Develop Bugs

T-Mobile USA/Telus T989 Samsung Galaxy S2 SIM UNLOCK

Can any one please confirm if Hercules is locked to Tmobile
Thx
AG

Yes! Got it today to use with provider other than TMO but SIM is locked...Looking for unlocking solutions now!

darn it!
thanks for the confirmation.
any idea if the SIM unlock method for the SGS2 works on hercules too?

Try the SGS Unlock app from Market. Let us know if it unlocks.

Ya its a real bummer!
If your talking about the one on the market. I was considering that but it says needs (root) superuser???
I called Tmobile 4 times already. First they said they dont give the SIM unlock yet because of the 14 day return policy, so I would have to call back after then. Calls two and three was "you dont have an account with us? Oh sorry we cant give you the unlock code then... Final call our asked for supervisor and they transfer me to Tech. department. Tech guy was cool and gave me a number to fax my receipt showing I paid full retail for two phones plus some add'l info for them to be able to get back to me. He allow them 24-48 to get back to me!!! But it could take as long as 7-14 days. I'm sure each and everyone of them was looking at the SIM code unlock screen as we was talking. BOO TMO!!!

is tmobile really selling the phone for 529.99$?
i checked wirefly and letstalk, they charging like 600$ !

SaHiLzZ said:
Try the SGS Unlock app from Market. Let us know if it unlocks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SGS Unlock free version does not work
Pro version needs root!
---------- Post added at 02:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:33 PM ----------
netnerd said:
is tmobile really selling the phone for 529.99$?
i checked wirefly and letstalk, they charging like 600$ !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got mine for $529.99 + sales tax at local tmo

Bummer... Need to cross border from Canada to get one myself as well.

Did anyone get unlocked or I guess everybody actually is on tmobile? I still need unlocking!

tenxo said:
Did anyone get unlocked or I guess everybody actually is on tmobile? I still need unlocking!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just bought my phone full price too. and i forgot to ask that girl for the unlock code. i got the phone with 30$ prepaid plan, if coverage is good enought i'm going to cancel att!

Correct me if I'm wrong but from what I can recall is..
You can only request 1 "sim-subsidy unlock" every 6 months. Your post paid account must be active for at least 30 days. Prepaid accounts must be active for 60 days with at least $10 balance in the account. If you purchased a phone at full price, you can fax in your proof of purchase to the "Blackberry & PDA support department" for a response within 24-72 hours.
I work for T-Mobile, I'll check the specifics the next time I'm at work.

hydroidonic said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but from what I can recall is..
You can only request 1 "sim-subsidy unlock" every 6 months. Your post paid account must be active for at least 30 days. Prepaid accounts must be active for 60 days with at least $10 balance in the account. If you purchased a phone at full price, you can fax in your proof of purchase to the "Blackberry & PDA support department" for a response within 24-72 hours.
I work for T-Mobile, I'll check the specifics the next time I'm at work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds about right on with what I was told. I dont have any sort of account with tmobile so I had to do the fax method so patiently waiting since 24 hours now.
Are they reliable to send if you did fax them receipt or do they still find a loop to say no?

[Q] T-Mobile USA T989 Samsung Galaxy S2 SIM UNLOCK
Anyone figured out how to SIM unlock the T-Mobile USA T989 Samsung Galaxy S2 SIM UNLOCK??
I found the link below, but not sure if it is real or a scam
Please advise ASAP
Thanks

call tmobile they will give you the code. tell them you leaving the country and will be using a different sim from the country you going to be in

b0ricuaguerrero said:
call tmobile they will give you the code. tell them you leaving the country and will be using a different sim from the country you going to be in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what you need to do. I called to do it but actually never did, though they sent me the code. I decided it was better for me to just keep my number active for emergencies when I went abroad.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

Do any of you mind requesting the unlock code for my Hercules? I am not a T-mobile subscriber. My cousin tried to do it for me, but they wanted a copy of the sales receipt....I bought from a phone shop, not an authorized T-mobile store, so I don't think they will accept my receipt.

