Hello,
I just bought a new desire from an auction site like ebay, seller saying it is locked to Vodafone; I bought it since I have a sim card from Vodafone Romania and assumed stupidly that will work.
The phone seems to be from Vodafone Malta. I am saying this since there is a desktop shortcut on the phone desktop leading to the Vodafone website in Malta.
I called Vodafone in Romania and they provided the PUK code for my SIM card, but it didnt do the trick.
I got a code from one of the sites mentioned by many and it didnt work.
Then I went ahead and rooted the phone...got the gold card created, etc etc and in the end installed a new ROM (version 3.1 from MoDaCo). Even now the phone is still locked, hence I believe is something that I do not understand in terms of how phones can be locked by various operators.
Would really appreciate if somebody can help me understand how is this working?
As options, should I use a different baseband then, etc? I am a bit lost since I thought that if I am flashing the phone and install a new "neverlocked" ROM version then it will be fine. Or maybe try to flash the Vodafone UK original RUU file and then try again with the IMEI based codes as it seems like there are people getting unlocked for Vodafone in UK?
My current system looks like this:
- firmware: 2.1-update1
- baseband: 32.36.0028U_4.06.00.02_2
- kernel: 2.6.29-bravo-mck-r1
- build: 1.21.MCR.2
- software: MoDaCo custom ROM r3.1
Any clue on what is triggering the network/sim lock out of those elements? or nothing to do with this approach? What is the "part" of my phone that needs to unlock the sim card and connect to the network (maybe I can change that so it is able to connect to Vodafone Romania at least)
Thanks!
As far as I am aware the Network lock is independent of the firmware and as such this will have no effect on the lock status. The only way to unlock phones is with either the official code or a vulnerability in the firmware (as discovered in the iphone).
I have unlocked a load of iphones but when it came to the old motorola v50 I had to pay £5 to http://www.fonefunshop.co.uk/ for the code. I can only say that their codes worked for me and that there are many scam sites out there when it comes to unlocking, so maybe the first ones you tried for a code were not genuine.
Hope this helps
James
What happen though if one doesnt know what is the network that the phone is locked to? I was let's say lucky to assume that it is Vodafone Malta as there was this link on the phone's desktop.
Actually my question is more around how to unlock the phone with little or no dependency on the network where the phone is locked.
I red some articles that in some cases there is a big play for the baseband as this can "dictate" the way the phone is connecting to the network, however I am just starting to look into that and it might take some time, hence more opinions are very much welcomed.
Thanks!
If I was you I would try flashing the roms as posted earlier but if you can wait then I would email HTC with the IMEI and ask who it is locked too.
Thanks so much for the suggestion with contacting HTC for telling me where is it locked...not sure if they would know this based on the IMEI, but will give it a try for sure. The thing is that I already flashed the ROM and it is still locked, or maybe I missed your point on flashing the ROMs.
No I think you are right that the flashing wont help with a lock problem but HTC Should know who they locked their phones too. I could be wrong but I think HTC do all the programming pre shipment. If anyone knows different I am happy to be corrected?
Coming back with HTC's reply to my question about where is the phone locked (provided my IMEI)
Here is the answer:
"Dear Mr.Popescu, Thank you for contacting HTC. Kindly note that your device is not SIM locked and is not network branded. Your device is manufactured for Czech Republic and is HTC branded. S/N:HT05XPL08419 IMEI:xxxxxxxx. If you have any other inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact us again."
Funny part is that my phone looks to be branded by Vodafone Malta (just the soft not something on the case) as I mentioned about the Voda link leading to Malta's website and they mentioned that the phone left HTC without a lock and to the Czech Republic.
Anybody heard about gsm operators that are locking the phones themselves in HTC's case? If they know how to lock them, maybe someone knows how they do that and becomes easier to unlock?
Thanks for the help,
Sorin.
The IMEI could be blacklisted. You can check at this site: http://www.amta.org.au/pages/amta/Check.the.Status.of.your.Handset
Dunno how to see the IMEI on HTC phones though.. does anyone know?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Tried that link and the message is that there is no lock (reported by somebody so that the carrier goes ahead and blocks the IMEI)
Hi again mate. I am impressed HTC answered so promptly thats great news they gave too. Just so we can all be clear on the type of lock you are experiencing can you tell us or better still photograph the screen and show / tell us the lock wording. Word for word mate including all punctuation if not posting photo.
