when is an unlocked phone acyually locked? - XPERIA X1 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I purchased my X1a on eBay more than a year ago from a Californian who claimed the phone was unlocked. I turned to Canada's Rogers for a GSM SIM, and it has worked beautifully since, ... except that Rogers' coverage is darn bad here in Newfoundland. Sick of it, finally I gave Rogers notice because Telsus looked up its ESN and claimed they'd be able to support it on their HSPA network.
However, come today ... Telus installs their SIM, and the ESN is rejected. The guy behind the desk makes a call, and Telus central states that the only reason can be that the phone is still locked(?) Is it possible that it could have been locked to ATT and it just happens to work with Rogers? The phone doesn't have any thing on it to imply it once belonged to any US carrier.
Please advise ...
TIA & cheerios from the Avalon Peninsula

Has Telus completely made the switch to GSM yet? I'm from the US, so sorry for my partial ignorance If they're still in the works, from what you said they're using ESN (which is a CDMA serial number); the Xperia doesn't have an ESN, it only has an IMEI (GSM standard).
One major reason it might not work is because each type of serial number has a different amount of numbers in them. ESN DEC (or MEID DEC) uses 18 numbers, ESN HEX (or MEID HEX) uses 14 letters and numbrs, and IMEI uses 18 numbers. ESN and IMEI are incompatible, while DEC and HEX are interchangable, since they're both CDMA standard. Maybe mention this to them and it'll jog their memories, and give you more specific information

Xenithflare said:
Has Telus completely made the switch to GSM yet? I'm from the US, so sorry for my partial ignorance If they're still in the works, from what you said they're using ESN (which is a CDMA serial number); the Xperia doesn't have an ESN, it only has an IMEI (GSM standard).
One major reason it might not work is because each type of serial number has a different amount of numbers in them. ESN DEC (or MEID DEC) uses 18 numbers, ESN HEX (or MEID HEX) uses 14 letters and numbrs, and IMEI uses 18 numbers. ESN and IMEI are incompatible, while DEC and HEX are interchangable, since they're both CDMA standard. Maybe mention this to them and it'll jog their memories, and give you more specific information
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Thanx for your response
The Telus guy I first talked with took the battery out and looked up the # in their database and stated it would work. Today's Telus guy used the Xperia's OS to find the # indicated. The number, referred to by the OS as IMEI, actually has 15 numbers in it. The only difference from what's reported behind the battery is 35774202-003213-8(?)

rarewolf said:
Thanx for your response
The Telus guy I first talked with took the battery out and looked up the # in their database and stated it would work. Today's Telus guy used the Xperia's OS to find the # indicated. The number, referred to by the OS as IMEI, actually has 15 numbers in it. The only difference from what's reported behind the battery is 35774202-003213-8(?)
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The serial number printed on the phones will occasionally have dashes or spaces interspaced in the numbers, because it makes it easier to input than having a long string of numbers.
So, they confirmed the IMEI, and yet it still doesn't work? And it worked for a Roger's SIM just recently... I could see an issue activating the phone on a new account, because their system won't have the X1 in it, but that shouldn't stop the SIM from reading. Hell, AT&T has no idea what the X1 is, and my account says I'm using a Motorola flip phone XD But the SIM works wonderfully. Assuming it's a brand-new account, see if they can enter a different IMEI in their system to start with (here in the States, I'd say you should just get a free subsidized phone from them, but put the SIM in the X1)? If the SIM is rejected, it can mean it isn't activated... so it could be just the initial set-up IMEI. Sorry if that was a little confusing, I had random ideas popping up everywhere
Well, that was my only guess. If that doesn't work, I'm stumped

Xenithflare said:
...
Well, that was my only guess. If that doesn't work, I'm stumped
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You should be confused!
I printed your 1st response and thought I'd swing by the Telus store on my way home. As it turned out, another Telus store was closer and was not affiliated with the previous. I told the woman my story, showed her your message ... and then she immediately took the SIM out of her phone and put it mine ... fired it up, and then reports "It works OK with my SIM(?)"
The previous Telus store had given me the SIM originally tried, so this woman puts it in and reports "It works OK with your SIM(?)" ... and then proceeds to sell me my month-to-month plan.
The moral ... well, I don't know what to make of it, except to believe that the 1st Telus store did not really need to check with Telus central (or their affiliated central) to see if my SIM would work. IE, it simply works! ... go figure ...
Thanx again