ronj1986 said:
Do any of you mind requesting the unlock code for my Hercules? I am not a T-mobile subscriber. My cousin tried to do it for me, but they wanted a copy of the sales receipt....I bought from a phone shop, not an authorized T-mobile store, so I don't think they will accept my receipt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to help out someone off of Craigslist before by doing this. You will have to allow someone you trust who is a T-Mobile customer to put their sim card in your phone for a couple of days for T-Mobile to pick up the phone. I tried getting the code by using the persons imei number and they accepted it and then sent me an email 24 hours later about my sim card not being in the phone.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

i won an att fone from a radio station once and called att , told em im wit tmobile, and they still hooked it up with the unlock code

My NSPRO box unlocks it....
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

I tried going through the beaurocracy (or however it spells) of T-Mobile to get an unlock code, but never got one for various reasons. You're better off at least trying.
If you don't get it, cellunlocker.net is not a scam. I ordered an unlock code from them for my T989 and got my code within the day. All is unlocked and fine.

help with i927r unlocking

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.

Unlock code prompt on H811 (LG G4 - Tmobile)

I bought the phone from Tmobile and then bought the unlock code online but for the life of me I am unable to get the prompt for entering the unlocke code.
One previous phones (G3, Note 3), it automatically poped up when I started the phone with At&t sim but I'm having no such luck with the G4. I have also tried all the codes that the seller suggested but still no prompt. I even tried the Tmobile's unlock application and it just gives an error that server is not responding.
Does anyone has any suggestion? I desperately need some help.

ajamils said:
I bought the phone from Tmobile and then bought the unlock code online but for the life of me I am unable to get the prompt for entering the unlocke code.
One previous phones (G3, Note 3), it automatically poped up when I started the phone with At&t sim but I'm having no such luck with the G4. I have also tried all the codes that the seller suggested but still no prompt. I even tried the Tmobile's unlock application and it just gives an error that server is not responding.
Does anyone has any suggestion? I desperately need some help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that phone needs to be used for 30 or 60 days or something to let you unlock it.
Sent from my M8 M8

ThatKawaiiGuy said:
I believe that phone needs to be used for 30 or 60 days or something to let you unlock it.
Sent from my M8 M8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that requirement was only of I want to request an unlock code from Tmobile.
What if i use a different sim in that phone? My brother has been a Tmobile customer for over 10 years.

ajamils said:
I thought that requirement was only of I want to request an unlock code from Tmobile.
What if i use a different sim in that phone? My brother has been a Tmobile customer for over 10 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same "strick" requirements with S6/Edge.. to do permanent unlock your brother needs to have the ESN tied to his account as main user.. you can try the temporary unlock with his tmobile that could buy you 30days

Try putting this in the dialer 2945#*811#
Edit.. Doesn't work they gave me that code to unlock my G3 but it had the 851 suffix If you own the phone outright then customer service should give you the code

I was told by an in-store t-mobile rep that if you buy the phone outright, you can contact them to get it unlocked for free. If you buy it on the EIP, you have to make two payments before you can get it unlocked.

I did buy the phone outright but since they didn't want to sell the phone without a service plan I got the month to month plan and from what I've heard I need to keep the account for 40 days before I can request an unlock code.
With that said, since I already have the unlock code all I need is the access to the prompt to enter it.

Sticky situation...
I got the same problem. Any attempts to prompt to enter activation fail.
Tried entering other carrier sim cards and dialing 2945#*811# but it doesn't do anything.
All we need is a manual way to enter unlock code (which i already got). Would be nice if there was an app that just forces it to appear... It feela like T-Mobile is just masked it out of their dialer.

I have the same problem - I have the codes but cannot access the unlock menu?
T-Mobile 811

I did notice that there is a new app Tmo threw on here called unlock. Maybe that's why the code won't work. Maybe it has to go through the app now..

Swizzle82 said:
I did notice that there is a new app Tmo threw on here called unlock. Maybe that's why the code won't work. Maybe it has to go through the app now..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what it looks like. I contacted Tmobile and asked for an unlock code and the CSR told me that they do not have any record of my phone's IMEI so I should use it for few days and then call back.
I'm on new Tmobile account and just opened the phone today.