Hey, here is the sequence:
The following happens when I turn on the phone with my Vodafone Romania sim card in it:
- I am requested for the PIN code, I enter that and then move on as the PIN is accepted
- Message saying "Unlocking SIM card...", takes about 1-2 seconds
- Message on the screen: "Network locked"
- I "drag" on the screen and get to enter the code
- Keyboard is up now and message changed into "SIM Network unlock PIN"
That's all, then the code that I got from gsmliberty.net, providing my IMEI and the fact that the phone is locked to Vodafone in Malta, is not working hence here I am on the forum
found this for you mate
http://androidforums.com/all-things-root-hero/119257-huge-problem-sim-network-unlock-pin.html
I know it mentions orange but perhaps its the same problem
Will definitely try to reflash with different baseband versions just to see what happens; however dont think that it will do the trick as I was reading in multiple places about the radio problem specific to Orange phones only. Of course you never know, problem is that I cant try it now as I am travelling and dont have the required info with me, but will do that over the weekend when I am back home.
Anyways, thanks a ton for the suggestions and everything, still open for more though
Hi, new info on the situation.
Came back home and flashed various older radio versions going down as much as 32.26.00.24U_4.04.00.03_2.
Same problem with the network being locked and the IMEI based code that I got not working either.
I also got in touch with Vodafone Malta asking if they can provide some help. The answer back was that they are willing to unlock the network for 50 EUR. However, even though I said yes to it, they dont want to tell me what is the procedure; they just mentioned that I should give my credit card details by e-mail and then they will tell me how to do it. I double checked about not going to some service location or sending the phone over, etc and they said that it is not the case, bu then again I am not ok to send over my cc details just like that and asked for an account where I could send the money; they replied that they will come back with that.
Well, this paragraph is just for your fun regarding the way Vodafone Malta is considering this option...cc details over e-mail...these guys are joking
Anyways, back to the issue at hand, any other suggestions about getting past the network lock if the operator changed the "normal" codes available on IMEI based providers across the web? How to override this?
Thanks!
Hi, back to square 1. After providing the IMEI to Vodafone Malta to get my phone unlocked, they replied back that the phone is not locked by them; so the whole thing with having the Vodafone Malta link on the desktop didnt mean a thing apparently.
I continued on the path laid out by HTC directly (they said that they shipped the phone to the Czech Rep.). I have a friend that has a Vodafone Czech sim card and tried it now, but it doesnt work either, so the phone is not locked under Vodafone Czech Rep either.
Any suggestion on how to proceed? Now I am very lost as I dont even know where the bloody phone is locked, as in under what network...
Thanks!
I have the same problem
i bought my phone at Montenegro T-Mobile,
asked the HTC for information about the phone giving them IMEI
the answer was exactly as yours
Tried to flash, downgrade, still have "SIM network unlock PIN"
Any suggestions
Haven't you tried asking the seller wich Vodafone is locked to?
Android on HTC Pro 2
Hi all,
i buy a htc touch pro 2 from USA var. T-Mobile.I install android on it and everything work's great until :
1.without sim on it, when I try to connect on my wireless network the phone close.When I start it "Gen.Y DualBOOT" not work.I reinstal "Gen.Y DualBOOT" same problem.Can tell me somebody what is the problem?
2.with card on it doesn't recognize the pin number and say's "sim card is locked".What can be?
Now I am in a romanian network (cosmote).
Thank you!
ok popepope, but why you insist on malta and on vodafone?????
your device mabe have a costum rom installed before you buy it. and from there you see vodafone link and malta, but like htc said that phone it's locked in czek, but it's not nedeed to be on vodafone. can be other network...
Hi,
I have bought a HTC Desire 2 days ago which is locked on 3 network (Sweden). I purchased an unlock code but i never got the sim lock screen to enter it. I tried entering all kinds of SIM cards and they all work except the phone will only connect to 3 network , so it's allways on Roaming.
How to enter the unlock code?
