Hi,
I would like to unlock my T989. Although I've bought it at full price from Walmart I've got an email from T-mobile saying that "The device was not purchased from a T-Mobile USA retail store or authorized T-Mobile retailer." and I've decided not to battle them for 3 months and just do it myself.
I'm a newbie and the following questions might be silly.
1) I understand there is a software by z3x that unlocks the phone. Do I need an extra hardware for it (what is the z3x-box)? If so, what kind?
2) If I root the phone, will it be immediately unlocked?
3) Is there a free method to unlock this phone (assuming I'll root it successfully)?
Thanks!
bloodymeli said:
Hi,
I would like to unlock my T989. Although I've bought it at full price from Walmart I've got an email from T-mobile saying that "The device was not purchased from a T-Mobile USA retail store or authorized T-Mobile retailer." and I've decided not to battle them for 3 months and just do it myself.
I'm a newbie and the following questions might be silly.
1) I understand there is a software by z3x that unlocks the phone. Do I need an extra hardware for it (what is the z3x-box)? If so, what kind?
2) If I root the phone, will it be immediately unlocked?
3) Is there a free method to unlock this phone (assuming I'll root it successfully)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Option 3!
You can do it yourself, just follow the simple instructions :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024514
Sent from my SGH-T989D using xda premium
You could always just take the simple way and tell Tmobile your taking a trip to mexico in 3 weeks (Cuz itll take 2 weeks at the max for the manufacturer to send the code to tmobile) and you want to use a prepaid service down there but dont want to buy a new phone. I just did this today, but act like you dont know much about sim unlocking to be on the safe side. The lady tried to get my to buy a new phone from tmobile down in mexico or just let my phone roam and get international charges and i told her "Well im trying to use the same phone with a prepaid service down in mexico so i wont have to have any additional charges when i come back, I herd something about most phones being locked so will i be able to use the prepaid sim on my current phone?" and after that she mentioned sending me an unlock code.. She tried to play me like i didnt know anything about sim unlocking by telling me my options were buying a new phone down there or letting the charges rack up. Then tried to cut the conversation off short this was in the online chat. But if you keep asking questions and explaining you dont want a new phone or to let them add charges theyll eventually tell you about unlocking your phone and ask for you imei and email then youll have to wait for 2 weeks.
Hope i helped a few people, I tried the method above and it didnt work for me. So i took the longer route that will forsure unlock your phone. :good:
Curiously enough, I'm currently abroad.
I don't have a t-mobile account. I don't even need one according to their website. It's just annoying. But I feel like I'm tilting at windmills.
"If you paid full retail price for a device, you qualify to have the SIM subsidy unlock code provided you meet the following requirements:
The device must have been purchased at a T-Mobile retail store or authorized T-Mobile retailer.
The device must be paid for completely. You must be able to fax the proof of purchase to T-Mobile."
In any case, as I didn't get an answer in the other thread, do you happen to know
1) How do I boot into recovery mode? and how do I choose to flash a radio? Do I need to install a specific recovery software? I would really appreciate if somoeone will able to post a detailed "unlocking for dummies" guide, starting from an unrooted phone. A medal of honor will be given if the guide will start from a stock, unrooted phone.
2) I understand the latest version of the radio is UVLI. Should I use it or use the one that comes with my phone? (I would like as few problems as possible)?
TwoStax said:
You could always just take the simple way and tell Tmobile your taking a trip to mexico in 3 weeks (Cuz itll take 2 weeks at the max for the manufacturer to send the code to tmobile) and you want to use a prepaid service down there but dont want to buy a new phone. I just did this today, but act like you dont know much about sim unlocking to be on the safe side. The lady tried to get my to buy a new phone from tmobile down in mexico or just let my phone roam and get international charges and i told her "Well im trying to use the same phone with a prepaid service down in mexico so i wont have to have any additional charges when i come back, I herd something about most phones being locked so will i be able to use the prepaid sim on my current phone?" and after that she mentioned sending me an unlock code.. She tried to play me like i didnt know anything about sim unlocking by telling me my options were buying a new phone down there or letting the charges rack up. Then tried to cut the conversation off short this was in the online chat. But if you keep asking questions and explaining you dont want a new phone or to let them add charges theyll eventually tell you about unlocking your phone and ask for you imei and email then youll have to wait for 2 weeks.
