Develop Bugs

Root and Unlock SIM

so this is my first Android phone where unlocking the SIM card is possible. i've been with Verizon and Sprint so long that i never bothered looking up the unlocking abilities/procedures. the only unlocking experience i've had in the past have been with iPhones, where the jailbreaking software has an option to unlock the SIM card as well.
and i didn't know that you have to ride out your 2 year contract before AT&T will unlock your phone. i've tried searching around here, but i couldn't get a good answer. i kept finding threads in regard to a Canadian carrier where you dial a number + an unlock code, but then some ROMS didn't allow the dialing of that number to work (or something like that).
is there a method to unlock the SIM card of the AT&T version without waiting out the 2 year contract?

yes, just keep asking. use online chat. i got both my devices unlocked, one after 25 days of owning and one after 2 days. you do not need to wait out your contact, that only applied to the iPhone.
p.s. the other two larger unlock Sim threads in this board detail all this for you.
Sent from my Galaxy S III

ATT will unlock the SGS3 after owning it for 15 days, and as long as your last months bill is paid in full.
call them, or chat them and ask for it :laugh:

thanks for the info. i totally missed the Q&A section somehow.
in related to other threads i found, should i try to unlock the SIM card first before rooting/flashing a custom ROM?

They are mutually exclusive items to do on your phone. One does not affect the other. So to answer your question you can do whichever task you want to have done first.
That said, I like knowing my phone is carrier-lock free asap, so I'd unlock first to get that done.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda app-developers app

thank you for the info!
just got off the Web Chat with an agent. all i did was simply ask for an unlock and he gave me the unlock code to use once inserting a non-AT&T SIM card.
i didn't have to provide a reason or anything.
now all i have to do is locate a non-AT&T SIM card to test the unlock, and then i can proceed to rooting this. hopefully the stable AOKP will be part of today's release.

I just dropped by Bestbuy and bought the phone out-right. Un-activated phones and phones without the stock ROM have to use a diff carrier's SIM to activate the unlock screen.
Pick one up on ebay. you can get a T-Mobile micro SIM for like $2. The only thing it's good for is unlocking your phone.
Like the one I bought:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/16086619163...NX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_500wt_1414

If u got it from best buy you overpaid. Phones are marked up from ATT cost. They are 549.99 with ATT and 700 with BBY.
OP
You can go to cellunlocker.net and put in your IMEI and get a unlock code. Great site. I use them all the time.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda premium

pussyliquor said:
If u got it from best buy you overpaid. Phones are marked up from ATT cost. They are 549.99 with ATT and 700 with BBY.
OP
You can go to cellunlocker.net and put in your IMEI and get a unlock code. Great site. I use them all the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bestbuy does price match. So I got it for $549 plus the $10 in BB rewards.
Why are you telling the OP to pay for it when he doesn't have to?

Guess i'll have to try another time later. Not to mention the guy i chatted with didn't seem too bright. Asked if i could have the SIM Unlock code for my phone, and he said that AT&T sim cards cannot be unlocked.
Told me that it can't be unlocked because it is still contracted to AT&T. Told him i read that people have been getting them unlocked after a couple days of purchasing the device, on contract or not, and he said apparently i was misinformed. haha

mrhomiec said:
thank you for the info!
just got off the Web Chat with an agent. all i did was simply ask for an unlock and he gave me the unlock code to use once inserting a non-AT&T SIM card.
i didn't have to provide a reason or anything.
now all i have to do is locate a non-AT&T SIM card to test the unlock, and then i can proceed to rooting this. hopefully the stable AOKP will be part of today's release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe you can hit me up with a thanks
elementaldragon said:
Guess i'll have to try another time later. Not to mention the guy i chatted with didn't seem too bright. Asked if i could have the SIM Unlock code for my phone, and he said that AT&T sim cards cannot be unlocked.
Told me that it can't be unlocked because it is still contracted to AT&T. Told him i read that people have been getting them unlocked after a couple days of purchasing the device, on contract or not, and he said apparently i was misinformed. haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lulz;
try a new chat rep, or call them.
like ive said a million times already:
as long as you've had your phone for 15 days or more, and your last months bill is paid in full, you will get an unlock code.
now hook me up with some thanks :silly:

