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Hi, I own Note 3 N900T bought from T-Mobile US and I'm using it in Macedonia with Chainfire's RegionLock Away App on Android 4.3. And now I want to update to Lollipop and do a factory reset but I checked my IMEI and it's Blacklisted. My question is can I unlock my phone with unlock code in Macedonia if I do a factory reset or I need to activate with T-Mobile SIM card?
Thanks in advance
Blacklisted IMEI.... ouch.
Yeah, you will need to have it unlocked somehow. I'm not sure if T-Mobile will do this for you, however. Give them a call.
Also, I thought that blacklisted IMEI's were only devices that people hadn't paid off, or something along those lines. You did in fact buy the device directly from T-Mobile? How long have you owned it now? Did you pay it off?
I only ask for the sake of connecting the pieces here to try and give you the appropriate advice.
411y0ur8453 said:
Blacklisted IMEI.... ouch.
Yeah, you will need to have it unlocked somehow. I'm not sure if T-Mobile will do this for you, however. Give them a call.
Also, I thought that blacklisted IMEI's were only devices that people hadn't paid off, or something along those lines. You did in fact buy the device directly from T-Mobile? How long have you owned it now? Did you pay it off?
I only ask for the sake of connecting the pieces here to try and give you the appropriate advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it from a guy in the US and maybe he is not paying the bills there, I don't know. I will buy the unlock code from ebay but I don't know if I can insert it after factory reset. Do I need to activate the phone after factory reset?
stavrov said:
I bought it from a guy in the US and maybe he is not paying the bills there, I don't know. I will buy the unlock code from ebay but I don't know if I can insert it after factory reset. Do I need to activate the phone after factory reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly man, this really sucks. It sounds like he ripped you off.
T-Mobile blacklists IMEI's that are associated with an unpaid balance on a device. They do this to prevent people from getting a discounted phone, then taking it somewhere else.
You will need to call T-Mobile and talk to them about it. Not good. Usually they don't "unlist" them after they have been flagged.
411y0ur8453 said:
Honestly man, this really sucks. It sounds like he ripped you off.
T-Mobile blacklists IMEI's that are associated with an unpaid balance on a device. They do this to prevent people from getting a discounted phone, then taking it somewhere else.
You will need to call T-Mobile and talk to them about it. Not good. Usually they don't "unlist" them after they have been flagged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I heard you cannot use the phone in the US but you can use it in other countries, but I'm not sure. And now I don't know if I should perform a factory reset, if I need to activate the phone in the US (or with T-Mobile SIM card) I will end up with unusable phone.
stavrov said:
As I heard you cannot use the phone in the US but you can use it in other countries, but I'm not sure. And now I don't know if I should perform a factory reset, if I need to activate the phone in the US (or with T-Mobile SIM card) I will end up with unusable phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're confusing a Carrier lock with a Region lock. There is no region lock on the N900T, just carrier lock. You can purchase an unlock code from some place like cellunlocker.net and follow their instructions to unlock and use it with any carrier's sim.
toastido said:
You're confusing a Carrier lock with a Region lock. There is no region lock on the N900T, just carrier lock. You can purchase an unlock code from some place like cellunlocker.net and follow their instructions to unlock and use it with any carrier's sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I purchase an unlock code I can use the phone in my country?
stavrov said:
So if I purchase an unlock code I can use the phone in my country?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to, yes. There is no region lock, only Carrier/SIM lock, so an unlock code should allow it to operate anywhere, and it would be a permanent unlock, so you can factory reset even and not worry about it getting re-locked to tmo usa.
The region lock away app seems to also remove the sim lock, so I don't think you'll need an unlock code...
toastido said:
You should be able to, yes. There is no region lock, only Carrier/SIM lock, so an unlock code should allow it to operate anywhere, and it would be a permanent unlock, so you can factory reset even and not worry about it getting re-locked to tmo usa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say this is bad advice.
Why would you purchase anything without first giving them a call and finding out what is going on. IMEI stands for... ready....
INTERNATIONAL mobile equipment identity... not carrier specific. If T-Mobile flags a GSM device for "theft", as in, somebody not paying it off, it is essentially the property of T-Mobile's, and I promise you they have gone through the hoops to protect themselves from a product sales perspective.
It would be simple to give them a call. You should do it, and not spend any more of your money until A) You know why it was blacklisted, B) Know whether or not T-Mobile can fix this problem for you (maybe it was a mistake, but I doubt it), C) You call that idiot back that sold you the phone and find out why he sold you a device that was blacklisted (he knew).
That's all I really can say about it. And I hate to say it, but I think you are going to be SOL man. Sorry.
411y0ur8453 said:
I would say this is bad advice.
Why would you purchase anything without first giving them a call and finding out what is going on. IMEI stands for... ready....
INTERNATIONAL mobile equipment identity... not carrier specific. If T-Mobile flags a GSM device for "theft", as in, somebody not paying it off, it is essentially the property of T-Mobile's, and I promise you they have gone through the hoops to protect themselves from a product sales perspective.
It would be simple to give them a call. You should do it, and not spend any more of your money until A) You know why it was blacklisted, B) Know whether or not T-Mobile can fix this problem for you (maybe it was a mistake, but I doubt it), C) You call that idiot back that sold you the phone and find out why he sold you a device that was blacklisted (he knew).