Swizzle82 said:
I did notice that there is a new app Tmo threw on here called unlock. Maybe that's why the code won't work. Maybe it has to go through the app now..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but all that app does it checks if you're eligible for an unlock... I don't understand I gave them FULL payment for the phone (I don't owe T-mobile anything for this device, device is paid off in full).
But I did call them and they're saying you basically have to be with them for 40 days for them to give you the unlock.. It's really lame how they're hacking their phone not to display unlock option, even though you friggin' have paid off phone.... you don't force people to be your customers like that "Mr we give you so much freedom, we don't even have contracts".

That's total BS. I paid full price for the phone as well so I don't know what gives them the right to do something like this.

same here. not only did i pay full price. according to their pricing chart i had to pay a $30 premium on top of the MSRP because I'm a non-tmobile customer. Now i'm finding out that not only does the unlock process have to go through app, even though customer service gave me different instructions on how to unlock it (that didn't work), but I also have to find a tmobile customer that's within good standing temporarily give me their sim card to put into the phone so that i can run the unlock with the app. WHAT THE F**K TMOBILE!? and you want me to leave ATT for you? as bad as people say ATT is they've never given me issues like this. BS

I was a Tmobile customer since Voice Stream days but switched to At&t two years back and I'm never going back. The only thing that I hate about At&t is their B$ about locking bootloader and because of that my last 3 phones have been from Tmobile. But the way things are going with Tmobile now, it looks like I'll be buying my next phone will either be an international version or At&t

I'm with you guys! This is last time I did business with T-Mobile , forcing people to use your services even if you paid in full for the device is not the best way to gain business...
And by the way even getting someone with T-Mobile account will not magically unlock your device, you would still have to buy their service for 2 months ahead to unlock "YOUR" device.

Lobanovskiy said:
I'm with you guys! This is last time I did business with T-Mobile , forcing people to use your services even if you paid in full for the device is not the best way to gain business...
And by the way even getting someone with T-Mobile account will not magically unlock your device, you would still have to buy their service for 2 months ahead to unlock "YOUR" device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The argument right now is that there should in no way be any restrictions from a carrier if the customer purchases a product at full value. Although, this restriction is technically included in their T's & C's.
BUT!!! In line with those same T's & C's, technically there's no way for them to stop any of us from having an existing tmobile customer gain an unlock code using their account as long as sed customer claims it as their own during the unlock process. After it's done tmobile can't do sh**.
What you are describing falls under their eligibility requirements for "Unlock eligibility for monthly phones, tablets and mobile internet devices". What I'm trying to do technically falls under the standard device unlocking requirements (IN RED). They can't tell a tmobile customer in good standing that they can't unlock a tmobile phone that was purchased for them as a "gift" that was paid for at face value as long as that tmobile customer meets all of tmobile's requirements pertaining to the unlocking category they fall under. If they do that then they're in for a lawsuit for sure...
Unlock requirements
We provide mobile device unlock codes free of charge within two business days (or provides 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 as lost, stolen or blocked to T-Mobile.
The account associated with the device must be in good standing.
You have requested no more than 2 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.
You may need a non-T-Mobile and non-MetroPCS SIM card to insert in the phone.
Unlock eligibility for monthly phones, tablets and mobile internet devices
The device must have been active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days on the requesting line.
If the device is financed using T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP), all payments must be satisfied and the device must be paid in full.
If the device is on an account that is under a service contract term, at least 18 consecutive monthly payments must have been made or the account has migrated to Simple Choice no contract rate plan.
If the device is associated with a canceled account, the account balance must be zero, including all pending charges
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
Unlock eligibility for pay in advance (prepaid) phones, tablets and mobile internet devices
The device has been active on the T-Mobile network for more than 1 year on the requesting line.
If the device has been active for less than 1 year on the requesting line, the Pay in Advance account associated with the device must have had more than $25 in refills for basic phones or $100 in refills for smartphones or tablet since device first use date.
The account must not be canceled and in good standing.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.

I have unlocked phones for friends before. As long as the phone is registered on the network for at least 7 days and is paid off someone who has a T-Mobile account(older than 40 days) can unlock any device.

