Develop Bugs

[Q] Got unlock code from AT&T but phone won't take it! Pls Help!

Hi guys,
I easily got the unlock code from the folks at AT&T. They were super nice and freely gave me the code once I provided them with the IMEI.
The problem, though, is that the phone won't accept the code -- it says it's incorrect, and takes away one of the 10 attempts each time. I tried it two or three times at the T-Mobile store once I inserted the brand new micro sim the rep gave me, then restarted the phone, and tried twice more, for a total of five attempts. I'm afraid to try it again.
I've called AT&T three times and Nokia twice, and the final time with AT&T a super nice level 2 tech called Misa helped me and stayed on the line while we called Nokia together. She was on my side the whole time, wondering how Nokia could have no knowledge on how to unlock their own phone. It was nice of her and the service almost made me want to go to AT&T (but I like my $50 a month unlimited talk, text and data plan with T-Mobile).
Any ideas on how to do this? I can't really understand why the code is being rejected, as we've verified the code three times at AT&T, and I'm sure I'm reading the IMEI right.
I did try Nokia Care Suite "refurbish" prior to doing the unlock, but not sure if this would have had any impact, as the process failed with a timeout error. As I write this, however, the phone is actually letting the entire refurbish process go through, for the first time, flashing the same version of the software that was on the phone (2175.2301.8779.12223).
Thanks!

Got it, in a very weird way.
OK. I'm sure a lot of people have been searching for this. I have, but my google skills weren't good enough to keep me from spending hours on the phone and at stores today trying to get the damn thing unlocked. I'd just about given up when my brother searched and found this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=35674606# (Thanks Breex243!)
Basically, you just keep trying the code provided by AT&T, ten times, until you use up your ten attempts. I know, it sounds scary, but just do it. Then, it will ask you for your PUK, and give you 32 attempts. You enter the code provided by AT&T at this point (not your PUK). That will unlock the phone. Strange, especially since no one at AT&T nor Nokia seems to know this.
Anyway, thanks Breex243 for posting this! Good luck to anyone else trying it.

I just wanted to verify what sshanky had said above.
We've had a number of people contact us recently about their unlock codes for the Lumia 900 locked to AT&T being wrong, however the process of entering it just needs to be altered.
Simply use up the 10 attempts then try again.

Carrier Unlock T-Mobile? Where to get used SIM?

I got ahold of a used t-mobile z2 force. Considering I'm still using a 2012 phone, this will be quite an upgrade for me. I tried the t-mobile app to carrier unlock but no luck. From reading here, it seems there are two options.
#1 - Get new a prepaid sim, activiate, then add $100 credit, wait a few days, then try the app again, eventually it will work.
#2 - Get/Borrow a used sim (doesn't matter if prepaid), put it in the phone, wait a few days, then try the app again, eventually it will work.
Am I right?
If so, any suggestions where to find a used sim? I tried ebay and they're all new and unactivated. Or maybe someone here did option 1 and doesn't need their sim anymore, PM me.
I looked into option #1 myself but at $3/month for voice/text only, it's not real useful to me as I use hangouts/voice for voice & text, all I really need is data. And with the prepaid unlimited I'd use up my $100 in two months, kinda a waste imo.

What error message did you receive? There are two kinds; the device is not eligible for an unlock or the device is unknown.

Unlock Failed: This mobile device is not eligible for unlock. For device Unlock eligibility details, please go online or contact Customer Care.

That error means the device is recognized by the server and can be unlocked when it is eligible. Since you’re not the original owner you won’t have any way of knowing when it will be eligible. The phone could still be on a payment plan or the original buyer could have defaulted.
If you need it unlocked quickly your best bet maybe finding a third party unlock service that can flag your IMEI as unlock eligible with the unlock server.

I'm more concerned about cheaply than quickly.
My understanding tho is that it is not under any contract. But even so my understanding is that the app won't unlock unless there's a SIM card in there too from an existing customer... but this is just based on searches, I'm still unsure.

I believe the phone has to be used for at least 45 days on a T-Mobile account to be considered for unlock.

If I had family or friend on t-mobile I'd ask them to use this phone a while. But I don't unfortunately, that would be the easiest.

