I'm in peculiar situation: I bought my T-mo S8 direct from Samsung, paid in full, so now whom do I go to unlock my SIM? People from Canada received unlock code together with copy of bill, but I can't find anything on mine, any suggestions? Of course I want to do it as painless as possible and I want to ask here before calling customer service and waste few hours.
pete4k said:
I'm in peculiar situation: I bought my T-mo S8 direct from Samsung, paid in full, so now whom do I go to unlock my SIM? People from Canada received unlock code together with copy of bill, but I can't find anything on mine, any suggestions? Of course I want to do it as painless as possible and I want to ask here before calling customer service and waste few hours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
pete4k said:
I'm in peculiar situation: I bought my T-mo S8 direct from Samsung, paid in full, so now whom do I go to unlock my SIM? People from Canada received unlock code together with copy of bill, but I can't find anything on mine, any suggestions? Of course I want to do it as painless as possible and I want to ask here before calling customer service and waste few hours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in the same situation. From my understanding of past and present TMo devices, the account has to be in good standing (EIP/equipment paid off) AND your device needs to have 40 or 45 days (someone correct me) of continuous usage on TMo network before you can request the Device App unlock = carrier unlock.
So just wait until then
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
As I suspected, I called Samsung to unlock my phone, they told me to call T-mo, called T-mo, they told me to call Samsung, wasted already 1 hour on this.
escabar said:
I am in the same situation. From my understanding of past and present TMo devices, the account has to be in good standing (EIP/equipment paid off) AND your device needs to have 40 or 45 days (someone correct me) of continuous usage on TMo network before you can request the Device App unlock = carrier unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's 40 days, that is I was told by CS. After that you use "Device unlock" app on your phone and choose permanent unlock.
Same techniques for S6 and S7 and it worked for me.
First of all I'm leaving on a trip in 20 days, second, the phone is paid in full now, not in 40, third I didn't buy it from T-mo so most likely they wont have any record of it. It's total BS and should be illegal, in Canada Samsung sends unlock code with the phone., but I guess here consumers have no protection. Last time I'm buying carrier phone. This whole locking of the phones is leftover from carrier subsidies and should not exist outside of those plans, if they still taking place. And a funny thing is I have no intention of leaving T-mo anyway and there are services to unlock phone for money. I remember some law about phone getting unlocked when paid I read about few years ago, but can't get any details now.
pete4k said:
First of all I'm leaving on a trip in 20 days, second, the phone is paid in full now, not in 40, third I didn't buy it from T-mo so most likely they wont have any record of it. It's total BS and should be illegal, in Canada Samsung sends unlock code with the phone., but I guess here consumers have no protection. Last time I'm buying carrier phone. This whole locking of the phones is leftover from carrier subsidies and should not exist outside of those plans, if they still taking place. And a funny thing is I have no intention of leaving T-mo anyway and there are services to unlock phone for money. I remember some law about phone getting unlocked when paid I read about few years ago, but can't get any details now.
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Click to collapse
That is T-Mobile branded phone, and that is their rules, sorry for that. What you can do, before going on the trip, on that app/ choose Temporary unlock, it's good for 30 days and you can have it up to 5 times in a year.
pete4k said:
First of all I'm leaving on a trip in 20 days, second, the phone is paid in full now, not in 40, third I didn't buy it from T-mo so most likely they wont have any record of it. It's total BS and should be illegal, in Canada Samsung sends unlock code with the phone., but I guess here consumers have no protection. Last time I'm buying carrier phone. This whole locking of the phones is leftover from carrier subsidies and should not exist outside of those plans, if they still taking place. And a funny thing is I have no intention of leaving T-mo anyway and there are services to unlock phone for money. I remember some law about phone getting unlocked when paid I read about few years ago, but can't get any details now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can call T-Mobile and let them know that you are travelling out of the country on ___ date and ask for an unlock code for a long time customer. It has worked for me in the past if you get the right rep.
mrbear01 said:
You can call T-Mobile and let them know that you are travelling out of the country on ___ date and ask for an unlock code for a long time customer. It has worked for me in the past if you get the right rep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem, I bought the phone from Samsung.com and there was no option to purchase an unlocked phone. I am traveling in two days for a few weeks and I called Tmobile several times trying to at least get a temporary unlock and even that cannot be done. They said it has to be on their network for 40 days. I even called Samsung and they said all the unlock codes are sent to Tmobile and only they can unlock it due to the stupid Device Unlock app. You cannot unlock it even if you have the code, only the app can unlock it. If I didn't like the S8 so much I would have switched to the iPhone 7. Absolutely ridiculous!!!