FYI: When i received the desire it came with android 2.2, i have rooted it and also installed cyanogen firmware.
dream_th said:
Hi,
I have bought a HTC Desire 2 days ago which is locked on 3 network (Sweden). I purchased an unlock code but i never got the sim lock screen to enter it. I tried entering all kinds of SIM cards and they all work except the phone will only connect to 3 network , so it's allways on Roaming.
How to enter the unlock code?
FYI: When i received the desire it came with android 2.2, i have rooted it and also installed cyanogen firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a phone that was locked to 3.
I installed my Orange SIM and when I turned on the device, selected phone I gor the unlock enter code message.
just put a diffrent sim in and it will ask you for an unlock code
I'm doing that, i put different SIM from different provider but never got a dialog box to enter unlock code
i entered unlock code 10 times wrong and the phone not displaying the unlock code box again
any solution am in egypt now and its locked on verizon usa
It's always a mystery to me why someone would persist with entering the wrong unlock code 10 times. There are only 2 that it could be for a BlackBerry phone - either the NCK (MEP2) or SPCK (MEP4).
You'll need to get the attempts restored before you can enter any more unlock codes. To do that I'd suggest taking the phone to a local phone shop who should have software to do it. Alternatively there are websites that can provide the software so you can do it at home.
Hello,
I have a Motorola Razr XT925 (Razr HD) from the Rogers Canada network.
Presently I am in Singapore, and looking to unlock it and get it on the network here.
In the past, with my old XT910, I got the unlock code, and when I inserted the foreign SIM, it asked for the unlock code, and done ... very easy.
This time, I have the unlock code, and insert the foreign SIM from SingTel, however, no unlock code prompt or any message, so I can not enter the code. I came across this MMI code to force the prompt : #073887*, still nothing. Left the foreign SIM card in over night (some sites suggested a few hours to get the prompt) ... still nothing after 24 hours.
Anyone encounter this or have any suggestions on how to resolve?
I am fairly technical and do not have issues installing or flashing the phone if the instructions are well written; however if there is a simpler way, I would prefer this
Thanks,
Dan.
Hy All,
I'm from Romania but I bought a Fire phone 64 gb, locked on T-mobile Germany, not from Amazon but from a Telekom shop.
I take it because of good price and also to try and test if will work on Telekom Romania network...it desn't work... but i was also prepared to buy the unlocking network code, and also bought that trough a friend....also updated to OS 3.6.6
Meanwhile, when i was in stand by to receive the unlocking code I inserted a romanian carrier sim card...input pin....the phone request the unlocking code...inserted a couple of times the numbers wrong...after dismiss and played trough menus..camera....after i closed the phone in waiting the unlocking code.
The code was send it to me after paying to T-mobile Germany ....and very excited open the phone to insert the code.....but now the phone is requesting the PUK code, instead of network unlocking code....I input the PUK code from sim card...phone says "unable the unlock the PUK"....it is normal not to be able to unlock the PUK because is still locked on T-mobile....and I figured out when insert the network unlocking code wrong for couple of times, the phone will block permanentrly the sim card.
I made it a factory reset, but after insert other carrier sim card the phone still asking for the PUK code and is not able to unlock the sim by PUK.
I have the phone...the unlocking code....good sim card....but i cannot proceed to insert the unlocking code because i played and inserted wrong...i think i am the only stupid in world who made this
Someone can help me with a solution? some combination of buttons...some hide menu to enter and insert the unlocking code?
Maybe if I will buy a T-mobile Germany sim card with activated roaming....insert sim....enter the PUK code of that sim, phone will be able to unlock that PUK protection over the network, and after insert another carrier sim will be able to input the unlocking code?
Regards and hope someone can help.
costiro2001 said:
Hy All,
I'm from Romania but I bought a Fire phone 64 gb, locked on T-mobile Germany, not from Amazon but from a Telekom shop.
I take it because of good price and also to try and test if will work on Telekom Romania network...it desn't work... but i was also prepared to buy the unlocking network code, and also bought that trough a friend....also updated to OS 3.6.6
Meanwhile, when i was in stand by to receive the unlocking code I inserted a romanian carrier sim card...input pin....the phone request the unlocking code...inserted a couple of times the numbers wrong...after dismiss and played trough menus..camera....after i closed the phone in waiting the unlocking code.
