General question, unlocking an AT&T S3 with codes - AT&T, Rogers, Bell, Telus Samsung Galaxy S III

Hello-
I'm looking to purchase an S3 soon, and I have never owned a GSM phone before. What's the deal with these unlock codes? I understand what they are and how they're entered, but how exactly are they generated when you buy them from a guy on eBay for example? Where are they getting the codes from? Is there some sort of risk by buying a locked AT&T or T-Mobile phone and paying someone for an unlock code?
Thanks.

ualdriver said:
Hello-
I'm looking to purchase an S3 soon, and I have never owned a GSM phone before. What's the deal with these unlock codes? I understand what they are and how they're entered, but how exactly are they generated when you buy them from a guy on eBay for example? Where are they getting the codes from? Is there some sort of risk by buying a locked AT&T or T-Mobile phone and paying someone for an unlock code?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy a GSM phone that is subsidized by a carrier, it will be mostl likely "locked" to that particular carrier. Unlock codes are generated based on your phone's unique IMEI number. Actually some carriers will give you an unlock code provided your account is in good standing. T-Mobile does that. I am with AT&T, and I have never had any issues getting unlock codes from them before my trips overseas. Your mileage however may vary. As far as getting an unlock codes from a third part company, not sure, I belive there is some risk with revealing your phone's IMEI number because of "phone cloning", but that's more up CDMA valley, not GSM. Hopefully you're not banned from Google. Do some research.

Related

[Q] Carrier Unlock?

Hey,
I got my Nexus two months ago and I've loved it unconditionally!
But I'm moving to the USA for three months in the summer and I really want to be able to use it over there. I'm just wondering is there an efficient way to unlock the carrier restrictions without paying my carrier? I'm on a contract and they won't do it.
I have until June, so if nothing is available now, I'm sure it will be then-provided it's possible.
I'm really not sure if this is possible because I'm totally unused to Android-I came from an iPhone 4.
I don't mind using Custom ROMs, Rooting, etc.
.synq said:
Hey,
I got my Nexus two months ago and I've loved it unconditionally!
But I'm moving to the USA for three months in the summer and I really want to be able to use it over there. I'm just wondering is there an efficient way to unlock the carrier restrictions without paying my carrier? I'm on a contract and they won't do it.
I have until June, so if nothing is available now, I'm sure it will be then-provided it's possible.
I'm really not sure if this is possible because I'm totally unused to Android-I came from an iPhone 4.
I don't mind using Custom ROMs, Rooting, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Galaxy Nexus is factory unlocked. All Nexus phones are. It's one of Googles provisions for these phones.
not anymore, carrier sold GNs are locked. If your operator won't unlock it, there are a lot of sites that will unlock samsung phones. I got my unlock code off ebay for about £9...
you need to enter the code again after a factory reset so keep it safe somewhere
spamlucal said:
not anymore, carrier sold GNs are locked. If your operator won't unlock it, there are a lot of sites that will unlock samsung phones. I got my unlock code off ebay for about £9...
you need to enter the code again after a factory reset so keep it safe somewhere
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
?? Mine was. I thought they all were still. Is it only in certain countries than? I bought one from Bell Canada and it is unlocked. Either way ignore my post I just assumed all of them were still unlocked.
@OP I found lots of places to buy unlock codes cheap. If you aren't in a hurry you can also wait until we find a way to unlock it with software.
I got the chance to test it out today and as it turns out, it's unlocked.
I got the phone in a strange way where there was very little contact with the carrier because it's on a corporate contract.
Either way, it's unlocked, but thank you guys for the help!
I'm using CDMA/LTE GNex, so this doesn't apply to me.. but just wondering..
Is the unlock code unique to each device or do all Gnexuses have the same code?
If the latter, why does no one publicize it?
Royal2000H said:
I'm using CDMA/LTE GNex, so this doesn't apply to me.. but just wondering..
Is the unlock code unique to each device or do all Gnexuses have the same code?
If the latter, why does no one publicize it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they are unique, if someone cracked the encryption ( pay sites ) they could sell the keys they can create. you need to give your IMEI to be able to generate your code
Out of curiosity what carriers are locking the phone? I now have used 3 different phones all factory unlocked. Is this just certain countries?