I still don't understand how T-mo will know the phone you purchased direct from Samsung is paid for and should not have SIM locked to begin with.
I have the same problem with my S8. Bough it directly from Samsung. I contacted Samsung and they told me that I need contact tmobile; contact tmobile and they told me that my phone does not show in their system as a tmobile phone because I did not buy it from them. I need my phone unlock so when I travel overseas I can use a local sime card. I don't want to wait until 40-45 days go able to unlock my phone and then not be able to return it to Samsung. There some unlock services charging $50.00 plus to unlock it. I don't want to expend more money, since this phone is already very expensive.
kindongo said:
I have the same problem with my S8. Bough it directly from Samsung. I contacted Samsung and they told me that I need contact tmobile; contact tmobile and they told me that my phone does not show in their system as a tmobile phone because I did not buy it from them. I need my phone unlock so when I travel overseas I can use a local sime card. I don't want to wait until 40-45 days go able to unlock my phone and then not be able to return it to Samsung. There some unlock services charging $50.00 plus to unlock it. I don't want to expend more money, since this phone is already very expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not even about money, this should be illegal. This whole business of locking the SIM card is left over from contract subsidized phones and I could perfectly understand that phone belonged to phone company and you just leased it until end of contract. Now I praise T-mo for getting rid of this practice and changing whole industry, so now at least you know what are you paying for and how much. But now SIM locking shouldn't even happen anymore: if phone is stolen/unpaid for, blacklist IMEI and also you can unlock SIM for the fee, even if it is stolen, so what purpose this SIM locking serves? Canada gets unlock code with the phone.
Anybody had any luck getting the phone unlock.?I waited too long to return the phone, now I'm stuck with it.
http://www.cellunlocker.net/t-mobile-device-unlock-app.php
the service is expensive $130 dls for the unlock
kindongo said:
Anybody had any luck getting the phone unlock.?I waited too long to return the phone, now I'm stuck with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in the same boat as you. Went through T-Force on Twitter and seemed to have gotten a rep on the first go who understood the situation and submitted my IMEI number to the right place. Your IMEI number needs to be added to their "device distribution inventory system" and needs to be submitted to their highest level tech support, this allows the Device Unlock app think your phone came from T-mobile's inventory and will let the app unlock your phone.
There may be hope for everyone in the future, this one of the final responses I got from them:
"I am right there with you. It definitely makes things harder on both sides since the phone isn't technically bought from us, even though it is branded a T-Mobile phone and our system rejects any IMEI that didn't come from our inventory. None the less, we're all about giving you full access to what is yours. Teams are currently working on a process update that'll make things a lot more seamless, but in the meantime we've got this work around! I really appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us today!"
14 hours later I tried the Unlock Device app and requested the permanent unlock and was greeted with "Unlock Approved: Mobile Device is permanently unlocked"
Device is fully unlocked, tested with an AT&T SIM card and everything worked fine. After 2 reboots the Device Unlock app even disappeared from my phone. I'm so happy with how fast T-Mobile dealt with this. The more people that make a stink about this issue on social media hopefully T-Mobile will find a permanent fix for people buying a SIM locked at full price and have it easily unlocked under their standard procedure.
INGHUGO said:
http://www.cellunlocker.net/t-mobile-device-unlock-app.php
the service is expensive $130 dls for the unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did this work for you and were you able to successfully unlock ?
no,unfortunately it couldn't be unlocked because cellunlock no longer have access to their server ,I had to have a contract and wait the 40 days that are the requirement so I can release it
I dont think anybody has now. nearly all the sites i checked unlocking tmobile does not seems to be available.
fragg3d said:
I was in the same boat as you. Went through T-Force on Twitter and seemed to have gotten a rep on the first go who understood the situation and submitted my IMEI number to the right place. Your IMEI number needs to be added to their "device distribution inventory system" and needs to be submitted to their highest level tech support, this allows the Device Unlock app think your phone came from T-mobile's inventory and will let the app unlock your phone.
There may be hope for everyone in the future, this one of the final responses I got from them:
"I am right there with you. It definitely makes things harder on both sides since the phone isn't technically bought from us, even though it is branded a T-Mobile phone and our system rejects any IMEI that didn't come from our inventory. None the less, we're all about giving you full access to what is yours. Teams are currently working on a process update that'll make things a lot more seamless, but in the meantime we've got this work around! I really appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us today!"