That's all I really can say about it. And I hate to say it, but I think you are going to be SOL man. Sorry.
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Click to collapse
No, it's not bad advice
It's a widely known FACT that tmo USA and AT&T, who share blacklists) ONLY blacklist within the USA.
OP it's up to you, but based on others experiences (Google is your friend) and KNOWN FACTS, you should be fine
toastido said:
No, it's not bad advice
It's a widely known FACT that tmo USA and AT&T, who share blacklists) ONLY blacklist within the USA.
OP it's up to you, but based on others experiences (Google is your friend) and KNOWN FACTS, you should be fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would assume that if they had blocked an IMEI, it would be borked indefinitely. If not, good for you OP.
If you have heard of somebody having a blocked IMEI, toastido, and then taking a device to another country and successfully using it, then there is hope for him.
stavrov said:
Hi, I own Note 3 N900T bought from T-Mobile US and I'm using it in Macedonia with Chainfire's RegionLock Away App on Android 4.3. And now I want to update to Lollipop and do a factory reset but I checked my IMEI and it's Blacklisted. My question is can I unlock my phone with unlock code in Macedonia if I do a factory reset or I need to activate with T-Mobile SIM card?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the chainfire region lock away only works on 4.3... so if you update the phone to Lollipop or any other 4.4, I do believe it won't work for you anymore....
if you get the sim unlock from ebay or anyone else, you can use it anywhere except Tmobile USA...
I do not think tmobile cares enough to feel sorry that you got ripped off, but sometimes, only sometimes, I heard they have pardon 1 or 2 people..
411y0ur8453 said:
I would assume that if they had blocked an IMEI, it would be borked indefinitely. If not, good for you OP.
If you have heard of somebody having a blocked IMEI, toastido, and then taking a device to another country and successfully using it, then there is hope for him.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's blocked in the USA, then they are borked in the USA indefinitely, but fine outside of it. Now I can't speak for the European Union or Asia, but unless they have been blacklisted in the region they're trying to use it, should be good to go once it's unlocked - add long as its outside the us of a.
In Macedonia they can unlock it for you some small shops not Tmobile stores, it's like $10 and try One the carrier, you got nothing to loose, i srekno. IMEI is only blocked in USA.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Free mobile app
I've been out of the game for a bit so I'm a little lost, are ALL the z2 phones boot loaders unlockable through the Motorola Devs site, or only the ones from Sprint and T-Mobile? I haven't been to my store to see which particular version of the Z2 they sell yet, but I'm also looking at the LG V30 which I know I need a specific version number (998). What do I need to look for before I buy the Z2 to make sure I can unlock it and flash TWRP?
I used to be an android tweaker back when I was in middle school (about 2009-ish) and then switched to apple. Now I'm done with that and want to get back into android so I'm looking into what phones are out and my tiny local cell carrier offers the V30 and the Z2 Force which are both contenders. I'm particularly interested in using Magisk which wasn't around back in the day
Thanks!
I think only AT&T and Verizon models can't be unlocked unless another carrier out of the US also told Moto they don't want them unlocked.
Uzephi said:
I think only AT&T and Verizon models can't be unlocked unless another carrier out of the US also told Moto they don't want them unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks would like to know myself. I'm on Verizon but would like maybe to root and wondering which bootloaders can be unlocked and which can't. Verizon isn't to friendly in that respect.
Thanks.
wooddale said:
Thanks would like to know myself. I'm on Verizon but would like maybe to root and wondering which bootloaders can be unlocked and which can't. Verizon isn't to friendly in that respect.
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
stay away from the LG phones if you want an unlocked bootloader. unless you get an international variant they will not be what you want. I just got rid of my G6 because of this. They allow you to unlock your BL on Tmobile but guess what? No fastboot commands work!!! Seems all the new Lg's are doing this now
mattlowry said:
stay away from the LG phones if you want an unlocked bootloader. unless you get an international variant they will not be what you want. I just got rid of my G6 because of this. They allow you to unlock your BL on Tmobile but guess what? No fastboot commands work!!! Seems all the new Lg's are doing this now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but I was thinking on the Z2 Force from Motorola. Wondering if the Verizon Z2 Force bootloader bcan be unlocked.
wooddale said:
Thanks but I was thinking on the Z2 Force from Motorola. Wondering if the Verizon Z2 Force bootloader bcan be unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not unless someone finds an exploit. so i wouldnt hold your breath
Uzephi said:
I think only AT&T and Verizon models can't be unlocked unless another carrier out of the US also told Moto they don't want them unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Is there a way to differentiate between those that can be unlocked and those that can't based on serial number of something? I need to be able to know before I leave the store because if I can't root, I don't want to switch back yet.
ctrl+alt+pasta said:
Thanks! Is there a way to differentiate between those that can be unlocked and those that can't based on serial number of something? I need to be able to know before I leave the store because if I can't root, I don't want to switch back yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
att and verizon = not unlockable
sprint and tmobile = unlockable
mattlowry said:
att and verizon = not unlockable
sprint and tmobile = unlockable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm not on any of those four lol, thats why I want to know if I can tell by serial number or something. Otherwise I suppose I can go buy the thing, try the moto website, and if it's not eligible I'll just tell my carrier I didn't like the phone and since the warranty should still be good they'll let me "test drive" it for two weeks.