I had my unactivated new in box T-Mobile z2 force that i got from a trade unlocked in a week after getting prepaid and putting 100 on it. That was the fastest and easiest way not knowing ppl who use tmo. Just wait a few days then call tech support and get them to escalate the unlock...say it's work related...after that restart and it will be unlocked.

I want cheapest, not fastest or easiest. $100 for unlock sounds crazy. Don't suppose you still have that sim card?

I don't know if my Sim would even help. I think with prepaid they go by imei so you might even have to add that $ to it. I think the Sim is just the door bell button.

oh... yeah I better figure that out. If they require prepaid sim to have added $100 since first used on that particular imei, then a used sim doesn't help.
So seems like 3 options.
1 - fork out the $100 to t-mobile,
2 - borrow a non prepaid t-mobile sim (loan my phone to someone) for possibly up to 45 days before able to unlock
3 - find and pay an unlock service
I wonder what these unlock services do that I can't.

Anyone have the link to the apk?

enigma9o7 said:
oh... yeah I better figure that out. If they require prepaid sim to have added $100 since first used on that particular imei, then a used sim doesn't help.
So seems like 3 options.
1 - fork out the $100 to t-mobile,
2 - borrow a non prepaid t-mobile sim (loan my phone to someone) for possibly up to 45 days before able to unlock
3 - find and pay an unlock service
I wonder what these unlock services do that I can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have a contact with someone at T-Mobile that can flag your IMEI as unlock eligible with the unlock server.
---------- Post added at 11:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 AM ----------
sounreal said:
Anyone have the link to the apk?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app is preinstalled on supported phones only. If your phone does not have the app then it uses a different method to Sim unlock.

I tried 3 different eBay seller and none could provide me with a code.

Well I just paid $60 to try cellunlocker.net; hopefully it works. An advertisement posted 5 days ago says it will...
https://www.cellunlocker.net/cellphonenews/2018/03/t-mobile-unlock-app-service-is-up-and-running/

still waiting... their eta aint so great as I passed the 1-5 business days. But I'm still hopeful cuz their online chat told me should be by next tuesday, although they didn't answer support email and I was on phone hold 10 mins beofre hanging up (since online chat replied while I was waiting on hold).

enigma9o7 said:
still waiting... their eta aint so great as I passed the 1-5 business days. But I'm still hopeful cuz their online chat told me should be by next tuesday, although they didn't answer support email and I was on phone hold 10 mins beofre hanging up (since online chat replied while I was waiting on hold).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been waiting for two weeks and I have lost my confidence.

Picasa01 said:
I have been waiting for two weeks and I have lost my confidence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you heard anything in the meantime? I got an email (after I posted here last) saying it was ready, but it still won't unlock. Called them and the guy said sorry they'll re-do it, something about the wrong server. So back to waiting... losing confidence but still hopeful...
If it isn't too much trouble, keep me updated (in this thread) as to what happens for you, or if you end up asking for refund, etc....

Codes don't work on T-Mobile phones once the unlock app is on the device. Hopefully there isn't a balance on the device which would prevent it from being unlocked. For all the phones I use the app for, cuz I have T-Mobile and have gone through a quite a few devices, once it's paid off usually the app automatically works long as it was active service for 40 days prior.
Before the app I knew you could have someone with T-Mobile use this phone for a few days until it registers on the network and then you can request an unlock code and have it escalated.

I really want to lose patience
enigma9o7 said:
Have you heard anything in the meantime? I got an email (after I posted here last) saying it was ready, but it still won't unlock. Called them and the guy said sorry they'll re-do it, something about the wrong server. So back to waiting... losing confidence but still hopeful...
If it isn't too much trouble, keep me updated (in this thread) as to what happens for you, or if you end up asking for refund, etc....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really want to lose patience。Did you unlock it? My order has been for a month

How to unlock att s9 to use with another carrier?

What is the proper procedure to unlock an att s9 to use with another carrier?
Thanks.

Just to clarify. This phone was purchased from Samsung directly with the new $150 discount for Att branded phones.