14 hours later I tried the Unlock Device app and requested the permanent unlock and was greeted with "Unlock Approved: Mobile Device is permanently unlocked"
Device is fully unlocked, tested with an AT&T SIM card and everything worked fine. After 2 reboots the Device Unlock app even disappeared from my phone. I'm so happy with how fast T-Mobile dealt with this. The more people that make a stink about this issue on social media hopefully T-Mobile will find a permanent fix for people buying a SIM locked at full price and have it easily unlocked under their standard procedure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will try that
Related
Hi I want to buy this phone, unlock it and use it for ATT.
I heard you cannot buy this phone off contract and that you must have a service with them. I hear people are just signing up for the service for one day and then cancel the day after.
Can someone explain how they did it?
pham818 said:
Hi I want to buy this phone, unlock it and use it for ATT.
I heard you cannot buy this phone off contract and that you must have a service with them. I hear people are just signing up for the service for one day and then cancel the day after.
Can someone explain how they did it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pay full price for phone up front and buy the smallest package. After 40 days cancel the service. Some stores will sell it out right without a plan, but you will have to do some searching and calling. I had to go to 3 different stores before I found one that would sell it out right.
I read LTE and 4G dont work so well when you take it back to ATT. I read somewhere.
chong67 said:
I read LTE and 4G dont work so well when you take it back to ATT. I read somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Results vary. Some say it works just as good
My LTE works perfect on AT&T.
My unlocked T Mobile Note 4 running on AT&T.
chong67 said:
I read LTE and 4G dont work so well when you take it back to ATT. I read somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the same thing. This is not the case with the Note 4. It was an issue with the Note 3 and previous devices in my experience.
martinezma99 said:
My unlocked T Mobile Note 4 running on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who did you use to unlock it? im looking to pick one up and i'd rather not have to wait for tmobiles unlocking terms.
If you buy the phone out right you can unlock asap
bigmase23 said:
If you buy the phone out right you can unlock asap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's been conflicting reports about that.
I bought the phone outright. Paid $30 or so to cellunlocker to get an unlock code. Popped in AT&T sim and off I went. Still need to cancel Tmo service.
taphius said:
There's been conflicting reports about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you purchase the phone outright you now it and can unlock it.
I bought my Note 4 outright and purchased the lowest priced package I could. I unlocked it the first day I received it, inserted my sim card from Consumer Cellular and was up and running. However, I read that T-Mobile can and have blacklisted the IMEI of phones that don't comply with their terms of service. Since I didn't read the fine print when I bought the phone and service, I decided it would be prudent to go ahead and meet the 40 service requirement to get an unlock code (although the phone is already unlocked) rather than take a chance and have some T-Mobile manager with a Napoleonic complex blacklist the phone. Then I would be out of $800.00. I asked the customer care representative about blacklisting the phone if I didn't meet the 40 day requirement and she said it was possible. I wasn't willing to take that chance. I will pony up an additional $80.00 + dollars to have peace of mind.
cartertucker said:
I bought the phone outright. Paid $30 or so to cellunlocker to get an unlock code. Popped in AT&T sim and off I went. Still need to cancel Tmo service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
I preordered, got phone Monday the 13th.
I unlocked with cellunlocker.net 4 days later.
Been using it on AT&T since last friday. Called and canceled tmobile same day.
Easy as that.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
bigmase23 said:
When you purchase the phone outright you now it and can unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right but you make it sound like every T-Mobile store or reseller will sell you a phone outright with absolutely zero commitment of any kind like you walked in to buy a pack of gum or bought a nexus from google play store. There are conflicting reports about zero commitment purchases. The safer bet seems to be walking in with the understanding that you may have to agree to a month-to-month or prepaid contract that you can cancel a day or more later.
The best way i can think to explain it is as follows:
A few people have reported that they were able to buy it outright without service. Though many have been denied that option.
Some have implied that Tmobile then unlocked it.
A moderately safe assumption is that you can buy it with service, unlock it via third party service, and cancel your tmobile service the second u get your unlock code. This comes with the gray area of region locking and having to activate it on tmobile first to remove the region lock pior to unlocking. This can be a lengthy discussion, you might not care about region locking, I'll leave it at that, but read into it. I went this route, activated on tmobile for 4 days, then unlocked and cancelled. I say assumption because people are worried about blacklisting and T.O.S.
The most cautious method would be to wait out your 40 days per Tmobile T.O.S., in addition to the time it takes for them to send your unlock code, pay applicable fees, then cancel.
