[Q] International usage and unlocking

[Q] International usage and unlocking - Verizon HTC One (M7)

Right now my HTC one is on a share everything contract with VZW, but I'm going to be moving to France for a year and I'm curious as to what my options are with it. I believe I read somewhere that if you buy out your contract the career can unlock the phone for you and you might be able to use it on French GSM careers like Orange or SFR.
Will VZW really unlock the phone if I buy out the contract? Will the unlocked VZW HTC One then work with French GSM carriers? Any other flaws in this plan that I'm missing?
If my One will work then I'd rather keep it, if not I suppose I'll grab an unlocked Nexus 5.

The SIM card slot is already unlocked so you can just pop in a new SFR or Orange SIM when you get to France

I can confirm this too that its already unlocked, I am using this phone in Karachi Pakistan on GSM carriers without any problem.
To be on safe side put your phone in global mode from settings / phone menu.
Best of Luck

yes it is unlocked.
using it in India.

Related

Canadian Question.

Excuse me for being a bit of a newbie, but I am going over to the UK next week and I want to get an XDA II from O2 and then use it while in the UK (where I will be off and on over the next year or two a fair amount), but I also want to be able to bring it back to Canada (Calgary) and then get a Rogers Sim card and have a local number in Calgary as well as the one in the UK, and just switch Sim cards as I travel. From what I understand, this is possible using the unlock software posted on this forum, but I just wanted to clarify that I am correct in my assumption and that I will have full functionality of the XDA II in Canada (providing I pay for the services I am looking for, through Rogers). I have never had a GSM phone before (always CDMA thru Telus) and so I am not really familliar with it all - sorry. Also, can I just go into any Rogers reseller and purchase a Sim card (with the local number on it) and the services I want and then just pop it in? Are they all standard or are there any differnces between the Sim cards in the UK and Canada? (again - please excuse my ignorance when it comes to this technology!). Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi,
You have to unlock the XDA2 with the software on this forum
You wont lose any functionality
All gsm sims are the same (within scope of this thread)
Keep in mind that the XDA2 Software is customized for O2, ie. GPRS, SMSC, Voicemail and what have you got settings will stay those of O2.
You wil have to change those manually when going from one sim to another.
You might want to look at a dual sim adapter. This is a device you put into the sim holder and that can contain 2 sims itself. By switching off an in the XDA2 radio (=phone) you change sim. Advantage is you wont have to open the device every now and then.
I can recommend a dual dim adapter by the name of 'king of double card'. You will need type MAI-E. They are sold on eBay for approx GBP 6 by a guy called saintjoy0_3.

Are they locked/branded

So I'm getting a Galaxy Nexus from Vodafone on a contract, for various reasons. But I'd like it unlocked. I read in a few places that Nexus phones are unlocked by default, does anyone know if it would be unlocked. If not, how would I get it unlocked as it's a new phone so I'm guessing it's difficult.
Also are the phones branded, so would there be a vodafone boot logo or any voda apps?

if you are getting it from UK, then yes, chances are it is going to be locked.
funny though, cuz I tried getting one from vodafone but they didn't even have a schedule for it (only yesterday) so I had mine at phones 4U which is only retailer who seem to have one in my area :S
...this one (as usual along with CPW) was unlocked

I got mine from three (on payngo) yesterday, and it is sim unlocked I have used it with my T-Mobile sim. (I am pretty sure that they are all sim unlocked, as has been the case with past nexus phones).
edit: Also no branding, apps from the carrier at all, again like previous nexus phones.

loudestsilence said:
if you are getting it from UK, then yes, chances are it is going to be locked.
funny though, cuz I tried getting one from vodafone but they didn't even have a schedule for it (only yesterday) so I had mine at phones 4U which is only retailer who seem to have one in my area :S
...this one (as usual along with CPW) was unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but your incorrect, galaxy nexus is sold unlocked weather you purchase it direct from your network, a third part phone store, on contract or pay as you go.

jms.flynn said:
Sorry but your incorrect, galaxy nexus is sold unlocked weather you purchase it direct from your network, a third part phone store, on contract or pay as you go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
apparantly o2 ones are locked, read on here someone who got one from o2 is asking for a code when he puts in another sim.