RossTeagan said:
So the phone is bought from samsung but lock on att?
Try the following to check if your phone is network locked be sure you really need to unlock it (otherwise, I don't think you need to unlock it).
1. Insert a GSM SIM card from another network (a non-AT&T SIM, liek Cricket ot T-Mobile)
2. Try placing a call
If your phone manages to connect and make the call with this other SIM card, then you won't need to unlock it, as it's already unlocked. And if the phone is locked, I recommend you check with AT&T, given that this phone is not tight to a contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have the phone yet (2 more days,) but I did an extensive Google search, and it seems like this particular phone will be sim locked. It's paid off outright, no contract or anything, but there were several heavy discounts like $150 off msrp and another $150 off for trading in S6.
My Google search gave me two possible options -
1) Talk to ATT and ask to unlock,
2) Use an unlock site, like DeviceUnlock, pay 20-50 dollars for them to obtain and send an unlock code to you.
As for #1, I saw a post where a guy complained that talking to ATT and Samsung was useless to him in a similar situation - each company sent him to the other one to get it unlocked, so he got nowhere with this option.
Also, I saw a few posts that said that a locked phone may have to be activated on ATT first and used for up to 40 days before ATT will unlock it for you. What would happen with this Samsung bought phone though?
And for #2, I just don't know how this kind of business works - you send them IMEI and the locked carrier info, pay money, and a few days later, they send you an unlock code that you can enter yourself.
Is it safe? How does it work exactly? What if there's a problem because the IMEI is not actually registered on ATT because the phone was sold by Samsung?
I have many more questions, just because I don't know what I am talking about, but the bottom line is this. What should I do?
Thanks.

AS your phone is paid off and there is no contract on it, you should stick with your first option: ask att to unlock it but as you said you will need an activated phone, so you will need to activate the phone with att, however, you should go to them immediately and not wait for 40 days. While Samsung locked the phone, the actual company who controls the lock and who has authority of unlocking it att. So don't let them fool you to go search the code somewhere else.
Also, there is a law in the US that forces operators to unlock your phone if there are no debts or contract on your device. So keep that in mind.
Regarding third parties, they are a shortcut and you just have to provide them the devices IMEI and network lock. They, in turn, will look for the unlocking code for you. And if there are issues, as you said, I think you can ask for a refund (so if you decide to go for such a service, first make sure they have a money back guarantee).
TLDR Go with att, they should (have to) provide the unlock for you

Hi nabbed,
did you manage to unlock it?
what did you do in the end?

Giskardors said:
Hi nabbed,
did you manage to unlock it?
what did you do in the end?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called ATT, spoke to tech support. The tech said that since I had no history/account with ATT, they had to make one to verify that the phone IMEI was clean. He created a new account - name, address, phone, email, imei etc info. He created a support ticket (and gave me its number) for sim unlock. He said that I should receive an email within 48 hours that would either tell me that I cannot unlock or will come with the unlock code (if it is decided that I should be able to unlock.)
I tried using their default web service for getting an unlock https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/unlockstep1 but that thing doesn't work - the Next button cannot be clicked.
If unsuccessful, I am considering going and talking to a retail ATT store representative directly. They probably don't know much, but perhaps they can be more convincing on the phone with ATT.
Third option is trying one of the unlock websites.

So I had to do this with my S9, same kind of situation as you (I have T-Mobile service, received an AT&T locked device).
As you know, the web portal won't work. AT&T never entered your IMEI in their database, so as far as THEY are concerned, your phone doesn't exist.
Call tier 2/advanced tech support and have them create a case with the Device Unlock Team. GET A CONFIRMATION NUMBER. You should receive an email confirming that the case was made.
48-72 hours later, you SHOULD have an unlock code. Should. This is AT&T, and they don't know their ass from their elbow. It took me 2 weeks.
Device unlock services didn't work, as the IMEI has to be in AT&T's database for it to work correctly. They'll just (hopefully) refund your money when it fails.
Don't go into an AT&T store. As a former AT&T retail employee, I can guarantee you, those employees are dumber than a bag of wet hammers, and have no way of helping you with this, whatsoever. In addition, since you're not BUYING anything, they're not going to help too much even if they could.
Good luck. It will work for you eventually.