Hope i helped a few people, I tried the method above and it didnt work for me. So i took the longer route that will forsure unlock your phone. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have step by step details in the post mentioned by DupleX01.
- install recovery
- install radio SGH-T989_UVLE1_radio
- unlock the phone
- done
- you can change the radio again (look in the dev area for several radio packages that work with T989) - optional if the phone works well
Here is a direct link to the post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=36417242&postcount=145
Thank mr_guan for his post if it helped.
Related
Reposted in it's own thread per suggestion.
Originally Posted by joewho21 View Post
Replying because i also have unlock issues. I just bought a rogers locked glide from newegg and an unlock code from cellphoneunlock.net. So far i"ve had no luck unlocking the device. I've tried all methods the unlock site suggested with and without an att sim card. So far none of them brings up the unlock pass code screen like i"ve seen in youtube videos and in other posts. Instead i get a "ussd code running" message followed by "connection problem or invalid mmi code" message. Phone isn"t rooted or modded and has only been factory reset so far. Thanks in advance for any help i can get.
Darkshado said:
First of all, you should start your own thread.
Second, aside from entering the code you've bought after being prompted for it by booting with a "foreign" SIM card, the two other methods out there involve root or CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the thing, i never get the prompt to enter the code. It just gives the two messages in order "ussd code running" followed by "connection problem or invalid mmi code" whenever i try to get the password screen. I'm just looking for a no frills way to get the prompt screen to show. If rooting is the easiest way so be it.
There is a way to get your unlock code for free.. calling at&t or rogers and telling them you want your unlock code and they by law must give it to you...
Why pay when your legally entitled to this code?
Current System:
CWMR Touch 6.0.0.1 (Stable)
i927ruclg9 ICS 4.0.4 stock
CWM keyboard backlight fix
Superuser 3.2 RC3 arm signed
Hazard1nc's Homepage
---------- Post added at 09:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:58 PM ----------
You see, as long as you live in the united states, the department of justice laid the law down that you cannot be forced to buy a phone and be stuck to only that one network...
Current System:
CWMR Touch 6.0.0.1 (Stable)
i927ruclg9 ICS 4.0.4 stock
CWM keyboard backlight fix
Superuser 3.2 RC3 arm signed
Hazard1nc's Homepage
hazard1nc said:
There is a way to get your unlock code for free.. calling at&t or rogers and telling them you want your unlock code and they by law must give it to you...
Why pay when your legally entitled to this code?
You see, as long as you live in the united states, the department of justice laid the law down that you cannot be forced to buy a phone and be stuck to only that one network...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard that for Canada that they will give you the code after you contract is up because then you have fully paid for your phone and they are obligated since it is now yours. I have not tested this just heard it from a friend who will try this method in 6 months when his contract is over. Any one try this yet?
hazard1nc and dudejb: Going by my experience and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIM_lock
USA: T-Mobile has given codes as long as you fulfilled a few conditions. AT&T now gives them on request due to a binding class action lawsuit settlement/decision, not an actual law.
Canada: There was an attempt to mandate SIM unlocking by law, but the bill never passed. Carriers might provide a code according to their policies and whims, usually for a fee that's akin to highway robbery (50-75$). None will provide a code upon purchasing a phone outright either.
joewho21: I've searched for the errors you've had and couldn't come up with much.
MMI codes are like the codes you've used to get the phone's lock status and perhaps feed it an unlock code.
Is the error popping up on its own? With a SIM in the phone? Without?
