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Phone: AT&T Galaxy S3 version 4.3 SGH-1747
Background:
I am Australian and I was in America for 3 months. At the start of the trip I needed a new phone so I bought an AT&T S3 SGH-I747. Before purchasing I made sure to ask whether I could unlock it as soon as I walked out of the store if I needed due to I had to head to Australia where there is no AT&T service. I got told Yes. I went back in before leaving America and they said just to do online. I did process online and it told me to wait 7 day. 9 days later I got told it couldn't be unlocked due to 6month period. I called up and they said they would unlock it. 9 days later they said it couldn't be unlocked and I had missed their call (phone was in Australia so no reception). So far I have had 200 of international minutes (through skype so didn't cost much) and waited over a month to try get this unlocked always in a state of 7days or less to unlock. I am now waiting on a Supervisors's Supervisors's Supervisors's Supervisor to give me a call back however I don't think it is happening as they said 24 hours and it has been 72. I really need this phone unlocked. It is on 4.3 and hence I can't get it unlocked with the 4.1.1 trick. I am a software engineer so technical instructions are not a problem.
Question:
How can I get this phone unlocked within the next 48 hours maximum? I wouldn't mind buying an unlock code if there is no other way and if that is the best option which is the safest site to do it on?
I read in other posts that people were able to get the unlock code via AT&T online chat support.
The safest way to unlock your phone would be to buy a code; however, you may have to get the code from a non-US unlocker due to the USA's laws regarding unlocking of phone manufactured after January 26, 2013.
audit13 said:
I read in other posts that people were able to get the unlock code via AT&T online chat support.
The safest way to unlock your phone would be to buy a code; however, you may have to get the code from a non-US unlocker due to the USA's laws regarding unlocking of phone manufactured after January 26, 2013.
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Click to collapse
Unfortunately I have tried that and I cannot get to a decent representative who can do anything but tell me to try through their online system which will tell me I'm not eligible due to I had to pre-pay and hence am on a GoPhone which they don't give any decent customer service. 2 hours of calls to reps and 16 different people.
Sounds like you'll have to go with an unlock code. It's the safest since you're on a 4.3 ROM.
audit13 said:
Sounds like you'll have to go with an unlock code. It's the safest since you're on a 4.3 ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you recommend a safe place to buy it?
Sorry, I can't recommend any unlockers as I unlocked my s3 myself using the stock 4.1.1 ROM.
Anyone know of a safe place to buy an unlock code for AT&T I747 version 4.3?
Hi Everyone,
I've seen some posts about unlocking this but I'm curious as to whether I can unlock a T-Mobile branded phone purchased outright that has never been activated.
What have you all found to be the easiest way to unlock it? I've already reached out to TM via FB to no avail.
Let me know what you guys think.
Thanks!
Bootloader unlock is done via Motorola. To unlock your device for all carriers you must actively use the phone for 7 days. If you can't unlock it yourself after 7 days using the builtin app, then go in to a store. They can call in and help get it unlocked, but only after you've used the phone for 7 days.
papadelogan said:
Bootloader unlock is done via Motorola. To unlock your device for all carriers you must actively use the phone for 7 days. If you can't unlock it yourself after 7 days using the builtin app, then go in to a store. They can call in and help get it unlocked, but only after you've used the phone for 7 days.
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Click to collapse
Ok, that is my question.
The phone is brand new - no sim. I'm trying to get it to a prepaid wireless service and need it unlocked to do so. What you're saying is that I would need to activate it for 7 days for the bootloader to work, correct?
Tmobile themselves offer unlocking but only after 40 days of service which is a no go in my current situation.
Thanks again for any help. No other programs or apps out there that can unlock it more quickly without the amount of work?
You guys are awesome!
ponzpo said:
Ok, that is my question.
The phone is brand new - no sim. I'm trying to get it to a prepaid wireless service and need it unlocked to do so. What you're saying is that I would need to activate it for 7 days for the bootloader to work, correct?
Tmobile themselves offer unlocking but only after 40 days of service which is a no go in my current situation.
Thanks again for any help. No other programs or apps out there that can unlock it more quickly without the amount of work?
You guys are awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. You are matching the two things together. Let me be a little bit simpler about this. All use different paragraph so you don't get confused.
BOOTLOADER unlock can be done about 1 minute after you buy the phone. You contact Motorola directly. Search this forum and you'll get tons of information on it
CARRIER Unlocking a T-Mobile phone to be able to use with any carrier can be done after 7 Days of use on a T-Mobile plan. If they recently bumped it up to 40 and that's what customer service told you, then go with that. I've been with them for a few years now and only needed 7 days, but then I was in the store working with one of the sales people and they called in about it. I may have gotten special consideration given the amount of time my wife has had an account with T-Mobile, but I did a carrier unlock after only 7 days.
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
I picked up a New tmo z2 force and started it with prepaid. The prepaid balance has to be at least 100$ and active for 14 days before they will unlock it.
noXcape said:
I picked up a New tmo z2 force and started it with prepaid. The prepaid balance has to be at least 100$ and active for 14 days before they will unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that T-Mobile specific prepaid?
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
Yes. Tmo prepaid
Also that's what the tmo rep told me. I still have like 10 days to wait...so I'll report back when it's done
Decided to call and try my luck with another rep. They escalated the unlock for me and did it with the hour.
Unlock app says permanently unlocked now!
You don't need to have it 7 days or whatever. Buy the phone full price, insert the tmobile sim, boot up and carrier unlock right away with the unlock app. Bootloader unlock is with motorola. That's it.
First, you need to activate your phone with a T-Mobile SIM card (you don't need to possess the SIM card, you can even borrow one for a few minutes) and a non-T-Mobile SIM to check if the phone is network locked.