Question about sim lock
Question here. Suppose the phone is sim locked, will it be unlocked by root or fastboot unlock? Or are they different things? Thanks.

luffyp said:
Question here. Suppose the phone is sim locked, will it be unlocked by root or fastboot unlock? Or are they different things? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally different. SIM-lock has nothing to do with bootloader lock. To my knowledge the only way to SIM-unlock any phone is with an unlock code (or some nasty hardware hacking). Unlock codes can usually be purchased online and many carriers will do it for a fee. I once bought an unlock code online for $5 for my old Nokia N95.
Since you're in the UK, see this thread for more info and a link to a legit ebay seller offering unlock codes.

i can confirm that the handsets bought from O2 are SIM locked to O2.

I can confirm Vodafone UK from p4u are sim unlocked.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

All phones from Phones4U are unlocked.

I bought my GN from the 3 Store in the UK 2 days ago - They said it was locked but I put my Giffgaff sim in and it worked no problem.

oscillik said:
i can confirm that the handsets bought from O2 are SIM locked to O2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
o2 simlock their phones, if you are on contract with them they will unlock it for free with a 1 week lead time. PAYG you need to spend some money (£10 if memory serves correct) to unlock the device.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

lexarjump said:
I bought my GN from the 3 Store in the UK 2 days ago - They said it was locked but I put my Giffgaff sim in and it worked no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Got my GN on three contract yesterday, popped my t-mobile sim in whilst waiting for a number port.

[Q]

Hi all,
thinking of buying the onex in Australia.. the phone is locked to Vodafone, but i am a telstra user.. does anyone know if the one x will work properly on the telstra 3g network at 850mhz once unlocked from vodafone??
Also is it hard to do a rom flash ,as i havent been able to do this on an android phone(not real tech savvy) as i would like to remove any "inbuilt" vodafone apps/links/features from the phone completely!!

Yes. Provided your phone is not sim locked.

tsqpu said:
Yes. Provided your phone is not sim locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im being told that it isnt sim locked by person selling to me!!
some will say all sorts just to get a sale!!

I'm using an HTC One X from Optus and it works great on Telstra. I'm not sure if Vodafone sells them unlocked but I believe you can get them unlocked by Vodafone.
Got mine from Allphones.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Yep, buy outright (SIM unlocked) and you'll be sweet.
I also bought at AllPhones and am running LiveConnected (cos Telstra bite big time ). I still get the Optus boot screen, but it's not a big deal, only pops up for a second.

[Q] Can I Use My Rooted SGS2 In Europe?

Hi All,
Does anyone know if I can use my rooted SGS2 over in Europe? Specifically I'm using a rooted T989 running TDJ's Darkside Evolution 3 v7 with the venom kernel and the Touch0Color theme. I'm going to the Netherlands, where I think I can just get a local Tmobile (NL) sim and be fine, and the Romania, where I believe the phone will work on the Orange network.
Since the phone is rooted, it should also be unlocked, so there shouldn't be a hitch in just switching the sim and being up and running, correct?
Any thoughts, and especially first hand experience, would be appreciated.
I just want to make sure I'm not missing something completely obvious that makes simply buying the cheap $15 throw away the better option.
Thanks,

That's correct. Just call tmo for the unlock code...tell them the truth-you're going overseas. When you get there get a local SIM and pop it in.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

your phone should work in with any gsm carrier to make phone calls but your phone has to be unlocked. I dont know how the data will work since most gms carriers frequency bands are different from Tmobile's.