Related

bought my diamond second hand off some guy 2 months ago..

and today when I was looking into unlocking my phone, I noticed that the system IMEI is different from the IMEI label on the back of the phone.
I am using a deep shining ROM. did the ROM flash over the IMEI or was my phone just messed up to begin with?
also is there a soft method of finding out whether or not my phone is already unlocked?
Sorry to say but that guy messed your over by changing the IMEI. Flashing a rom doesn't do anything to IMEI, special tools and software CAN change it, and that is what this guy did. You can't do anything to change that, as changing IMEI is downright illegal and you dont want to get caught up in that.
As for finding out if its unlocked, take another companies SIM CARD, ie if you are with ATT, go and get a Rogers, or whoever else uses a SIM CARD, and find out if it will work in the phone.
so, it is quite possible that this phone is stolen? damn... what are the potential consequences of that? if he switched the original IMEI to the current one that I have, what if someone legitamately uses the imei on the same network, am I going to be screwed?
SUBLIMINALLYINC said:
so, it is quite possible that this phone is stolen? damn... what are the potential consequences of that? if he switched the original IMEI to the current one that I have, what if someone legitamately uses the imei on the same network, am I going to be screwed?
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No you will not get screwed. {Unless you really want to; then I'm sure we can arrange for it}
IMEI {International Mobile Electronics Identification} Numbers are uniqe to every phone, but the network does not {& I believe Cannot} read the IMEI. ESNs {Electronic Serial Numbers} are a different thing, as the CDMA networks use this # to Identify the devices network authenticity {in other words: Whether or not it's authorized to use the network}. GSM {Global SIM Management} Phones rely on the SIM card to authenticate the devices access to the network. An IMEI is never sent thru the network! That's like posting your social security # online {Mine's 420-69-840} About the only time that a false IMEI is a problem, is when you need to get it unlocked {as you are trying to}; or if you need to report it stolen/lost. If the latter is the case then you will need to provide the authorities with both IMEIs. This is in case the person that has it removes the label in the back. For unlocking the device, you need to give the # that's in the software; as this is the only # the phone knows. Oh yeah, You can't send it in to get HTC warranty service either
Have you tried asking the person you bought it from about this? I would!! I would want to know why he did it, how he did it, & where the other # came from. It is a possibility that he had replaced the Mainboard with another unit, but he should have changed the labels at the same time. I have done this with a few phones {combine a couple bad ones to make a good one}, but I always ensure the IMEI or ESN matches on the back & in the software! If you believe you were defrauded, then contact the authorities & explain it to them. If there is another phone with the same IMEI, they should be able to tell you.
It might either be that he changed the main board or the cover itself.. (hopefully he did not steal it..)
I wouldnt worry too much about it though. Just go with the IMEI that is displayed on your screen not on the back of the phone.
well i tried to get an unlock code by using the IMEI read off the system page on my diamond and the guy couldnt get aan unlock code; is there anyother way to get the correct code>?
SUBLIMINALLYINC said:
so, it is quite possible that this phone is stolen? damn... what are the potential consequences of that? if he switched the original IMEI to the current one that I have, what if someone legitamately uses the imei on the same network, am I going to be screwed?
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Click to collapse
Hi,
Maybe it is or it isn't (but it is possible). It depends on which country that person bought this phone and maybe he used warranty service. I had this issue myself.After 2 month My Diamond didn't recognize my simcard, i sent it for warranty and when it came back GPS didn't work. so i sent it again , when i received it, at repair center they said that they replace mainboard, so imei changes and i received written document that they replaced mainboard (my back panel imei and the imei that phone shows are different now).
for checking it , Goto this site : http://www.numberingplans.com/?page=analysis&sub=imeinr
enter both imei and check them, if both are for diamond i think your mainboard is changed before, but if the imei that phone shows is belong to another handset (for Ex : a nokia one or another htc model) i can say 99% percent your phone is stolen.
i'd probably bet he's bought an "original" housing from auction site. i've done it many of times but i usually rip the imei sticker off, bear in mind the imei on the diamond is only on a metal plate, he may have forgot to change this part, he may have damaged his old imei sticker/plate, as stated above he may have changed his main board also, there is many possibilities.
don't worry about it, if your still a bit worried try the CheckMEND online service here:
http://www.checkmend.com/uk/
It costs £1.99 per go, (which you'd want to do both imei's) but you get a certificate telling you wahts dodgy or not about your phone.
it a great service if you feel a little worried.