[Q] Using Nokia lumia 900 in Europe

Hi guys,
I'm wondering if I buy Nokia Lumia 900 from AT&T off-contract does it work on European carriers? I know what 4g network frequencies are different but what about 3G? Will I still be able get updates in Europe?
Your first hurdle is going to be getting AT&T to sim unlock it for you.....
For the record when I called to try to get the unlock code I told them I wanted to use my phone in Europe and they didnt red flag anything.
That is of course not definitive proof but they do call it a "World Phone" http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...900+-+White&q_sku=sku6000234#fbid=1lM0QIuhHn3
But when you called AT&T, they gave you unlock code? I found on forums that sometimes they refuse to provide unlock code.
hx4700 Killer said:
Your first hurdle is going to be getting AT&T to sim unlock it for you.....
For the record when I called to try to get the unlock code I told them I wanted to use my phone in Europe and they didnt red flag anything.
That is of course not definitive proof but they do call it a "World Phone" http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...900+-+White&q_sku=sku6000234#fbid=1lM0QIuhHn3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that is what I am saying. The vast majority are NOT getting an unlock code. I don't really need one I was just testing it out as an enterprise customer to see what they would say. I am under contract and bought a subsidized phone. The only people that I have read that said they got one bought it outright for cash. That is like 2 or 3 out of untold numbers that have NOT gotten a code who bought it without contract.
Ok. Let's say I managed to get code from at&t. What about wp updates? Does phone still get updates even if I'll be using it in Europe?

[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!

[Q] Unlocking the Optimus G Pro question

I'm not sure if this is the appropriate forum, so I'm going for it anyway.
I already bough the phone and found out the way to unlock it. But when I go to eBay to find an unlock code, some sellers say that they don't sell codes to US phone that is purchased after Jan 26 because now it's illegal to unlock phone. Because I bough this phone used, I don't think I can just call AT&T and ask for an unlock code. I have looked around the forum and found many people bough the code online from 3rd party seller and their phones work just fine. So I'm thinking, can companies like AT&T catch people do that or they just don't care? I just want to know what you think about this situation?
Yukinara said:
I'm not sure if this is the appropriate forum, so I'm going for it anyway.
I already bough the phone and found out the way to unlock it. But when I go to eBay to find an unlock code, some sellers say that they don't sell codes to US phone that is purchased after Jan 26 because now it's illegal to unlock phone. Because I bough this phone used, I don't think I can just call AT&T and ask for an unlock code. I have looked around the forum and found many people bough the code online from 3rd party seller and their phones work just fine. So I'm thinking, can companies like AT&T catch people do that or they just don't care? I just want to know what you think about this situation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am unlocked phone is an unlocked phone. ATT has no jurisdiction outside of denying service to you, when it comes to this.
I must tell you, it is frowned upon to use third party means to unlock, but it is in your right as a consumer to call ATT and ask for an unlock code. Unauthorized unlocked devices is where we run into trouble with the FCC.
Sent from my LG-E980 using Tapatalk

