Related
Having been an AT&T customer for over 10 years now, I wanted to take my recently purchased Galaxy Note 3 on a trip to Europe, therefore, I wanted to unlock it. I called AT&T and was told (basically) that my phone can't be unlocked except after the 2 year contract period expires. Oh yeah! Forget AT&T...I'm on my own. Anyone have ideas on how to do an unlock on an AT&T Note 3 reliably?
You can try region lock away by chainfire. You have to be rooted for it to work. Good luck.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
I agree with the OP. I do not believe that carriers should have any influence or say so when it comes to phones. Why do they need to control them? Like with updates for example. What a nightmare. Why does phone phone have to be locked to them. I'm paying them for service only. UGH.
Chainfire's unlock works on M19 build and baseband. If you are on MJ5, you need to restore with a M19 build / MJ5 baseband and then root, then apply the unlock.
If you don't want to root, the only option is to purchase unlock code.
MattMJB0188 said:
I agree with the OP. I do not believe that carriers should have any influence or say so when it comes to phones. Why do they need to control them? Like with updates for example. What a nightmare. Why does phone phone have to be locked to them. I'm paying them for service only. UGH.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your not paying just for just service. When you get the phone on 2 year plan every month you paying a payment on that phone every month. That's why your bill so high. People don't realize it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
If you don't want to have to worry about any of that then buy the phone out right and don't do a 2 year contract it like buy a car on credit you don't fully own it till you pay it off. On top of that if you don't like waiting for updates and stuff buy an unlocked Un carrier branded phone and get the update when they come out.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
Maybe try this path?
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/client/en_US/?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
I unlocked mine via a website. Cost me $30 but worked just fine. I am in the UK right now and using my note 3 with a pay as you go sim. I tried the region lock away here on xda but the sim was still locked.
Like you I was so mad when AT&T told me they no longer provide unlock codes. Once my contract expires I am done with them.
Hope this helps. Cheers.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
Just pay one of the many websites out there $30ish to get an unlock code based on the IMEI number. I did it with my AT&T N3 within a week of buying it and it works great Internationally.
I understand it costs money and people assume it should be free but it's a minimal amount of money not to have to deal with AT&T's bone head customer service.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
All carriers are like this from my experience. Keeping the phone locked is the only form of inconvenience they can put on people who do not want to honor their contracts and steal the phone. I called AT&T 2 months after I got my Note 3 on contract to unlock and they told me the buy-out price was 198.00.
If I buy the AT&T S5 for full price on att.com, will it come unlocked?
Mysteriouskk said:
If I buy the AT&T S5 for full price on att.com, will it come unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. But getting the device unlocked by them won't be a problem.
Sim unlocked or Bootloader unlocked, bl will likely never be unlocked in the near future, sim unlocked u can usually call ATT if not there are unlocking services.
Mysteriouskk said:
If I buy the AT&T S5 for full price on att.com, will it come unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go here to unlock:
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/client/en_US/?
co.ag.2005 said:
go here to unlock:
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/client/en_US/?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any links for non att users without their service.
charlieb620 said:
Any links for non att users without their service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not that I know of. it seems to me that any unlocking service outside of the carriers is quite pricey and takes a while. but I could be wrong.
I don't know what their current Sim unlock policy is. But I remember to receive a unlock code you must be with AT&T for 90 days first. But they could of had changed that. If you pay full retail it won't be unlock. You just won't be on a contract. Meaning you could cancel their service at any time.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
YoungAceAtlanta said:
I don't know what their current Sim unlock policy is. But I remember to receive a unlock code you must be with AT&T for 90 days first. But they could of had changed that. If you pay full retail it won't be unlock. You just won't be on a contract. Meaning you could cancel their service at any time.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I currently have been with AT&T using a iphone for move than 2 years. Should I be able to get it unlocked day 1?
Mysteriouskk said:
I currently have been with AT&T using a iphone for move than 2 years. Should I be able to get it unlocked day 1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you should. Just call them and see what's up
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Hey there, do you hear fantastic news that unlocking services cut down price ranges for AT&T iPhone unlock?
The President of USA has signed the law enabling third-party companies to unlock locked mobile phone handset in U . s .. Another good information is that prices reduce and the cheapest unlock certainly is the unlock for AT&T iPhone. You can now unlock clean and out of contract AT&T iPhone 4, 4S for $15 only! This is certainly impressive because only one week ago the fee was $10 larger.