My best-guess-based suggestion: without a SIM card in the phone, flash CWM, backup your /efs partition, making multiple copies. Then delete the nv_data.bin file on your phone, and reboot it. This should (and can be confirmed with nv.log afterwards) force the phone to restore the backup nv_data file. Depending on what NewEgg did to unlock at first, your phone should now be locked to Rogers, and still have its IMEI valid. Shut down the phone, insert your AT&T SIM and turn it back on. With any luck you should get a prompt and be on your way.
Update: After way too long looking up how to use odin and cwm. (they really need a super noob sticky for that) I flashed the att rom from this thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1378082 . I got my unlock screen after entering *7465625*638*# and the phone can now make calls, text, and still double checking the web connection. (might have put in the wrong mnc code) Anyways just wanted to post a thank you for those that offered there assistance.
If you're having problems with internet (and mms) it's likely that you need to enter the correct APN settings. A quick search around these forums should mention how to do it.
hazard1nc said:
There is a way to get your unlock code for free.. calling at&t or rogers and telling them you want your unlock code and they by law must give it to you...
Why pay when your legally entitled to this code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want to make sure I am understanding this correctly: if I go to AT&T or Walmart and just buy a Captivate Glide outright, no contract or anything, I can then call AT&T and say hey I need the unlock code for the Captivate Glide? Or even get it at the AT&T store if I get it there instead of Walmart?
Better to wait 3 or 9 months depending on the contract - they can't toss out the SIM unlocking code when the phone's pretty fresh. Same for any carriers around here, from what I'm told.
Sent from my SGH-I927 using xda app-developers app
Dr. Mario said:
Better to wait 3 or 9 months depending on the contract - they can't toss out the SIM unlocking code when the phone's pretty fresh. Same for any carriers around here, from what I'm told.
Sent from my SGH-I927 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kinda what I thought. I just want to buy the phone without ever having a contract. I pretty much thought the order would be buy the phone, buy the unlock code, insert the SIM card from Net10, have Net10 service. Though I've heard conflicting reports on whether AT&T stores will sell the phone outright without me signing up for a contract. Walmart, on the other hand, doesn't care, but somehow the Glide there is more expensive by about $100 than at an AT&T store.
Yeah... It does suck but some online store like www.newegg.com do sell the unlocked Android phones, even scary expensive ones cheap - sometimes they gets put up for sales - I remember SGH-I927 was to be sold for $250 there. I'll check.
EDIT: Yup, still $250.
And I bought mine used at a pawnshop for $150 as I had to ditch the Straight Talk phone, since I have been having issues with few peoples (long story), but now the problem's solved. AT&T gave me the SIM unlock code instantly as it's maybe a few months old and was sold off as a second-hand so I'm not binded to the contract. And if you bought a phone with the full price paid off, not subsidized, they can give you the SIM code, you gotta check with some AT&T CSR who have the patience.
Sent from my SGH-I927 using xda app-developers app
Dr. Mario said:
Yeah... It does suck but some online store like www.newegg.com do sell the unlocked Android phones, even scary expensive ones cheap - sometimes they gets put up for sales - I remember SGH-I927 was to be sold for $250 there. I'll check.
EDIT: Yup, still $250.
And I bought mine used at a pawnshop for $150 as I had to ditch the Straight Talk phone, since I have been having issues with few peoples (long story), but now the problem's solved. AT&T gave me the SIM unlock code instantly as it's maybe a few months old and was sold off as a second-hand so I'm not binded to the contract. And if you bought a phone with the full price paid off, not subsidized, they can give you the SIM code, you gotta check with some AT&T CSR who have the patience.
Sent from my SGH-I927 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats sad! I purchased AT&T 2 Glides and one iphone4 at walmart last year. got them with a 2yr contract for just under $100 each. they wanted to sell me insurance for an extra 4.99 a month. I asked, "If I have to use the insurance, what is my deductible?" I was told that for all smart phones, I would have to pay $200 for a replacement! If I can get a "unlocked" glide online new in the box for $250 - $300 why should I pay $4.99 every month plus when something happens, have to pay another $200! I laughed, declined and said I'll take my chances! The sales clerk had the nerve to ask... "Are you sure you don't want insurance" God forbid something happen to my Glide, I still have my old moto razr as backup!