I was thinking of getting the G4 from T-Mobile and use it on ATT. However, I learned a harsh lesson when trying this for my wife with the S6 edge. There is no question in my mind that T-Mobile is going around the agreement that all carriers have to unlock the device. I too purchased a code and even though someone figured out how to get the unlock prompt up, it would not take the code. I decided to get prepaid service. Turns out that if you get prepaid service, to unlock the phone you have to have added at least $100 balance. Otherwise, you have to wait 1 year on prepaid. No one I spoke to was able to unlock the device. In the end I probably could have gotten the phone unlocked once I had $100 balance using the app but I thought this was ridiculous so I filed an FCC complaint. I was contacted the next day by someone form their executive office. She offered to unlock the phone. I had already returned the phone and was stuck with a $100 prepaid account I didn't need. So in the end I got a $100 visa card from them.
Despite me explaining to her multiple times, she would not acknowledge that they were preventing third-party unlocking by forcing the use of the T-Mobile app. I think they need to hear from more people. I gave the links in my S6 post. I am linking it here so maybe some of you can file the complaint as well and T-Mobile can stop this nonsense for phones purchased at full retail.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60610687&postcount=46

I'm seriously thinking about returning the damn phone and getting the Unlocked version from eBay. It is not only cheaper but I won't have to deal with any of this account crap that I had to sign up for to buy the device. My only concern is that I've already filled the online rebates for the 128GB microSD and the LG promo, so I'm probably going to miss out on those.
Does anyone has any experience with returning phone + service to T-Mobile store? On the reciept it says that they could charge a restocking fees of up to $50.

How to unlock att s9 to use with another carrier?

What is the proper procedure to unlock an att s9 to use with another carrier?
Thanks.

Just to clarify. This phone was purchased from Samsung directly with the new $150 discount for Att branded phones.

RossTeagan said:
So the phone is bought from samsung but lock on att?
Try the following to check if your phone is network locked be sure you really need to unlock it (otherwise, I don't think you need to unlock it).
1. Insert a GSM SIM card from another network (a non-AT&T SIM, liek Cricket ot T-Mobile)
2. Try placing a call
If your phone manages to connect and make the call with this other SIM card, then you won't need to unlock it, as it's already unlocked. And if the phone is locked, I recommend you check with AT&T, given that this phone is not tight to a contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have the phone yet (2 more days,) but I did an extensive Google search, and it seems like this particular phone will be sim locked. It's paid off outright, no contract or anything, but there were several heavy discounts like $150 off msrp and another $150 off for trading in S6.
My Google search gave me two possible options -
1) Talk to ATT and ask to unlock,
2) Use an unlock site, like DeviceUnlock, pay 20-50 dollars for them to obtain and send an unlock code to you.
As for #1, I saw a post where a guy complained that talking to ATT and Samsung was useless to him in a similar situation - each company sent him to the other one to get it unlocked, so he got nowhere with this option.
Also, I saw a few posts that said that a locked phone may have to be activated on ATT first and used for up to 40 days before ATT will unlock it for you. What would happen with this Samsung bought phone though?
And for #2, I just don't know how this kind of business works - you send them IMEI and the locked carrier info, pay money, and a few days later, they send you an unlock code that you can enter yourself.
Is it safe? How does it work exactly? What if there's a problem because the IMEI is not actually registered on ATT because the phone was sold by Samsung?
I have many more questions, just because I don't know what I am talking about, but the bottom line is this. What should I do?
Thanks.

AS your phone is paid off and there is no contract on it, you should stick with your first option: ask att to unlock it but as you said you will need an activated phone, so you will need to activate the phone with att, however, you should go to them immediately and not wait for 40 days. While Samsung locked the phone, the actual company who controls the lock and who has authority of unlocking it att. So don't let them fool you to go search the code somewhere else.
Also, there is a law in the US that forces operators to unlock your phone if there are no debts or contract on your device. So keep that in mind.
Regarding third parties, they are a shortcut and you just have to provide them the devices IMEI and network lock. They, in turn, will look for the unlocking code for you. And if there are issues, as you said, I think you can ask for a refund (so if you decide to go for such a service, first make sure they have a money back guarantee).
TLDR Go with att, they should (have to) provide the unlock for you

Hi nabbed,
did you manage to unlock it?
what did you do in the end?