The code was send it to me after paying to T-mobile Germany ....and very excited open the phone to insert the code.....but now the phone is requesting the PUK code, instead of network unlocking code....I input the PUK code from sim card...phone says "unable the unlock the PUK"....it is normal not to be able to unlock the PUK because is still locked on T-mobile....and I figured out when insert the network unlocking code wrong for couple of times, the phone will block permanentrly the sim card.
I made it a factory reset, but after insert other carrier sim card the phone still asking for the PUK code and is not able to unlock the sim by PUK.
I have the phone...the unlocking code....good sim card....but i cannot proceed to insert the unlocking code because i played and inserted wrong...i think i am the only stupid in world who made this
Someone can help me with a solution? some combination of buttons...some hide menu to enter and insert the unlocking code?
Maybe if I will buy a T-mobile Germany sim card with activated roaming....insert sim....enter the PUK code of that sim, phone will be able to unlock that PUK protection over the network, and after insert another carrier sim will be able to input the unlocking code?
Regards and hope someone can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same problem here
Please help us.
First remove the romanian sim card from the fire phone and insert it any other UNLOCKED phone than try the change the sim pin code with your sim puk numbers. After that remove the sim pin request from the simcard than put it on your fire phone and try to unlock process again.
costiro2001 said:
Hy All,
I'm from Romania but I bought a Fire phone 64 gb, locked on T-mobile Germany, not from Amazon but from a Telekom shop.
I take it because of good price and also to try and test if will work on Telekom Romania network...it desn't work... but i was also prepared to buy the unlocking network code, and also bought that trough a friend....also updated to OS 3.6.6
Meanwhile, when i was in stand by to receive the unlocking code I inserted a romanian carrier sim card...input pin....the phone request the unlocking code...inserted a couple of times the numbers wrong...after dismiss and played trough menus..camera....after i closed the phone in waiting the unlocking code.
The code was send it to me after paying to T-mobile Germany ....and very excited open the phone to insert the code.....but now the phone is requesting the PUK code, instead of network unlocking code....I input the PUK code from sim card...phone says "unable the unlock the PUK"....it is normal not to be able to unlock the PUK because is still locked on T-mobile....and I figured out when insert the network unlocking code wrong for couple of times, the phone will block permanentrly the sim card.
I made it a factory reset, but after insert other carrier sim card the phone still asking for the PUK code and is not able to unlock the sim by PUK.
I have the phone...the unlocking code....good sim card....but i cannot proceed to insert the unlocking code because i played and inserted wrong...i think i am the only stupid in world who made this
Someone can help me with a solution? some combination of buttons...some hide menu to enter and insert the unlocking code?
Maybe if I will buy a T-mobile Germany sim card with activated roaming....insert sim....enter the PUK code of that sim, phone will be able to unlock that PUK protection over the network, and after insert another carrier sim will be able to input the unlocking code?
Regards and hope someone can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you managed to solve the problem? I have the same problem, would be grateful for a fix
Re
Andrey765 said:
Have you managed to solve the problem? I have the same problem, would be grateful for a fix
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hy All,
Long silence..because of work.
So... i send it back to Germany to test the method who was adviced from Telekom call center...I have talked with the support team from Telekom Germany and it seems to solve the problem it is must to insert an plan (abonament) sim card ( not working with a pre pay sim card) from the network who is locked ...it doesn't matter of who have the plan sim...one of your friend or in a shop...and it must be insert the PUK code of that sim and it remove this locking and registering to theyr system, and after will be able to insert any sim card and insert the unlocking code...this is what they told me on the phone...
They have tried and inserted several times an abonament sim card....same problem...but i think they and also people from Telekom shops are out of this space with technics/phones.... all tell me not working...now wait to send in service...maybe they reinstall the software.
Someone tried the method described above by the user "ease_the_pain" or an hard reset (vol. up + vol. down + on/off button in the same time)?
Maybe a hard reset will make the phone to start from beginning with unlocking request... if someone will make the phone work after hard reset please leave message asap...i want to avoid to send the phone in service and tell to my friends to send back to me..
Thx and Regards
Solved
Problem solved...Phone replaced with a new one.... new unlock code now exploring phone and settings....and apps