EpicMikeNC said:
That's kinda what I thought. I just want to buy the phone without ever having a contract. I pretty much thought the order would be buy the phone, buy the unlock code, insert the SIM card from Net10, have Net10 service. Though I've heard conflicting reports on whether AT&T stores will sell the phone outright without me signing up for a contract. Walmart, on the other hand, doesn't care, but somehow the Glide there is more expensive by about $100 than at an AT&T store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Checkout http://m.straighttalksim.com/view/page/p/88719/straighttalksim-mobile-home
U dnt have to have ur phone unlocked if its an att phone.
I'm usen a ST sim and my phone is still locked
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I927 using Tapatalk 2
A while ago I had the same problem and I got so frustrated as the unlock code did not work and there was no prompt when i entered the string of numbers. I ended up using this solution http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1595756
After seeing your update I tried the string of numbers again and the prompt came up for my ics-flashed i927 and it worked. My phone is now restored to the original IMEI, works and I dont have to worry about voiding my warranty with a generic IMEI anymore. I just hope the phone won't relock itself out of the blue like some users have experienced.
Thanks a lot!
joewho21 said:
Update: After way too long looking up how to use odin and cwm. (they really need a super noob sticky for that) I flashed the att rom from this thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1378082 . I got my unlock screen after entering *7465625*638*# and the phone can now make calls, text, and still double checking the web connection. (might have put in the wrong mnc code) Anyways just wanted to post a thank you for those that offered there assistance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LiquidXed said:
Checkout http://m.straighttalksim.com/view/page/p/88719/straighttalksim-mobile-home
U dnt have to have ur phone unlocked if its an att phone.
I'm usen a ST sim and my phone is still locked
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I927 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem though is that I plan on making repeat travels to Mexico. The first time I went I got Movistar.. I'd like to be able to take the sim out of that Movistar phone and put it in the Glide for when I go back to Mexico. I think it has to be unlocked to do that.
I recently paid off my Note II in full and I am ready to sell it. I am a bit confused about the unlocking process, so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.
I've put the unlock code request in with T-Mobile. Once I receive the e-mail with the code, what do I do with it if I want to sell the device? Do I put it up on Ebay and say "Comes with unlock code", or is there a way I can unlock it myself to sell?
I ask this, because from what I see, I have to put a different carrier's SIM in the phone to unlock it. Since I only use T-Mobile, I don't have another SIM. I looked on Ebay and I see a lot of TMobile Note 2's that already come unlocked, so I guess I am wondering how I can offer a pre-unlocked phone without manually shipping them the code to do it themselves. I don't want to have any questions about me trying to cheat any buyer.
Any tips would be appreciated. Search function is down, or else I would have used that first.
Or should I not worry about it at all and let the buyer deal with the unlocking? The phone has zero account issues.
craighwk said:
I recently paid off my Note II in full and I am ready to sell it. I am a bit confused about the unlocking process, so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.
I've put the unlock code request in with T-Mobile. Once I receive the e-mail with the code, what do I do with it if I want to sell the device? Do I put it up on Ebay and say "Comes with unlock code", or is there a way I can unlock it myself to sell?
I ask this, because from what I see, I have to put a different carrier's SIM in the phone to unlock it. Since I only use T-Mobile, I don't have another SIM. I looked on Ebay and I see a lot of TMobile Note 2's that already come unlocked, so I guess I am wondering how I can offer a pre-unlocked phone without manually shipping them the code to do it themselves. I don't want to have any questions about me trying to cheat any buyer.
Any tips would be appreciated. Search function is down, or else I would have used that first.