Giskardors said:
Hi nabbed,
did you manage to unlock it?
what did you do in the end?
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Click to collapse
I called ATT, spoke to tech support. The tech said that since I had no history/account with ATT, they had to make one to verify that the phone IMEI was clean. He created a new account - name, address, phone, email, imei etc info. He created a support ticket (and gave me its number) for sim unlock. He said that I should receive an email within 48 hours that would either tell me that I cannot unlock or will come with the unlock code (if it is decided that I should be able to unlock.)
I tried using their default web service for getting an unlock https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/unlockstep1 but that thing doesn't work - the Next button cannot be clicked.
If unsuccessful, I am considering going and talking to a retail ATT store representative directly. They probably don't know much, but perhaps they can be more convincing on the phone with ATT.
Third option is trying one of the unlock websites.

So I had to do this with my S9, same kind of situation as you (I have T-Mobile service, received an AT&T locked device).
As you know, the web portal won't work. AT&T never entered your IMEI in their database, so as far as THEY are concerned, your phone doesn't exist.
Call tier 2/advanced tech support and have them create a case with the Device Unlock Team. GET A CONFIRMATION NUMBER. You should receive an email confirming that the case was made.
48-72 hours later, you SHOULD have an unlock code. Should. This is AT&T, and they don't know their ass from their elbow. It took me 2 weeks.
Device unlock services didn't work, as the IMEI has to be in AT&T's database for it to work correctly. They'll just (hopefully) refund your money when it fails.
Don't go into an AT&T store. As a former AT&T retail employee, I can guarantee you, those employees are dumber than a bag of wet hammers, and have no way of helping you with this, whatsoever. In addition, since you're not BUYING anything, they're not going to help too much even if they could.
Good luck. It will work for you eventually.

entropism said:
So I had to do this with my S9, same kind of situation as you (I have T-Mobile service, received an AT&T locked device).
As you know, the web portal won't work. AT&T never entered your IMEI in their database, so as far as THEY are concerned, your phone doesn't exist.
Call tier 2/advanced tech support and have them create a case with the Device Unlock Team. GET A CONFIRMATION NUMBER. You should receive an email confirming that the case was made.
48-72 hours later, you SHOULD have an unlock code. Should. This is AT&T, and they don't know their ass from their elbow. It took me 2 weeks.
Device unlock services didn't work, as the IMEI has to be in AT&T's database for it to work correctly. They'll just (hopefully) refund your money when it fails.
Don't go into an AT&T store. As a former AT&T retail employee, I can guarantee you, those employees are dumber than a bag of wet hammers, and have no way of helping you with this, whatsoever. In addition, since you're not BUYING anything, they're not going to help too much even if they could.
Good luck. It will work for you eventually.
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Click to collapse
Thanks.
The tech guy didn't say what kind of a support ticket he created. It may have been a general support ticket, or maybe he referred me to the unlock team directly, I don't know. He seemed like he understood perfectly what I needed. Anyway, the ticket format is like this - cm10230128_122673352, does that look right?
I have received an email confirmation that the call was made, but not that the case was created yet. The call ended at 5:30pm CDT on a Friday night, so maybe it would take until Monday to get a confirmation?

nabbed said:
Thanks.
The tech guy didn't say what kind of a support ticket he created. It may have been a general support ticket, or maybe he referred me to the unlock team directly, I don't know. He seemed like he understood perfectly what I needed. Anyway, the ticket format is like this - cm10230128_122673352, does that look right?
I have received an email confirmation that the call was made, but not that the case was created yet. The call ended at 5:30pm CDT on a Friday night, so maybe it would take until Monday to get a confirmation?
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Click to collapse
Maybe it will take up to tuesday. That's the limit
Im going to the US for 2 weeks, I dont know if i'll be able to unlock it on time, but If I order it I'll get it on the 2nd week.
I really hope you can unlock it!
Keep us updated

Update:
Got the unlock code in an email. The instructions say "Please allow 24 hours upon receipt of this notification to complete the unlock process." Not sure what that means, gonna try to unlock tomorrow with a project fi sim.

Update2:
Phone unlocked fine with a Project FI sim card and connected to T-mobile.