entropism said:
So I had to do this with my S9, same kind of situation as you (I have T-Mobile service, received an AT&T locked device).
As you know, the web portal won't work. AT&T never entered your IMEI in their database, so as far as THEY are concerned, your phone doesn't exist.
Call tier 2/advanced tech support and have them create a case with the Device Unlock Team. GET A CONFIRMATION NUMBER. You should receive an email confirming that the case was made.
48-72 hours later, you SHOULD have an unlock code. Should. This is AT&T, and they don't know their ass from their elbow. It took me 2 weeks.
Device unlock services didn't work, as the IMEI has to be in AT&T's database for it to work correctly. They'll just (hopefully) refund your money when it fails.
Don't go into an AT&T store. As a former AT&T retail employee, I can guarantee you, those employees are dumber than a bag of wet hammers, and have no way of helping you with this, whatsoever. In addition, since you're not BUYING anything, they're not going to help too much even if they could.
Good luck. It will work for you eventually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
The tech guy didn't say what kind of a support ticket he created. It may have been a general support ticket, or maybe he referred me to the unlock team directly, I don't know. He seemed like he understood perfectly what I needed. Anyway, the ticket format is like this - cm10230128_122673352, does that look right?
I have received an email confirmation that the call was made, but not that the case was created yet. The call ended at 5:30pm CDT on a Friday night, so maybe it would take until Monday to get a confirmation?

nabbed said:
Thanks.
The tech guy didn't say what kind of a support ticket he created. It may have been a general support ticket, or maybe he referred me to the unlock team directly, I don't know. He seemed like he understood perfectly what I needed. Anyway, the ticket format is like this - cm10230128_122673352, does that look right?
I have received an email confirmation that the call was made, but not that the case was created yet. The call ended at 5:30pm CDT on a Friday night, so maybe it would take until Monday to get a confirmation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it will take up to tuesday. That's the limit
Im going to the US for 2 weeks, I dont know if i'll be able to unlock it on time, but If I order it I'll get it on the 2nd week.
I really hope you can unlock it!
Keep us updated

Update:
Got the unlock code in an email. The instructions say "Please allow 24 hours upon receipt of this notification to complete the unlock process." Not sure what that means, gonna try to unlock tomorrow with a project fi sim.

Update2:
Phone unlocked fine with a Project FI sim card and connected to T-mobile.

We're on the same boat!
I'm also on Project Fi and I received my AT&T S9 today.
My IMEI was found in AT&T's database and I just submitted the unlock request.
Do you experience any issues when using S9 w/ Project Fi?

zenlifexxa said:
We're on the same boat!
I'm also on Project Fi and I received my AT&T S9 today.
My IMEI was found in AT&T's database and I just submitted the unlock request.
Do you experience any issues when using S9 w/ Project Fi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just used the Fi sim card to facilitate the unlock procedure (the S9 is not mine, it's for a friend, and I am just setting it up.) I just looked at sim status in the options to confirm that provider was T-Mobile. In my research, I read that using Project FI T-Mobile was no different from any other unlocked gsm phone using T-Mobile. You will lose all Project FI apps because they don't exist with non-Google phones. There will not be carrier switching between T-Mob, Sprint and US Cell, and there will not be wifi calling. But if your T-Mob service is already good, there shouldn't be a problem.
As as side note, my own FI service is kind of awful. Ever since Google introduced "preferred partner" feature, where a FI phone would connect not to the strongest signal carrier but rather to a particular carrier, in this case Sprint in my area, I have had really bad sound quality.
US Cellular has best towers in this area, with signal strength of -70-80 db or so, while Sprint has crappy towers with signal strength of less -100 db. Yet I am constantly connected to Sprint with crappy sound quality because they are the preferred partner here. I have to constantly to remind myself to manually switch to US Cell if I'm to make a lengthy phone call.
Good luck.

SIM unlock lost by LG repair - hard to get back

A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock. Needless to say, the phone is paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund).
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution within 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.