(Verizon) XT1789-01
(US Cellular) XT1789-02
(Sprint) XT1789-03
(AT&T/T-Mobile) XT1789-04
There is the model numbers for the big four and US Cellular
Uzephi said:
(Verizon) XT1789-01
(US Cellular) XT1789-02
(Sprint) XT1789-03
(AT&T/T-Mobile) XT1789-04
There is the model numbers for the big four and US Cellular
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I read there is a process to carrier unlock any phone correct? So can I buy a TMobile phone carrier unlock it unlock the bootloader and use it on Verizon. Thanks
wooddale said:
So I read there is a process to carrier unlock any phone correct? So can I buy a TMobile phone carrier unlock it unlock the bootloader and use it on Verizon. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a friend who has TMobile buy it outright, after 7 days you can carrier unlock it via calling in to TMobile and them giving you the SIM unlock code. The T-Mobile account must be current, phone be active, and must be purchased, you can't carrier unlock (via carrier) unless it is purchased and not leased, rented, amount owed on device. Will it work on Vz? I wouldn't know to be honest.
Uzephi said:
Have a friend who has TMobile buy it outright, after 7 days you can carrier unlock it via calling in to TMobile and them giving you the SIM unlock code. The T-Mobile account must be current, phone be active, and must be purchased, you can't carrier unlock (via carrier) unless it is purchased and not leased, rented, amount owed on device. Will it work on Vz? I wouldn't know to be honest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I thought I had something going lol. I did read about getting the code but it didn't go through the details. That is probably why Moto is.not selling an unlocked version. I'm not so much interested in a custom.rom but would like root. I'm in a tough signal area in Wisconsin and the only phones that work well here are Motorola. I've tried the Note 8, Pixel2XL even the Essential none of them are worth a darn signal wise. I have the original Z Force but Verizon so no root. Oh well back to the boards. Thanks Again.
wooddale said:
Thanks I thought I had something going lol. I did read about getting the code but it didn't go through the details. That is probably why Moto is.not selling an unlocked version. I'm not so much interested in a custom.rom but would like root. I'm in a tough signal area in Wisconsin and the only phones that work well here are Motorola. I've tried the Note 8, Pixel2XL even the Essential none of them are worth a darn signal wise. I have the original Z Force but Verizon so no root. Oh well back to the boards. Thanks Again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is why I left Vz. Great signal but I want unlock options. Having to use rumrunner on my HTC M7 was a pain compared to just going to HTCdev and accepting the voided warranty. HTCdev, Motorola unlock site, etc will always work. Programs like rumrunner, Sunshine, etc can be patched via update and not work on newer firmwares. No bueno in my book.
I first bought the VZW Z2 Force and fell in love with it but I couldn't live without root. I sent it back and went to TMO and got one. TMO signal in my area is terrible, many dead spots. I don't own this phone but I'd pay it off in a heartbeat if I knew I could carrier unlock it and then throw my Verizon SIM card in it. Nobody has tried yet?
LGtMgG2t said:
I first bought the VZW Z2 Force and fell in love with it but I couldn't live without root. I sent it back and went to TMO and got one. TMO signal in my area is terrible, many dead spots. I don't own this phone but I'd pay it off in a heartbeat if I knew I could carrier unlock it and then throw my Verizon SIM card in it. Nobody has tried yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually it would require the Verizon flash all and then it depends if Lenovo went cheap and put the Verizon specific frequencies for LTE in all models. Most of the time each phone for different carriers are from different batches with tiny hardware differences. Some times the radio is the exact same and the modem firmware file depicts what frequencies are unlocked. (Most of us modders went away from Verizon for what my previous post explains, so possibly no one who has Verizon has tried to bite the bullet).
If I didn't have Verizon I wouldn't be able to make a call from my.house. That's how bad it is right here and that's only because of a Network extender. You could still try it all you have to do is carrier unlock it and try. Anybody's Verizon sim will work.
---------- Post added at 09:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:44 PM ----------
wooddale said:
If I didn't have Verizon I wouldn't be able to make a call from my.house. That's how bad it is right here and that's only because of a Network extender. You could still try it all you have to do is carrier unlock it and try. Anybody's Verizon sim will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry missed the part about not owning I guess they won't carrier unlock unless you own
Uzephi said:
(Verizon) XT1789-01
(US Cellular) XT1789-02
(Sprint) XT1789-03
(AT&T/T-Mobile) XT1789-04
There is the model numbers for the big four and US Cellular
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm. It's weird that ATT and TMO have the same serial if ones unlockable and one isn't. I guess the serials won't really help me then
ctrl+alt+pasta said:
hmm. It's weird that ATT and TMO have the same serial if ones unlockable and one isn't. I guess the serials won't really help me then
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What MVNO do you use?
Uzephi said:
What MVNO do you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not going to lie I had to look MVNO up but Wikipedia says Verizon. ****...so I guess that means I'm out of luck
EDIT: My company does sell the snapdragon Galaxy devices though. I know the boot loader is locked but they can still get root and I can still run exposed then right? It'll really suck not having a custom recovery but Xposed should give me enough to play with. I'll have to jump over to those forums
So much I want to root my Pixel 3a but OEM unlocking is greyed out because it is carrier locked. I owe $250 to Sprint to pay it off. Would they allow it to be unlocked once it's payed? Or will I need to make up some excuse why I need it unlocked besides saying I want to root it?