Or should I not worry about it at all and let the buyer deal with the unlocking? The phone has zero account issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a friends sim card and unlock the phone. Take a screen shot of it working with att and tmo and post both pics so the buyer is reassured that its actually unlocked. Once u unlock it, put ur tmo sim back in. It should work fine.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using XDA Premium HD app
So the unlock isn't restricted to the SIM? Once it's unlocked, it's then free and clear to use any sim you throw at it without needing the code?
craighwk said:
So the unlock isn't restricted to the SIM? Once it's unlocked, it's then free and clear to use any sim you throw at it without needing the code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An IMEI unlock is permanent , similar to buying a " factory unlocked" device. Once its complete find a friend with a SimpleMobile ot ATT micro sim and take photos of the phone on both carriers and list it for sale.
Awesome. Thanks for the help!
If anyone can read this, this is a fact. Sprint will NOT unlock a Samsung Note 4. I have one, its paid off, i called numerous times to have it unlocked as they told me its unlockable approved. They give me a lot of non-sense, connect me with different people, the first 3 reps will say YES, the fourth will say NO. Why does Sprint not unlock my phone if its paid off. It's quite mind-racking and confusing. Anyone have any advice on this matter??? P.S THE CODE 104953 DOES NOT WORK....so MOVE ON!!!
I know they can and will unlock the sim for international use. You just have to tell them you are travelling to another country and want to pay for temporary service from a carrier in that country. they have to unlock the sim for that purpose. As for unlocking the sim for use on U.S. gsm networks i don't know about that one. I'm sure it can be done with the right tools but sprint doesn't offer this and most tech employees haven't a clue how to do it because it's not officially supported by sprint in the first place. Only international sim unlock can be achieved with the help of sprint. This is in their terms of service!
RickyDiamonds said:
If anyone can read this, this is a fact. Sprint will NOT unlock a Samsung Note 4. I have one, its paid off, i called numerous times to have it unlocked as they told me its unlockable approved. They give me a lot of non-sense, connect me with different people, the first 3 reps will say YES, the fourth will say NO. Why does Sprint not unlock my phone if its paid off. It's quite mind-racking and confusing. Anyone have any advice on this matter??? P.S THE CODE 104953 DOES NOT WORK....so MOVE ON!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 with Sprint and was able to get it unlocked. I have AT&T service now and use a sprint Note 4 on it. No Sprint did not unlock it for me I paid idone.apps $40 to do it and sure enough it worked. The only issue I have had is my data speeds. My phone currently only allows a 3G data connection. I am currently looking for a solution however, it's not that slow so I may just keep it as is.
Here's the link to his page:
http://idoneapps.com/index.php?os=android
+1 for idoneapps
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
Yeah they will unlock it for international use (it even works on all compatible US carriers too I was told when I asked). I it easy just go here (https://sprintworldwide.custhelp.com/app/chat/chat_launch/?ECID=vanity:swwsupport) feel out the page. You should be in touch with someone not long after and a few minutes later they will unlock your phone and tell you to restart your phone if it doesn't do it itself (mine did it itself)
Hi Everyone,
I've seen some posts about unlocking this but I'm curious as to whether I can unlock a T-Mobile branded phone purchased outright that has never been activated.
What have you all found to be the easiest way to unlock it? I've already reached out to TM via FB to no avail.
Let me know what you guys think.
Thanks!
Bootloader unlock is done via Motorola. To unlock your device for all carriers you must actively use the phone for 7 days. If you can't unlock it yourself after 7 days using the builtin app, then go in to a store. They can call in and help get it unlocked, but only after you've used the phone for 7 days.
papadelogan said:
Bootloader unlock is done via Motorola. To unlock your device for all carriers you must actively use the phone for 7 days. If you can't unlock it yourself after 7 days using the builtin app, then go in to a store. They can call in and help get it unlocked, but only after you've used the phone for 7 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, that is my question.
The phone is brand new - no sim. I'm trying to get it to a prepaid wireless service and need it unlocked to do so. What you're saying is that I would need to activate it for 7 days for the bootloader to work, correct?
Tmobile themselves offer unlocking but only after 40 days of service which is a no go in my current situation.
Thanks again for any help. No other programs or apps out there that can unlock it more quickly without the amount of work?