TheDannemand said:
A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Needles to say, the phone was paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund). Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock.
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution with 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worst comes to worst, sell the phone on eBay while at the same time buying one of the mint LS998 V30+ for $320. Immediately convert to carrier unlocked US998, bootloader unlock and root.
In the eBay listing for this phone stress the T-Mobile band 71, blah, blah, blah -- which you don't need on AT&T MNVO, but would interest T-Mobile users.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+

ChazzMatt said:
Worst comes to worst, sell the phone on eBay while at the same time buying one of the mint LS998 V30+ for $320. Immediately convert to carrier unlocked US998, bootloader unlock and root.
In the eBay listing for this phone stress the T-Mobile band 71, blah, blah, blah -- which you don't need on AT&T MNVO, but would interest T-Mobile users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, Chazz!
I had a suspicion you might suggest that :laugh:
But yes, that would have to be the outcome if I cannot solve it. I'll probably file an FCC complaint first, which michy21 reported had solved her problem. But again, there is no pushback from anybody, which is a positive.
The only attachment I have to this particular phone is my 2 year warranty, which gives me peace of mind. A phone bought used wouldn't have that (or any warranty).
Thanks again!
Edit: Actually, it's not quite true that I have no other attachment to this H932: If/when T-Mobile rolls out B71 in this area, I'll probably give them another try, as they generally have far better network speeds. AT&T service here is acceptable (and widespread) but doesn't blow me away. We only switched because TMO couldn't reach through our concrete brick walls. Red Pocket supports all four carriers, so I can switch to TMO network on my current plan to take advantage of B71.
So my hope is I won't have to part with this phone. AND that @runningnak3d will release H932 root later this year

TheDannemand said:
A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock. Needless to say, the phone is paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund).
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution within 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That does not make sense at all. Has the device IMEI have changed at all? Was the actual logic board replaced? The answer is likely no. So why would the device be relocked by LG? You are giving them way too much credit.
More proof that the device should have remained unlocked is that you can access the device with your MNVO (ATT), if it was truly locked you would not able to get a signal or make a call under your MNVO at all. Sounds more like user error or a miss configuration of your carrier, or both.
Also you should not be trying to run a T-Mobile Specific device unlock app under a different carrier sim,
and it might just be reporting wrong information. Had this happen to me several times in the past, when the device was actually unlocked. You said yourself, you were able to use the device on (ATT)!

jblparisi said:
That does not make sense at all. Has the device IMEI have changed at all? Was the actual logic board replaced? The answer is likely no. So why would the device be relocked by LG? You are giving them way too much credit.
More proof that the device should have remained unlocked is that you can access the device with your MNVO (ATT), if it was truly locked you would not able to get a signal or make a call under your MNVO at all. Sounds more like user error or a miss configuration of your carrier, or both.
Also you should not be trying to run a T-Mobile Specific device unlock app under a different carrier sim,
and it might just be reporting wrong information. Had this happen to me several times in the past, when the device was actually unlocked. You said yourself, you were able to use the device on (ATT)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I understand where you come from. And no offense taken
The problem IS a SIM lock (or "network lock" as they call it). But not in the same way you're thinking where nothing works with an alien SIM. Both T-Mobile and LG have confirmed that.
Some details I didn't mention in my opening post (I meant to warn people here, not argue the matter):
1) LG warned me before they began repair that the phone would come back SIM locked, even though I'd included a letter asking if they could avoid it. I also talked to T-Mobile before sending it in, who said to just request an unlock code if needed (obviously that person was clueless).
2) I've seen other XDA users report how SIM locked V30s could connect on different networks, but NOT get LTE. That's what I am seeing too. One of my goals with visiting the T-Mobile store was to verify that there wasn't a problem with the phone itself preventing LTE. But once an active TMO SIM was inserted, everything works flawlessly.
3) I thought the same thing about not running the TMO Device Unlock app with the alien SIM inserted, but TMO's wording in the instructions they sent me are: "Before completing the steps below to unlock your device you must be connected to the internet via a cellular network in order to complete the steps", not mentioning it must be on TMO. And I DO have 3G internet with my Red Pocket SIM. Nevertheless, my second goal with visiting the T-Mobile store was so we could try the Device Unlock app with an active TMO SIM. And regardless of which SIM is inserted, the app reports that the phone is currently network locked and not eligible for unlock. When running this app on an unlocked phone, it shows the date of unlock -- even after a factory reset. They are obviously storing the lock/unlock state on the vendor, modem or carrier partitions or some such place. And on my phone it is in a locked state.
4) There is not much room for user configuration error here: The phone has been factory reset 5-6 times while testing this, with the only configuration being a Red Pocket APN. That same SIM and same APN work flawlessly in my Nexus 5 as well as my wife's V30 (also H932). Even if I mis-typed the APN, I wouldn't have done so 5-6 times -- and I would have caught it during one of the many times I verified the APN.
So I have no doubt that there is some form of network lock in place that is causing this. And again, T-Mobile and LG agree and have promised to solve it.
You are right that LG had no reason to replace the mainboard. But they did replace both the screen and the glass cover. I think it is possible that they sent me a refurbished phone with my IMEI transferred -- which would explain both their warning that the phone would come back locked, and why the Device Unlock app gets confused when seeing a blank (still locked) phone, but T-Mobile's IMEI database claims that the device is already unlocked (as I saw on the screen in the store).
So, we'll see if they manage to solve it or I have to sell this phone as suggested by Chazz.