Any help is appreciated, thanks
Gregbmil1 said:
So much I want to root my Pixel 3a but OEM unlocking is greyed out because it is carrier locked. I owe $250 to Sprint to pay it off. Would they allow it to be unlocked once it's payed? Or will I need to make up some excuse why I need it unlocked besides saying I want to root it?
Any help is appreciated, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend, it's killing me too, thinking of starting a bounty to get a work around...I just got my phone and from what I gather, once it's paid off, they will carrier unlock it and that should allow the bootloader to be unlocked as well
Would anyone be willing to throw in on a bounty to get someone to unlock it?
BakedTator said:
My friend, it's killing me too, thinking of starting a bounty to get a work around...I just got my phone and from what I gather, once it's paid off, they will carrier unlock it and that should allow the bootloader to be unlocked as well
Would anyone be willing to throw in on a bounty to get someone to unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I highly doubt sim unlocking a phone would allow the bootloader to be unlocked. For example the Verizon Pixel 2 XL is sim unlocked out of the box, but the bootloader to this day is locked.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 10:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------
Gregbmil1 said:
So much I want to root my Pixel 3a but OEM unlocking is greyed out because it is carrier locked. I owe $250 to Sprint to pay it off. Would they allow it to be unlocked once it's payed? Or will I need to make up some excuse why I need it unlocked besides saying I want to root it?
Any help is appreciated, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always ask to have it sim unlocked before it is payed off. The longer you have had their service, the more likely they may be to unlock it. Once it is payed off, they should unlock it for you.
Once it is sim card unlocked, the bootloader unlock button will start working.
daniel4653 said:
I highly doubt sim unlocking a phone would allow the bootloader to be unlocked. For example the Verizon Pixel 2 XL is sim unlocked out of the box, but the bootloader to this day is locked.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That because you have a Verizon phone. It's the only US carrier that bootlocks the Pixel phones.
You live in the Cleveland area(from your profile), so can you tell them you need a sim unlock because you got a job across the lake in Canada and want to use a Canadian carrier to cut down on costs - or even say your new(fake) employer has a work sim for you to use? It's a practical and believable excuse as people do commute across the border regularly for work.
& if the sim unlock gets you the OEM unlock option - BOOM: you're all set.
*It's just a little white lie to a giant corporation that lies to consumers all the time(sprint has the best service? my a**). You've got nothing to lose, so why not try?
Bob nesta said:
You live in the Cleveland area(from your profile), so can you tell them you need a sim unlock because you got a job across the lake in Canada and want to use a Canadian carrier to cut down on costs - or even say your new(fake) employer has a work sim for you to use? It's a practical and believable excuse as people do commute across the border regularly for work.
& if the sim unlock gets you the OEM unlock option - BOOM: you're all set.
*It's just a little white lie to a giant corporation that lies to consumers all the time(sprint has the best service? my a**). You've got nothing to lose, so why not try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would saying I am going to visit Canada work?
Bob nesta said:
You live in the Cleveland area(from your profile), so can you tell them you need a sim unlock because you got a job across the lake in Canada and want to use a Canadian carrier to cut down on costs - or even say your new(fake) employer has a work sim for you to use? It's a practical and believable excuse as people do commute across the border regularly for work.
& if the sim unlock gets you the OEM unlock option - BOOM: you're all set.
*It's just a little white lie to a giant corporation that lies to consumers all the time(sprint has the best service? my a**). You've got nothing to lose, so why not try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called and said I will be visiting Canada soon. Sprint said I will have no problems using my phone out there, lol. I will have roaming charges is all. Then he tried upgrading my plan, lol.
I'll say I'm going to Australia for a while. If that don't work I will straight up ask what's a guy gotta do to get that bootloader unlocked:laugh:. I'm worried that paying it off still won't unlock it
Gregbmil1 said:
I called and said I will be visiting Canada soon. Sprint said I will have no problems using my phone out there, lol. I will have roaming charges is all. Then he tried upgrading my plan, lol.
I'll say I'm going to Australia for a while. If that don't work I will straight up ask what's a guy gotta do to get that bootloader unlocked:laugh:. I'm worried that paying it off still won't unlock it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maaaan... I guess my little plan failed then. Sorry to hear that. But it was worth a shot.
And I'm curious about the unlock after you pay it off too, but I have heard in the past on some devices Sprint does give you OEM unlock once it's fully paid for. Verizon is the main carrier where you are stuck no matter what...paid off or not.
I wish the you best & hope you find a solution sooner rather than later.:fingers-crossed:
Bob nesta said:
Maaaan... I guess my little plan failed then. Sorry to hear that. But it was worth a shot.
And I'm curious about the unlock after you pay it off too, but I have heard in the past on some devices Sprint does give you OEM unlock once it's fully paid for. Verizon is the main carrier where you are stuck no matter what...paid off or not.