[Q] Bad IMEI Question

Was wondering if someone sells me a phone and i use it with my sim card for lets say a month and then that persons skips on their ATT bill would ATT put a bad IMEI out on my phone or the phone that they have activated on their account before skipping
If the phone is still under contract...then yes it might be possible...
Swiftb12305 said:
Was wondering if someone sells me a phone and i use it with my sim card for lets say a month and then that persons skips on their ATT bill would ATT put a bad IMEI out on my phone or the phone that they have activated on their account before skipping
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Depends on how they sold it to you, if they sold it to you and changed the IMEI before-hand, then the system will not show them owning that phone anymore, even though it was the phone under contract.
The way ATT works, if you swap the IMEI once it will have the other in memory, but any subsequent after that replaces the other, but even then, it won't check that other one, now, I haven't worked there in about a year, but at the time, they still did not have a system to block IMEI's,you could use the same IMEI on 20 accounts without issue.
Silentwidow said:
Depends on how they sold it to you, if they sold it to you and changed the IMEI before-hand, then the system will not show them owning that phone anymore, even though it was the phone under contract.
The way ATT works, if you swap the IMEI once it will have the other in memory, but any subsequent after that replaces the other, but even then, it won't check that other one, now, I haven't worked there in about a year, but at the time, they still did not have a system to block IMEI's,you could use the same IMEI on 20 accounts without issue.
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thanks for the info.

Software and printed IMEI numbers are not matching

I just purchased a used H811 Tmobile LG G4. Popped in a Tmobile SIM and it's working fine.
However, to my great surprise, the IMEI number displayed from Settings or by dialing *#06# does not match the one printed on the label behind the battery.
Tmobile rep actually said that this might be due to CDMA support on G4, which requires a different IMEI.
I am not so sure this makes sense.
Does anyone's IMEI number not match like mine?
Thanks in advance.
Can't check right now but I believe the one in software is the one that cell companies see and block if needed. The printed one is for hardware repairs and such. Though they should be the same number. I'll check later and report back.
Phone was blacklisted and someone changed imei so it would work. Both numbers should match unless the phone has been tampered with. Sorry

IMEI problem - can someone explain/advise?

Short version: who can fix IMEI on my (legally bought) phone?
Long story: I bought a new G870A phone around XMAS from an ebay-like store (I live in Poland). It seems to be an American phone (I get an ATT logo). It worked fine in Poland for two weeks I was using it (Polish SIM, T-mobile operator), but then I left for my work in South Korea, where I have a Korean SIM (SKT op.) it had connectivity issues: phone/SMS/wifi work, but mobile data doesn't work if the phone displays LTE 4G on the top. If it shows just 4G it works. I took it too SKT shops (three), all swear it's not an operator problem. Took it to the Samsung service center, they couldn't figure things out, sent it to the factory. I got a call from them (well, I don't speak Korean, so it's handled by my Korean gf). She said: "the number of INEI on the phone does not match the manufacturer’s serial number on the phone. Based on my understanding from his explanations, the manufactures finds for the serial number with INEI numbers, two numbers need to be the same. If another person is using a phone with the same INEI numbers with yours, your phone might not work properly. Your phone is not in the process for A/S since ur phone itself has the problem. So, they suggested you to contact the distributor what happens." I did some research on IMEI, and I am confused. I am reasonably sure that the place I bought in Poland is legit (I got the box, warranty card, proof of purchase; the business has official government registration, and 99% satisfaction ratio for its ~2,000 sales). The mobile data worked in Poland, which would suggest IMEI was fine - until the flight/SIM change? What could have messed it up? And if it is, who can fix it for me? Seems like the Samsung rep wants me to take the phone halfway through the world and complain to the Polish seller? Should I try to get if fixed in Korea? Whose fault is it? It also seems like it is possible to get the IMEI changed without root, could it be that someone "stole" my IMEI number? Could IMEI numbers work in one country but not the other? Should I try to change the IMEI myself - and if so, are there any good guides for that? I also read that changing IMEI is not legal in many countries, but presumably the vendor/service center can do it? But who is the party that should fix my phone? The original vendor? Are IMEI problems covered through warranty?

