Develop Bugs

[Q] Unlock + questions

Hi,
I would like to unlock my T989. Although I've bought it at full price from Walmart I've got an email from T-mobile saying that "The device was not purchased from a T-Mobile USA retail store or authorized T-Mobile retailer." and I've decided not to battle them for 3 months and just do it myself.
I'm a newbie and the following questions might be silly.
1) I understand there is a software by z3x that unlocks the phone. Do I need an extra hardware for it (what is the z3x-box)? If so, what kind?
2) If I root the phone, will it be immediately unlocked?
3) Is there a free method to unlock this phone (assuming I'll root it successfully)?
Thanks!

bloodymeli said:
Hi,
I would like to unlock my T989. Although I've bought it at full price from Walmart I've got an email from T-mobile saying that "The device was not purchased from a T-Mobile USA retail store or authorized T-Mobile retailer." and I've decided not to battle them for 3 months and just do it myself.
I'm a newbie and the following questions might be silly.
1) I understand there is a software by z3x that unlocks the phone. Do I need an extra hardware for it (what is the z3x-box)? If so, what kind?
2) If I root the phone, will it be immediately unlocked?
3) Is there a free method to unlock this phone (assuming I'll root it successfully)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Option 3!
You can do it yourself, just follow the simple instructions :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024514
Sent from my SGH-T989D using xda premium

You could always just take the simple way and tell Tmobile your taking a trip to mexico in 3 weeks (Cuz itll take 2 weeks at the max for the manufacturer to send the code to tmobile) and you want to use a prepaid service down there but dont want to buy a new phone. I just did this today, but act like you dont know much about sim unlocking to be on the safe side. The lady tried to get my to buy a new phone from tmobile down in mexico or just let my phone roam and get international charges and i told her "Well im trying to use the same phone with a prepaid service down in mexico so i wont have to have any additional charges when i come back, I herd something about most phones being locked so will i be able to use the prepaid sim on my current phone?" and after that she mentioned sending me an unlock code.. She tried to play me like i didnt know anything about sim unlocking by telling me my options were buying a new phone down there or letting the charges rack up. Then tried to cut the conversation off short this was in the online chat. But if you keep asking questions and explaining you dont want a new phone or to let them add charges theyll eventually tell you about unlocking your phone and ask for you imei and email then youll have to wait for 2 weeks.
Hope i helped a few people, I tried the method above and it didnt work for me. So i took the longer route that will forsure unlock your phone. :good:

Curiously enough, I'm currently abroad.
I don't have a t-mobile account. I don't even need one according to their website. It's just annoying. But I feel like I'm tilting at windmills.
"If you paid full retail price for a device, you qualify to have the SIM subsidy unlock code provided you meet the following requirements:
The device must have been purchased at a T-Mobile retail store or authorized T-Mobile retailer.
The device must be paid for completely. You must be able to fax the proof of purchase to T-Mobile."
In any case, as I didn't get an answer in the other thread, do you happen to know
1) How do I boot into recovery mode? and how do I choose to flash a radio? Do I need to install a specific recovery software? I would really appreciate if somoeone will able to post a detailed "unlocking for dummies" guide, starting from an unrooted phone. A medal of honor will be given if the guide will start from a stock, unrooted phone.
2) I understand the latest version of the radio is UVLI. Should I use it or use the one that comes with my phone? (I would like as few problems as possible)?
TwoStax said:
You could always just take the simple way and tell Tmobile your taking a trip to mexico in 3 weeks (Cuz itll take 2 weeks at the max for the manufacturer to send the code to tmobile) and you want to use a prepaid service down there but dont want to buy a new phone. I just did this today, but act like you dont know much about sim unlocking to be on the safe side. The lady tried to get my to buy a new phone from tmobile down in mexico or just let my phone roam and get international charges and i told her "Well im trying to use the same phone with a prepaid service down in mexico so i wont have to have any additional charges when i come back, I herd something about most phones being locked so will i be able to use the prepaid sim on my current phone?" and after that she mentioned sending me an unlock code.. She tried to play me like i didnt know anything about sim unlocking by telling me my options were buying a new phone down there or letting the charges rack up. Then tried to cut the conversation off short this was in the online chat. But if you keep asking questions and explaining you dont want a new phone or to let them add charges theyll eventually tell you about unlocking your phone and ask for you imei and email then youll have to wait for 2 weeks.
Hope i helped a few people, I tried the method above and it didnt work for me. So i took the longer route that will forsure unlock your phone. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

You have step by step details in the post mentioned by DupleX01.
- install recovery
- install radio SGH-T989_UVLE1_radio
- unlock the phone
- done
- you can change the radio again (look in the dev area for several radio packages that work with T989) - optional if the phone works well
Here is a direct link to the post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=36417242&postcount=145
Thank mr_guan for his post if it helped.