I wish the you best & hope you find a solution sooner rather than later.:fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called and straight asked what I need to do to enable OEM unlocking. She said all I need to do is pay it off and it will be no problem no matter the reason I want it unlocked. Sadly I have to wait at least 2 weeks before I can do that
Gregbmil1 said:
I called and straight asked what I need to do to enable OEM unlocking. She said all I need to do is pay it off and it will be no problem no matter the reason I want it unlocked. Sadly I have to wait at least 2 weeks before I can do that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been 2 weeks... any status update? I can't seem to find anyone who has actually gotten the sim unlock and the bootloader unlocked with it, all people saying that is how it is, but nobody saying they did it.
Thanks,
Strawboy said:
any status update? I can't seem to find anyone who has actually gotten the sim unlock and the bootloader unlocked with it, all people saying that is how it is, but nobody saying they did it.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you mean. As long as we aren't talking about Verizon, there are plenty of people that have gotten their phones unlocked from the carriers and then had the bootloader unlock work. Google has simply tied the bootloader unlock to the SIM lock which makes sense because if you could bootloader unlock the phone, I'm sure there would be a way to SIM unlock it. There isn't anything special that Sprint needs to do other than SIM unlock the phone - the phone will automatically allow bootloader unlocking once the phone is SIM unlocked.
The Verizon models should be considered bootloader locked forever. There were some reports that people have been able to bootloader unlock the Verizon model, but I would chalk that up to early errors on Verizon's part vs a change in their company's policy.
If you are looking for a way to get Sprint to SIM unlock the phone, then that is another issue. Obviously the company policy is to only unlock phones that have been paid off unless there are special circumstance (ie you are traveling out of the country). I will say that calling the customer service line is the hardest method of getting a phone unlocked. The most success comes from people DM the carrier using Twitter. That must go into a different group and they seem to be much more likely to unlock a phone than the normal call center. But you are always at the mercy of the person handling the request because it is generally an exception to the rule.
sic0048 said:
Not sure what you mean. As long as we aren't talking about Verizon, there are plenty of people that have gotten their phones unlocked from the carriers and then had the bootloader unlock work. Google has simply tied the bootloader unlock to the SIM lock which makes sense because if you could bootloader unlock the phone, I'm sure there would be a way to SIM unlock it. There isn't anything special that Sprint needs to do other than SIM unlock the phone - the phone will automatically allow bootloader unlocking once the phone is SIM unlocked.
The Verizon models should be considered bootloader locked forever. There were some reports that people have been able to bootloader unlock the Verizon model, but I would chalk that up to early errors on Verizon's part vs a change in their company's policy.
If you are looking for a way to get Sprint to SIM unlock the phone, then that is another issue. Obviously the company policy is to only unlock phones that have been paid off unless there are special circumstance (ie you are traveling out of the country). I will say that calling the customer service line is the hardest method of getting a phone unlocked. The most success comes from people DM the carrier using Twitter. That must go into a different group and they seem to be much more likely to unlock a phone than the normal call center. But you are always at the mercy of the person handling the request because it is generally an exception to the rule.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sic,
Wow, this is fantastic, and exactly what I was looking for. I've been hesitant to pull the trigger on buying a 'sprint locked' Pixel 3 XL because I haven't seen anybody who has actually said "Yes, I've done this." Only folks who said stuff like you, but I think I'm gonna go for it. I'm very confident of getting sprint to SIM unlock it.
Thanks again for your help.
Couldn't you just buy a sim unlock code from a service other than your carrier, unlock it and problem solved??
Hello. I just got a pixel 3a xl, but it is bootloader locked to T-Mobile, I see Google has a pixel repair tool to reflash the pixel to stock. My question is it asks for your carrier, if I change the carrier to a different carrier that doesn't lock the bootloader will o be able to unlock my bootloader to flash root.
While I could not say for sure, I suspect the answer would be 98 percent no.
Thanks I want to try but it's my only phone and if it is down for a while I have no phone and I need 2FA for work.
If I try I will post here
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
You cannot unlock it from T-Mobile or unlock the bootloader, even with the flash tool... The flash tool does not/cannot modify that part of the phone, if it was that simple people would be doing it all the time.
Only T-Mobile can unlock the SIM, once that is done you can unlock the bootloader. Your only other option is to go through a 3rd party unlock code service, which can be sketchy according to some people (I have done it a few times without issue though).
I want to verify this.
SO if I buy a used T-Mobile 3a XL that is paid in full, I should be able to get it SIM unlocked by the carrier correct and if its carrier SIM unlocked, I CAN unlock the bootloader?
kdoggy said:
I want to verify this.
SO if I buy a used T-Mobile 3a XL that is paid in full, I should be able to get it SIM unlocked by the carrier correct and if its carrier SIM unlocked, I CAN unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as it is not the Verizon model 3a, then yes. You can bootloader unlock it once it is SIM card unlocked. Only the Verizon models permanently lock the bootloader.
Question 2...
SO lets say I buy a T-Mobile 3a XL and it works fine with a T-M SIM but is SIM locked... Can I pay someone to unlock it and then still unlock the boot loader?
Someone know has a new in the box T-Mobile Pixel 3a XL I can have for $225.00 but its never had service on it and it sounds like it has to be active on T-Mobile AND have had seriver for 40 days to get them to do it.
kdoggy said:
Question 2...
SO lets say I buy a T-Mobile 3a XL and it works fine with a T-M SIM but is SIM locked... Can I pay someone to unlock it and then still unlock the boot loader?