N900T Blacklist

Hi, I own Note 3 N900T bought from T-Mobile US and I'm using it in Macedonia with Chainfire's RegionLock Away App on Android 4.3. And now I want to update to Lollipop and do a factory reset but I checked my IMEI and it's Blacklisted. My question is can I unlock my phone with unlock code in Macedonia if I do a factory reset or I need to activate with T-Mobile SIM card?
Thanks in advance
Blacklisted IMEI.... ouch.
Yeah, you will need to have it unlocked somehow. I'm not sure if T-Mobile will do this for you, however. Give them a call.
Also, I thought that blacklisted IMEI's were only devices that people hadn't paid off, or something along those lines. You did in fact buy the device directly from T-Mobile? How long have you owned it now? Did you pay it off?
I only ask for the sake of connecting the pieces here to try and give you the appropriate advice.
411y0ur8453 said:
Blacklisted IMEI.... ouch.
Yeah, you will need to have it unlocked somehow. I'm not sure if T-Mobile will do this for you, however. Give them a call.
Also, I thought that blacklisted IMEI's were only devices that people hadn't paid off, or something along those lines. You did in fact buy the device directly from T-Mobile? How long have you owned it now? Did you pay it off?
I only ask for the sake of connecting the pieces here to try and give you the appropriate advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it from a guy in the US and maybe he is not paying the bills there, I don't know. I will buy the unlock code from ebay but I don't know if I can insert it after factory reset. Do I need to activate the phone after factory reset?
stavrov said:
I bought it from a guy in the US and maybe he is not paying the bills there, I don't know. I will buy the unlock code from ebay but I don't know if I can insert it after factory reset. Do I need to activate the phone after factory reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly man, this really sucks. It sounds like he ripped you off.
T-Mobile blacklists IMEI's that are associated with an unpaid balance on a device. They do this to prevent people from getting a discounted phone, then taking it somewhere else.
You will need to call T-Mobile and talk to them about it. Not good. Usually they don't "unlist" them after they have been flagged.
411y0ur8453 said:
Honestly man, this really sucks. It sounds like he ripped you off.
T-Mobile blacklists IMEI's that are associated with an unpaid balance on a device. They do this to prevent people from getting a discounted phone, then taking it somewhere else.
You will need to call T-Mobile and talk to them about it. Not good. Usually they don't "unlist" them after they have been flagged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I heard you cannot use the phone in the US but you can use it in other countries, but I'm not sure. And now I don't know if I should perform a factory reset, if I need to activate the phone in the US (or with T-Mobile SIM card) I will end up with unusable phone.
stavrov said:
As I heard you cannot use the phone in the US but you can use it in other countries, but I'm not sure. And now I don't know if I should perform a factory reset, if I need to activate the phone in the US (or with T-Mobile SIM card) I will end up with unusable phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're confusing a Carrier lock with a Region lock. There is no region lock on the N900T, just carrier lock. You can purchase an unlock code from some place like cellunlocker.net and follow their instructions to unlock and use it with any carrier's sim.
toastido said:
You're confusing a Carrier lock with a Region lock. There is no region lock on the N900T, just carrier lock. You can purchase an unlock code from some place like cellunlocker.net and follow their instructions to unlock and use it with any carrier's sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I purchase an unlock code I can use the phone in my country?
stavrov said:
So if I purchase an unlock code I can use the phone in my country?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to, yes. There is no region lock, only Carrier/SIM lock, so an unlock code should allow it to operate anywhere, and it would be a permanent unlock, so you can factory reset even and not worry about it getting re-locked to tmo usa.
The region lock away app seems to also remove the sim lock, so I don't think you'll need an unlock code...
toastido said:
You should be able to, yes. There is no region lock, only Carrier/SIM lock, so an unlock code should allow it to operate anywhere, and it would be a permanent unlock, so you can factory reset even and not worry about it getting re-locked to tmo usa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say this is bad advice.
Why would you purchase anything without first giving them a call and finding out what is going on. IMEI stands for... ready....
INTERNATIONAL mobile equipment identity... not carrier specific. If T-Mobile flags a GSM device for "theft", as in, somebody not paying it off, it is essentially the property of T-Mobile's, and I promise you they have gone through the hoops to protect themselves from a product sales perspective.
It would be simple to give them a call. You should do it, and not spend any more of your money until A) You know why it was blacklisted, B) Know whether or not T-Mobile can fix this problem for you (maybe it was a mistake, but I doubt it), C) You call that idiot back that sold you the phone and find out why he sold you a device that was blacklisted (he knew).
That's all I really can say about it. And I hate to say it, but I think you are going to be SOL man. Sorry.
411y0ur8453 said:
I would say this is bad advice.
Why would you purchase anything without first giving them a call and finding out what is going on. IMEI stands for... ready....
INTERNATIONAL mobile equipment identity... not carrier specific. If T-Mobile flags a GSM device for "theft", as in, somebody not paying it off, it is essentially the property of T-Mobile's, and I promise you they have gone through the hoops to protect themselves from a product sales perspective.
It would be simple to give them a call. You should do it, and not spend any more of your money until A) You know why it was blacklisted, B) Know whether or not T-Mobile can fix this problem for you (maybe it was a mistake, but I doubt it), C) You call that idiot back that sold you the phone and find out why he sold you a device that was blacklisted (he knew).
That's all I really can say about it. And I hate to say it, but I think you are going to be SOL man. Sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's not bad advice
It's a widely known FACT that tmo USA and AT&T, who share blacklists) ONLY blacklist within the USA.
OP it's up to you, but based on others experiences (Google is your friend) and KNOWN FACTS, you should be fine
toastido said:
No, it's not bad advice
It's a widely known FACT that tmo USA and AT&T, who share blacklists) ONLY blacklist within the USA.
OP it's up to you, but based on others experiences (Google is your friend) and KNOWN FACTS, you should be fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would assume that if they had blocked an IMEI, it would be borked indefinitely. If not, good for you OP.
If you have heard of somebody having a blocked IMEI, toastido, and then taking a device to another country and successfully using it, then there is hope for him.
stavrov said:
Hi, I own Note 3 N900T bought from T-Mobile US and I'm using it in Macedonia with Chainfire's RegionLock Away App on Android 4.3. And now I want to update to Lollipop and do a factory reset but I checked my IMEI and it's Blacklisted. My question is can I unlock my phone with unlock code in Macedonia if I do a factory reset or I need to activate with T-Mobile SIM card?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the chainfire region lock away only works on 4.3... so if you update the phone to Lollipop or any other 4.4, I do believe it won't work for you anymore....
if you get the sim unlock from ebay or anyone else, you can use it anywhere except Tmobile USA...
I do not think tmobile cares enough to feel sorry that you got ripped off, but sometimes, only sometimes, I heard they have pardon 1 or 2 people..
411y0ur8453 said:
I would assume that if they had blocked an IMEI, it would be borked indefinitely. If not, good for you OP.
If you have heard of somebody having a blocked IMEI, toastido, and then taking a device to another country and successfully using it, then there is hope for him.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's blocked in the USA, then they are borked in the USA indefinitely, but fine outside of it. Now I can't speak for the European Union or Asia, but unless they have been blacklisted in the region they're trying to use it, should be good to go once it's unlocked - add long as its outside the us of a.
In Macedonia they can unlock it for you some small shops not Tmobile stores, it's like $10 and try One the carrier, you got nothing to loose, i srekno. IMEI is only blocked in USA.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Free mobile app

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