You guys are awesome!
ponzpo said:
Ok, that is my question.
The phone is brand new - no sim. I'm trying to get it to a prepaid wireless service and need it unlocked to do so. What you're saying is that I would need to activate it for 7 days for the bootloader to work, correct?
Tmobile themselves offer unlocking but only after 40 days of service which is a no go in my current situation.
Thanks again for any help. No other programs or apps out there that can unlock it more quickly without the amount of work?
You guys are awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You are matching the two things together. Let me be a little bit simpler about this. All use different paragraph so you don't get confused.
BOOTLOADER unlock can be done about 1 minute after you buy the phone. You contact Motorola directly. Search this forum and you'll get tons of information on it
CARRIER Unlocking a T-Mobile phone to be able to use with any carrier can be done after 7 Days of use on a T-Mobile plan. If they recently bumped it up to 40 and that's what customer service told you, then go with that. I've been with them for a few years now and only needed 7 days, but then I was in the store working with one of the sales people and they called in about it. I may have gotten special consideration given the amount of time my wife has had an account with T-Mobile, but I did a carrier unlock after only 7 days.
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
I picked up a New tmo z2 force and started it with prepaid. The prepaid balance has to be at least 100$ and active for 14 days before they will unlock it.
noXcape said:
I picked up a New tmo z2 force and started it with prepaid. The prepaid balance has to be at least 100$ and active for 14 days before they will unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that T-Mobile specific prepaid?
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
Yes. Tmo prepaid
Also that's what the tmo rep told me. I still have like 10 days to wait...so I'll report back when it's done
Decided to call and try my luck with another rep. They escalated the unlock for me and did it with the hour.
Unlock app says permanently unlocked now!
You don't need to have it 7 days or whatever. Buy the phone full price, insert the tmobile sim, boot up and carrier unlock right away with the unlock app. Bootloader unlock is with motorola. That's it.
First, you need to activate your phone with a T-Mobile SIM card (you don't need to possess the SIM card, you can even borrow one for a few minutes) and a non-T-Mobile SIM to check if the phone is network locked.
You can check by following these steps:
1. Insert the “non-accepted SIM card” on the phone (Please check if your new SIM Card is activated, if not contact your Mobile Operator in order to activate it).
2. Wait for the phone to load
3. Insert the SIM’s PIN code (4 digits), if asked.
4. Read the message your phone displays, if you need the unlock code or to unlock via the Device Unlock App.
Mod Edit
Based on the message you have, you can contact T-Mobile again and ask them to unlock. Or you can use a third party unlocking service.
RossTeagan said:
First, you need to activate your phone with a T-Mobile SIM card (you don't need to possess the SIM card, you can even borrow one for a few minutes) and a non-T-Mobile SIM to check if the phone is network locked.
You can check by following these steps:
1. Insert the “non-accepted SIM card” on the phone (Please check if your new SIM Card is activated, if not contact your Mobile Operator in order to activate it).
2. Wait for the phone to load
3. Insert the SIM’s PIN code (4 digits), if asked.
4. Read the message your phone displays, if you need the unlock code or to unlock via the Device Unlock App.
Mod Edit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This doesnt work.. It says unlock failed.. tried permanent and temporary. Tmobile says theres an unpaid balance but the phones imei is not lost or stolen. The way to request an unlock is the previous owner and the imei # has to make a request. ugh and theres some dude who says he can do it for a fee (clean the imei) im trying to use this on metro and cannot because of the whole tmobile unpaid balance bullcrap
Correct me if I'm wrong. No T-Mobile phone is eligible for unlock unless it's paid off in full and remained on the network for 45 days after. I've unlocked plenty of them after they were paid off and this was almost always the case.
I unlocked my bootloader right after getting my phone. It's not paid off, as I upgraded via JUMP.
sabrdawg said:
I unlocked my bootloader right after getting my phone. It's not paid off, as I upgraded via JUMP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thinking the OP is talking about carrier unlock.