If you're not in a position to call to get the code from AT&T (like me, who got from Ebay and lives in NZ), then cellunlocker.net worked for me in terms of getting a code. Just thought I would mention that for people who see this thread and come to find out about SIM unlocking.

yea, i bought my phone on July 26, so it's been 26 days, and since i just started my contracts with AT&T (new customer), i didn't have a last month's bill to pay. and yet the agent i had unlocked it for me with no questioning.
btw, would i be able to use the LTE SIM card from my old Verizon Galaxy Nexus as a "non-AT&T" SIM card?

If you're waiting on a sim like I was... just install the cm10 nightly for the 21st. It will show the unlock screen upon reboot. I didn't need a dialer code or sim. This bug allowed me to use the code I got from att to successfully unlock my phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

NZtechfreak said:
If you're not in a position to call to get the code from AT&T (like me, who got from Ebay and lives in NZ), then cellunlocker.net worked for me in terms of getting a code. Just thought I would mention that for people who see this thread and come to find out about SIM unlocking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is why I listed that site. Cause it works and not everyone has ATT. And sometimes they takes days to get a unlock code. Cellunlocker.net does it within minutes.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda premium

WOO! Actually got my unlock code this time.

i just bought a s3 and i have tmobile . how could i get it unlocked the cheapest way? and what service would be good to switch to non contract in central valley in california. any good sugestions

THIS
EDIT:
Use at your own risk I have not tried it on our model

jebise101 said:
THIS
EDIT:
Use at your own risk I have not tried it on our model
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO NOT USE THIS! It's for the 9300 international model, NOT the US models. Seriously, why would you recommend that someone try this?
---------- Post added at 09:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:30 AM ----------
valleyboss209 said:
i just bought a s3 and i have tmobile . how could i get it unlocked the cheapest way? and what service would be good to switch to non contract in central valley in california. any good sugestions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After 2-3 months T-Mobile should unlock it for you upon request. Just call them.

So I finally took the time to see if the SIM card from my old Verizon Galaxy Nexus would work.
I turned off my S3, put in the Verizon SIM, and started up. After I unlocked the screen, I was promoted to input unlock code or dismiss. I typed the code in and after a few minutes I was taken to my home screen.
I guess it's safe to say my S3 is now unlocked? If I really want to make sure, I would have to have a working SIM to put in my S3?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Are there currently any ways of unlocking a S3 i747m?

Hey guys, first post here. Was just wondering if there are currently any workings ways of unlocking a samsung galaxy s iii i-747m phone.
I have tried searching the forums and also the www but could only find info about the voodoo app which has since been pulled..
Phone : Samsung Galaxy S III 747m
Carrier : Telus
Not rooted yet, but I should be able to do it if needed ( Have rooted my Galaxy Nexus but that is it)
All help is appreciated, Thank you!

No you need to pay for an unlock code
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

I've used cellunlock.net where some others were not able to find a code.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda premium

I've written to AT&T and told them I am going abroad (which was actually true, but who cares) and I need to use my S3 phone with local provider's SIM. They sent me the unlock code for free in a couple of hours. :good:

I paid $7.5 to cellphoneunlock yesterday, the code arrived in about 2 hours and it worked.

ighost77 said:
I've written to AT&T and told them I am going abroad (which was actually true, but who cares) and I need to use my S3 phone with local provider's SIM. They sent me the unlock code for free in a couple of hours. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I chatted with them online, asked them if there was any way i could have the unlock code for my phone, should the need arise that i have to use it on a different network. Had my code in like 10 minutes.

Thanks for all the replies guys.
I am going to buy a unlock code from mobileincanada as they seem to be priced closely to a couple other sites I've looked at, and I figure why not support a Canadian company.
Thanks for replying so quick guys. I really wish there was a free method of unlocking this phone, but oh well.

I chatted with AT&T and told them I was going abroad. Within 3 minutes they gave me an unlock code for free. I have been an AT&T customer for 2 months only.