Someone know has a new in the box T-Mobile Pixel 3a XL I can have for $225.00 but its never had service on it and it sounds like it has to be active on T-Mobile AND have had seriver for 40 days to get them to do it.
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I've seen unlock services being advertised, but I have also seen people post that they don't work. It would require that someone hacked or has access to the T-Mobile locking software which isn't out of the realm of possibility, so it's possible some services do work.
Hello friends, I need your help! Who can help me raise my brick and make a full backup of my smartphone using qpst?
Update. So I ended up buying a T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL when they went on sale.
Search my name and look at the thread reply I just posted in the Pixel 4 XL forum about T-Mobile unlocking.
I included pictures.
I just purchased a Pixel 4 XL, I'm brand new T-Mobile subscriber, the phone is not paid off and I have it on a lease and I've only been on the service for 4 days.
I currently have the T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL with both a full SIM card unlock and OEM bootloader unlock.
I'm currently running the phone with an AT&T physical SIM and a T-Mobile eSIM.
acejavelin said:
You cannot unlock it from T-Mobile or unlock the bootloader, even with the flash tool... The flash tool does not/cannot modify that part of the phone, if it was that simple people would be doing it all the time.
Only T-Mobile can unlock the SIM, once that is done you can unlock the bootloader. Your only other option is to go through a 3rd party unlock code service, which can be sketchy according to some people (I have done it a few times without issue though).
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Have any recommendations? I have a brand new Pixel 4 that an online retailer lied about being unlocked & is T-Mobile carrier locked & they're completely unwilling to release the Sim from their network. I'll take the sketchy unlock service. I tried one in ATL friend gave me a number but most only do Samsung's or iPhones for obvious reasons.
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sic0048 said:
As long as it is not the Verizon model 3a, then yes. You can bootloader unlock it once it is SIM card unlocked. Only the Verizon models permanently lock the bootloader.
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Not just Verizon though right? I heard Sprint does too.
Nightshadex543 said:
Have any recommendations? I have a brand new Pixel 4 that an online retailer lied about being unlocked & is T-Mobile carrier locked & they're completely unwilling to release the Sim from their network. I'll take the sketchy unlock service. I tried one in ATL friend gave me a number but most only do Samsung's or iPhones for obvious reasons.
---------- Post added at 06:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:05 PM ----------
Not just Verizon though right? I heard Sprint does too.
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Keep in mind there are SIM locks and bootloader locks. Every US carrier SIM locks you phone if it was bought in an installment plan. Once the phone is paid off, I think every carrier will SIM card unlock the phone.
All recent Pixel versions have to be SIM card unlocked before the bootloader unlock option is available. So you have to have a SIM card unlocked phone before you can bootloader unlock. But Verizon is the only US carrier that has asked Google to permanently bootloader lock their phones. Sprint and others don't weigh in on the subject and Google's policy is to allow bootloader unlock. This isn't necessarily true with other phone brands however.
As far as getting the phone SIM unlocked, the policy is to not do it, so it's rare to find a call center person that is willing to do it whether you call in or chat with someone online. However, the success stories that I do see are usually done by DMing the carrier's support group on Twitter of all places. Explain that you need to get the phone unlocked and many times they will do it.
sic0048 said:
Keep in mind there are SIM locks and bootloader locks. Every US carrier SIM locks you phone if it was bought in an installment plan. Once the phone is paid off, I think every carrier will SIM card unlock the phone.
All recent Pixel versions have to be SIM card unlocked before the bootloader unlock option is available. So you have to have a SIM card unlocked phone before you can bootloader unlock. But Verizon is the only US carrier that has asked Google to permanently bootloader lock their phones. Sprint and others don't weigh in on the subject and Google's policy is to allow bootloader unlock. This isn't necessarily true with other phone brands however.
As far as getting the phone SIM unlocked, the policy is to not do it, so it's rare to find a call center person that is willing to do it whether you call in or chat with someone online. However, the success stories that I do see are usually done by DMing the carrier's support group on Twitter of all places. Explain that you need to get the phone unlocked and many times they will do it.
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I can confirm this. I'm on TMO and I reached out on Twitter and got results. I'm not a big Twitter fan nor do I really use it, but customer services seems to be more in the loop there. I told them that I wanted to try the dev preview of android 11 and I needed to bootloader unlock. For that to happen I needed them to permanently sim unlock my phone. (Technically you can install the preview with a locked BL, but since it's a preview you can't re-flash anything lower or rollback without the BL being unlocked). Hence the dev preview. Anyways, I was polite and truthful about my intentions and they got it sim unlocked, fairly quickly too.
sic0048 said:
Keep in mind there are SIM locks and bootloader locks. Every US carrier SIM locks you phone if it was bought in an installment plan. Once the phone is paid off, I think every carrier will SIM card unlock the phone.
All recent Pixel versions have to be SIM card unlocked before the bootloader unlock option is available. So you have to have a SIM card unlocked phone before you can bootloader unlock. But Verizon is the only US carrier that has asked Google to permanently bootloader lock their phones. Sprint and others don't weigh in on the subject and Google's policy is to allow bootloader unlock. This isn't necessarily true with other phone brands however.
As far as getting the phone SIM unlocked, the policy is to not do it, so it's rare to find a call center person that is willing to do it whether you call in or chat with someone online. However, the success stories that I do see are usually done by DMing the carrier's support group on Twitter of all places. Explain that you need to get the phone unlocked and many times they will do it.
