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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
Has anyone gone through a 3rd party service to unlock a s9 yet?
I was told that it's internationally unlocked but not domestically unlocked. The carrier wont unlocked the phone until the phone contract is up.
I'm in the process of having mine unlocked(via code), I'll update if it was successful.
What the Benefits of unlock Samsung Galaxy S9 Smartphone ?
To be able to use it with other carriers.
Trying to unlock my AT&T model, and it's been a week so far. Unlockers on Ebay have been unsuccessful, AT&T has given me the runaround. SUPPOSEDLY it will be done in 48 hours, but I've heard that for the past week.
T-Mobile will unlock their model within a day if you contact them on Twitter. AT&T is just proving why they're an embarrassment of a carrier.
Well, Sprint has the crazy rule of being active for 50 days before unlocking...
I'm debating paying for an unlocked if one can be found.
entropism said:
Trying to unlock my AT&T model, and it's been a week so far. Unlockers on Ebay have been unsuccessful, AT&T has given me the runaround. SUPPOSEDLY it will be done in 48 hours, but I've heard that for the past week.
T-Mobile will unlock their model within a day if you contact them on Twitter. AT&T is just proving why they're an embarrassment of a carrier.
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Click to collapse
ajairola said:
I'm in the process of having mine unlocked(via code), I'll update if it was successful.
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Click to collapse
Have either of you had luck with unlocking your AT&T S9 with a 3rd party unlock service?
Success
brazilian812 said:
Have either of you had luck with unlocking your AT&T S9 with a 3rd party unlock service?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was an Xfinity Mobile variant, but after trying 3 different companies and trying for a few weeks, I finally got it unlocked. The Unlocking CO was finally able to unlock my phone, it took almost 3 days for them to get the code but it worked.
I actually got a refund from Pro Unlockers, and AT&T finally came through after 2 weeks.
Hey! I'm pretty good when it comes to unlock phones, i got mine (s9) unlocked for international USE... If any of you has any questions, Telegram: @laacv17
ascrackool said:
Has anyone gone through a 3rd party service to unlock a s9 yet?
I was told that it's internationally unlocked but not domestically unlocked. The carrier wont unlocked the phone until the phone contract is up.
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Click to collapse
Last time I checked they carry S9 for network unlocking.
You can get any S9 or S9+ variant unlocked through Ebay including Sprint:
Also can do Bad IMEI devices also. Look through items for sale. 100%guarantee.
Sent from my SM-G955U1 using Tapatalk
javed91214 said:
Chimera tool support started unlocking
Added Unlock Online* - First in the World
SM-N960U, SM-N960U1 (TMobile - TMB, TMK)
SM-G960U, SM-G960U1, SM-G965U, SM-G965U1 (Sprint - SPR, XAS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you done this or know anyone that has? Thanks
I did this 2 days ago, it works perfectly. Took about 15 minutes. It cost me $60, its cheaper in other places now
Got my unlock through swift unlocks and it works perfectly .
I ordered a t-mobile s9 unlock a week ago from one (reputable) place, and they just sent me an email that unlocking is delayed and they are trying an alternative database. Does anyone know if this is normal?
entropism said:
I actually got a refund from Pro Unlockers, and AT&T finally came through after 2 weeks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you unlocked it with AT&T, did you lose Wifi calling ability with AT&T? Curious to know as that will determine if I get mine unlocked for possible future move to another carrier. I understand if its unlocked and I move to a different carrier, that I for sure will lose WiFi calling and other advanced features...I'm just curious if I will lose them right off the bat with the original AT&T carrier.
I have a S9 that I need unlocked. Can u help?
Galaxy S9 Root
is it possible to root and flash the verizon s9? please help.. i bought one that has a google verification still locked on it and wanted to see if i could root it and utilize it as a metro pcs phone.
Hi guys, I want to buy LG G7 Thinq phone, but I found that there are few versions of it LM-G710, LM-G710EM, LM-G710EX etc. So which one is easier to sim unlock after purchase? I heard that AT&T version is the easiest one.
I want to send it this phone to my friend to India, want to make sure that I will choose the right version.
[UPDATE] successfully unlocked using this service: Mod edit
thanks for help guys
I heard that lg g7 sim unlock code will work perfectly on at&t phones, so if you can order at&t version it will be very easy to unlock sim of this phone.
jaredalcantro said:
I heard that lg g7 sim unlock code will work perfectly on at&t phones, so if you can order at&t version it will be very easy to unlock sim of this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no ATT version.
