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I just got off the phone with ATT and I got an unlock code over the phone within 2 minutes!!!
Simply call 1-(916)-843-4685 and do what it says and you will talk to a representative. Tell them you are going to England/France/Germany/etc this week and you bought a Tilt and your old phone died and that you have a European SIM with you that you use over there and you need it to work in the Tilt. I just did it and I now have an unlocked phone!
Also, for all of you naysayers, google that phone number and it will show up with the ATT International Support.
Enjoy!
staulkor said:
I just got off the phone with ATT and I got an unlock code over the phone within 2 minutes!!!
Simply call 1-(916)-843-4685 and do what it says and you will talk to a representative. Tell them you are going to England/France/Germany/etc this week and you bought a Tilt and your old phone died and that you have a European SIM with you that you use over there and you need it to work in the Tilt. I just did it and I now have an unlocked phone!
Also, for all of you naysayers, google that phone number and it will show up with the ATT International Support.
Enjoy!
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You have a SIM unlocked phone. This doesnt mean you can go dumping any ROM on it you want. But yes its a good idea
yeah, the technique works on ur convincing abilities though
@bratag: I'd say SIM unlocking is a much more desired issue as compared to cid unlocking, but then it might vary from person to person..
Quick... somebody try this with an iPhone!!.... *crickets chirping* anyone? *cricket* eh... *shrug* I love my Kaiser :-D
I posted this elsewhere and its documented by others all over.
SIM unlock is very easy. And legal. And actually done by AT&T.
Step 1: Call AT&T @ 1-(916)-843-4685, tell them you travel alot internationally. Ask them to to add the "International Dial" add on to your account (it costs like $6/month). (Note: the reason the number is not a 800 number is because it asumes you are calling from an int'l location, since its their int'l support line. 800 numbers don't work from an int'l location. You can even call the normal 800 # or even call 611 from your phone, and you can get routed to the int'l support line. I recommend you call from a separate line, so you can actually type in the unlock code when they give it to you to confirm it "takes" before you hang up. If you have another company SIM card, you can even test it with them on the phone)
Step 2: Tell them you also travel for extended periods of time and might need to use a local SIM in your phone. And you need an unlock code to do it. Since you have the international plan, they almost always will oblige. (if they don't, hang up, call back, get another rep, and ask again. They will eventually do it)
Step 3: They ask for your IMEI number. And they give you an unlock code.
Step 4: Say thanks to them
Step 5: Go online to your account manager, and remove the Int'l Plan on your features page to cancel it. You will only be charged a pro-rated amount for the feature.
Step 6: Enjoy your SIM unlocked phone.
Bratag said:
You have a SIM unlocked phone. This doesnt mean you can go dumping any ROM on it you want. But yes its a good idea
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Click to collapse
Well my phone is CID unlocked too, but thanks to Pof
ehhhh, slow it please:
what is the difference between SIM Unlock and CID Unlock?
Which is more permanent or more secure?
If I buy an unlocked Kaiser off this website, is it SIM unlocked or CID Unlocked?
thanks, MN
actually sometimes you dont even have to add international call...if you have been with ATT for a while (I'm going to assume 1 yr +) they will either give it to you over the phone, or email you it within a week if they dont have the code for your phone on hand (this is what happened with my 3125, which is still has no free SIM unlock) CID unlocking of course, is a completely different issue...
CID unlocking allows you to flash any carrier's ROM. SIM unlocking allows you to insert any carrier's SIM.
I dont have an ATT number. I just went into a store and bought the phone, and later that night called internation support and they gave me an unlock code, no questions asked (except for imei )
staulkor said:
I dont have an ATT number. I just went into a store and bought the phone, and later that night called internation support and they gave me an unlock code, no questions asked (except for imei )
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That surprises me - I've ALWAYS had to give my account information, so I'm leaning towards calling B.S. on your description of your experience, unless you told them a number of other things also....
FWIW, the 800# for International Services is: (800) 335-4685 though for exactly your point about dialing 800#s outside the US, most of us have the non 800 # in our phones: (916) 843-4685.
