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I've had my S3 about 5 months, I bought it retail from ebay from a seller that didn't unlock it, it is still tied to AT&T. I use Straight Talk as my service as at&t or T-moblie will work with out unlocking them. I want to unlock my phone now and have a question.
Beings that the micro sim in my phone is straight talk and is working, how do I unlock my phone? from what I've read about unlocking, you need to have a NON-WORKING sim to be able to unlock it. Or is there a way to unlock it with out a sim in it?
thanks for your time.
You actually need a Sim that is not att, to unlock. You will need the unlock code from att or you can buy them on the internet. I was able to get my unlock code for my S2 from att. You have to have the phone on their service for at least 6 months, you call them say you are going out of the county for a few weeks, and bam!, they give you the unlock code.
Once you have the code, you need to put in an activated sim from another provider other than att, when you turn the phone on you'll be asked to enter unlock code. Enter the code, hit enter, bam unlocked.
This won't work with a sim that is not active.
So if you have a straight talk sim in, and have for six months, and its working, and its a i747, then I think you have a unlocked phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
just to clarify, you do NOT have to have AT&T for any given amount of time before you receive an unlock code.
i was an AT&T customer for all of 10 days and got my unlock code for my Galaxy S3. it is VERY dependent on the agent you speak to for asking for an unlock code.
anyways, since you are using Straight Talk, you should have an unlocked phone. best way to test is try to put a different SIM card in it and see what happens.
I was told my device was "ineligible" to be unlocked. AT&T sucks.
If you don't want to waste time talking to a rep that may or may not help you, use this method, it's easy and free: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2014982 (it's for the Note II but it works on the AT&T S3). You don't need a non-working sim for this method to work, but you won't know if it worked until you put in a non-working sim.
Also, you'll likely only get Edge network on T-Mobile unless you happen to be one of the lucky few in an areas where you can get 3G or H+.
But as posted in other threads, if you're going to call AT&T, call their International Support line: 1-800-335-4685 (found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1962453&page=16 )
skrambled said:
I was told my device was "ineligible" to be unlocked. AT&T sucks.
If you don't want to waste time talking to a rep that may or may not help you, use this method, it's easy and free: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2014982 (it's for the Note II but it works on the AT&T S3). You don't need a non-working sim for this method to work, but you won't know if it worked until you put in a non-working sim.
Also, you'll likely only get Edge network on T-Mobile unless you happen to be one of the lucky few in an areas where you can get 3G or H+.
But as posted in other threads, if you're going to call AT&T, call their International Support line: 1-800-335-4685 (found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1962453&page=16 )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the great info, I'll give these a try.
I recently paid off my Note II in full and I am ready to sell it. I am a bit confused about the unlocking process, so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.
I've put the unlock code request in with T-Mobile. Once I receive the e-mail with the code, what do I do with it if I want to sell the device? Do I put it up on Ebay and say "Comes with unlock code", or is there a way I can unlock it myself to sell?
I ask this, because from what I see, I have to put a different carrier's SIM in the phone to unlock it. Since I only use T-Mobile, I don't have another SIM. I looked on Ebay and I see a lot of TMobile Note 2's that already come unlocked, so I guess I am wondering how I can offer a pre-unlocked phone without manually shipping them the code to do it themselves. I don't want to have any questions about me trying to cheat any buyer.
Any tips would be appreciated. Search function is down, or else I would have used that first.
Or should I not worry about it at all and let the buyer deal with the unlocking? The phone has zero account issues.
craighwk said:
I recently paid off my Note II in full and I am ready to sell it. I am a bit confused about the unlocking process, so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.
I've put the unlock code request in with T-Mobile. Once I receive the e-mail with the code, what do I do with it if I want to sell the device? Do I put it up on Ebay and say "Comes with unlock code", or is there a way I can unlock it myself to sell?
I ask this, because from what I see, I have to put a different carrier's SIM in the phone to unlock it. Since I only use T-Mobile, I don't have another SIM. I looked on Ebay and I see a lot of TMobile Note 2's that already come unlocked, so I guess I am wondering how I can offer a pre-unlocked phone without manually shipping them the code to do it themselves. I don't want to have any questions about me trying to cheat any buyer.
Any tips would be appreciated. Search function is down, or else I would have used that first.
Or should I not worry about it at all and let the buyer deal with the unlocking? The phone has zero account issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a friends sim card and unlock the phone. Take a screen shot of it working with att and tmo and post both pics so the buyer is reassured that its actually unlocked. Once u unlock it, put ur tmo sim back in. It should work fine.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using XDA Premium HD app
So the unlock isn't restricted to the SIM? Once it's unlocked, it's then free and clear to use any sim you throw at it without needing the code?
craighwk said:
So the unlock isn't restricted to the SIM? Once it's unlocked, it's then free and clear to use any sim you throw at it without needing the code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An IMEI unlock is permanent , similar to buying a " factory unlocked" device. Once its complete find a friend with a SimpleMobile ot ATT micro sim and take photos of the phone on both carriers and list it for sale.
Awesome. Thanks for the help!
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh?
No it means he is now unlocked and doesn't need an unlock code.
I'm plannng on purchasing a new T-Mobile Note 3 and use on an existing ATT line.And also eventually want it rooted and don't want to trip KNOX.
Questions:
1. Do I need to activate it on T-Mobile first for any reason?
2. Should I unlock first or root first.?
3.What's the best way to unlock, (if at all possible) have T-Mobile give you unlock code, use pay online service (if cost not an issue) or some free method described on this forum?