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
So pretty sure I'm a victim of just being dumb. On Craigslist, yup Craigslist, a guy was looking to trade a Note 5 (t-mobile) for a iPad Air 2. I have an extra iPad laying around that I won so was I was interested in the trade. I had done something similar with the s6 Edge. I have AT&T but want it rooted so I know the only option is t-mobile. I didn't even think, but I get home but the Note is still being financed so I'm pretty sure it's not eligible to be unlocked. I haven't called t-mobile yet, but I don't think that's gonna matter. I'm kinda screwed
Pretty sure I have an awesome iPod touch. I sent for one of those unlock code things but from what I've read that's just not gonna work. The guy was really cool, he needed to go back to an iPhone for work. I haven't tried contacting him. I obviously can but I doubt that'll go over well. Any suggestions? At the end of the day I swapped a free iPad for an awesome Note 5, but just sucks that I don't think I'll be able to use it.
Thanks
BTW it's not blacklisted, just financed. I know I could use it on T-Mobile, but I don't have the service.
What is your question? Unlock it at www.cellunlocker.net
Sent from my Gorgeous Note5
Untill its blacklisted it should still work. T mobile wont unlock it themselves till its paid off im sure but if the guy u got it from has had the service for a while he may have every intention of continuing his account and paying the bill every month. I would have passed on it myself in your situation unless it was already unlocked. Try a cheap service and get a unlock code. If it doesnt work then contact the guy back and let him know what the deal is. 50/50 chance if u contact him quick he will be cool about it.
Sent from my SM-N920P using XDA Free mobile app
The fact that its financed is not really your problem as the account holder is paying the bill. There is no reason why you can't unlock. I also use cellunlocker.net every time i need to unlock a phone
polish_pat said:
The fact that its financed is not really your problem as the account holder is paying the bill. There is no reason why you can't unlock. I also use cellunlocker.net every time i need to unlock a phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thanks guys... How long does the unlock usually take.. I used the "unlockingcompany" and its been almost two full day. Just curious.
Thanks
Cellunlocker.net usually sends the code between 3-6 hours. Although on the 10 or so codes I ordered, one or two took about 24 hours
Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk
Okay. I just I'll give this site a few more hours then if not I'll try your suggestion
Also if you film the unlock process and post it on YouTube you might get between 50% and 100% discount. Here is a vid i made just a few days ago
https://youtu.be/cPCFa8z-Drg
Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk
Beware of cellunlocker.net they have poor customer service and fight you hard if you need a refund. I would verify from them that they can unlock a Tmobile Note 5 b4 you pay them a dime. With tmobiles new unlock app codes don't work anymore.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
verks said:
Beware of cellunlocker.net they have poor customer service and fight you hard if you need a refund. I would verify from them that they can unlock a Tmobile Note 5 b4 you pay them a dime. With tmobiles new unlock app codes don't work anymore.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't actually try cellunlocker.net yet, however on their site it says my IMEI is unlockable and gives it the ol' green check mark. Again still waiting if "theunlockingcompany" is gonna come through before I try anything else.
verks said:
Beware of cellunlocker.net they have poor customer service and fight you hard if you need a refund. I would verify from them that they can unlock a Tmobile Note 5 b4 you pay them a dime. With tmobiles new unlock app codes don't work anymore.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats BS. Cellunlocker have great customer service. I've been dealing with them for almost 10 years, 2-3 times a year and always had the code withing 3-6 hours with 1 exception...even on weekends and holidays they deliver. What company refunds you at least 50% of your cost just by posting a video of the process? The only reason you would ask for a refund is if you've provided them with the wrong IMEI. It happened to me once, and their terms of service clearly state that no refund will be issued if its a user mistake. Which is totally understandable because they provided me with the service, why should they pay? I had one issue with the correct IMEI being sent but process froze my phone. I called them and were able to provide me with unfreeze code over the phone and help me through the process. Their codes are also some of the cheapest on the market.
It's not because you had a bad experience that they have bad customer service. I'm sure you haven't told us the entire story either.
T-Mobile uses a Device Unlock app on it's Note5 devices; traditional sim unlocking will not work. T-Mobile does something on their end to process the unlock without entering a SIM unlock code. here's a link to an S6 thread where the OP implies he can SIM unlock your S6/Note5 device if your phone is rooted. had i known of this, i would have tried it myself. fortunately, T-Mobile granted me a permanent unlock because i paid full price for my phone. Good luck.
I have a brand new G6 in the box I want to give to my friend but T-Mobile says I need to put it on their network for a few months before they will unlock it. Pretty BS about it since I bought it outright and never once had a plan on it. I want to give it as new and don't want to open it. Saw some sketchy sites online and other posts here seem to be for different types of unlocks. He has ATT and just wants to use it there. Am I screwed?
Mine came with an app pre-installed that would permanently sim unlock it.
joedeuce said:
Mine came with an app pre-installed that would permanently sim unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah they call come preloaded but apparently it won't work and you won't get the code unless its on the network and T-Mobile allows it from their end.
mdl054 said:
Yeah they call come preloaded but apparently it won't work and you won't get the code unless its on the network and T-Mobile allows it from their end.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you on TMO? If so, swap your sim card into it. Call them (611) and tell them the imei you want to unlock then run the app.