I've never had to add the $5.99/mo discounted international roaming, just make sure that the "normal" international roaming is enabled. (Of course they fvcked that up last time and took me 3 calls from Japan on VOIP to get it fixed.)
YMMV of course,
Richard
rsolomon said:
That surprises me - I've ALWAYS had to give my account information, so I'm leaning towards calling B.S. on your description of your experience, unless you told them a number of other things also....
FWIW, the 800# for International Services is: (800) 335-4685 though for exactly your point about dialing 800#s outside the US, most of us have the non 800 # in our phones: (916) 843-4685.
I've never had to add the $5.99/mo discounted international roaming, just make sure that the "normal" international roaming is enabled. (Of course they fvcked that up last time and took me 3 calls from Japan on VOIP to get it fixed.)
YMMV of course,
Richard
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Click to collapse
Wait AT&T charge for international roaming?
Good grief - what DONT they charge for.
I got my unlock code, but where can i find the instructions? anyone? thanks
Bratag said:
Wait AT&T charge for international roaming?
Good grief - what DONT they charge for.
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Click to collapse
Ha, well actually, of course they charge a huge amount per minute for calls when u are roaming intl'ly. But you can buy a monthly service that brings the cost down per minute. It goes from f'in ridiculous rates to just plain ridiculous per minute rates. But this add-on does make sense if you plan to go overseas for an extended trip. And since its an add-on you can add it / cancel it whenever you need/don't need it. An example of the rates: in some cases its like 2.29 per minute to call without the plan. But with the plan its only 1.99
But at 30 cents per minute, if you make more than 20 min of calls, then you've "saved" money. So, how I stumbled upon getting an unlock code was since I was going to be there for a month, I actually got a local SIM and tried to put it in the phone and they said I could, but they'd have to give me an unlock code, which they did.
You may call BS, but who cares. I did this and it worked. If you want to call BS on this, go ahead. I found this on Howard Forums and thought you guys might like to know. Others have got their unlock code directly from ATT by using this method.
staulkor said:
You may call BS, but who cares. I did this and it worked. If you want to call BS on this, go ahead. I found this on Howard Forums and thought you guys might like to know. Others have got their unlock code directly from ATT by using this method.
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Click to collapse
You are the first person I've heard of getting an AT&T unlock code without being an AT&T customer. Bravo for you if true. (Note that I didn't say the *method* was B.S. - in fact I affirmed it working for me as well! I said doing all that when you "dont have an ATT number" sounded like BS - because I've always been asked for my account information as soon as they answer the phone.)
Richard
Hi,
I'm new in this phoneworld. I wonder if it is possible to buy a AT&T tilt via ebay and nulock her in Belgium. Do you think it is possible?
Kind regards.
I have called twice now to get my SIM unlock code and both CSRs said that because I have had AT&T service for less than 90 days, they can't/won't do it. They say I have to have at least 3 months service. Will try a couple more times but doesn't look good.
bernard.schockaert said:
I'm new in this phoneworld. I wonder if it is possible to buy a AT&T tilt via ebay and nulock her in Belgium. Do you think it is possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'm not aware of any verified-working Kaiser unlocking services right now, so I'd say no - not unless the person you buy it from has already had AT&T unlock it.
Richard
YMMV
rsolomon said:
You are the first person I've heard of getting an AT&T unlock code without being an AT&T customer. Bravo for you if true. (Note that I didn't say the *method* was B.S. - in fact I affirmed it working for me as well! I said doing all that when you "dont have an ATT number" sounded like BS - because I've always been asked for my account information as soon as they answer the phone.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I got a Tilt on Friday and called this morning to get it unlocked. For grins I bought a brand new $20 GoPhone w/activation kit, activated it, and used that phone # at an Agent store to buy the Tilt no-contract ($530 ugh). Then I called the International Services folks and gave them the GoPhone # and my new Tilt IMEI. I expected a big spiel about the length of time I'd been a customer (as T-mo did to me on a prepaid unlock), a refusal to unlock phones on prepaid (as I'd previously heard from Cingular), or some other such nonsense - at which time I planned to call right back on my loooong-term account and get an unlock code.