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Its bootloaders unlocked I was almost done rooting it but haven't; refrained because I don't want to violate the software warranty incase I need to return it, & find another way to do so for a refund. I called support multiple times same answer, & then Twitter dm'd last night they were again unable to do anything so they say.
They cite "privacy issues" but I know it's a ****ing money grab they don't want to unlock it unless you want to pay for one of their plans & get tied in a contract for a minimum amount of days first & I'm not going to ****ing do that. It's ridiculous to me carriers behave this way. This is why I believe in hacking because you can't trust companies for absolutely ****.
You got results? Look at my next post, can you tell me your secret because they're being serious assholes here. Not a single company involved with this situation is helping at all.
Nightshadex543 said:
You got results? Look at my next post, can you tell me your secret because they're being serious assholes here. Not a single company involved with this situation is helping at all.
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I'm a little confused. You say it's bootloader unlocked and you were about to root it but decided not because of warranty concerns correct?
Typically, whenever you unlock a bootloader your warranty is void then and there. That is in most cases and I assume is the same in this case, though I don't know that for a fact with a TMO Pixel 3a XL. I just assumed it was and most likely is. The reason being is you can flash anything you want, and there is no way to guarantee that whatever has happened to warrant a claim wasn't due to user error or unofficial software. A locked bootloader kind of guarantees that nothing unofficial was flashed and that's why warranties are usually based around their status and why a flag is marked when it is. So even if you re-lock it, the flag still shows it was unlocked at one point.
As for actually unlocking it via TMO, the phone uses a TMO app to actually unlock it. It basically checks your imei against their server to see if it is eligible for unlocking. As for citing privacy concerns, basically you have a TMO phone and no account it seems, and you want it unlocked. For all they know it could be stolen, and as far as proving it's yours legally without any account... probably more than they want to deal with and I'm sure they have liability reasons as well.
All I know is, I've had an account for quite some time. I've bought several phones through them, so no issues. Technically I'm still on installments with this phone, so they could have easily said no, not until it's paid off, but I like to think they said "Oh it's Airwalk... he's cool af, go ahead".
41rw4lk said:
Typically, whenever you unlock a bootloader your warranty is void then and there. The reason being is you can flash anything you want, and there is no way to guarantee that whatever has happened to warrant a claim wasn't due to user error or unofficial software. So even if you re-lock it, the flag still shows it was unlocked at one point.
As for actually unlocking it via TMO, the phone uses a TMO app to actually unlock it. It basically checks your imei against their server to see if it is eligible for unlocking. As for citing privacy concerns, basically you have a TMO phone and no account it seems, and you want it unlocked. For all they know it could be stolen, and as far as proving it's yours legally without any account... probably more than they want to deal with and I'm sure they have liability reasons as well.
All I know is, I've had an account for quite some time. I've bought several phones through them, so no issues.
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Only Sprint & Verizon manufacturers lock the bootloaders of their phones T-Mobile doesn't. TWRP doesn't even exist for Pixel 4 because dude's too busy with wife & kids to update so flashing is difficult until you root it first unless you feel like doing a tethered through ADB. I know Samsung has the "Knox" & figured it's similar to that. Unless it's tripped it's negligible.
I know how the unlocking app works. Also, It's not stolen my situation is similar to the below it's "super whitelisted" I've had multiple services run the IMEI & it's come back clean. The phone meets all the unlocking criteria of which is being legit paid for is one of them.
They're just not releasing from the network. I need a workaround, I'm not trying to go through an entire claims process & have it sent back when aside from "network lock" it works just fine.
****ing Greedy ass corporations.
Nightshadex543 said:
Only Sprint & Verizon manufacturers lock the bootloaders of their phones T-Mobile doesn't. I'm TWRP doesn't even exist for Pixel 4 because dude's to busy with wife & kids to update so flashing is difficult until you root it first unless you feel like doing a tethered through ADB. I know Samsung has the "Knox" & figured it's similar to that. Unless it's tripped it's negligible.
I know how the unlocking app works. Also, It's not stolen my situation is similar to the below it's "super whitelisted" I've had multiple services run the IMEI & it's come back clean. The phone meets all the unlocking criteria of which is being legit paid for is one of them.
They're just not releasing from the network. I need a workaround, I'm not trying to go through an entire claims process & have it sent back when aside from "network lock" it works just fine.
****ing Greedy ass corporations.
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Ah, Pixel 4 needs sim unlocked, I was confused because this is 3a XL and I wasn't paying enough attention. I see your frustration now. I don't know about that one, just (bonito) here and it was all easy for me. I suppose that if you don't meet their requirements it's all too easy to just lock you into their script. I can't help you here, sorry. I think you'll just have to be 'that guy' and persist with them. Good luck.
Nightshadex543 said:
TWRP doesn't even exist for Pixel 4 because dude's too busy with wife & kids to update....
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No quicker way to loose all goodwill and help from people than bad mouthing the generous developers.
Feel free to come up with your own TWRP solution. Until then, STFU.
sic0048 said:
Feel free to come up with your own TWRP solution. Until then, STFU.