Would paying a 3rd party carrier unlocking do the trick? Or does even that seem out of the question now? Before Frankensteining was a thing I did that so I could use an H931 on T-mo. It was $10 well spent as far as I was concerned.

jaysus145 said:
Would paying a 3rd party carrier unlocking do the trick? Or does even that seem out of the question now? Before Frankensteining was a thing I did that so I could use an H931 on T-mo. It was $10 well spent as far as I was concerned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the suggestion. I'd have no objection to that at all, but various reports on here had given me the impression that 3rd parties aren't able to unlock the H932 because TMO locked it down so hard (as is the case with Sprint, but for different technical reasons). I could be wrong about that, so definitely something to try.
Thanks again!

Update: It's been four days since I talked to T-Mobile and they promised to escalate my problem and request that LG provide a solution. They said to expect a response within 72 hours, but I haven't heard back from them.
But yesterday, when I tried popping in my Red Pocket SIM (it's in my Nexus 5 until this is solved) everything suddenly worked: Instant LTE, which stayed all day, even as I drove an hour away across town and worked there for a few hours (using hotspot), went on several errands, and back home all last night. LTE Discovery Log showed how it had switched seamlessly between towers, without ever losing LTE. I was certain they had fixed it, and was much relieved.
Then this morning, it had locked itself again. Phone had been on all night, clearly T-Mobile must have pushed another lock. Or rather: One of the TMO services/apps locked it after pulling TMOs servers. No amount of Network Resets, reboot or toggling Mobile Network settings have worked to get it back. I promised T-Mobile not to make any more attempts with the Device Unlock app as it messes things up for them, but I am sure it it would still say "Ineligible for unlock" even though the IMEI is clear in TMO's database (and listed as already unlocked).
As always, the same SIM gives perfect LTE service in my Nexus 5 and on my wife's V30, with the same APN.
I called T-Mobile Customer Care and was unable to persuade them to transfer me to Tier 2. But they did says to expect a call within a day.
It is almost certain I'll have to go the FCC complaint route. It's sad because T-Mobile is otherwise not a bad company. Probably just a small handful of idiots who got this "bright idea" how to protect TMO phones -- which ends up causing so much trouble for legitimate customers.
@jaysus145: Which Unlock service did you use? The ones I looked at which support T-mobile unlock cost $75-150 -- and they don't seem to guarantee success.

TheDannemand said:
@jaysus145: Which Unlock service did you use? The ones I looked at which support T-mobile unlock cost $75-150 -- and they don't seem to guarantee success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used celllunlocker.net, it cost me $10 to unlock my AT&T version, and took less then a day to complete.

jaysus145 said:
I used celllunlocker.net, it cost me $10 to unlock my AT&T version, and took less then a day to complete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
T-Mobile called me back yesterday and assured me they were still working on it and they would get this phone unlocked and please sit tight another day. They confirmed there was nothing on the phone's IMEI or my old account that should prevent it.
I'll check out unlocking services if it comes down to it.
Thanks again!