Note that the first thing the agent asked was "Mobile number and last 4 digits of SSN". I gave him the prepaid phone # (active for <1wk) and my correct last 4 digits of SSN. He seemed to have trouble getting that combination to take, so I mentioned "This is prepaid, so I didn't think there was a SSN on it...."
To my unending shock, the guy on the other end of the phone then said "Ok, I've got an unlock code for you. Ready?" and read me out the code for my phone. Popped in an old Tesco SIM I had kicking around, entered the code, and wham! Unlocked Tilt.
So there's either some serious YMMV going on at International Services or AT&T has thrown in the towel on unlocking!
YMMV of course
Richard
Hey guys, been doing some digging and haven't found anything conclusive so I was wondering if you all could help me out. I would like to buy a Note 4 if and only if a few certain conditions are met and I'm trying to figure out how to accomplish that.
1) I'm really loving how far Samsung has come with toning down TouchWiz, but I still would want root to remove bloatware, install some xposed modules, etc. So far the AT&T variant has no root capability.
2) Having an unlocked bootloader is not a must, but it is a plus. I actually don't want to give up some of the OEM Note features.
3) I have absolutely zero T-Mobile service where I live, so AT&T or their MVNOs are really my only option for a GSM phone
4) 4G LTE is a must
so-
I was wondering if it would be possible to buy a Note 4 from T-Mobile outright (online preferably), get it carrier unlocked and bring it over to an AT&T MVNO?
I don't see anything listing the difference in bands between the AT&T and T-Mobile variant and I don't see any requirements about needed to stay on a T-Mobile plan for a certain amount of time before unlocking, just that the phone has to be completely paid for. Also I can't seem to find the full price for a T-Mobile Note 4.
Any help is much appreciated! Thanks!
Edit: Sorry I posted this to the wrong forum! Trying to find a way to move/delete it!
unpocolobo said:
Hey guys, been doing some digging and haven't found anything conclusive so I was wondering if you all could help me out. I would like to buy a Note 4 if and only if a few certain conditions are met and I'm trying to figure out how to accomplish that.
1) I'm really loving how far Samsung has come with toning down TouchWiz, but I still would want root to remove bloatware, install some xposed modules, etc. So far the AT&T variant has no root capability.
2) Having an unlocked bootloader is not a must, but it is a plus. I actually don't want to give up some of the OEM Note features.
3) I have absolutely zero T-Mobile service where I live, so AT&T or their MVNOs are really my only option for a GSM phone
4) 4G LTE is a must
so-
I was wondering if it would be possible to buy a Note 4 from T-Mobile outright (online preferably), get it carrier unlocked and bring it over to an AT&T MVNO?
I don't see anything listing the difference in bands between the AT&T and T-Mobile variant and I don't see any requirements about needed to stay on a T-Mobile plan for a certain amount of time before unlocking, just that the phone has to be completely paid for. Also I can't seem to find the full price for a T-Mobile Note 4.
Any help is much appreciated! Thanks!
Edit: Sorry I posted this to the wrong forum! Trying to find a way to move/delete it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the full price is $760.
T-Mobile will only provide the unlock after 2 months consecutive service, so you'll need/want to pay for an online unlock service if you want the code immediately....be sure to make a 5 minute or more call with a t-mobile sim (try to borrow a friends or co-worker) before requesting the unlock code from an online unlock service. That is necessary due to Samsung's region lock, the phone needs to "authenticate" that it is being activated in the correct market....you can google and get a clearer meaning of what I'm talking about.
http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588
http://www.androidauthority.com/galaxy-s5-region-lock-367402/
louforgiveno said:
I believe the full price is $760.
T-Mobile will only provide the unlock after 2 months consecutive service, so you'll need/want to pay for an online unlock service if you want the code immediately....be sure to make a 5 minute or more call with a t-mobile sim (try to borrow a friends or co-worker) before requesting the unlock code from an online unlock service. That is necessary due to Samsung's region lock, the phone needs to "authenticate" that it is being activated in the correct market....you can google and get a clearer meaning of what I'm talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the help!