AT&T has been known to give out unlock codes for free, but can the same be expected of a Canadian carrier? Highly doubt it.. they will gouge you for $50 for something that probably costs them nothing

I don't think they give out unlock codes at all... I haven't heard anyone or read anything from ANY of the Canadian carriers doing that. I've always read AT&T doing it, if you ask politely.
It can be worth the try, it won't hurt to try. If they don't you can always pay for an unlock code... But always try the free route first.

As asked light night and got denied. I've been with AT&T for years. I might be traveling at the end of the month. I did the online chat and was told I would have to wait until my contract was up before they would do it.

pngface said:
AT&T has been known to give out unlock codes for free, but can the same be expected of a Canadian carrier? Highly doubt it.. they will gouge you for $50 for something that probably costs them nothing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Northern tel/bell wants $75.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

I ended up buying an unlock code from mobileincanada, cost about $35 and worked no problem. About ~20hr wait.

Eligibility
Device unlocking applies to TELUS postpaid SIM-based devices that operate on our Mike, and 4G networks. In order to be eligible to have your device unlocked, you must ensure that your current device has been on the TELUS network for a minimum of 90 days and that your account is up to date and in good standing.
Rates
A $50 fee will be applied to your TELUS account.
Source
http://www.telusmobility.com/en/QC/Unlock-Device/unlocking_your_device.shtml?eVar6=link#samsung

I just registered my bell sgs3 on bell.ca and was able to get an unlock code instantly there.
My sgs3 was purchased outright so that may have been a factor.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

yeah, I asked Bell and they said it will charge me $75 for an unlock code.

This free unlock worked fine for my Galaxy S3 (SGH-I747)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=34661189&postcount=1

outlogic said:
This free unlock worked fine for my Galaxy S3 (SGH-I747)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=34661189&postcount=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately that only works on the Stock ROM. Personally I'd rather just pay the ~$10 and get the unlock code rather than going through the hassle of going back to the Stock ROM and running through that method.

Tony_YYZ said:
Unfortunately that only works on the Stock ROM. Personally I'd rather just pay the ~$10 and get the unlock code rather than going through the hassle of going back to the Stock ROM and running through that method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lazy lazy lazy lazy that's what that says to me!
Sent from the scary door....

I am curious if the unlock code can only be used on a stock ROM.
I have an unlock code but it won't work when I try with either a Telus sim or a att sim on my Rogers S3.
Every time I try I get an unsuccessful message..
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

WOOHOO Phone unlocked

I told att that my phone was bought off non contract
they unlocked it!

djarpit said:
I told att that my phone was bought off non contract
they unlocked it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, thats funny! You shouldn't have had to even do that - I've been told/and have read, that they will unlock as long as your account is in good standing with them Still though - thats good to hear you got unlocked!

Yea.... i (and many others, as it seems) simply went onto their online chat support, and asked if i could get the unlock code for my phone, just in case the need arises where i have to use a SIM from a different carrier. Took two tries talking to different people, but got it unlocked. I don't think they're quite as strict with the idea of keeping your phone tied to them until the contract is up with other phones as they are with the iPhone in particular.

i got the unlock code from the 1st chat with the rep no problem. i havent been able to get it unlocked because i dont have a different sim.
is it even possible to unlock if i leave the att sim in?

It should be fine.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

polobreaka said:
i got the unlock code from the 1st chat with the rep no problem. i havent been able to get it unlocked because i dont have a different sim.
is it even possible to unlock if i leave the att sim in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may be an awful roundabout way of doing it at this point, but maybe if you can get your hands on one of the earlier builds of CM10. There used to be an issue where on the first boot after installing CM10, the unlock code prompt would come up. Don't remember exactly when that was, though....