Final update on this (and solution):
T-Mobile solved the server side problem with a manager override, so that the Device Unlock app now says "Permanent Unlock approved". But it continued reporting "Unlock Failed" nevertheless. Some say because the phone is already unlocked, personally I think because the servers report the phone as previously unlocked. The app also says "Phone is currently network locked" when first running.
Notably, the connection problem persisted, and T-Mobile (after discussing with LG) said it had to be a bad SIM card or a problem with that SIM ICCID and my phone's ESN. As previously described, I get perfect connection and service using the same SIM in my Nexus 5 and in my wife's V30. T-Mobile said that was all they could do.
I then decided it was time to take the matter in my one hands. After much searching and countless Factory Resets and Network Settings Resets, I managed to get the phone working right with the following steps:
1) Remove Google account to disable Device Reset Protection.
2) Factory Reset from the Service Menu: *#546368#*932# (replace 932 with your model number, though this is likely a T-Mobile only problem). From there SVC Menu - Factory Reset (R&D Only). This takes quite a bit longer than normal Factory Reset.
3) Initial setup with WiFi, no Google account. No APN. Phone shows usual connection slowness.
4) Airplane mode, then WiFi on.
5) T-Mobile Device Unlock app, Permanent Unlock. Got the same "Unlock Failed, but Approved" message.
6) Enter APN.
7) Network Settings Reset (Android Settings - Reset menu). Wait for reset to complete. It may go straight to LTE already here.
8) Power off/on.
After this, everything is back to normal. Instant signal and LTE connection, even after subsequent Factory Reset. It's such a relief :laugh:
Edit: I should add that it is quite possible that not all of these steps are required. Probably the Service Menu Factory Reset was the key to undo what LG had done during the repair. I am merely listing all the steps which I used, and which brought my phone back to life.

Sim Unlock Success (Not bait I swear)

TLDR: I was able to get my unlock code from Codes2Unlock (even with my phone having an unpaid balance).
Go to Codes2Unlock website, choose any microsoft lumia device, put in the IMEI for the Duo, once you get a confirmation email, forward it to their support rep telling them that its a surface duo and that there was no option for a Surface Duo on their website, Play the waiting game, and Enjoy once they send it over.
I (probably like you) for the longest time wanted to get my surface unlocked but couldnt because at the time i was paying on my device AT&T gave me the run around with unlock codes, and so did microsoft. Because of the area i lived in the duo was basically useless on AT&T and i literally only switched from tmobile for that phone.
I checked website after website and nobody was able to do it. I happened to remember Codes2Unlock.com from years ago when I got an unlock code from them for my Galaxy S4. So i emailed them, asked if they supported unlocking the surface duo. they said yes-- strange thing was on their site theres no option for the surface duo even though if you google it, theres a link saying they do.
So the support rep (who replies fast af lol) messaged me back asking if my device asks for an unlock pin--i said yes-- the support person said it should be no problem.
I mentioned to them that theres no option for the surface Duo and that only Lumia devices show-- they said just select any Microsoft Lumia device, send the confirmation email with the IMEI and let them know its a surface duo and they'll update it on their end. they also mentioned (after asking) that an unpaid device doesnt matter and they can still get an unlock code.
I forwarded the same Rep the confirmation email and 5 days later (this morning) i woke up with my unlock code and now my Duo runs on T-Mobile.
If theres any doubts ill reply with screenshots but im at work rn so it was just easier to type all this out first. Hope this helps anyone stuck on AT&T

I have been told by both Microsoft and AT&T to pound sand. Open an account and use the phone on a paid plan. Just tried your method and I'm waiting a response with my code. They did reply to my updated device info within 5 minutes. Super fast. Thanks thanks for the suggestion, hope this works better than then dialing AT&T or Microsoft support. I will update to confirm this works. Sorry for posting in two threads.

carortruck80 said:
I have been told by both Microsoft and AT&T to pound sand. Open an account and use the phone on a paid plan. Just tried your method and I'm waiting a response with my code. They did reply to my updated device info within 5 minutes. Super fast. Thanks thanks for the suggestion, hope this works better than then dialing AT&T or Microsoft support. I will update to confirm this works. Sorry for posting in two threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Youre fine haha, im just glad I was able to help someone
Microsoft and AT&T can kick rocks. I cant wait for some custom roms to get released

@carortruck80 were you able to unlock with this service? Ive been waiting at att/unlock for more than a week now. status still on "IN PROGRESS" since 18th of May!

Tbaba said:
@carortruck80 were you able to unlock with this service? Ive been waiting at att/unlock for more than a week now. status still on "IN PROGRESS" since 18th of May!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you email them like I mentioned in the post?