Ok, so I went to T-Mobile as instructed, and they said they would get back to me in 14 days (I know, right?). So they just sent me the below.
What should I do? I'm still wondering if the phone is just blanket unlocked as a result of the root and the new rom, but I'd prefer not to go buy a prepaid AT&T sim to find out. Can anyone out there advise?
Here's what T-Mobile sent me.
BEGIN
T-Mobile Phone #: 5********9
T-Mobile Sim Unlock Request
Sim Unlock Reference: 5*****6
IMEI: 3*************0
Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide the unlock code at this time. After review of the account we have determined that the device is not in use with the corresponding mobile number. T-Mobile policies and procedures state that the device must be in use on the mobile number requesting the unlock code. If this is a new device please allow 3-4 business days prior to submitting a new request to allow your usage to update in our system.
Thank you,
SIM Unlock Department
Thank You,
Sim Unlock Department
T-Mobile USA, Inc.
END
I checked the numbers twice, and they are correct. But, obviously, I'm using the number with the phone on t-mobile without a hitch ...
So I called T-mobile, and asked what's what. They said that they couldn't even see what my phone was on the system, and then suggested that I call Samsung. Samsung said that they couldn't verify ownership of the phone and said to call tmobile. So I'm wondering what's going on here. The tmobile rep did say that she doesn't think that I'd be able to use an AT&T sim even though I rooted my phone. How would they know though, isn't the normal android stuff unlocked?
Any thoughts?

"rooted" and "unlocked" are not same terms.
I have rooted my phone and requested Unlock code from t-mobile before my trip to russia. Their policies state that you have to be t-mobile's customer for at least 40 days.(though because of circumstances they gave it to me on 39th day)
In russia I bought local sim card, slip it in my S2, followed an instructions provided by t-mobile and had no problems to place/receive calls and use an Internet. Though speed was 3G.

First, Rooted it doesn't mean Unlocked! They are 2 different operations.
You can be Rooted but NOT Unlocked, you can be Unlocked but NOT Rooted
and you can be Rooted AND Unlocked.
That being said, I beleive you have to be on Stock ROM when you
request the unlock code. With a custom ROM they don't recognize
your phone.....
If you don't want to flash back to stock until you get the code, then I would
go to a local cell phone store (not a company, just a local that sells
phones for all major carriers) and ask them to unlock it for you.
It should take about 5 min. and should cost about $20.
You can also go in Romania and unlock it there for about $5.
I know nothing about Netherlands, but it should be the same.....
Good luck and have a nice vacation.

Unlock Htc One m8 - Without all techincal stuff

Hi Fellow Members,
Forgive Me I donot Understand Any technical Android words like Bootloader, S-OFF, Root Etc
In Short I am a Prospective ANDROID NOOB!!!
Would appreciate your help in the following matter.
I would like to buy a HTC ONE M8 from the US.
The only deals I can get within my price range are BAD ESN Sprint and Verizon Phones.
I Intend to use the phone on GSM Networks in the United Kingdom.
Can you please answer the following questions
1) It is my understanding that when you insert a sim in a cdma phone (Sprint or Verizon) It will always ask for an unlock code?
2) Cant I just buy an unlock code off the internet without having the need to Boot,Rom,S-Off? and just unlock the phone to all GSM Networds Throughout the world. (Except US)?
3) Did any just try the unlock code? Did it work for anyone here With a BAD ESN? I dont mind spending a few dollars to get the phone unlocked.
4) Once unlocked through unlock code. Will it remain unlocked even if I Change Sims?
Please bare in mind The phone is for Use outside the US.
Can you fellows Please guide me regarding the same.
Thank you very much.

sweetpoison said:
Hi Fellow Members,
Forgive Me I donot Understand Any technical Android words like Bootloader, S-OFF, Root Etc
In Short I am a Prospective ANDROID NOOB!!!
Would appreciate your help in the following matter.
I would like to buy a HTC ONE M8 from the US.
The only deals I can get within my price range are BAD ESN Sprint and Verizon Phones.
I Intend to use the phone on GSM Networks in the United Kingdom.
Can you please answer the following questions
1) It is my understanding that when you insert a sim in a cdma phone (Sprint or Verizon) It will always ask for an unlock code?
2) Cant I just buy an unlock code off the internet without having the need to Boot,Rom,S-Off? and just unlock the phone to all GSM Networds Throughout the world. (Except US)?
3) Did any just try the unlock code? Did it work for anyone here With a BAD ESN? I dont mind spending a few dollars to get the phone unlocked.
4) Once unlocked through unlock code. Will it remain unlocked even if I Change Sims?
Please bare in mind The phone is for Use outside the US.
Can you fellows Please guide me regarding the same.
Thank you very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just put more money in it and buy it either in the UK or in mainland Europe...