We're on the same boat!
I'm also on Project Fi and I received my AT&T S9 today.
My IMEI was found in AT&T's database and I just submitted the unlock request.
Do you experience any issues when using S9 w/ Project Fi?

zenlifexxa said:
We're on the same boat!
I'm also on Project Fi and I received my AT&T S9 today.
My IMEI was found in AT&T's database and I just submitted the unlock request.
Do you experience any issues when using S9 w/ Project Fi?
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Click to collapse
I just used the Fi sim card to facilitate the unlock procedure (the S9 is not mine, it's for a friend, and I am just setting it up.) I just looked at sim status in the options to confirm that provider was T-Mobile. In my research, I read that using Project FI T-Mobile was no different from any other unlocked gsm phone using T-Mobile. You will lose all Project FI apps because they don't exist with non-Google phones. There will not be carrier switching between T-Mob, Sprint and US Cell, and there will not be wifi calling. But if your T-Mob service is already good, there shouldn't be a problem.
As as side note, my own FI service is kind of awful. Ever since Google introduced "preferred partner" feature, where a FI phone would connect not to the strongest signal carrier but rather to a particular carrier, in this case Sprint in my area, I have had really bad sound quality.
US Cellular has best towers in this area, with signal strength of -70-80 db or so, while Sprint has crappy towers with signal strength of less -100 db. Yet I am constantly connected to Sprint with crappy sound quality because they are the preferred partner here. I have to constantly to remind myself to manually switch to US Cell if I'm to make a lengthy phone call.
Good luck.

Sim Unlock Success (Not bait I swear)

TLDR: I was able to get my unlock code from Codes2Unlock (even with my phone having an unpaid balance).
Go to Codes2Unlock website, choose any microsoft lumia device, put in the IMEI for the Duo, once you get a confirmation email, forward it to their support rep telling them that its a surface duo and that there was no option for a Surface Duo on their website, Play the waiting game, and Enjoy once they send it over.
I (probably like you) for the longest time wanted to get my surface unlocked but couldnt because at the time i was paying on my device AT&T gave me the run around with unlock codes, and so did microsoft. Because of the area i lived in the duo was basically useless on AT&T and i literally only switched from tmobile for that phone.
I checked website after website and nobody was able to do it. I happened to remember Codes2Unlock.com from years ago when I got an unlock code from them for my Galaxy S4. So i emailed them, asked if they supported unlocking the surface duo. they said yes-- strange thing was on their site theres no option for the surface duo even though if you google it, theres a link saying they do.
So the support rep (who replies fast af lol) messaged me back asking if my device asks for an unlock pin--i said yes-- the support person said it should be no problem.
I mentioned to them that theres no option for the surface Duo and that only Lumia devices show-- they said just select any Microsoft Lumia device, send the confirmation email with the IMEI and let them know its a surface duo and they'll update it on their end. they also mentioned (after asking) that an unpaid device doesnt matter and they can still get an unlock code.
I forwarded the same Rep the confirmation email and 5 days later (this morning) i woke up with my unlock code and now my Duo runs on T-Mobile.
If theres any doubts ill reply with screenshots but im at work rn so it was just easier to type all this out first. Hope this helps anyone stuck on AT&T

I have been told by both Microsoft and AT&T to pound sand. Open an account and use the phone on a paid plan. Just tried your method and I'm waiting a response with my code. They did reply to my updated device info within 5 minutes. Super fast. Thanks thanks for the suggestion, hope this works better than then dialing AT&T or Microsoft support. I will update to confirm this works. Sorry for posting in two threads.

carortruck80 said:
I have been told by both Microsoft and AT&T to pound sand. Open an account and use the phone on a paid plan. Just tried your method and I'm waiting a response with my code. They did reply to my updated device info within 5 minutes. Super fast. Thanks thanks for the suggestion, hope this works better than then dialing AT&T or Microsoft support. I will update to confirm this works. Sorry for posting in two threads.
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Youre fine haha, im just glad I was able to help someone
Microsoft and AT&T can kick rocks. I cant wait for some custom roms to get released

@carortruck80 were you able to unlock with this service? Ive been waiting at att/unlock for more than a week now. status still on "IN PROGRESS" since 18th of May!

Tbaba said:
@carortruck80 were you able to unlock with this service? Ive been waiting at att/unlock for more than a week now. status still on "IN PROGRESS" since 18th of May!
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Did you email them like I mentioned in the post?