Good morning all. I would like to report back that I Did get this thing unlocked. However, and that is a Big however, AT&T nor the mentioned supplier was able to confirm the existence of the imei Without the phone first being registered on the AT&T network. I had to buy a prepaid plan to get the phone to work. Then, magically, 18 hours later I got the confirmation from AT&T after emails saying "we are further investigating your request.". The mentioned supplier also said that it didn't exist till then. I canceled my request after AT&T finally came through. BE Warned! Even tried redpocket (AT&T mvno) and they couldn't even do the initial activation.

(deleted-combined post)

carortruck80 said:
Good morning all. I would like to report back that I Did get this thing unlocked. However, and that is a Big however, AT&T nor the mentioned supplier was able to confirm the existence of the imei Without the phone first being registered on the AT&T network. I had to buy a prepaid plan to get the phone to work. Then, magically, 18 hours later I got the confirmation from AT&T after emails saying "we are further investigating your request.". The mentioned supplier also said that it didn't exist till then. I canceled my request after AT&T finally came through. BE Warned! Even tried redpocket (AT&T mvno) and they couldn't even do the initial activation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh? did you never have the phone up and running on AT&T network?

none24 said:
Huh? did you never have the phone up and running on AT&T network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to buy a prepay plan for them to unlock it because without putting it on att first, it didn't exist to them. Yes, activated on att to get unlock code, got code, swapped Sim, entered code and unlocked. That was the final resolution to getting it unlocked.

carortruck80 said:
I had to buy a prepay plan for them to unlock it because without putting it on att first, it didn't exist to them. Yes, activated on att to get unlock code, got code, swapped Sim, entered code and unlocked. That was the final resolution to getting it unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oof yeah that's because they don't register the IMEI in their system until the phone is activated. Which is likely why codes2unlock couldn't find it either

none24 said:
Oof yeah that's because they don't register the IMEI in their system until the phone is activated. Which is likely why codes2unlock couldn't find it either
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, that being said.... To update everyone, IF YOU BUY A NEW SEALED IN THE BOX PHONE, it cannot be unlocked unless first actually being registered/activated on the network it is locked to. Silly me bought a new sealed device and tried to unlock it without paying the man first. Really wish there was some direction on this before I bought it. Oh well. I figured there would be a record somewhere since the DID assign it an IMEI.

none24 said:
Did you email them like I mentioned in the post?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I havent tried codes2unlock yet. I'm still waiting on the att unlock site i filled.

carortruck80 said:
So, that being said.... To update everyone, IF YOU BUY A NEW SEALED IN THE BOX PHONE, it cannot be unlocked unless first actually being registered/activated on the network it is locked to. Silly me bought a new sealed device and tried to unlock it without paying the man first. Really wish there was some direction on this before I bought it. Oh well. I figured there would be a record somewhere since the DID assign it an IMEI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may be a HUGE problem for me. Cause i got the sealed one form amazon. not currently in the US, and dont have an att sim card. do I have a brick on my hands now?

Tbaba said:
This may be a HUGE problem for me. Cause i got the sealed one form amazon. not currently in the US, and dont have an att sim card. do I have a brick on my hands now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is an att model, it has the att Sim in it. Not sure about activation overseas. I don't understand why nobody mentions this. I have never bought a sealed locked phone just to unlock it so I didn't know. To me, it sounds like there is no master list or database of what phones and imei's got made. It doesn't exist until it is activated. I hope you don't, but sounds like you do. I bought it originally to test to see if I wanted to trade it in with Ms for the duo 2, so it wasn't a deal breaker...but if I didn't like it, I would have been stuck with it.

carortruck80 said:
If it is an att model, it has the att Sim in it. Not sure about activation overseas. I don't understand why nobody mentions this. I have never bought a sealed locked phone just to unlock it so I didn't know. To me, it sounds like there is no master list or database of what phones and imei's got made. It doesn't exist until it is activated. I hope you don't, but sounds like you do. I bought it originally to test to see if I wanted to trade it in with Ms for the duo 2, so it wasn't a deal breaker...but if I didn't like it, I would have been stuck with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As it it now, I have to get a prepaid AT&T when i get back in the country.... oh, well...

I just tried to go through codes2unlock and after more than double the 7 working days and two support request emails going unanswered I would strongly warn against using codes2unlock. Seems I've been scammed out of the 35usd fee, buyer beware.

Anyone tried this service recently?