sweetpoison said:
Hi Fellow Members,
Forgive Me I donot Understand Any technical Android words like Bootloader, S-OFF, Root Etc
In Short I am a Prospective ANDROID NOOB!!!
Would appreciate your help in the following matter.
I would like to buy a HTC ONE M8 from the US.
The only deals I can get within my price range are BAD ESN Sprint and Verizon Phones.
I Intend to use the phone on GSM Networks in the United Kingdom.
Can you please answer the following questions
1) It is my understanding that when you insert a sim in a cdma phone (Sprint or Verizon) It will always ask for an unlock code?
2) Cant I just buy an unlock code off the internet without having the need to Boot,Rom,S-Off? and just unlock the phone to all GSM Networds Throughout the world. (Except US)?
3) Did any just try the unlock code? Did it work for anyone here With a BAD ESN? I dont mind spending a few dollars to get the phone unlocked.
4) Once unlocked through unlock code. Will it remain unlocked even if I Change Sims?
Please bare in mind The phone is for Use outside the US.
Can you fellows Please guide me regarding the same.
Thank you very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) It is my understanding that when you insert a sim in a cdma phone (Sprint or Verizon) It will always ask for an unlock code?
Sprint does not prompt for an unlock code (100% sure about that). As far as i know, Verizon is already sim unlocked for non US carriers.
2) Cant I just buy an unlock code off the internet without having the need to Boot,Rom,S-Off? and just unlock the phone to all GSM Networds Throughout the world. (Except US)?
No, it will not work. There is no unlock code prompt for SPRINT.
3) Did any just try the unlock code? Did it work for anyone here With a BAD ESN? I dont mind spending a few dollars to get the phone unlocked.
I have tried to purchase a SPRINT unlock code, i got the unlock code, and then i was refunded because there is no way you can enter that unlock code.
4) Once unlocked through unlock code. Will it remain unlocked even if I Change Sims?
As stated above.
The best approach should be to buy an unlocked device. However one other approach should be to buy a Verizon/Sprint phone, and then buy $25 sunshine S-OFF. After that you can SIM unlock using the following thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2708567
I did it on a Sprint M8, however it had a clean ESN.

blackice666 said:
1) It is my understanding that when you insert a sim in a cdma phone (Sprint or Verizon) It will always ask for an unlock code?
Sprint does not prompt for an unlock code (100% sure about that). As far as i know, Verizon is already sim unlocked for non US carriers.
2) Cant I just buy an unlock code off the internet without having the need to Boot,Rom,S-Off? and just unlock the phone to all GSM Networds Throughout the world. (Except US)?
No, it will not work. There is no unlock code prompt for SPRINT.
3) Did any just try the unlock code? Did it work for anyone here With a BAD ESN? I dont mind spending a few dollars to get the phone unlocked.
I have tried to purchase a SPRINT unlock code, i got the unlock code, and then i was refunded because there is no way you can enter that unlock code.
4) Once unlocked through unlock code. Will it remain unlocked even if I Change Sims?
As stated above.
The best approach should be to buy an unlocked device. However one other approach should be to buy a Verizon/Sprint phone, and then buy $25 sunshine S-OFF. After that you can SIM unlock using the following thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2708567
I did it on a Sprint M8, however it had a clean ESN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate.

I'd be very cautious if I were you. The radio bands for the Sprint and Verizon M8s are different (see here). Whilst they both look ok to me for 3G usage, you may find that one or the other (or both) might never work on UK 4G networks.
Regards,
Dave

Don't cause yourself problems. If you are in the UK buy within the UK or you'll have warranty problems. There are just as good deals available in the UK if you buy outright. You can buy brand new on eBay for around £450

ashyx said:
Don't cause yourself problems. If you are in the UK buy within the UK or you'll have warranty problems. The are just as good deals available in the UK if you buy outright. You can buy brand new on eBay for around £450
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's one of my main concerns when it comes to my M8...Also imported my device from the UK to South Africa. So I'm really!!!!! Hoping all stays well and the device doesn't have problems, exactly because of possible warranty issues :fingers-crossed:

Develop Bugs

welcome