Hope this clears up the options a bit.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
T-Mobile has the IMEI of phone they sell you in their records. I confirmed it when I called them and they read it to me for confirmation purposes. They sold the phone to you and they know everything about it. Guaranteed. If their records show the phone being used on another carrier without it being activated with them or unlocked by them then they can blacklist the IMEI of the phone. That phone will then be an $800.00 paperweight. They have done it before and a quick Google search will prove it. I'm not saying they will since that seems to be an unknown, but they can and the owner of the phone will have no recourse. I sure don't want to wake up one day and find out that my $800.00 phone is dead. I might very well be wrong, but I am not willing to take that chance after paying $800.00 for the phone. I'll pay for the 40 days of service.
I just bought my Note 4 full price from AT&T after calling about 30 stores in my area and finding one store with one black model in stock. I ended up paying less than full price because of some computer error that rung up the phone $749.99 instead of $825.99. They charged me the difference so I only paid $825 outright, after taxes. All in all, I saved almost $50 (difference in tax from $750 to $825). I still feel like it is ridiculous though that the AT&T model is $80 more expensive than TMo. Is it worth buying a TMO Note 4 with their baseball discount ($30 off) and trying to unlock it to use it on AT&T? Sorry for my long comment/question.
Bought mine from swappa in a sealed pack. Opened the phone, went to Cellunlocker.com and within 10 min had my unlock code. Works great on ATT
Hello
I found out about this maybe 3 days ago and posted it under S7 forums since I have GS7 but I think someone might benefit from this information around here.
At swiftunlocks.com, they can unlock your t-mobile S7/S7e or S8/S8+ but that price tag of $125.99 is ridiculously high IMHO so I'll wait the price to come down or I'll just resell my phone.
I am in no way associated with that website, just spreading the word since I have used their services for over many years and there was never a failure, at least in my case.
Hope this helps someone.
Cheers
If you use a 3rd party unlocking service for T-Mobile phones, you run the risk of getting relocked at any time, and you're **** out of luck (and that money). Once T-Mobile decides to run their occasional rescan, you'll be locked up again.
You're better off putting that $126 towards paying off your phone, and just having T-Mobile unlock it. Hell, I got mine from Samsung, and T-Mobile unlocked it within a few weeks. Just had to call and ask.
entropism said:
If you use a 3rd party unlocking service for T-Mobile phones, you run the risk of getting relocked at any time, and you're **** out of luck (and that money). Once T-Mobile decides to run their occasional rescan, you'll be locked up again.
You're better off putting that $126 towards paying off your phone, and just having T-Mobile unlock it. Hell, I got mine from Samsung, and T-Mobile unlocked it within a few weeks. Just had to call and ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best one when u no bougth form ebay or other source.
entropism said:
If you use a 3rd party unlocking service for T-Mobile phones, you run the risk of getting relocked at any time, and you're **** out of luck (and that money). Once T-Mobile decides to run their occasional rescan, you'll be locked up again.
You're better off putting that $126 towards paying off your phone, and just having T-Mobile unlock it. Hell, I got mine from Samsung, and T-Mobile unlocked it within a few weeks. Just had to call and ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although I agree with your reasoning, not many people can unlock devices through T-Mobile. I don't have their account and person I bought my device from is out of my reach. Phone is not blacklisted, it is fully paid and is bought on samsung.com. 3rd parties are my only choice, even TMO/T-Force representative directed me to them after refusing to help because I'm not their customer (and will never be).
I believe this is a permanent unlock, and it's better than nothing we used to have, but even if it's permanent, still, this is very, very expensive.
$126 for an unlock is just BS, especially when 99% of phones can be unlocked under $50
You can unlock 2 phones every 12 months at no charge directly from T-Mobile. If the carrier unlock app is not working, you probably bought the phone directly from Samsung like I did. Call T-Mobile, tell them you want to unlock because you're going out of the Country, they'll ask for the IMEI, submit unlock request to Samsung, retry the app in a week, done.
dylyxcore said:
You can unlock 2 phones every 12 months at no charge directly from T-Mobile. If the carrier unlock app is not working, you probably bought the phone directly from Samsung like I did. Call T-Mobile, tell them you want to unlock because you're going out of the Country, they'll ask for the IMEI, submit unlock request to Samsung, retry the app in a week, done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did they ask you for a tmobile account? I have tried calling them but once I let them know I don't have a tmobile account they stop helping me. they have asked for it every single time I try (5 now).
Simaldonado89 said:
did they ask you for a tmobile account? I have tried calling them but once I let them know I don't have a tmobile account they stop helping me. they have asked for it every single time I try (5 now).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think you need to be one of their customers, because when i talked to T-Force on FB, they ask me verify my phone number. well, I found one listing on ebay for $160. But might as well sell your phone. And get different carrier like ATT, the unlock process is much easier/cheaper.
baophucdinh31 said:
i think you need to be one of their customers, because when i talked to T-Force on FB, they ask me verify my phone number. well, I found one listing on ebay for $160. But might as well sell your phone. And get different carrier like ATT, the unlock process is much easier/cheaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct, the T-Force rep on twitter sent me a link to log into and verify my active account status on my.t-mobile.com.