ATT went with the V35 instead.
The 710ULM is what is used on ATT and is the carrier unlocked model available from B+H or Bestbuy.
No SIM unlock needed.
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk
Lg g7 sprint
I have an lg g7 from sprint ,i want to unlock it at t mobile who can help me to unlock it ?
unlock a sprint lg of the latest models that can not be box, costs 150usd
in the sprint telephones it is not useful to enter unlock code because these do not have that type of security for unlocking and less the last ones that have encryption by RSA
this website doesn't work for sprint
unlock code doesn't work
At the time of writing I cannot find ppl that are capable of gsm unlocking my lg g7 sprint usa
Also I know 2 men deep in unlocking, they told me it will take some time to do 1st unlock
I can offer 30$ if someone can do it. I just need my phone. sick of my old huawei. I need only gsm unlock on it.
cellindrabullock said:
is possible to unlock g7 us cellular (cdma version) using sim unlock code? I want to use it with t-mobile (gsm).
as I know they have different LTE bands and frequencies
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Click to collapse
US Cellular variant should already be unlocked. Even though it's the "U.S. Cellular" model, in REALITY it's the same model sold as the official carrier unlocked open market model. The only difference is the open market model is sold by authorized 3rd party retailers like B&H Photo and those IMEI and DEVIC_ID (in the past) were also registered with the LG Developer website to be eligible for bootloader unlock codes.
But for just SIM card unlock/carrier unlock, they're exactly the same. At least that's the way it's been for LG V30 and before that the LG G6. US Cellular is so small they don't warrant a dedicated phone like like Verizon or T-mobile, so LG lets them sell the carrier unlocked model as "their" phone.
For the LG V30/V30+ US9998, there's no difference whatsoever in the US Cellular and open market models, for performance, bands, stock apps installed, etc. It's the EXACT same phone.
If you buy the T-Mobile version, you unlock it for free after purchase
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk
ariel5112 said:
I have an lg g7 from sprint ,i want to unlock it at t mobile who can help me to unlock it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you been able to unlock it? I was thinking of flashing the European unlocked firmware to it. Lmg710em and see if maybe that unlocks it
Idon12no said:
If you buy the T-Mobile version, you unlock it for free after purchase
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Click to collapse
Say what?
cerwidwen said:
Say what?
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Click to collapse
T-Mobile has an app. You pay for the phone and it's yours, so you just unlock it with the app. I'm sure you could just call them to unlock it too.
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk
So if anybody successfully managed to unlock a Sprint LG G7 please post a proof, otherwise it’s just fake advertising of certain website or just speculation.
leonardovisconsi said:
thanks for sharing, I have received my unlock code this morning as well.
can someone share APN settings for T-Mobile please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fast.t-mobile.com
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk
leonardovisconsi said:
thanks for sharing, I have received my unlock code this morning as well.
can someone share APN settings for T-Mobile please
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Click to collapse
Which carrier is your LG G7 from? I'm still looking for a way to unlock a Sprint LG G7. Thanks
leonardovisconsi said:
I have a Sprint version too with firmware version G710P10a. what is your phone firmware version ?
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Click to collapse
My G7 just updated to G710P11a 2 days ago, was on G710P10a prior. So I just wan to confirm, lgsimunlock;com was able to unlock your Sprint G7 and it's now on TMobile? Someone on xda was warning people not to use their service, that it's a scam. I want to be sure if I am going to pay them. Thanks
EVOltron said:
My G7 just updated to G710P11a 2 days ago, was on G710P10a prior. So I just wan to confirm, lgsimunlock;com was able to unlock your Sprint G7 and it's now on TMobile? Someone on xda was warning people not to use their service, that it's a scam. I want to be sure if I am going to pay them. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lgsimunlock wont work since the g7 from sprint doesn't ask you for an unlock code when you insert another sim. Ive had my g7 from sprint sitting there
UPDATE: I did some digging around I found out that you need to open up this hidden menu to input the unlock code. I haven't been able to find it. But maybe the lgsimunlock site could work. I wouldn't mind wasting $13 just to make sure it works
jamesblunt211 said:
I want to buy second hand lg g7 phone, how to check if the phone was blacklisted or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't post links here yet but imeipro is safe and recommended.
anyone got the sprint g7 unlocked?