I sold my sgs2 when I bought my sgs3.
Wanted an unlock code and att refused. I explained that I wasn't trying to cancel my contract and just wanted to give it to my dad since I got a sgs3..
Att still refused but credited my account 150 for my trouble?!?! Haha
Worked for me!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium

I've been with AT&T for years. IMHO, they are very helpful, and will usually compensate you for your trouble. Case in point: Found out that AT&T will give you a 15% discount on your bill, if you were honorably discharged from the service. They could not "back date" my discount, but gave me a $350.00 credit towards my next bill(bills). I'm staying with AT&T.:good:

Canadian carriers
Hey,
Does anyone know if Canadian carriers are able to give the unlock codes? (Rogers to be specific)
Thanks

djaswal said:
Hey,
Does anyone know if Canadian carriers are able to give the unlock codes? (Rogers to be specific)
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can, but they wont usually do it while under contract. They seem to like to push to let them do it (if you're at the store) and charge you 50 dollars. This has been my experience at least

grunt0300 said:
I've been with AT&T for years. IMHO, they are very helpful, and will usually compensate you for your trouble. Case in point: Found out that AT&T will give you a 15% discount on your bill, if you were honorably discharged from the service. They could not "back date" my discount, but gave me a $350.00 credit towards my next bill(bills). I'm staying with AT&T.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fwiw they will give almost any one who is in college or a graduate of college a discount too. Just need a edu email. Used my alumni address. I can't remember if it is 5 or 10%. they have a website to register. I believe that you get business class service from the csrs.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

djaswal said:
Hey,
Does anyone know if Canadian carriers are able to give the unlock codes? (Rogers to be specific)
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My buddy world for Rogers and they're not allowed to give out the unlock codes. You might get lucky and get a rep who doesn't care, but if they got caught Thats it for them. I've been trying to con my buddy when i rolled with black berry. I found it was v chapter and effort to pay the $1 on eBay and get one. I'm not sure on the unlock process with the S3 though. Is it more complicated?
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

I didnt know having an unlocked phone was that big of a deal. Thank goodness I purchased mine as "unlocked" to begin with. I got lucky!!

GSM Phone unlocking - the easy way....
To get a SIM unlock, all you have to say is that you will be traveling overseas and you need the phone unlocked so you can use a GSM sim local to the places you will be going.
In general, it doesn't really matter much if the SIM is unlocked locally.
Now, if you want the phone unlocked for loading new OS's, the i747 usually does allow loading of other OS's such as CM10 and other Android versions. While the BootLoader is still locked, there are sites where you can get it unlocked. Albeit I hear that you will loose your DRM information because of it.
My son is in the Army and I had a new phone unlocked for him. I explained that he will be deployed and needed something for local GSM coverage, without suffering the costs of AT&T International roaming. Got it unlocked by AT&T in one call.
Just my experience and $.02...

Just spoke to AT&T a few hours ago. They gave me the unlock code for my old Captivate which I had upgraded to an SGS3 a week ago for my wife. I asked about unlocking my SGS3 (1 month old) and was told that they would be able to givw me the code after I had had the phone for 90 days. They also said that I could have only five phones unlocked every 12 months.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747

Guide: How I unlocked my ATT S3

I read for about 2 hours on how to unlock this thing. Many said to call Att, some said to log in and live-chat, some say to use a 3rd party service. I called Att USA and got the run around 3 times. I don't have an ATT account so I couldnt log in....I tried the auto chat service and it gave me a number for ATT International. I called and within 60 seconds the gentleman gave me the code over the phone, no questions asked sans the IMEI code.
Here was the number I used......1-800-335-4685
I am not hard core developer, I am just a regular guy who reads before he asks. I hope this helps someone out.

Jasonator said:
I read for about 2 hours on how to unlock this thing. Many said to call Att, some said to log in and live-chat, some say to use a 3rd party service. I called Att USA and got the run around 3 times. I don't have an ATT account so I couldnt log in....I tried the auto chat service and it gave me a number for ATT International. I called and within 60 seconds the gentleman gave me the code over the phone, no questions asked sans the IMEI code.
Here was the number I used......1-800-335-4685
I am not hard core developer, I am just a regular guy who reads before he asks. I hope this helps someone out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your the man or woman that number rocks i had to go through two reps but i got my unlock code thanks for the info

not sure if you found this information or not, but for others wanting to know... only speak with the International Reps!!!
whether it be via phone or chat, this department is the only department that can give you the unlock code.
do not ask in-store about, do not call customer service. go straight to the source.
my story: after 14 days of being a brand new AT&T customer, i logged in and chatted with an International Rep, no questions asked about why i wanted an unlock, he just gave me the unlock code upon request. first try.

chat rep gave me mine within 4 minutes. said I had to put another sim into the slot and type in the unlock code.
Is there a way to do this without a different sim?
Wife and I are planning a trip to france and wanted to unlock to have phone service over there.