I just did that a few days ago. Also the handset must be paid off completely first.
Sent from my LG-H872 using XDA Labs
brossovitch said:
Are you on TMO? If so, swap your sim card into it. Call them (611) and tell them the imei you want to unlock then run the app.
I just did that a few days ago. Also the handset must be paid off completely first.
Sent from my LG-H872 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on TMO and I would just do that but they told me I had to wait 40 days. Is this not accurate? I'm afraid of opening the box only for it to not work and I can't sell it as brand new in box anymore. Or is that all bs and it will just work immediately? I bought the phone outright in April.
mdl054 said:
I am on TMO and I would just do that but they told me I had to wait 40 days. Is this not accurate? I'm afraid of opening the box only for it to not work and I can't sell it as brand new in box anymore. Or is that all bs and it will just work immediately? I bought the phone outright in April.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They specifically told me they will unlock a phone immediately upon payment of its balance.
I dunno. I think policy is 40 days. But my customer service location is really good and rated #1 in the country. Otherwise I don't know. You should be able to get it unlocked, especially since you're a customer. Id even try yo use TForce. They're pretty awesome too
Sent from my LG-H872 using XDA Labs
I got a used LG G6 from ebay and Tmo rep said that the balance is not paid off so i can't unlock it. Should i use 3rd party to unlock it? I am seeing some places charge $100+ to unlock. It's not like the phone is stolen or anything. Should I just return the phone?
Jeremy
DeathBlimp said:
I got a used LG G6 from ebay and Tmo rep said that the balance is not paid off so i can't unlock it. Should i use 3rd party to unlock it? I am seeing some places charge $100+ to unlock. It's not like the phone is stolen or anything. Should I just return the phone?
Jeremy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would return it. It is rather unscrupulous of the buyer to sell you a phone that has not been paid off.
And eventually, if it is not paid off it will be black listed and locked out of TMO network based on IMEI
Sent from my LG-H872 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
The 40 days is policy that the phone needs to be actually activated and working for the 40 day counter to start. They do not have to be 40 consecutive days, but 40 days of being alive, working and connected. The Op said that the phone was paid off, so that shouldn't be an issue for the op. Just the 40 day counter.
No need for 60 days continuous use on T-Mobile network. Insert valid T-Mobile sim card to register the handset at least once on their network. You can then take the sim card out (use with any T-Mobile MVNO or don't use it at all - your choice). After 60 days have passed, insert valid T-Mobile sim card again and use the unlock app to permanently unlock your handset. I've done that with my handset and it got permanently unlocked.
Hi there,
I've managed to unlock a T-Mobile G6 a few days ago, using a third party service. Specifically, here: https://www.unlockscope.com/unlock-lg-g6-032413
It was pricier than I was expecting, but anyway, it worked and now it's on AT&T.
androm3da said:
No need for 60 days continuous use on T-Mobile network. Insert valid T-Mobile sim card to register the handset at least once on their network. You can then take the sim card out (use with any T-Mobile MVNO or don't use it at all - your choice). After 60 days have passed, insert valid T-Mobile sim card again and use the unlock app to permanently unlock your handset. I've done that with my handset and it got permanently unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if the same SIM needs to be used after the 60 days (T-Mobile quotes 40 days), or can a different SIM be used? I ask because I purchased a T-Mobile locked phone from someone who had it activated after purchase but apparently not for long enough as I can't get it unlocked in the unlock app even though it's now been long enough. I didn't encourage the seller to put his SIM back in the phone at time of purchase and I don't have easy contact with him anymore. I do however know someone else with a T-Mobile plan but I don't want to try using a different SIM if that might screw with the day count. Might you have any insight?
I used a different T-Mobile sim from the one I initially inserted to register on their network.
It could officially be 40 days even though I waited 60 days instead. Was in no rush to unlock.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 12:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:56 AM ----------
Also you have to meet certain terms and condition before you can unlock the handset. I.e. you can only unlock 2 devices per calendar year. The handset should be paid in full etc. There are some other requirements I don't recall exactly please look it up.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
androm3da said:
I used a different T-Mobile sim from the one I initially inserted to register on their network.
It could officially be 40 days even though I waited 60 days instead. Was in no rush to unlock.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 12:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:56 AM ----------
Also you have to meet certain terms and condition before you can unlock the handset. I.e. you can only unlock 2 devices per calendar year. The handset should be paid in full etc. There are some other requirements I don't recall exactly please look it up.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info! One last question since I have to meet up with someone to get do it. Is it something that should work right after putting the SIM in or does it have to be in the phone awhile? All other conditions have been met as far as I'm aware so if what you're saying still works, it should do the trick.