Develop Bugs

IMEI and contracts

I have an O2 orbit.
I paid through the nose for it (on ebaY) and I'm getting a lot of hassle (its certainly stolen or contract blocked).
Is there any way to change the IMEI number so that I can use it again, using a different network sim? Or an unblock facility?
Also I dont know about this but as its a multi-use phone, could you still use the phone as a non-cell PDA once its blocked from the network? I know that some phones are completely dead once barred but then their only use is for a phone anyway. Is it the same for PDA phones? Like having it on flight mode? Or does it brick up as well?
Thanks.
edit: BTW Is there any way to check an IMEI number remotely to see if its blacklisted before buying on ebay?

deaddavey1 said:
Is there any way to change the IMEI number so that when I report the phone lost (Its insured of course), I can still use that phone as a backup later using a different network sim? Or an unblock facility?
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Click to collapse
Are you trying to cheat the insurance? If the phone is to be 'broken', how do you reckon it will work on a different network sim?
Anyway, changing IMEI is possible but illegal, and theoritically, it can be traced if not done carefully. Search for the IMEI il-legal statement by VJ in this forum.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=276851&highlight=IMEI
Anyway, the PDA feature will still work as long as you don't stick in a SIM.

DeadDavy, whilst I realise your frustration what you are talking about is both insurance fraud and it is illegal to change the IMEI.
This is an open forum and not for that kind of talk. Please don't post anything more on the subject as it could bring this forum into disrepute.

i read that post and understand its illegal. But so is selling dodgy phones. I only want to change it to one of my old buggered phones imei's.
I alternatively could claim it lost soon on my insurance. Thats illegal as well. But with my first choice no one loses out. I just paid a lot of money for a paperweight.

ok thanks. no more posts on subject.

deaddavey1 said:
ok thanks. no more posts on subject.
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I presume you have exhausted all the "normal "channels to get your money back, e.g raised a dispute with eBay? Or did the scally close their account?
Edit:- just found this
http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/A-database-of-stolen-mobile-phones-CheckMEND_W0QQugidZ10000000004188075
Dunno how effective it is though.

[Q] How does one come up with an unlock code for any carrier based on the imei??

Hi all,
I am well aware that this has been asked before, let me start off. I'm also aware that this hasn't been answered yet. I am trying to unlock 2 slides for use on any network but they are not activated so I cannot just call t-mobile for the unlock codes. I would rather not have to pay some website for something that may or may not be successful also, so I am reaching out to the brightest people I know over at XDA because hey, if anyone knows its you guys...
I guess the question is How do these sites, t-mobile, or anyone else for that matter calculate or "come up with" these unlock codes based on the phones IMEI number? There has to be some sort of mathematical equation or more likely, some program which makes this happen. I have asked for unlock codes before for going to Mexico and its always a PITA dealing with customer service reps. these are for sale so i doubt they would be very receptive anyway.
Thanks to everyone in advance.

Well I guess no one here knows or would rather not give out the secret. Honestly, the programs that a lot of those places use to determine the subsidary unlock code more or less just takes a 'guess'. It uses certain criteria to figure out the code, the imei number is most peoples guess but I've seen a program (actually listed on the front page of XDA) that can change the imei number - so I doubt it's that. Why would I say the software just takes a guess? Well...
When you look at the disclaimer on those sites it will say something to the effect that the codes are not guranteed to work, or that there is the "occasional" phone that can't be unlocked by them. There probably is no software, they just have a business contract with carriers to sell the codes so they both make profit off of something that's legally free. Also, call your carrier, they can't unlock every phone they carry - go ahead, ask them if they can. A smart tech will inform you that it's impossible because the manufacturer failed to provide them with the code. If you truly want the unlock code, you have to call the manufacturer, like HTC. Carriers only have to provide you with the subsidary unlock code if they have it, otherwise you're screwed, that law has no standing with the manufacturer.
I will say though, there is an equation used to generate the codes but it could vary model to model or company to company. If you can find a smart enough person with enough time on their hands you would be loved by everyone in the phone world.

Thanks
KCRic said:
Well I guess no one here knows or would rather not give out the secret. Honestly, the programs that a lot of those places use to determine the subsidary unlock code more or less just takes a 'guess'. It uses certain criteria to figure out the code, the imei number is most peoples guess but I've seen a program (actually listed on the front page of XDA) that can change the imei number - so I doubt it's that. Why would I say the software just takes a guess? Well...
When you look at the disclaimer on those sites it will say something to the effect that the codes are not guranteed to work, or that there is the "occasional" phone that can't be unlocked by them. There probably is no software, they just have a business contract with carriers to sell the codes so they both make profit off of something that's legally free. Also, call your carrier, they can't unlock every phone they carry - go ahead, ask them if they can. A smart tech will inform you that it's impossible because the manufacturer failed to provide them with the code. If you truly want the unlock code, you have to call the manufacturer, like HTC. Carriers only have to provide you with the subsidary unlock code if they have it, otherwise you're screwed, that law has no standing with the manufacturer.
I will say though, there is an equation used to generate the codes but it could vary model to model or company to company. If you can find a smart enough person with enough time on their hands you would be loved by everyone in the phone world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for that explanation. i figured as much just from years of wanting to unlock my devices and only recently being able to demand it from the carrier. The new law stating that we may unlock and "jailbreak" our devices is a tweakers dream come true but it doesnt help much with unactivgated devices unless you wish to pay for it. I would still like to know how they do it, but rather I would like to meet some body with that free time, general know how and resources to find these unlock codes or even, better yet make a market app available for download for $20 bucks. im sure people would pay it.
How many times have i owed T-mobile money and wanted to slap a cingular chip or even att in there (now the same company)? somebody will simplify this. maybe this thread will get the ball rolling. Either way, inquiring minds need to know.
XDA - I'm calling you out. Who can do this?????