[Q] Selling Note 2 - What to do with Unlock Code?

I recently paid off my Note II in full and I am ready to sell it. I am a bit confused about the unlocking process, so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.
I've put the unlock code request in with T-Mobile. Once I receive the e-mail with the code, what do I do with it if I want to sell the device? Do I put it up on Ebay and say "Comes with unlock code", or is there a way I can unlock it myself to sell?
I ask this, because from what I see, I have to put a different carrier's SIM in the phone to unlock it. Since I only use T-Mobile, I don't have another SIM. I looked on Ebay and I see a lot of TMobile Note 2's that already come unlocked, so I guess I am wondering how I can offer a pre-unlocked phone without manually shipping them the code to do it themselves. I don't want to have any questions about me trying to cheat any buyer.
Any tips would be appreciated. Search function is down, or else I would have used that first.
Or should I not worry about it at all and let the buyer deal with the unlocking? The phone has zero account issues.

craighwk said:
I recently paid off my Note II in full and I am ready to sell it. I am a bit confused about the unlocking process, so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.
I've put the unlock code request in with T-Mobile. Once I receive the e-mail with the code, what do I do with it if I want to sell the device? Do I put it up on Ebay and say "Comes with unlock code", or is there a way I can unlock it myself to sell?
I ask this, because from what I see, I have to put a different carrier's SIM in the phone to unlock it. Since I only use T-Mobile, I don't have another SIM. I looked on Ebay and I see a lot of TMobile Note 2's that already come unlocked, so I guess I am wondering how I can offer a pre-unlocked phone without manually shipping them the code to do it themselves. I don't want to have any questions about me trying to cheat any buyer.
Any tips would be appreciated. Search function is down, or else I would have used that first.
Or should I not worry about it at all and let the buyer deal with the unlocking? The phone has zero account issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a friends sim card and unlock the phone. Take a screen shot of it working with att and tmo and post both pics so the buyer is reassured that its actually unlocked. Once u unlock it, put ur tmo sim back in. It should work fine.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using XDA Premium HD app

So the unlock isn't restricted to the SIM? Once it's unlocked, it's then free and clear to use any sim you throw at it without needing the code?

craighwk said:
So the unlock isn't restricted to the SIM? Once it's unlocked, it's then free and clear to use any sim you throw at it without needing the code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An IMEI unlock is permanent , similar to buying a " factory unlocked" device. Once its complete find a friend with a SimpleMobile ot ATT micro sim and take photos of the phone on both carriers and list it for sale.

Awesome. Thanks for the help!

Using a T-Mobile Note 3 on ATT

I'm plannng on purchasing a new T-Mobile Note 3 and use on an existing ATT line.And also eventually want it rooted and don't want to trip KNOX.
Questions:
1. Do I need to activate it on T-Mobile first for any reason?
2. Should I unlock first or root first.?
3.What's the best way to unlock, (if at all possible) have T-Mobile give you unlock code, use pay online service (if cost not an issue) or some free method described on this forum?
4. Is Root de la Vega the best way to root? Any risks?
Thanks

check this out, its good for you,,steve http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2464498:good:

I was curious about that as well. Since I had to work out South near Arkansas and they seem to have nothing but [email protected] towers and a few Verizon.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

jeffs99 said:
I'm plannng on purchasing a new T-Mobile Note 3 and use on an existing ATT line.And also eventually want it rooted and don't want to trip KNOX.
Questions:
1. Do I need to activate it on T-Mobile first for any reason?
2. Should I unlock first or root first.?
3.What's the best way to unlock, (if at all possible) have T-Mobile give you unlock code, use pay online service (if cost not an issue) or some free method described on this forum?
4. Is Root de la Vega the best way to root? Any risks?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I'll try to answer since I'm trying to do the same thing:
1. I don't think that you should or should matter
2. If you can get the code from Tmo or buy it, then have the option unlock first. If not and you want to use something like Region Lock Away, you have to Root first. As a rule of thumb though, since I use many different carrier phones on other carriers, I try to as stock as possible, while trying to set up on the new carrier. Which means.. Unlock first, if you can.
3. I'd imagine getting the code from Tmo or ordering it online is the safest KNOX trip free course..
4. Depending on the firmware you have, the safe methods or even working methods, change... For example if you're on NB4 like me, then there is no KNOX safe method, but to Kies to NE4 and root with Towlroot
Good luck Sir...