Looking for steps on how to do it without another similar as well. Also full steps, my rep was less than helpful in that department. I got the code, but other than that nothing else useful from them.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

can they unlock Canadian Rogers S3 phone?

Sealwolfy said:
can they unlock Canadian Rogers S3 phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just call and find out really.. I would do it but not where i am right now...

rthomas10 said:
chat rep gave me mine within 4 minutes. said I had to put another sim into the slot and type in the unlock code.
Is there a way to do this without a different sim?
Wife and I are planning a trip to france and wanted to unlock to have phone service over there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not able to find another way to do it. On the international version, one of the *# codes on the dialer works, but not on our's. However, I was able to unlock it by going to a T-Mobile store and asking them really nicely whether I could borrow one of their sims for two minutes so I could unlock my phone. They agreed with no issue, and my phone is now unlocked.

Just called and they told me they can only unlock phones that are from USA AT&T customers only.
JohnM109R said:
Just call and find out really.. I would do it but not where i am right now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Jasonator said:
I read for about 2 hours on how to unlock this thing. Many said to call Att, some said to log in and live-chat, some say to use a 3rd party service. I called Att USA and got the run around 3 times. I don't have an ATT account so I couldnt log in....I tried the auto chat service and it gave me a number for ATT International. I called and within 60 seconds the gentleman gave me the code over the phone, no questions asked sans the IMEI code.
Here was the number I used......1-800-335-4685
I am not hard core developer, I am just a regular guy who reads before he asks. I hope this helps someone out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This worked! Many thanks

online chat rep worked for me for three different lines
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Anyone post the steps on how to actually do it? They gave me the code, but no instructions.

Seanbest said:
Anyone post the steps on how to actually do it? They gave me the code, but no instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turn off phone
swap out sims
turn on phone
put in code

Sorry for the noob question but do I need to be on stock to unlock or can this be done while on a non stock rom?

JohnM109R said:
Just call and find out really.. I would do it but not where i am right now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the original carrier can unlock the phones.. it's the specific carrier that has the unlock code..
Try calling Rogers and telling them you're going to Europe.. I've got my unlock code for one of my old phones doing that

No, you can be rooted. You need a different carriers Sim and when you insert that and power on the phone it will ask you for the code. Input code, it will finish powering up and then give it a minute or two and Voila!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

dLo GSR said:
online chat rep worked for me for three different lines
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chat works when you have an account. This is for those of us that don't. This will likely work with any att phone BTW.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

zexco said:
Only the original carrier can unlock the phones.. it's the specific carrier that has the unlock code..
Try calling Rogers and telling them you're going to Europe.. I've got my unlock code for one of my old phones doing that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes I try calling Rogers, they wanted $50 to unlock

zexco said:
Only the original carrier can unlock the phones.. it's the specific carrier that has the unlock code..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not entirely true. There are pay services such as cellunlocker.net that can unlock your phone in minutes. I just tried to unlock my old S2 through AT&T to get more selling it and the AT&T rep said my device wasn't "eligible" for an unlock code. Then, immediately went to cellunlocker and got an unlock code in about five minutes online and didn't have to deal with any idiot AT&T reps. Cost me $25 but it was worth it in that my phone sold in about 15 minutes and I didn't have time to deal with AT&T's bs.
Wish I knew about the number posted in the OP, I would've tried that and maybe saved some money.

Also got mine through chat no questions asked and noe she is unlocked. BOOM!

[Q] Unlocking a brand new phone never activated?