[Q] Universal GSM Unlocking Software/Program

Im pretty new to this whole unlocking stuff and im not sure that understand it completely to be honest, but im searching for a program that I can pay for (and possibly subscribe to an unlocking service). Id like the program that I could put onto my computer and I would be able to handle all of the unlocking myself. Most of the services that I have found have either been unlock boxes, pay per IMEI unlock, etc.
So maybe im searching for something that doesnt exist. What have yall found to be the most reliable unlocking service (which will unlock the most variety of phones)?
Sorry if this has been answered. I did a pretty extensive search on google and have found nothing

A little help here guys! Lol
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk

How about a $10 paypal transfer to the first person who gives me a really good answer....GO!
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk

you mean like cdma workshop witch has no manual to it.you will have to ask around and do as much searching as possible.
but you are wanting to unlock gsm phones most people do it by unlock
codes for that specific phone.for instance to unlock an NOKIA
*#7328748263373738# resets security code.
Default security code is 12345
YOU WILL FIND WHAT YOUR LOOKING FOR AND MORE HERE
topcodes.cc/2009/04/nokia-secret-codes.html#more
you can send the gas money to [email protected]

There is no such thing as universal unlock software. Every hardware/software platform has it's tricks, some need unlock boxes, some needs calculated codes and some can be hacked with usual usb cable.

Is it possible to unlock an iPhone which is blocked by the operator with the imei code??

How to unlock Samsung Exhilarate i577 for free?

Hi,
Is there any way to network unlock Samsung Exhilarate i577 for free?
I have searched it over the internet and all I can find are the websites offering the paid Unlock code.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks.

Aaman.Chawlaa said:
Hi,
Is there any way to network unlock Samsung Exhilarate i577 for free?
I have searched it over the internet and all I can find are the websites offering the paid Unlock code.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aaman:
As far as I know, the only way to unlock it for free, is to contact AT&T and explain why you need it unlocked. They will unlock it for certain specific reasons. They include (but are not limited to) the following:
1) Corporate user who travels internationally - your phone must be on a corporate account, not personal
2) Private user (personal account) who's contract has expired
3) Private user who travels internationally (even if only occasionally), and has been a long standing customer with AT&T, and is not likely to switch carriers on a whim
4) Military person who is on a personal "military" contract and has a need to travel internationally, even if only occasionally
There is no real reason to unlock your phone unless you are an international traveler. AT&T and other companies do not like to unlock their phones (especially if you are on a contact w/ them) because they are afraid that you'll switch to another carrier with your expensive phone that they gave you at a deep discount by agreeing to stay with them for a minimum of two years.
Also, to unlock the phone, you need to have another company's SIM card to complete the unlock process.
Other than that, you'll need to pay someone (some company) to do it. This usually involves sending your phone in. However, I can not and will not recommend any of them as I don't know anything about those companies. You're on your own if you decide to take that route.
V/R
BlackWolf

So, i'll have to go the hard way of purchasing the code through a website
Thanks for the information.

Aaman.Chawlaa said:
So, i'll have to go the hard way of purchasing the code through a website
Thanks for the information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd still try and see if you can't get AT&T to unlock it - it takes a few days if they agree - they'll send you an e-mail with the unlock code for your phone if they agree.
If not, be aware that some of those sites that promise to "unlock" phones are scam sites.
V/R
BlackWolf

Will buy it from eBay. Thanks.

Question [SOLVED] Carrier Unlock question

Hello guys,
long story short, I bought a slightly used Z Fold4 off of a person and then found out that he is still paying for the device and I really suspect he will stop paying for it because of the low price he gave it to me for.
I basically wanted to ask if it is possible to remove the option for the device to be locked if he stops paying for it or I should accept the loss and move on with my life because as I understand if the device is locked it will be basically unusable.
Welp, we live and learn but sometimes still fall for such scams.

kostamosta said:
Hello guys,
long story short, I bought a slightly used Z Fold4 off of a person and then found out that he is still paying for the device and I really suspect he will stop paying for it because of the low price he gave it to me for.
I basically wanted to ask if it is possible to remove the option for the device to be locked if he stops paying for it or I should accept the loss and move on with my life because as I understand if the device is locked it will be basically unusable.
Welp, we live and learn but sometimes still fall for such scams.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your question has little to do with KG Status.
If there is still a lien on the device, it will remain locked to the carrier he bought the device from until it's paid off.
As far as a bootloader unlock and Knox Guard, those are separate issues. Are you asking whether you can unlock the bootloader without paying it off?

V0latyle said:
Your question has little to do with KG Status.
If there is still a lien on the device, it will remain locked to the carrier he bought the device from until it's paid off.
As far as a bootloader unlock and Knox Guard, those are separate issues. Are you asking whether you can unlock the bootloader without paying it off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I basically asked whether I can remove that carrier lock in case the person I bought it from stops paying for the phone but the question isn't valid anymore as I returned to him the phone. Too much of a risk for me.

kostamosta said:
I basically asked whether I can remove that carrier lock in case the person I bought it from stops paying for the phone but the question isn't valid anymore as I returned to him the phone. Too much of a risk for me.
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Click to collapse
I would recommend editing your post to make that clear, I wasn't sure whether you had done so.

It depends upon the carrier. On T-Mobile you can network unlock the phone even if you're making payments on it after y ou've had the phone for 40 days.... although I suppose there still might be a way for the phone to be blacklisted. Even then there are services out there that you can use that can work around that for like 50 bucks.