[GUIDE] How to activate OnePlus 7 Pro on Verizon network (CDMA-less activation)

This topic is covered here and there in forum replies/other sites (credit to this Android Authority writeup on the same issue with the 6T for its phrasing that finally got the point across to my Verizon tech support) but I don't think anyone's made a dedicated thread yet for steps on Verizon, CDMA-less activation of the OP7P.
This is for if you're having issues swapping SIMs from a prior phone. In my case, I received my Verizon signal, could place calls and send texts, but incoming calls all came from "Restricted" and no texts came through. I didn't do much other testing because knew CDMA-less wasn't activated.
1. Get your IMEI and ICCID ready (phone & SIM IDs)
- Dial *#06# on your OP7P and log the IMEI1
- If you don't have access to a phone that can show you your SIM ID (the ICCID) you can sign into your Verizon account, navigate to the phone line/activation info, and see the 19/20-digit ICCID there (starts with 89). Log this too.
2. Make sure your SIM is in the OP7P & get in touch with Verizon support
- Start mentioning CDMA-less activation right away, if you're lucky you'll get someone who knows what it is already
- I used their Facebook chat, worked all right (lots of different techs reply to you)
- They will need the IMEI and ICCID info from you once you verify your account info
- If they tell you your phone seems activated on their end, but it clearly isn't, send them this exact message:
Are both the billing and network profiles on the line the same, i.e., they both say I am using a OnePlus 7 Pro? The CDMA-less option might not show up unless those are synced.
- Shortly after I sent that message, someone got it figured out and everything started working fine--visual voicemail, HD call, incoming/outgoing SMS/MMS, etc.
I just took it to Verizon store and they popped in a Sim. It picked up the network right away but they had to go on verizions bring your own device page to activate
This can all be done online easily. All I did was pop in my old SIM from GS8+, added new device on my account, and there's an option for no CDMA. Took 5 min, no issues
djhulk2 said:
I just took it to Verizon store and they popped in a Sim. It picked up the network right away but they had to go on verizions bring your own device page to activate
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I chopped my own microSIM, it has sentimental value to me and I want to keep it. And I'll do anything to avoid having to go to brick & mortar Verizon.
ktimque said:
This can all be done online easily. All I did was pop in my old SIM from GS8+, added new device on my account, and there's an option for no CDMA. Took 5 min, no issues
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Fwiw I also started on the "bring your own device" page and got through the first couple steps, but when I entered my ICCID, it told me my SIM was not compatible and that I'd need a new one. I could not find anything mentioning CDMA on my end--do you remember what step that happened at for you? Once I ran into that wall, I got in touch with Verizon support, and I think it's why they were thinking I was already activated (since I had done some of the steps already online). I just skipped that part of my journey in the guide because I think it was ultimately irrelevant to it working out for me.
Jesse402 said:
Fwiw I also started on the "bring your own device" page and got through the first couple steps, but when I entered my ICCID, it told me my SIM was not compatible and that I'd need a new one. I could not find anything mentioning CDMA on my end--do you remember what step that happened at for you? Once I ran into that wall, I got in touch with Verizon support, and I think it's why they were thinking I was already activated (since I had done some of the steps already online). I just skipped that part of my journey in the guide because I think it was ultimately irrelevant to it working out for me.
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Unfortunately no it was awhile ago, but I remember not having to call VZW or even talk to support. I think once I entered my IMEI it picked up the fact that it was CDMA-less
ktimque said:
Unfortunately no it was awhile ago, but I remember not having to call VZW or even talk to support. I think once I entered my IMEI it picked up the fact that it was CDMA-less
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Maybe the age of the SIM has something to do with it/is yours newer? It knew I had a OP7P too once I got through IMEI but it was the SIM it didn't like. I've had this SIM since the Galaxy S4 (maybe even in an iPhone 4S? but I'm thinking they swapped me when I got the S4) and it was last in a Pixel.
Jesse402 said:
Maybe the age of the SIM has something to do with it/is yours newer? It knew I had a OP7P too once I got through IMEI but it was the SIM it didn't like. I've had this SIM since the Galaxy S4 (maybe even in an iPhone 4S? but I'm thinking they swapped me when I got the S4) and it was last in a Pixel.
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Yeah that's possible, I think mine was new as of my S8+
Yes each Sim is registered to spefic device. If you want swap out old Sim u need find way to deactive Sim first and then activate it with the new imie

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