I just bought a brand new Galaxy Note 3 from a T-MOBILE store to use it with AT&T. The phone has never been activated before and I was wondering can I just insert my AT&T sim card and unlock it with the code that I have? or does the phone have to be activated first with a T-MOBILE sim card before I can unlock it to AT&T?
The region lock is kind of confusing me...

memee4eva said:
I just bought a brand new Galaxy Note 3 from a T-MOBILE store to use it with AT&T. The phone has never been activated before and I was wondering can I just insert my AT&T sim card and unlock it with the code that I have? or does the phone have to be activated first with a T-MOBILE sim card before I can unlock it to AT&T?
The region lock is kind of confusing me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I heard it needs to be activated first. BUT, I think it needs to be activated if you plan on using it outside this region (country). I'd say give it a shot and see. If not... if it's not rooted, just take it back lol (j/k).
But I think the region lock stuff applies to international users, or those that want to use it internationally. Region lock I think is used to prevent people from selling these devices outside the country without it first being activated within the country... If I'm wrong, someone may clarify...

memee4eva said:
I just bought a brand new Galaxy Note 3 from a T-MOBILE store to use it with AT&T. The phone has never been activated before and I was wondering can I just insert my AT&T sim card and unlock it with the code that I have? or does the phone have to be activated first with a T-MOBILE sim card before I can unlock it to AT&T?
The region lock is kind of confusing me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is NO region lock if you purchased the phone
from a tmobile store, they region unlock all their
phones which need it before they sell you the phone.
Only the international NOTE 3 phone models have the
region lock intact and must be activated in the country
of origin with a valid sim card from that region or country.
If you purchased the phone at a Tmobile store then you have
nothing to be worried about, it's already activated and all it needs
is a valid active Tmobile sim card installed.
The Tmobile Note 3 does not come unlocked but Tmobile will
email you a unlock code with instructions if you request it. (free)
The Tmobile phone will not work with an AT&T sim card
unless you request an unlock code from Tmobile & unlock it.
(or using your valid unlock code if you have one)
The phone must have a valid tmobile sim card installed in order
to unlock it successfully.
After it's unlocked you can remove the tmobile sim card and
replace it with an AT&T or any other active sim card.
You must wait at least 14 days to request an unlock code
because that's how long you have to return the phone for
a full refund.
It's easy to unlock, takes less than 30 seconds.
Once unlocked it will work in any country or region.
Good luck!

So there's no region lock on 900T from t-mobile?

How did you buy a phone without an account??
Just bite the bullet and purchase a 3rd party unlock code...
Good Luck!

sloanster said:
How did you buy a phone without an account??
Just bite the bullet and purchase a 3rd party unlock code...
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to insert a t-mobile sim to unlock the code with an unlock code? Really?

I never said you needed a T-Mobile sim.... (however it is possible)
I'm still interested in knowing how you purchased without account... Do you mind sharing?
newr said:
You need to insert a t-mobile sim to unlock the code with an unlock code? Really?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

sloanster said:
I never said you needed a T-Mobile sim.... (however it is possible)
I'm still interested in knowing how you purchased without account... Do you mind sharing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it from ebay...could be a dud!

tmobile is not just handing out the unlock code even if u did purchase it at full price. i just called them today myself. you have to have an account that has had atleast $100 put through it. i told them i dont have an account i purchased out right and should be able to get the code. they said it was the only way otherwise i could pay samsung or a third party company. finally im like wait my girlfriend has had a prepay acount for like 6 months. thats way over the 100 that they want so they transfered me to the prepay department and i explained to them what was going on. i confirmed the account information with them gave them my imei and they said that i will have an email with in 24hrs with the code. so now im just waiting for the email.