Hmm it looks like the region "authentication" may be a bit of an issue as I know no one with a T-Mobile sim. Again, I live far away from any T-Mobile service but I am planning a trip to an area they service next month. But even if I was to find a friend with T-Mobile I know nothing about online unlock services. I'm guessing you give them your IMEI number and pay a fee and they give you an available code. Now by the look of the websites I'm seeing, this looks to be a little shady (which I could be ok with) but I don't seem to see any indications of what kind of prices I'd be looking at.
Would you happen to recommend a website in particular or know of the cost? Or is this something XDA doesn't want people posting about? Forgive me if what I'm asking is not allowed.
so get sim for $10 and buy $2 a day prepaid plan.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Free mobile app
unpocolobo said:
Thank you for the help!
Hmm it looks like the region "authentication" may be a bit of an issue as I know no one with a T-Mobile sim. Again, I live far away from any T-Mobile service but I am planning a trip to an area they service next month. But even if I was to find a friend with T-Mobile I know nothing about online unlock services. I'm guessing you give them your IMEI number and pay a fee and they give you an available code. Now by the look of the websites I'm seeing, this looks to be a little shady (which I could be ok with) but I don't seem to see any indications of what kind of prices I'd be looking at.
Would you happen to recommend a website in particular or know of the cost? Or is this something XDA doesn't want people posting about? Forgive me if what I'm asking is not allowed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used cellunlocker.net to unlock 2 S5's, I think they state it takes up to 12 hours or something, but they had my code in about 22 minutes. I have no experience with other unlock services but there are some that sound horrible, I recommend cellunlocker personally.
I think I paid about $34.99 per device, everything worked without a hitch
louforgiveno said:
I used cellunlocker.net to unlock 2 S5's, I think they state it takes up to 12 hours or something, but they had my code in about 22 minutes. I have no experience with other unlock services but there are some that sound horrible, I recommend cellunlocker personally.
I think I paid about $34.99 per device, everything worked without a hitch
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Click to collapse
What this guy said. You don't need to do two months of service. cellunlocker.net is where you want to go.
Is there a risk of T-Mobile blacklisting your handset if you unlock via a third-party or is that FUD? I just picked up my Note 4 today, I haven't activated service yet. I haven't even popped the SIM in. What would they do if I never did? I just want to pay for it and go back to dirt-cheap prepaid.
jesstech said:
Isn't there a risk of T-Mobile blacklisting your handset if you third-party unlock? I just picked up my Note 4 today, I haven't activated service yet. I haven't even popped the SIM in. What would they do if I never did? I just want to pay for it and go back to dirt-cheap prepaid.
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Click to collapse
I have never heard of such a thing.
@unpocolobo Im an AT&T costumer for my Note 4 on 2 year contract which came out 100$ sold it same day for $700 and got a friend to buy me T-mobile one for $750 plus tax so about $800 so personally i spent $200 on phone and then got unlock code from http://www.cellunlocker.net/ only $30 came in under 20 mins. Also i never used the T-mobile sim on my phone so im guessing there is no region lock on them
Correct me if I'm wrong, but TM uses 1700MHz whereas AT&T uses 1900MHz?
At any rate, I hope it all works out....you'll love the N4. :good:
iunlock said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but TM uses 1700MHz whereas AT&T uses 1900MHz?
At any rate, I hope it all works out....you'll love the N4. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-mobile uses 1700MHz and 2100 MHz
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
charmartist said:
T-mobile uses 1700MHz and 2100 MHz
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't seem to find anything that lists the official supported bands of the N910T and whether or not it's different than the N910A (AT&T)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/using-t-mobile-version-att-t2905139
iunlock said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but TM uses 1700MHz whereas AT&T uses 1900MHz?
At any rate, I hope it all works out....you'll love the N4. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a T-mobile Note that is unlocked and I have my AT&T sim card inserted. LTE, 4G, 3G, and 2G all work fine
unpocolobo said:
I can't seem to find anything that lists the official supported bands of the N910T and whether or not it's different than the N910A (AT&T)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tmobile note 4 works fine on att and att mvnos.
unpocolobo said:
Hey guys, been doing some digging and haven't found anything conclusive so I was wondering if you all could help me out. I would like to buy a Note 4 if and only if a few certain conditions are met and I'm trying to figure out how to accomplish that.