4. Is Root de la Vega the best way to root? Any risks?
Thanks
check this out, its good for you,,steve http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2464498:good:
I was curious about that as well. Since I had to work out South near Arkansas and they seem to have nothing but [email protected] towers and a few Verizon.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
jeffs99 said:
I'm plannng on purchasing a new T-Mobile Note 3 and use on an existing ATT line.And also eventually want it rooted and don't want to trip KNOX.
Questions:
1. Do I need to activate it on T-Mobile first for any reason?
2. Should I unlock first or root first.?
3.What's the best way to unlock, (if at all possible) have T-Mobile give you unlock code, use pay online service (if cost not an issue) or some free method described on this forum?
4. Is Root de la Vega the best way to root? Any risks?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I'll try to answer since I'm trying to do the same thing:
1. I don't think that you should or should matter
2. If you can get the code from Tmo or buy it, then have the option unlock first. If not and you want to use something like Region Lock Away, you have to Root first. As a rule of thumb though, since I use many different carrier phones on other carriers, I try to as stock as possible, while trying to set up on the new carrier. Which means.. Unlock first, if you can.
3. I'd imagine getting the code from Tmo or ordering it online is the safest KNOX trip free course..
4. Depending on the firmware you have, the safe methods or even working methods, change... For example if you're on NB4 like me, then there is no KNOX safe method, but to Kies to NE4 and root with Towlroot
Good luck Sir...
My story of this scenario.
Bought tmobile Note3.
Paid it off
Called Tmobile and got unlocked code.
Switched to Staright Talk $45 ATT plan.
Ported my number to Traight Talk.
Heaven.
Ian B
Get my monthly refill cards from ebay.
Mr Ian B said:
My story of this scenario.
Bought tmobile Note3.
Paid it off
Called Tmobile and got unlocked code.
Switched to Staright Talk $45 ATT plan.
Ported my number to Traight Talk.
Heaven.
Ian B
Get my monthly refill cards from ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have to sign up for any kind of (non) contract for them to give you the unlock code?
How long did you have the phone before they gabe you the unlock code?
Thanks
jeffs99 said:
Did you have to sign up for any kind of (non) contract for them to give you the unlock code?
How long did you have the phone before they gabe you the unlock code?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bought in November 2014 when it came out, paid off January 2014, asked and got code in Feb 2014.
Ian B
Supposedly you need to have the phone activated on the t mobile network for 45 days. If it gets paid off anytime afterwards all you need to do is request the unlock code. Calling and giving them your imei number they can look up the phone and tell you if you can get it unlocked. From that point it takes anywhere from 2 to 7 business days. You get the unlock code in your email.
The only bad scenario I can see is if you bought it off of someone who called it in and reported it stolen or lost. Then you must go through alternative sources to get your Sim unlocked.
Fusionized tweaking tapatalker here...
Anyway besides getting an unlock code to sim unlock? On NB4. What if I upgrade to NF1? If not, is there ANYWAY to downgrade back to the original JB 4.3?
1. Do I need to activate it on T-Mobile first for any reason?
Nope.
2. Should I unlock first or root first.?
Depends how you plan to unlock. If you use the method that I mention in the next answer, you have to root first. If you use any other method, it doesn't matter.
3.What's the best way to unlock, (if at all possible) have T-Mobile give you unlock code, use pay online service (if cost not an issue) or some free method described on this forum?
RegionLock Away is the easiest method, IMO. About $3 in the Play store.
4. Is Root de la Vega the best way to root? Any risks?
I don't know anything about this method as I rooted before it came out, so I can't answer this one.
If anyone can read this, this is a fact. Sprint will NOT unlock a Samsung Note 4. I have one, its paid off, i called numerous times to have it unlocked as they told me its unlockable approved. They give me a lot of non-sense, connect me with different people, the first 3 reps will say YES, the fourth will say NO. Why does Sprint not unlock my phone if its paid off. It's quite mind-racking and confusing. Anyone have any advice on this matter??? P.S THE CODE 104953 DOES NOT WORK....so MOVE ON!!!
I know they can and will unlock the sim for international use. You just have to tell them you are travelling to another country and want to pay for temporary service from a carrier in that country. they have to unlock the sim for that purpose. As for unlocking the sim for use on U.S. gsm networks i don't know about that one. I'm sure it can be done with the right tools but sprint doesn't offer this and most tech employees haven't a clue how to do it because it's not officially supported by sprint in the first place. Only international sim unlock can be achieved with the help of sprint. This is in their terms of service!
RickyDiamonds said:
If anyone can read this, this is a fact. Sprint will NOT unlock a Samsung Note 4. I have one, its paid off, i called numerous times to have it unlocked as they told me its unlockable approved. They give me a lot of non-sense, connect me with different people, the first 3 reps will say YES, the fourth will say NO. Why does Sprint not unlock my phone if its paid off. It's quite mind-racking and confusing. Anyone have any advice on this matter??? P.S THE CODE 104953 DOES NOT WORK....so MOVE ON!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 with Sprint and was able to get it unlocked. I have AT&T service now and use a sprint Note 4 on it. No Sprint did not unlock it for me I paid idone.apps $40 to do it and sure enough it worked. The only issue I have had is my data speeds. My phone currently only allows a 3G data connection. I am currently looking for a solution however, it's not that slow so I may just keep it as is.
Here's the link to his page:
http://idoneapps.com/index.php?os=android
+1 for idoneapps
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
Yeah they will unlock it for international use (it even works on all compatible US carriers too I was told when I asked). I it easy just go here (https://sprintworldwide.custhelp.com/app/chat/chat_launch/?ECID=vanity:swwsupport) feel out the page. You should be in touch with someone not long after and a few minutes later they will unlock your phone and tell you to restart your phone if it doesn't do it itself (mine did it itself)