Good morning all. I would like to report back that I Did get this thing unlocked. However, and that is a Big however, AT&T nor the mentioned supplier was able to confirm the existence of the imei Without the phone first being registered on the AT&T network. I had to buy a prepaid plan to get the phone to work. Then, magically, 18 hours later I got the confirmation from AT&T after emails saying "we are further investigating your request.". The mentioned supplier also said that it didn't exist till then. I canceled my request after AT&T finally came through. BE Warned! Even tried redpocket (AT&T mvno) and they couldn't even do the initial activation.

(deleted-combined post)

carortruck80 said:
Good morning all. I would like to report back that I Did get this thing unlocked. However, and that is a Big however, AT&T nor the mentioned supplier was able to confirm the existence of the imei Without the phone first being registered on the AT&T network. I had to buy a prepaid plan to get the phone to work. Then, magically, 18 hours later I got the confirmation from AT&T after emails saying "we are further investigating your request.". The mentioned supplier also said that it didn't exist till then. I canceled my request after AT&T finally came through. BE Warned! Even tried redpocket (AT&T mvno) and they couldn't even do the initial activation.
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Click to collapse
Huh? did you never have the phone up and running on AT&T network?

none24 said:
Huh? did you never have the phone up and running on AT&T network?
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I had to buy a prepay plan for them to unlock it because without putting it on att first, it didn't exist to them. Yes, activated on att to get unlock code, got code, swapped Sim, entered code and unlocked. That was the final resolution to getting it unlocked.

carortruck80 said:
I had to buy a prepay plan for them to unlock it because without putting it on att first, it didn't exist to them. Yes, activated on att to get unlock code, got code, swapped Sim, entered code and unlocked. That was the final resolution to getting it unlocked.
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Oof yeah that's because they don't register the IMEI in their system until the phone is activated. Which is likely why codes2unlock couldn't find it either

none24 said:
Oof yeah that's because they don't register the IMEI in their system until the phone is activated. Which is likely why codes2unlock couldn't find it either
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So, that being said.... To update everyone, IF YOU BUY A NEW SEALED IN THE BOX PHONE, it cannot be unlocked unless first actually being registered/activated on the network it is locked to. Silly me bought a new sealed device and tried to unlock it without paying the man first. Really wish there was some direction on this before I bought it. Oh well. I figured there would be a record somewhere since the DID assign it an IMEI.

none24 said:
Did you email them like I mentioned in the post?
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I havent tried codes2unlock yet. I'm still waiting on the att unlock site i filled.

carortruck80 said:
So, that being said.... To update everyone, IF YOU BUY A NEW SEALED IN THE BOX PHONE, it cannot be unlocked unless first actually being registered/activated on the network it is locked to. Silly me bought a new sealed device and tried to unlock it without paying the man first. Really wish there was some direction on this before I bought it. Oh well. I figured there would be a record somewhere since the DID assign it an IMEI.
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This may be a HUGE problem for me. Cause i got the sealed one form amazon. not currently in the US, and dont have an att sim card. do I have a brick on my hands now?

Tbaba said:
This may be a HUGE problem for me. Cause i got the sealed one form amazon. not currently in the US, and dont have an att sim card. do I have a brick on my hands now?
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Click to collapse
If it is an att model, it has the att Sim in it. Not sure about activation overseas. I don't understand why nobody mentions this. I have never bought a sealed locked phone just to unlock it so I didn't know. To me, it sounds like there is no master list or database of what phones and imei's got made. It doesn't exist until it is activated. I hope you don't, but sounds like you do. I bought it originally to test to see if I wanted to trade it in with Ms for the duo 2, so it wasn't a deal breaker...but if I didn't like it, I would have been stuck with it.

carortruck80 said:
If it is an att model, it has the att Sim in it. Not sure about activation overseas. I don't understand why nobody mentions this. I have never bought a sealed locked phone just to unlock it so I didn't know. To me, it sounds like there is no master list or database of what phones and imei's got made. It doesn't exist until it is activated. I hope you don't, but sounds like you do. I bought it originally to test to see if I wanted to trade it in with Ms for the duo 2, so it wasn't a deal breaker...but if I didn't like it, I would have been stuck with it.
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As it it now, I have to get a prepaid AT&T when i get back in the country.... oh, well...

I just tried to go through codes2unlock and after more than double the 7 working days and two support request emails going unanswered I would strongly warn against using codes2unlock. Seems I've been scammed out of the 35usd fee, buyer beware.

Anyone tried this service recently?