Lg g7 thinQ G710EM bought in sweden (regional lock)
Hi guys, have you ever faced like this version G710EM which is not locked particular sim carrier (its only for EU carriers). I couldn’t use the phone in Asia. i bought unlocking code but is never asks the code when i change the sim card (reboot, restart, factory reset didn’t help). How can i unlock it for every carrier? Thank you very much in advance.
Your phone is region locked. On phone box you have to have a seal with a warning “For use with European SIM only“ and a leaflet inside with an explanation what region locked means and how you can disable it.
Long story short: you have to use your phone with a European SIM card on a European network for at least 30min. After that your phone is region free and can be used on any network with any SIM card worldwide.
I bought a lg g8 sprint unlocked refurbished for 370 dollars, the seller said it works on all GSM unlocked, will i use it in brazil, will i have some problem in using on GSM Operators?
You shouldn't have any problems, I've got the US T-Mobile version that is unlocked which works fine in the UK. Only way is to test it...
I bought an unlocked VERIZON G8 (also a CDMA network like Sprint) I was able to activate it in MetroPCS and data and text messages worked but I wasn't able to get the phone to make or receive calls.
Hopefully you won't have the same problem. I had to return mine. I suspect the phone app was the problem. It had a lot of options specific to Verizon. I wish I would have tried a 3rd party phone app...
sprint is cdma or gsm?
SantinoInc said:
I bought an unlocked VERIZON G8 (also a CDMA network like Sprint) I was able to activate it in MetroPCS and data and text messages worked but I wasn't able to get the phone to make or receive calls.
Hopefully you won't have the same problem. I had to return mine. I suspect the phone app was the problem. It had a lot of options specific to Verizon. I wish I would have tried a 3rd party phone app...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
juninhoak said:
sprint is cdma or gsm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint is CDMA. Just because a phone is unlocked and has a clean IMEI does NOT mean it will work 100% on another carrier
SantinoInc said:
Sprint is CDMA. Just because a phone is unlocked and has a clean IMEI does NOT mean it will work 100% on another carrier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the seller said that my g8 will work 100% or any gsm unlock carrier, should i trust it?
juninhoak said:
the seller said that my g8 will work 100% or any gsm unlock carrier, should i trust it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my experience I would say NO.
wilpang said:
You shouldn't have any problems, I've got the US T-Mobile version that is unlocked which works fine in the UK. Only way is to test it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what about the price? 370$ for 10/10 no signs of use, without box clean imei
Is it a seller from China?
juninhoak said:
what about the price? 370$ for 10/10 no signs of use, without box clean imei
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get it via eBay? Sounds like a bargain though
I should get mine next week from USA for a similar price.
I had read that the Sprint one will work if it's unlocked. The Verizon one should as well. I'm thinking if there are issues, it would be due to carrier specific software?
Sent from my LM-G820 using Tapatalk Pro.
I am using an unlocked Sprint G8 in Switzerland and it's working fine. But check what bands are used by your carrier and whether the different carrier versions support them.
Hoping someone can assist. I bought a LG G8 on Ebay from what appeared, and appears, to be a legitimate seller. The IMEI comes up clean on swappa and all other verification sites. The phone IS unlocked and works perfectly fine on my carrier, Telus, in Canada.
The issue I have is that each time the phone boots up, restarts, etc, I get the messages seen in the attached:
1) Activate Your Device - Please wait while we activate your device for network service. This may take several minutes.
2) Activation Incomplete - This device has not been registered with an account. Please contact your service provider to configure this device for network service.
When I contact Sprint they claim that I need to contact the original account holder as only they can unlock the device, and activate it, and it will only be unlocked if in good standing and active at least 50 days. They also claim the only method to unlock is via them.
I was hoping for some advice here on how to get rid of this nag screen, or what I can say to get Sprint to resolve this.
Thanks!
Other than the 'nag' screen the rest of the phone is fine, you can make calls and use 4G?
I have a T-Mobile one which I will sell because I couldn't get it unlocked via US T-Mobile, they wanted it activated in the US and get a prepaid 100 dollar SIM card.
wilpang said:
Other than the 'nag' screen the rest of the phone is fine, you can make calls and use 4G?
I have a T-Mobile one which I will sell because I couldn't get it unlocked via US T-Mobile, they wanted it activated in the US and get a prepaid 100 dollar SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, 4g and calling works.
Do any of you have a Unlocked Verizon G8 and have it successfully work on a GSM network...in particular were you able to make and receive phone calls? That is where I had a problem.