Well...the Metro PCS unlock app services are falling in price so hopefully the T-mobile services will follow suit? Oh and I totally tried converting my T-mobile S8 to a Metroc PCS one but the Metro device unlock app could not connect to the server so sadly the T-mobile device unlock app on a T-mobile firmware is still the only option =(
beserker15 said:
Well...the Metro PCS unlock app services are falling in price so hopefully the T-mobile services will follow suit? Oh and I totally tried converting my T-mobile S8 to a Metroc PCS one but the Metro device unlock app could not connect to the server so sadly the T-mobile device unlock app on a T-mobile firmware is still the only option =(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont get it. Metro PCS and Tmobile is pretty much a same company. Yet, there is a huge price gap between them @@
Hi guys, anyone know of a good method to unlock a locked T-mobile Note 5 that was bought from e-Bay? I've been using t-mobile for years, but I don't know if the 40 days of use method will work since I didn't buy my previous/current Note 5 (unlocked) from t-mobile. My new Note 5 is factory locked, and I don't think the unlock code method some third party sellers sell will work with it.
Any info?
It doesnt matter if you bought the device from Tmo or not you may have to get service for at least 40 days. and after that last payment with 40 days in mind the unlocker app will work....I went thru that with the Lg v10 when it first came out and i got it from swappa. But i dont know off hand if things have changed or not since then but third party unlockers couldnt do it then. Thats one reason i quit buying devices from tmo and having to mess with that app but after 40 days made the payment on the 42nd day and the app worked fine.....
KennyLG123 said:
It doesnt matter if you bought the device from Tmo or not you may have to get service for at least 40 days. and after that last payment with 40 days in mind the unlocker app will work....I went thru that with the Lg v10 when it first came out and i got it from swappa. But i dont know off hand if things have changed or not since then but third party unlockers couldnt do it then. Thats one reason i quit buying devices from tmo and having to mess with that app but after 40 days made the payment on the 42nd day and the app worked fine.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. As far as I've read there used to be more options in the past:
-People would flash a MetroPCS Rom to their Note 5's in order to prompt to enter an unlocking code they would buy from a third party seller.
-People would unlock the phone through the T-mobile app regardless of where they bought the phone from, after a 40 day service under t-mobile, and have the phone fully paid if they bought it through t-mobile (used to be a whole year in the old old days). Also, some people reported being able to unlock after only 4 days of use under a t-mobile line, and requesting help from t-mobile. However IF the phone was stolen, or the previous owner had pending payments, the phone would get flagged by t-mobile, and other issues would appear to prevent you from unlocking, which is why it's risky to buy used phones off not so reputable sources like eBay.
- Some people or third party sellers would offer a server based unlock that was either free or paid by donation. I read that they needed root, but would use a "ping pong" type of temporary root that would not trip Knox, which sounds amazing, but I doubt people are still doing that since a lot of users ar moving on from the Note 5 by now.
thenetvines said:
Thanks for the info. As far as I've read there used to be more options in the past:
-People would flash a MetroPCS Rom to their Note 5's in order to prompt to enter an unlocking code they would buy from a third party seller.
-People would unlock the phone through the T-mobile app regardless of where they bought the phone from, after a 40 day service under t-mobile, and have the phone fully paid if they bought it through t-mobile (used to be a whole year in the old old days). Also, some people reported being able to unlock after only 4 days of use under a t-mobile line, and requesting help from t-mobile. However IF the phone was stolen, or the previous owner had pending payments, the phone would get flagged by t-mobile, and other issues would appear to prevent you from unlocking, which is why it's risky to buy used phones off not so reputable sources like eBay.
- Some people or third party sellers would offer a server based unlock that was either free or paid by donation. I read that they needed root, but would use a "ping pong" type of temporary root that would not trip Knox, which sounds amazing, but I doubt people are still doing that since a lot of users ar moving on from the Note 5 by now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasnt getting nowhere talking to tmo but went ahead and got the service with them just to unlock the device. But after that i started buying international devices, which was better since tmo is allowing bootloader lock and i prefer the exynos chips anyhow over snapdragon.
Hey, I was able to easily unlock my phone through T-mobile for free and really quick.
I bought a genuine T-mobile locked Note 5 from eBay, fearing it maybe a fake, since they still sell so many fake phones out there.