Check what your IMEI's status is in the T-Mobile network with their service here: https://www.t-mobile.com/verifyIMEI.aspx
Note that if the result doesn't with "Congratulations..." you might not be able to unlock your phone.
20degrees said:
Thinking the OP is talking about carrier unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, got it. It's tricky when "unlock" has multiple meanings, lol! In that case, no, you can't carrier unlock until your phone is paid off
I posted a similar question before I realised there was a thread already on this topic. Can anybody confirm that if you buy a tmo version from Motorola, then what are the conditions for having it unlocked? Is it $100 credit balance (for me that would add $100 to the cost) or immediately on insertion of a TMO SIM or some other conditions? Does anybody have any experiences they can report? Thanks
I can tell you I just tried getting a tmobile variant unlocked (375 outright, I have AT&T) and had a buddy with a tmobile account make the purchase and put his active sim in it and they would not unlock it. Stated it had to be on tmobile network for 40 days. He called multiple times and argued it's already paid off but they wouldn't budge. So I returned it. Had to eat a 50 fee for returning it. I chalk it to a lesson learned.
I was going to buy the phone from the Motorola website for $500 so $375 is a good deal. The problem is while I have a tmobile SIM card on a prepaid account I don't live in the US and while I'm travelling there soon I won't be on the network for 40 days. so I guess it won't be unlockable while I'm there and certainly not once I'm gone.
I wonder what the unlocking Services online are like? Has anybody had any experiences to relate
lchiu7 said:
I was going to buy the phone from the Motorola website for $500 so $375 is a good deal. The problem is while I have a tmobile SIM card on a prepaid account I don't live in the US and while I'm travelling there soon I won't be on the network for 40 days. so I guess it won't be unlockable while I'm there and certainly not once I'm gone.
I wonder what the unlocking Services online are like? Has anybody had any experiences to relate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is also a temp unlock through the unlock app. Still fully sim unlocked but for only a short time. Then if you do come back to the US for 40+ days you can try for the permanent unlock.
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using XDA Labs
OK _ just got off both a phone call and chat session with TMO support. Basically the phone has to be on their network for 2 billing cycles and then you can call them to unlock it. That applies even apparently to the $3/month plan. I do have somebody who could do that but they would have to send the phone to me and I am not sure you can do that with its LiOn battery inside.
I got ahold of a used t-mobile z2 force. Considering I'm still using a 2012 phone, this will be quite an upgrade for me. I tried the t-mobile app to carrier unlock but no luck. From reading here, it seems there are two options.
#1 - Get new a prepaid sim, activiate, then add $100 credit, wait a few days, then try the app again, eventually it will work.
#2 - Get/Borrow a used sim (doesn't matter if prepaid), put it in the phone, wait a few days, then try the app again, eventually it will work.
Am I right?
If so, any suggestions where to find a used sim? I tried ebay and they're all new and unactivated. Or maybe someone here did option 1 and doesn't need their sim anymore, PM me.
I looked into option #1 myself but at $3/month for voice/text only, it's not real useful to me as I use hangouts/voice for voice & text, all I really need is data. And with the prepaid unlimited I'd use up my $100 in two months, kinda a waste imo.
What error message did you receive? There are two kinds; the device is not eligible for an unlock or the device is unknown.
Unlock Failed: This mobile device is not eligible for unlock. For device Unlock eligibility details, please go online or contact Customer Care.
That error means the device is recognized by the server and can be unlocked when it is eligible. Since you’re not the original owner you won’t have any way of knowing when it will be eligible. The phone could still be on a payment plan or the original buyer could have defaulted.
If you need it unlocked quickly your best bet maybe finding a third party unlock service that can flag your IMEI as unlock eligible with the unlock server.
I'm more concerned about cheaply than quickly.
My understanding tho is that it is not under any contract. But even so my understanding is that the app won't unlock unless there's a SIM card in there too from an existing customer... but this is just based on searches, I'm still unsure.