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That isn't even the subject of the thread. If you're going to ignore everything else I was saying & completely miss the point to focus on a single cherry-picked remark that triggered you then you can take a hike. Don't respond. Go invest your frustrated energies elsewhere
You know what? Maybe I will take the source code & develop my own unofficial TWRP build for it. Hacking & Technological communities don't just stop because you want to "move on with your life" we still need these tools. You think journalists whistleblowers & Chinese protesters can "do without" Tor?
I have a Note 10 Plus N975U1 that was sold as a Consumer Cellular device through Target. The phone came with the N975U1 unlocked ROM installed on the phone and there is no carrier apps or Consumer Cellular identification anywhere. The only reason I know it's Consumer Cellular is because of a message that popped up for something, can't recall what now.
Anyway, the phone acts just like an unlocked model. Put in various sim cards and the phone reboots through the blue recovery screen to update carrier software for the sim you are using. APN settings are available and can be edited. Everything is just like an unlocked model.
Except, it connects to the network for a couple minutes or so and then stops working. It acts like the Verizon versions do before they are unlocked by Verizon. Except the Verizon versions give you a little pop up stating the phone can't be used on another network. This model has no message.
I am guessing that they are locked using the same mechanism that Verizon uses for locking their devices now except they just are not showing anything to let you know.
Is anybody aware of exactly how this is done and any third party who can unlock it? I have tried a couple different unlocked ROM s as well as an AT&T and Verizon just to see what happens. Same problem.
Thanks
Have a link from the target site to the phone you bought?
I have a feeling that the phone is not actually unlocked or it may not be as what it appears exactly. You can run the IMEI number using swappa and see if the phone is indeed an U1 variant or just the normal carrier N975U.
It maybe possible (not sure how exactly) that your using an international variant that was flashed and configured to look like a N975U1. For example the phone listed here is an international variant that is compatible with US LTE, but I have some serious doubts with how compatible it really is. From past experiences with a local store that sells unlocked Note 10+ units for Net10, I discovered they are not actually US models and are really international models. They were flashed and configured in a weird way (best I can describe it) that it would work for the most part, work with Net10, but it would not work with the other providers here locally. It would at first appear to work but then fail all together.. It wasn't until I started digging into the IMEI number and what it belonged too that I discovered the truth of what the model actually is, and I then promptly returned the phone to the store I bought it from.
If the phone is just network locked and a genuine N975U1 model it would just seem that you only have to use the phone with the service for a certain period of time before they will unlock it. Consumer Cellular would be the best place to go to get (and ask about getting) the phone unlocked.
https://www.consumercellular.com/Help/phones-and-services/5
I resell used phones and specifically phones from Consumer Cellular. All the previous Samsung models used to come unlocked, but about the time the S10 was released, all their Samsung phones came with this unusual lock. I've tried working with countless unlockers and no one has been able to remove it. Once it connects to the internet, it downloads some google update and the phone loses voice/data service. I've wondered how they do this too. A few other models I have that have the same lock are the A10e A20 J7 S10/+ S20/+ Note 10/+. Really really frustrating as I've been searching for a long time now. If anyone knows anything, please let me know. I have hundreds of these that need to be unlocked. Also to clarify, yes they are all the U1 factory unlocked models.
Edit: Apparently when a carrier locked device is flashed to U1 firmware BEFORE unlocking, there is no software prompt to unlock the device. It probably was a carrier locked N975U originally. Maybe on Consumer Cellular firmware, there would be a prompt to unlock it?
These are the guys but they only do commercial work. I am pretty sure they never fail unlock.
https://www.swiftunlocks.us/
Guyinlaca said:
Edit: Apparently when a carrier locked device is flashed to U1 firmware BEFORE unlocking, there is no software prompt to unlock the device. It probably was a carrier locked N975U originally. Maybe on Consumer Cellular firmware, there would be a prompt to unlock it?
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These are not the U versions. I've sold CC phones for years and they are and have always been U1 models. Not only does it say it in the software, but even on the back glass. They are locking these things with an update somehow.
I'll reach out to swiftunlocks, but I would put a big bet up that they can't unlock it either. I'm connected with some of the top unlockers in the world as this is my business and no one has any idea. If anyone is reading this and wants a phone to test, I'll even send you one if you think you can unlock it. It's worth a lot of money to me to find a solution. The worst part is that these phones are all paid off and eligible to unlock through the carrier, but since "I'm not the original owner" they won't help me.
Shatter65 said:
These are not the U versions. I've sold CC phones for years and they are and have always been U1 models. Not only does it say it in the software, but even on the back glass. They are locking these things with an update somehow.
I'll reach out to swiftunlocks, but I would put a big bet up that they can't unlock it either. I'm connected with some of the top unlockers in the world as this is my business and no one has any idea. If anyone is reading this and wants a phone to test, I'll even send you one if you think you can unlock it. It's worth a lot of money to me to find a solution. The worst part is that these phones are all paid off and eligible to unlock through the carrier, but since "I'm not the original owner" they won't help me.
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My friend, did you finally find a solution to unlock samsung phones locked to consumer cellular, i have a few phones locked to them and i would like to know if theres a way to unlock them
seth81 said:
My friend, did you finally find a solution to unlock samsung phones locked to consumer cellular, i have a few phones locked to them and i would like to know if theres a way to unlock them
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I personally use samkey.org