I tried the unlocking app on my SM-920T, and it said my device wasn't eligible. I called T-mobile, and a lady told me that she wouldn't know how to unlock my device past the unlocking app, so I asked her to transfer me to a tech guy, and she did.
The tech guy looked up my IMEI number, and realized it wasn't a stolen phone, or a used phone under someone's account left with a debt, so he said that was good so far, and he tried his first "unlock method" to no success... I don't know what that method was, but then he said he'd try a second method (probably server based), and he was successful. He told me to wait anywhere from 2 hours to 24 hours, and try the unlocking app.
I tried the unlocking app right away, and it worked. Overall, it took less than 5 minutes talking to T-mobile to unlock permanently.
I did this in Florida, US, with a refurbished phone that seems to be legit. I don't know how this method will vary under other circumstances.
thenetvines said:
Hey, I was able to easily unlock my phone through T-mobile for free and really quick.
I bought a genuine T-mobile locked Note 5 from eBay, fearing it maybe a fake, since they still sell so many fake phones out there.
I tried the unlocking app on my SM-920T, and it said my device wasn't eligible. I called T-mobile, and a lady told me that she wouldn't know how to unlock my device past the unlocking app, so I asked her to transfer me to a tech guy, and she did.
The tech guy looked up my IMEI number, and realized it wasn't a stolen phone, or a used phone under someone's account left with a debt, so he said that was good so far, and he tried his first "unlock method" to no success... I don't know what that method was, but then he said he'd try a second method (probably server based), and he was successful. He told me to wait anywhere from 2 hours to 24 hours, and try the unlocking app.
I tried the unlocking app right away, and it worked. Overall, it took less than 5 minutes talking to T-mobile to unlock permanently.
I did this in Florida, US, with a refurbished phone that seems to be legit. I don't know how this method will vary under other circumstances.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im glad you didnt go thru the crap most of us had to do with tmo unlock app...
KennyLG123 said:
Im glad you didnt go thru the crap most of us had to do with tmo unlock app...
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Click to collapse
Hey man, just to let you know, it is even EASIER to unlock phones through T-mobile now, and for free!!! All you have to do is leave a message about it on T-Mobile's Facebook support, and leave them your IMEI.
IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU'RE NOT USING THE PHONE ON T-MOBILE
NO CONTRACT OR DAYS OF USE WITH THEM REQUIRED
THEY USUALLY RESPOND IN MINUTES
NO CHARGE WHATSOEVER
IF YOU ARE IN THE US, EVEN THE SIM CARD ON TMOBILE SHOULD BE FREE IF YOU NEED IT, JUST DON'T GO TO A SHADY SMALL T-MOBILE SHOP OWNED BY A THIRD PARTY, GO TO THE BIG STORES.
Just curious if anyone can network my T-Mobile 4a 5g?
I haven't paid off my EIP but there was a fellow in the OnePlus 8 forum who unlocked my device.
Just curious if anyone can help it would be a huge favor?
Try asking tmobile, you might get lucky and have a person perform a permanent sim unlock for you.
NikoZBK said:
Try asking tmobile, you might get lucky and have a person perform a permanent sim unlock for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already had them unlock my OnePlus 8 and pixel 3a xl about three months apart before my EIP is up.
They said that there is a maximum of 2 device unlocks before the EIP is fully paid off.
Whether or not that's true is anyone's guess.
I used T-Mobile T-force support team on Facebook to have the others unlocked.
CaptainBrownTee said:
I already had them unlock my OnePlus 8 and pixel 3a xl about three months apart before my EIP is up.
They said that there is a maximum of 2 device unlocks before the EIP is fully paid off.
Whether or not that's true is anyone's guess.
I used T-Mobile T-force support team on Facebook to have the others unlocked.
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That's interesting, haven't heard of that before. I had success in the tmobile app and just told them I would like to root my phone to use my "tool" (viper4android/adaway) and that I have to switch between phones to have access to my tools.
How long have you been a customer? I just had mine unlocked through the chat feature in rhe tmobile app. However Ive been a customer for 14 years 7 of which have been post paid with EIP devices.
Back story...I purchased the device through EIP with Tmobile on Nov. 25th. I was aware of the carrier lock blocking OEM unlocking but tbh i forgot. So when I recieved the device last week i was more angry with myself for not choosing google store.
Anyway on to how i received my carrier unlock....
It took me 3-4hrs of back and forth with the chat rep. 1st rep told me policy says no.
me: "i am looking to unlock my Pixel 4a 5G device. I was under the impression that the device, like most ALL other Google devices, came with the ability to unlock the bootloader but, i am unable to perform the action without the device being SIM unlocked. I could lie and say Im planning a trip but im going to try and be honest and hopefully get this resolved without issue."
