unlock-Code.
They turned around a sim unlock code in less than 12 hr for $15. Worked like a charm. With that out of the way, I proceeded to flash the latest ULM (Fi) rom to at least partially free the phone. Would be great to have root as an option but I just don't have the will to play cat and mouse with Magisk to be able to use Google Pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just want to make sure i'm understanding this correctly. I have an ATT LG v35 that i'm currently using with a cricket sim. If I pay for the unlock code I will be able to flash the Fi rom? Could you point me to the resources to download the correct rom? It's been a while since i've tried any of this.
I don't know if lgup checks carrier lock state before flashing a kdz. One thing for sure is that there are no kdz's for ATT roms. You won't be able to go back to ATT stock. Unlocking it before crossing that rubicon seemed like a good idea to avoid a future unlocking hassle so that the phone can be used with another carrier, Verizon in my case.
Here's the link to the Fi kdz.
https://lg-firmwares.com/downloads-file/19020/V350ULM10i_00_NAO_US_OP_0221.kdz
Read up on cross flashing in this forum as well as the ones on the G7 and v30.
franciumgoesboom said:
Just want to make sure i'm understanding this correctly. I have an ATT LG v35 that i'm currently using with a cricket sim. If I pay for the unlock code I will be able to flash the Fi rom? Could you point me to the resources to download the correct rom? It's been a while since i've tried any of this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure to do a back up prior to doing the rom. One nice feature of 'restoral' is that you can select which apps/data to restore (meaning you can leave unwanted apps behind). I just did it today and am very happy. Even the authenticator app is working as before. Some logins might need to be redone, but it's worth it.
Solution:
Only buy unlocked phones
I just purchased an AT&T LG V35, had it unlocked through unlocklocks.com for $18.50 , turn around was about 3 hours and code worked with no problems. Hope that helps!