Sean09 said:
Hoping someone can assist. I bought a LG G8 on Ebay from what appeared, and appears, to be a legitimate seller. The IMEI comes up clean on swappa and all other verification sites. The phone IS unlocked and works perfectly fine on my carrier, Telus, in Canada.
The issue I have is that each time the phone boots up, restarts, etc, I get the messages seen in the attached:
1) Activate Your Device - Please wait while we activate your device for network service. This may take several minutes.
2) Activation Incomplete - This device has not been registered with an account. Please contact your service provider to configure this device for network service.
When I contact Sprint they claim that I need to contact the original account holder as only they can unlock the device, and activate it, and it will only be unlocked if in good standing and active at least 50 days. They also claim the only method to unlock is via them.
I was hoping for some advice here on how to get rid of this nag screen, or what I can say to get Sprint to resolve this.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same issue as well. I deleted sprint bloatware via adb. But I can't find a way to get rid of the nag screen. The phone is certainly unlocked though. I also can't enable wifi calling.
Guys, im using my G8 sprint unlocked on "TIM" and "VIVO" the 2 biggest carriers from brazil, working fine calls, 4g, sms, and mobile data, by the way, this fone is freaking nice for the price, i paid 380 + 120 taxes on ebay, in brazil galaxy s10 costs 900 usd with exynos processor
I have to take some of what I said back. I did a factory reset of my Sprint LG G8 and it is worse than before. I can't edit or add/select a proper APN. Right now the working APN has a mix of Metro and Sprint. MMS doesn't work, forget group texts. I have to send it back. It may be somewhat unlocked, but way too much of a hassle. And with no bootloader unlock, I'm stuck.
Hi everyone. Any chances to unlock LG G8 ThinQ from T-Mobile USA? Device App says "Unlock Failure. This mobile device is not eligible for unlock...". OEM UNLOCK option is available in Developers options so it could be rooted I guess. Can't even find paid reliable website who provide this kind of service not for 5-16 days of time frame. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
WarVic said:
Hi everyone. Any chances to unlock LG G8 ThinQ from T-Mobile USA? Device App says "Unlock Failure. This mobile device is not eligible for unlock...". OEM UNLOCK option is available in Developers options so it could be rooted I guess. Can't even find paid reliable website who provide this kind of service not for 5-16 days of time frame. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I've had the same version as you bit couldn't get it unlocked, went through T-Mobile themselves and they couldn't help. Check the IMEI via their site and if it doesn't come up them no luck sadly.
I had to sell in the end...
WarVic said:
Hi everyone. Any chances to unlock LG G8 ThinQ from T-Mobile USA? Device App says "Unlock Failure. This mobile device is not eligible for unlock...". OEM UNLOCK option is available in Developers options so it could be rooted I guess. Can't even find paid reliable website who provide this kind of service not for 5-16 days of time frame. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a g5 Locked to T-Mobile i tried websites but they weren't able, then i decided to call T-Mobile after so many rep they did id for me via Twitter, tell them that this phone is from LG
No way to unlock , unless change the Soc dire
Unlocking
WarVic said:
Hi everyone. Any chances to unlock LG G8 ThinQ from T-Mobile USA? Device App says "Unlock Failure. This mobile device is not eligible for unlock...". OEM UNLOCK option is available in Developers options so it could be rooted I guess. Can't even find paid reliable website who provide this kind of service not for 5-16 days of time frame. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a difference between SIM locked and bootloader locked. The OEM unlock option only refers to the bootloader unlock which is not possible at this time on any G8. Bootloader unlock has to come from LG, SIM unlock would come from T-Mobile
I bought a clean imei LG G8 T-Mobile I'm wondering if there is a way to unlock it for free
T-Mobile phones from recent years can only be unlocked with the T-Mobile Device Unlock app, which queries their servers to ensure that both the phone AND you are eligible for unlock: Account must be in good standing (even if no longer active), phone must be paid off (of course), and it must have been active on T-Mobile postpaid for at least 40 days (1 year prepaid).
If these criteria are fulfilled, they will generally approve unlock (they have to, by law) -- although they often have a hard time making it work with the Device Unlock app, even when they say it's approved. Filing an FTC complaint will escalate it to TMO Executive Office, who CAN make it work, even when rest of TMO can't -- but only do this if you know you fulfill their requirements.
Good old unlock codes don't work with TMO phones. Anybody trying to sell them to you are scammers.
There ARE a few 3rd party services who can unlock T-Mobile through remote connection, where they trick the Device Unlock app into thinking it is connecting to TMO servers. But I think they only work on rooted phones.