Great! and good luck!
If that backfires you can go to 3rd party such as Fastgsm.com or many others just look at the reviews 1st..
stash9123 said:
tmobile is not just handing out the unlock code even if u did purchase it at full price. i just called them today myself. you have to have an account that has had atleast $100 put through it. i told them i dont have an account i purchased out right and should be able to get the code. they said it was the only way otherwise i could pay samsung or a third party company. finally im like wait my girlfriend has had a prepay acount for like 6 months. thats way over the 100 that they want so they transfered me to the prepay department and i explained to them what was going on. i confirmed the account information with them gave them my imei and they said that i will have an email with in 24hrs with the code. so now im just waiting for the email.
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stash9123 said:
tmobile is not just handing out the unlock code even if u did purchase it at full price. i just called them today myself. you have to have an account that has had atleast $100 put through it. i told them i dont have an account i purchased out right and should be able to get the code. they said it was the only way otherwise i could pay samsung or a third party company. finally im like wait my girlfriend has had a prepay acount for like 6 months. thats way over the 100 that they want so they transfered me to the prepay department and i explained to them what was going on. i confirmed the account information with them gave them my imei and they said that i will have an email with in 24hrs with the code. so now im just waiting for the email.
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If anyone else tries this...
The phone must be activated on the t-mobile network for 40 days ($100 minimum) and be paid in full in order to get the unlock code.
I can't remember where I read that, but I also confirmed with a rep because I am considering leaving to a pre-paid service.
If not, you would have to use one of the other ways of unlocking the phone.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

+1
noobtoob said:
If anyone else tries this...
The phone must be activated on the t-mobile network for 40 days ($100 minimum) and be paid in full in order to get the unlock code.
I can't remember where I read that, but I also confirmed with a rep because I am considering leaving to a pre-paid service.
If not, you would have to use one of the other ways of unlocking the phone.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

noobtoob said:
If anyone else tries this...
The phone must be activated on the t-mobile network for 40 days ($100 minimum) and be paid in full in order to get the unlock code.
I can't remember where I read that, but I also confirmed with a rep because I am considering leaving to a pre-paid service.
If not, you would have to use one of the other ways of unlocking the phone.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
incorrect i just called them to ask why i havnt recieved and the lady checked the acoount said i had been approved and read me my number now i have a redpocket sim wich is att working in my phone

stash9123 said:
incorrect i just called them to ask why i havnt recieved and the lady checked the acoount said i had been approved and read me my number now i have a redpocket sim wich is att working in my phone
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Click to collapse
So you are leasing your phone and on another network?
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

noobtoob said:
So you are leasing your phone and on another network?
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
i own the phone but havnt activated it through tmobile. i had a simple mobile account and wanted to switch to att. tmobile told me i needed a active tmobile account tht has had 100 dollars on it so i used my girlfriends since she has had it for 6ish months. but have nvr used my phone on her account

stash9123 said:
i own the phone but havnt activated it through tmobile. i had a simple mobile account and wanted to switch to att. tmobile told me i needed a active tmobile account tht has had 100 dollars on it so i used my girlfriends since she has had it for 6ish months. but have nvr used my phone on her account
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So that still stands as correct then. As you just piggy backed on your girlfriends account that has been active for well over 40 days, thus approving your unlock code.
I am only speaking as if you do not have an account. If you buy the phone straight up, in order to give the unlock code they want an account (note I didn't say the device itself, which in my earlier post did say. Oops.) that had been active for 40 days and at least 1 month payment. Otherwise everyone would just buy their phones from them and they would make little profit.
There are always ways around getting a code. As some people mentioned you can always tell them you are going to be over seas and need a code. I have even found that being nice enough, and getting the right person, you sometimes get lucky.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

memee4eva said:
I just bought a brand new Galaxy Note 3 from a T-MOBILE store to use it with AT&T. The phone has never been activated before and I was wondering can I just insert my AT&T sim card and unlock it with the code that I have? or does the phone have to be activated first with a T-MOBILE sim card before I can unlock it to AT&T?
The region lock is kind of confusing me...
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Click to collapse
Please check this link. I think you know about it. Am I right?
http://www.usoftphone.com/t109846.html

Chainfires region lock away app removes the Sim lock. I was able to use my att Sim on a tmobile note 3 without entering any unlock code
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Free mobile app

That means after 40 days you can request for the unlock code?

Lorettaa said:
That means after 40 days you can request for the unlock code?
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Huh?
No it means he is now unlocked and doesn't need an unlock code.