My story of this scenario.
Bought tmobile Note3.
Paid it off
Called Tmobile and got unlocked code.
Switched to Staright Talk $45 ATT plan.
Ported my number to Traight Talk.
Heaven.
Ian B
Get my monthly refill cards from ebay.

Mr Ian B said:
My story of this scenario.
Bought tmobile Note3.
Paid it off
Called Tmobile and got unlocked code.
Switched to Staright Talk $45 ATT plan.
Ported my number to Traight Talk.
Heaven.
Ian B
Get my monthly refill cards from ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have to sign up for any kind of (non) contract for them to give you the unlock code?
How long did you have the phone before they gabe you the unlock code?
Thanks

jeffs99 said:
Did you have to sign up for any kind of (non) contract for them to give you the unlock code?
How long did you have the phone before they gabe you the unlock code?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bought in November 2014 when it came out, paid off January 2014, asked and got code in Feb 2014.
Ian B

Supposedly you need to have the phone activated on the t mobile network for 45 days. If it gets paid off anytime afterwards all you need to do is request the unlock code. Calling and giving them your imei number they can look up the phone and tell you if you can get it unlocked. From that point it takes anywhere from 2 to 7 business days. You get the unlock code in your email.
The only bad scenario I can see is if you bought it off of someone who called it in and reported it stolen or lost. Then you must go through alternative sources to get your Sim unlocked.
Fusionized tweaking tapatalker here...

Anyway besides getting an unlock code to sim unlock? On NB4. What if I upgrade to NF1? If not, is there ANYWAY to downgrade back to the original JB 4.3?

1. Do I need to activate it on T-Mobile first for any reason?
Nope.
2. Should I unlock first or root first.?
Depends how you plan to unlock. If you use the method that I mention in the next answer, you have to root first. If you use any other method, it doesn't matter.
3.What's the best way to unlock, (if at all possible) have T-Mobile give you unlock code, use pay online service (if cost not an issue) or some free method described on this forum?
RegionLock Away is the easiest method, IMO. About $3 in the Play store.
4. Is Root de la Vega the best way to root? Any risks?
I don't know anything about this method as I rooted before it came out, so I can't answer this one.

Unlocking Phone??? Totally Impossible?? YUP!!

If anyone can read this, this is a fact. Sprint will NOT unlock a Samsung Note 4. I have one, its paid off, i called numerous times to have it unlocked as they told me its unlockable approved. They give me a lot of non-sense, connect me with different people, the first 3 reps will say YES, the fourth will say NO. Why does Sprint not unlock my phone if its paid off. It's quite mind-racking and confusing. Anyone have any advice on this matter??? P.S THE CODE 104953 DOES NOT WORK....so MOVE ON!!!

I know they can and will unlock the sim for international use. You just have to tell them you are travelling to another country and want to pay for temporary service from a carrier in that country. they have to unlock the sim for that purpose. As for unlocking the sim for use on U.S. gsm networks i don't know about that one. I'm sure it can be done with the right tools but sprint doesn't offer this and most tech employees haven't a clue how to do it because it's not officially supported by sprint in the first place. Only international sim unlock can be achieved with the help of sprint. This is in their terms of service!