I believe the phone has to be used for at least 45 days on a T-Mobile account to be considered for unlock.
If I had family or friend on t-mobile I'd ask them to use this phone a while. But I don't unfortunately, that would be the easiest.
I had my unactivated new in box T-Mobile z2 force that i got from a trade unlocked in a week after getting prepaid and putting 100 on it. That was the fastest and easiest way not knowing ppl who use tmo. Just wait a few days then call tech support and get them to escalate the unlock...say it's work related...after that restart and it will be unlocked.
I want cheapest, not fastest or easiest. $100 for unlock sounds crazy. Don't suppose you still have that sim card?
I don't know if my Sim would even help. I think with prepaid they go by imei so you might even have to add that $ to it. I think the Sim is just the door bell button.
oh... yeah I better figure that out. If they require prepaid sim to have added $100 since first used on that particular imei, then a used sim doesn't help.
So seems like 3 options.
1 - fork out the $100 to t-mobile,
2 - borrow a non prepaid t-mobile sim (loan my phone to someone) for possibly up to 45 days before able to unlock
3 - find and pay an unlock service
I wonder what these unlock services do that I can't.
Anyone have the link to the apk?
enigma9o7 said:
oh... yeah I better figure that out. If they require prepaid sim to have added $100 since first used on that particular imei, then a used sim doesn't help.
So seems like 3 options.
1 - fork out the $100 to t-mobile,
2 - borrow a non prepaid t-mobile sim (loan my phone to someone) for possibly up to 45 days before able to unlock
3 - find and pay an unlock service
I wonder what these unlock services do that I can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have a contact with someone at T-Mobile that can flag your IMEI as unlock eligible with the unlock server.
---------- Post added at 11:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 AM ----------
sounreal said:
Anyone have the link to the apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app is preinstalled on supported phones only. If your phone does not have the app then it uses a different method to Sim unlock.
I tried 3 different eBay seller and none could provide me with a code.
Well I just paid $60 to try cellunlocker.net; hopefully it works. An advertisement posted 5 days ago says it will...
https://www.cellunlocker.net/cellphonenews/2018/03/t-mobile-unlock-app-service-is-up-and-running/
still waiting... their eta aint so great as I passed the 1-5 business days. But I'm still hopeful cuz their online chat told me should be by next tuesday, although they didn't answer support email and I was on phone hold 10 mins beofre hanging up (since online chat replied while I was waiting on hold).
enigma9o7 said:
still waiting... their eta aint so great as I passed the 1-5 business days. But I'm still hopeful cuz their online chat told me should be by next tuesday, although they didn't answer support email and I was on phone hold 10 mins beofre hanging up (since online chat replied while I was waiting on hold).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been waiting for two weeks and I have lost my confidence.
Picasa01 said:
I have been waiting for two weeks and I have lost my confidence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you heard anything in the meantime? I got an email (after I posted here last) saying it was ready, but it still won't unlock. Called them and the guy said sorry they'll re-do it, something about the wrong server. So back to waiting... losing confidence but still hopeful...
If it isn't too much trouble, keep me updated (in this thread) as to what happens for you, or if you end up asking for refund, etc....
Codes don't work on T-Mobile phones once the unlock app is on the device. Hopefully there isn't a balance on the device which would prevent it from being unlocked. For all the phones I use the app for, cuz I have T-Mobile and have gone through a quite a few devices, once it's paid off usually the app automatically works long as it was active service for 40 days prior.
Before the app I knew you could have someone with T-Mobile use this phone for a few days until it registers on the network and then you can request an unlock code and have it escalated.
I really want to lose patience
enigma9o7 said:
Have you heard anything in the meantime? I got an email (after I posted here last) saying it was ready, but it still won't unlock. Called them and the guy said sorry they'll re-do it, something about the wrong server. So back to waiting... losing confidence but still hopeful...
If it isn't too much trouble, keep me updated (in this thread) as to what happens for you, or if you end up asking for refund, etc....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really want to lose patience。Did you unlock it? My order has been for a month