1) I'm really loving how far Samsung has come with toning down TouchWiz, but I still would want root to remove bloatware, install some xposed modules, etc. So far the AT&T variant has no root capability.
2) Having an unlocked bootloader is not a must, but it is a plus. I actually don't want to give up some of the OEM Note features.
3) I have absolutely zero T-Mobile service where I live, so AT&T or their MVNOs are really my only option for a GSM phone
4) 4G LTE is a must
so-
I was wondering if it would be possible to buy a Note 4 from T-Mobile outright (online preferably), get it carrier unlocked and bring it over to an AT&T MVNO?
I don't see anything listing the difference in bands between the AT&T and T-Mobile variant and I don't see any requirements about needed to stay on a T-Mobile plan for a certain amount of time before unlocking, just that the phone has to be completely paid for. Also I can't seem to find the full price for a T-Mobile Note 4.
Any help is much appreciated! Thanks!
Edit: Sorry I posted this to the wrong forum! Trying to find a way to move/delete it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought it was 45 days before u can get unlock code. If u own it why don't u call to bike and request it. They will email u the code within 24 hrs
---------- Post added at 06:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:19 AM ----------
jesstech said:
Is there a risk of T-Mobile blacklisting your handset if you unlock via a third-party or is that FUD? I just picked up my Note 4 today, I haven't activated service yet. I haven't even popped the SIM in. What would they do if I never did? I just want to pay for it and go back to dirt-cheap prepaid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They won't blacklist it if u paid it off. They have no reason to
T-Mobile will not blacklist fully paid devices, unless it's reported stolen of course.
Hey Everyone,
I need assistance with unlocking my smartphone; it's an AT&T Samsung Galaxy S5 GM-900A. I did a little research on the internet and it's my understanding that unlocking a Samsung smartphone linked with AT&T is a bit more difficult than it already is with other companies. I also saw a lot of sites that offer "unlocking" services for a certain price. Before I decide to do that, I wanted to know if there were any others options or which site is most reliable. From what I've seen and read, it seems that this forum is the best option for seeing if this is possible. Appreciate any assistance you guys can offer.
I am not familiar with unlock sites but have heard mixed reviews on them. Those sites can only unlock the sim card, not the boot loader. Just thought I would put that out there since you didn't specify what kind if unlock you were looking for. I recently submitted a sim unlock through AT&T for my s5 since I am out of contract.
johnkirchner said:
I am not familiar with unlock sites but have heard mixed reviews on them. Those sites can only unlock the sim card, not the boot loader. Just thought I would put that out there since you didn't specify what kind if unlock you were looking for. I recently submitted a sim unlock through AT&T for my s5 since I am out of contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, mine is still under contract but I would like to unlock my smartphone so it can be used with another carrier. This is the type of unlock service those sites are saying they can provide, right? I've also read and heard mixed reviews on the internet, which is why I came here in hopes that I can get additional info on this. Thanks for your prompt response.
Just use att they will unlock your sim
Andrew K. Sterling said:
Unfortunately, these services can't unlock the bootloader, as far as I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the difference between that and sim unlocking? Any disadvantages on just having the sim unlocked and not the bootloader?
Andrew K. Sterling said:
I've unlocked several Samsungs using www unlockunit com and the service was always excellent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I checked it out and it doesn't seem to support "Galaxy S5 SM G900A"; the only thing close to that is "Galaxy S5 SM G900F". Appreciate it if you can suggest another site.
miko85 said:
Just use att they will unlock your sim
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Click to collapse
I'm unable to do so because the smartphone is still under contract.