Rep 1: "Thank you for your patience, I checked and due to the balance on your device I see it only qualifies for a temp unlock. That will last 30 days. and due to fact the phone has not been in use for 40 days."
I had to become Karen at this point...
me: "So loyalty means nothing? i wouldnt have got the phone had i known i NEEDED to SIM unlock it to use it how i intended. in 14years of being a customer ive NEVER had to do that on ANY of the dozen devices ive purchased through tmobile. i would have purchased it through Google and been able to do everything i want and still be on the tmobile network. its deceptive."
rep 1: "Of course loyalty means alot, this is just our unlock policy."
me: "but the policy is for use of the device on another network. i dont want to use it on another network i dont even WANT the sim unlock its being forced on me by tmobile in order to be able to use the device in the way the device was marketed to developers. And policy says 40days so even if i paid it off or purchased in full tmobile is shipping devices sim locked, which is preventing me from bootloader unlocking, when i could have ordered from google and it would have been able to unlock the bootloader out of the box wether financed or paid in full. and policy is bs i know its a simple approval from a supervisor to move my imei from ineligible to eligible so its a human decision. these will be the LAST devices i ever purchase through tmobile. its outrageous that this is the first and only time ive experienced this."
This is when Rep 2 came in...
Rep 2: "Oh no! I am so sorry you are having an issue with unlocking that Pixel device. I know how important being able to do what you want with your phones is. Let's work together to make sure there isn't any options we missed on our side. I want to make sure you can feel confident purchasing and using those phones with us!"
Rep 2: "So I did reach out here to my support teams and they said with the low time frame of having the device and only one payment in there wouldn't be a way to override a full unlock. I did confirm that a temporary unlock can be done 5 times a year and you can get the bootloading done on a temporary unlock as well."
me: "thats disappointing. i could have purchased the device from google at a discount and been able to do everything i want out of the box but ive been a loyal tmobile customer so i went with you guys. Next time ill be purchasing directly from google. thank you though."
Rep 2: "I totally get that. When you are wanting to do things like bootloading that honestly would be my recommendation as it does give you way more freedom when you purchase a device that is directly unlocked. All of our devices are meant for our network so they all come locked until full paid and used a little bit at least. I appreciate you letting me try to help out best I could though. Was there anything else at all?"
Temporary unlock DOES NOT WORK!!!! for OEM unlocking MUST BE PERMANENT! I stated thos to the rep. Tried to make it seem like a user error...
Rep 2: "Gotcha! I did reach back out to them to see if they can provide any other insight. Did you go through the fastboot menu and everything after enabling developer mode?"
me: "i did it stated that OEM unlocking must be enabled but as u can see in settings it cant be enabled unless its sim unlocked and the temporary unlock didnt change that."
me: "i guess i just have to live with it. now i just know that whether i finance or pay in full NEVER buy a phone from T-Mobile"
HERES WHERE THINGS TURN AROUND
Rep 2: "Let me try something else here.,"
Rep 2: "Would you be able to make 2 additional monthly payments on the phone? If you could do that I could get the override for the permanent unlock."
I hadnt paid anything on the device at this point aside from taxes nd shipping....
me: "i would be able to that. so pay $42 today or would it be added to my bill next month?"
Rep 2: "Yes! If you go in there it will let you type in how much you want to pay. Just pay the $42."
$42 paid 2 minutes later....
Rep 2: "OK! Now try to go do the permanent unlock in the app. If it doesn't work restart your phone super quick."
SUCCESS!!!
me: "it worked!! thank you very much!"
Rep 2: "No problem! Had to go to bat for you with my supervisor, but you have been an amazing customer for over 7 years so we wanted to help. Was there anything else I might be able to do"
So, with ALL of that said....if you've been a good standing customer just try and use your merit to pursuade a rep. and if the first one denys you just threaten to leave. if the swcond rep denys you swear that you're leaving lol customer is always right. I still owe $457 on the device and i havent had it for just about 9 days lol don't let them tell you *policy says no" theres always wiggle room.
Edit: he stated 2 additional monthly payments however i had to go into my account and pay $42 off of the balance of my device so it didnt actually cost me anything more and my monthly payments are lower because of it.
It's a complete lottery, customer for 3 years and got an unlock hassle free first rep. Back with my 6T had no luck, spoke to many different reps until found the right one
i can network unlock any pixel with android 11. Pm and i will help
eugenodk said:
i can network unlock any pixel with android 11. Pm and i will help
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Does this offer still stand?