RickyDiamonds said:
If anyone can read this, this is a fact. Sprint will NOT unlock a Samsung Note 4. I have one, its paid off, i called numerous times to have it unlocked as they told me its unlockable approved. They give me a lot of non-sense, connect me with different people, the first 3 reps will say YES, the fourth will say NO. Why does Sprint not unlock my phone if its paid off. It's quite mind-racking and confusing. Anyone have any advice on this matter??? P.S THE CODE 104953 DOES NOT WORK....so MOVE ON!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 with Sprint and was able to get it unlocked. I have AT&T service now and use a sprint Note 4 on it. No Sprint did not unlock it for me I paid idone.apps $40 to do it and sure enough it worked. The only issue I have had is my data speeds. My phone currently only allows a 3G data connection. I am currently looking for a solution however, it's not that slow so I may just keep it as is.
Here's the link to his page:
http://idoneapps.com/index.php?os=android

+1 for idoneapps
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Yeah they will unlock it for international use (it even works on all compatible US carriers too I was told when I asked). I it easy just go here (https://sprintworldwide.custhelp.com/app/chat/chat_launch/?ECID=vanity:swwsupport) feel out the page. You should be in touch with someone not long after and a few minutes later they will unlock your phone and tell you to restart your phone if it doesn't do it itself (mine did it itself)

How am I unlock my pixel 3a XL to all carrier

I have a locked mobile (T-mobile) , how am I unlock my pixel 3a XL to all carrier
I would love to receive step by step answers whenever possible Help!
Thanks in advance,
Reuven

You must get T-Mobile to carrier unlock the phone. They are the only ones that can do it. However, if you still owe money on the phone, you will have a hard time getting them to agree to unlock it. Honestly the most successful method I have seen is to reach out to the main T-Mobile account via a direct message on Twitter. Explain that you need to get a carrier unlock and see what they say.

sic0048 said:
You must get T-Mobile to carrier unlock the phone. They are the only ones that can do it. However, if you still owe money on the phone, you will have a hard time getting them to agree to unlock it. Honestly the most successful method I have seen is to reach out to the main T-Mobile account via a direct message on Twitter. Explain that you need to get a carrier unlock and see what they say.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks a lot for the answer
1. I don't have a T-MOBILE sim
2. Is there no way to replace / override the existing operating system
3. Is there no software capable of hacking the system

Reuven Brenner said:
thanks a lot for the answer
1. I don't have a T-MOBILE sim
2. Is there no way to replace / override the existing operating system
3. Is there no software capable of hacking the system
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first hurdle before you can do anything with the os is bootloader unlock. That it's not possible work a T-Mobile phone without T-Mobile doing it. Good luck.
Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

I hate that a person's banner doesn't appear in the OP, so I didn't realize you were in Tel Aviv. Again, I think the best option is to reach out to T-Mobile on Twitter and explain that you acquired this phone, but you live in Tel Aviv and need them to sim-card unlock the phone so that you can use it on a local service. They may give you a hard time if there is still money owed on the phone (ie bought on an installment plan), but it the phone was bought outright, or if you pay off the balance on the phone, they definitely should sim-card unlock it.
Once it is sim-card unlocked, you can then bootloader unlock it which will give you the ability to install custom ROMs, kernels, etc.

Buy an unlock code from any service out there. Slam your new SIM card in and input your unlock code

Anyone know more ways to deal with the issue?

thatsupnow said:
Buy an unlock code from any service out there. Slam your new SIM card in and input your unlock code
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recommend a reliable site that knows how to service and not just take the money

you can try to merge the backup from a fully unlocked phone using qpst program and upload it via edl mode to your phone

Reuven Brenner said:
I have a locked mobile (T-mobile) , how am I unlock my pixel 3a XL to all carrier
I would love to receive step by step answers whenever possible Help!
Thanks in advance,
Reuven
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dirty secret.... Call and tell them you're someone either famous or C level of a company and you're going to be landing in whatever country and you need your phone unlocked immediately to use a local sim for business purposes. If or when they question the account name it's just the account of your assistant to obscure your identity. Major Telecoms won't tell you about this but I can tell you 100% from experience this is how things work. Well I can't at least say with at&t, Verizon, TMobile and Sprint. As in I've seen the tools with my eyeballs.

yashkoff said:
you can try to merge the backup from a fully unlocked phone using qpst program and upload it via edl mode to your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks a lot for the answer
You can send me step by step how to do this to my email
[email protected]
I thank you very much
Small note:
My ROOT and BOOTLOADER are locked

So I'm kind of in the same boat. I just purchased one that is sim locked to Verizon. I have seen things about leaving a Verizon sim in it for 24 hours and it will unlock, luckily my work phone is Verizon so I'm testing this theory.
But can anyone tell me if this is permanent? Will it survive factory resets and such?