Call ATT. New laws made all carriers be (generally) required to unlock their SIMS not bootloaders under some conditions. see link https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/cell-phone-unlocking-faqs
If u are under contract they will make u pay but u then meanwhile u can use another carrier. Here is a link to an unlock service. https://www.doctorsim.com/us-en/unlock-phone/samsung/
Good Luck!
kwmike said:
Call ATT. New laws made all carriers be (generally) required to unlock their SIMS not bootloaders under some conditions. see link...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link; I looked over the fine print and unfortunately, I don't fall under those conditions as I am under contract and unable to pay in order to get out of it. :/
kwmike said:
Here is a link to an unlock service. https://www.doctorsim.com/us-en/unlock-phone/samsung/
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will look into it. What's the difference between unlocking bootloaders and sim unlocking? Any disadvantages on just having the sim unlocked and not the bootloader?
gringolimon said:
Thanks for the link; I looked over the fine print and unfortunately, I don't fall under those conditions as I am under contract and unable to pay in order to get out of it. :/
Thanks, I will look into it. What's the difference between unlocking bootloaders and sim unlocking? Any disadvantages on just having the sim unlocked and not the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They serve entirely different purposes. Sim chooses carrier (ATT,etc). Bootloader chooses what will be started when phone is booted ie system(rom), recovery(TWRP etc), bootloader itself. Bootloader unlock means changes can be made to what will start under different boot requests. No disadvantages to just unlocking sim, often used for foreign travel where your regular sim will not connect. Many times carrier will unlock SIM LATE in contract for foreign travel reasons.
You can try using www.unlockradar.com if you want to unlock your S5. I have a cell phone repair store and I've been using them for a few months and never had any problem. Their customer support is very responsive. https://www.unlockradar.com/unlock-samsung/galaxy-s5-sm-g900a
gringolimon said:
Thanks for the link; I looked over the fine print and unfortunately, I don't fall under those conditions as I am under contract and unable to pay in order to get out of it. :/
Thanks, I will look into it. What's the difference between unlocking bootloaders and sim unlocking? Any disadvantages on just having the sim unlocked and not the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you under contract via a next plan thru at&t? If you are planning to unlock to switch carriers I imagine you want to end service with at&t. If so they will want you to pay for the phone in full or return the phone. If you don't pay & keep the phone I'm pretty sure they blackball the imei so it can't be used by any carrier. So what's your end goal here?
joshua14 said:
Are you under contract via a next plan thru at&t? If you are planning to unlock to switch carriers I imagine you want to end service with at&t. If so they will want you to pay for the phone in full or return the phone. If you don't pay & keep the phone I'm pretty sure they blackball the imei so it can't be used by any carrier. So what's your end goal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm under a contract that has been suspended and told them that I am currently not able to pay but also am not able to get another phone due to financial reasons. They said they understood my situation but cannot unlock my phone due to the contract and that once I am able to pay, they will provide me the unlock code if I still want it or wish to continue using their services. I guess what my end goal is to not have to pay for another phone when I'll only use it for medical reasons and once I am financially stable, I can go ahead and pay and probably continue with AT&T. I see your point and understand the predicament I have. I'll just have to wait and see. . .
vlase_2 said:
You can try using www unlockradar com if you want to unlock your S5. I have a cell phone repair store and I've been using them for a few months and never had any problem. Their customer support is very responsive. www unlockradar com/unlock-samsung/galaxy-s5-sm-g900a[/url]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll check it out.
gringolimon said:
Yes, I'm under a contract that has been suspended and told them that I am currently not able to pay but also am not able to get another phone due to financial reasons. They said they understood my situation but cannot unlock my phone due to the contract and that once I am able to pay, they will provide me the unlock code if I still want it or wish to continue using their services. I guess what my end goal is to not have to pay for another phone when I'll only use it for medical reasons and once I am financially stable, I can go ahead and pay and probably continue with AT&T. I see your point and understand the predicament I have. I'll just have to wait and see. . .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I just am trying to see if you'll end up paying to get it unlocked then have at&t block the phone from being used. Good luck.
~TMS5-3.0-TMBUILD on G900A with Blue Ice Theme
I used www.unlockradar.com
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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Thanks, I will try that
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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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 =(
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I dont get it. Metro PCS and Tmobile is pretty much a same company. Yet, there is a huge price gap between them @@