So for anyone who might end up in this thread looking for a way to sim unlock their T-Mobile Pixel 4a 5G.
I contacted T-Mobile Help through Twitter ( @TMobileHelp ) and they did a permanent unlock for me on a brand new Pixel 4a 5G.
They used to be called T-Force and are a much more helpful dept of customer service.
Anyway after following the Twitter account I started talking to one of their reps by Direct Message. I told them about my long account history and how I thought this phone wouldn't be locked. Since my phone was still in the return period the rep told me to wait until the return period was over and he'd get back to me.
Anyway he did get back as promised and now my phone is sim unlocked as of today.
So definitely try through T-Mobile Help on Twitter.
I just purchased a Samsung S21 Ultra AT&T version from samsung.com and paid the full payment. I requested to unlock my phone in att's website but my requested was denied because my service hasn't been active for at least 60 days.I do not have any payment installment and contract with AT&T since I paid the full price when I bought my phone. I tried to call ATT customer service 800-331-0500, but each time I said unlock phone to the phone robot, the call was disconnected and directed my to submit a unlock request online. I am current using Cricket Wireless, and the the sim card works on this ATT locked phone. I want to unlock it because I would like to flash the XAA firmware. Does anyone have experience to handle the unlock process with ATT? Thanks in advance.
Update on 3/16/2021:
I called ATT retention department and talked with 3 reps, but no one was able to solved the issue. Two rep said they were not able to unlocked a phone without 60 days ATT service or let me ask samsung to unlock the phone, and the third one directed me to fill the unlocking form in the https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/ again. This request was denied within one hour, claiming "Your IMEI number & device don't match". This reason is different with my first request. I am very confused with their unlocking system. After 24 hours (this afternoon), I submitted an online unlocking request again. Surprisingly, this request was approved within half an hour. This is a happy ending, but I hate this hassle progress.
Hope my experience can help someone else.
Call them again and ask to talk with the Customer Loyalty Dept aka Retainment Dept.
Escalate the case if needed.
If nice doesn't get it, hound them.
If bought with a Master Card you can file a claim for a refund (you need return the phone first).
Trust me if you're assertive with AT&T you'll get it done. Been there, done that... many times
blackhawk said:
Call them again and ask to talk with the Customer Loyalty Dept aka Retainment Dept.
Escalate the case if needed.
If nice doesn't get it, hound them.
If bought with a Master Card you can file a claim for a refund (you need return the phone first).
Trust me if you're assertive with AT&T you'll get it done. Been there, done that... many times
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Thanks for your suggestion. ATT sucks.
qoupan said:
Thanks for your suggestion. ATT sucks.
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You can play with them. The CEO gives their reps a lot of leeway to resolve problems.
You just need to leverage them a bit sometimes.
Consider it assertiveness training.
One way or another... get it done
Just a question, why get a carrier locked phone instead of an unlocked phone to begin with?
Sonin66 said:
Just a question, why get a carrier locked phone instead of an unlocked phone to begin with?
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The reason I bought a ATT locked phone it the 256gb black unlocked version is out of stock.
qoupan said:
The reason I bought a ATT locked phone it the 256gb black unlocked version is out of stock.
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At the worst you'll only need to wait 60 days to comply with the contract.
Speed is always expensive...
Sonin66 said:
Just a question, why get a carrier locked phone instead of an unlocked phone to begin with?
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It is not unusual for a Carrier to have this kind of policy - TMobile has a similar rule - I don't know about Verizon, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did too. Like someone said earlier, if the OP complains long enough, there is a very good chance he will get what he wants.
Geekser said:
It is not unusual for a Carrier to have this kind of policy - TMobile has a similar rule - I don't know about Verizon, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did too. Like someone said earlier, if the OP complains long enough, there is a very good chance he will get what he wants.
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I had AT&T unlock my S4+ as I was in compliance with the contract.
They are contractually bound by that agreement.
They are only obligated to fullfill the terms of that contract although they may choose to alter it on the OP's behalf.
One point to remember though is that they make most of their profit by providing cell service not the devices.
The OP should carefully check the buy out clause(s) in the contract as well as any state laws that apply ie contact the State Attorney General's office.
I found this thread when I did the research. It analyzed the potential reason why ATT's unlock system is problematic.
S21 AT&T variant purchased from Samsung.com IMEI not recognized in unlock portal | AT&T Community Forums
@ATTCARES Samsung CS confirms phone is an AT&T device per their IMEI portal. AT&T's unlock portal does not contain the IMEI so they have no ability to produce an unlock code. Device is acti...
forums.att.com
you do know that carrier unlock is not needed to flash the xaa firmware