You can check by following these steps:
1. Insert the “non-accepted SIM card” on the phone (Please check if your new SIM Card is activated, if not contact your Mobile Operator in order to activate it).
2. Wait for the phone to load
3. Insert the SIM’s PIN code (4 digits), if asked.
4. Read the message your phone displays, if you need the unlock code or to unlock via the Device Unlock App.
Mod Edit
Based on the message you have, you can contact T-Mobile again and ask them to unlock. Or you can use a third party unlocking service.
RossTeagan said:
First, you need to activate your phone with a T-Mobile SIM card (you don't need to possess the SIM card, you can even borrow one for a few minutes) and a non-T-Mobile SIM to check if the phone is network locked.
You can check by following these steps:
1. Insert the “non-accepted SIM card” on the phone (Please check if your new SIM Card is activated, if not contact your Mobile Operator in order to activate it).
2. Wait for the phone to load
3. Insert the SIM’s PIN code (4 digits), if asked.
4. Read the message your phone displays, if you need the unlock code or to unlock via the Device Unlock App.
Mod Edit
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Click to collapse
This doesnt work.. It says unlock failed.. tried permanent and temporary. Tmobile says theres an unpaid balance but the phones imei is not lost or stolen. The way to request an unlock is the previous owner and the imei # has to make a request. ugh and theres some dude who says he can do it for a fee (clean the imei) im trying to use this on metro and cannot because of the whole tmobile unpaid balance bullcrap
Correct me if I'm wrong. No T-Mobile phone is eligible for unlock unless it's paid off in full and remained on the network for 45 days after. I've unlocked plenty of them after they were paid off and this was almost always the case.
I unlocked my bootloader right after getting my phone. It's not paid off, as I upgraded via JUMP.
sabrdawg said:
I unlocked my bootloader right after getting my phone. It's not paid off, as I upgraded via JUMP.
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Thinking the OP is talking about carrier unlock.
Check what your IMEI's status is in the T-Mobile network with their service here: https://www.t-mobile.com/verifyIMEI.aspx
Note that if the result doesn't with "Congratulations..." you might not be able to unlock your phone.
20degrees said:
Thinking the OP is talking about carrier unlock.
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Ah, got it. It's tricky when "unlock" has multiple meanings, lol! In that case, no, you can't carrier unlock until your phone is paid off
I posted a similar question before I realised there was a thread already on this topic. Can anybody confirm that if you buy a tmo version from Motorola, then what are the conditions for having it unlocked? Is it $100 credit balance (for me that would add $100 to the cost) or immediately on insertion of a TMO SIM or some other conditions? Does anybody have any experiences they can report? Thanks
I can tell you I just tried getting a tmobile variant unlocked (375 outright, I have AT&T) and had a buddy with a tmobile account make the purchase and put his active sim in it and they would not unlock it. Stated it had to be on tmobile network for 40 days. He called multiple times and argued it's already paid off but they wouldn't budge. So I returned it. Had to eat a 50 fee for returning it. I chalk it to a lesson learned.
I was going to buy the phone from the Motorola website for $500 so $375 is a good deal. The problem is while I have a tmobile SIM card on a prepaid account I don't live in the US and while I'm travelling there soon I won't be on the network for 40 days. so I guess it won't be unlockable while I'm there and certainly not once I'm gone.
I wonder what the unlocking Services online are like? Has anybody had any experiences to relate
lchiu7 said:
I was going to buy the phone from the Motorola website for $500 so $375 is a good deal. The problem is while I have a tmobile SIM card on a prepaid account I don't live in the US and while I'm travelling there soon I won't be on the network for 40 days. so I guess it won't be unlockable while I'm there and certainly not once I'm gone.
I wonder what the unlocking Services online are like? Has anybody had any experiences to relate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is also a temp unlock through the unlock app. Still fully sim unlocked but for only a short time. Then if you do come back to the US for 40+ days you can try for the permanent unlock.
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using XDA Labs
OK _ just got off both a phone call and chat session with TMO support. Basically the phone has to be on their network for 2 billing cycles and then you can call them to unlock it. That applies even apparently to the $3/month plan. I do have somebody who could do that but they would have to send the phone to me and I am not sure you can do that with its LiOn battery inside.
So much I want to root my Pixel 3a but OEM unlocking is greyed out because it is carrier locked. I owe $250 to Sprint to pay it off. Would they allow it to be unlocked once it's payed? Or will I need to make up some excuse why I need it unlocked besides saying I want to root it?
Any help is appreciated, thanks
Gregbmil1 said:
So much I want to root my Pixel 3a but OEM unlocking is greyed out because it is carrier locked. I owe $250 to Sprint to pay it off. Would they allow it to be unlocked once it's payed? Or will I need to make up some excuse why I need it unlocked besides saying I want to root it?
Any help is appreciated, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend, it's killing me too, thinking of starting a bounty to get a work around...I just got my phone and from what I gather, once it's paid off, they will carrier unlock it and that should allow the bootloader to be unlocked as well
Would anyone be willing to throw in on a bounty to get someone to unlock it?
BakedTator said:
My friend, it's killing me too, thinking of starting a bounty to get a work around...I just got my phone and from what I gather, once it's paid off, they will carrier unlock it and that should allow the bootloader to be unlocked as well
Would anyone be willing to throw in on a bounty to get someone to unlock it?
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Click to collapse
I highly doubt sim unlocking a phone would allow the bootloader to be unlocked. For example the Verizon Pixel 2 XL is sim unlocked out of the box, but the bootloader to this day is locked.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 10:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------
Gregbmil1 said:
So much I want to root my Pixel 3a but OEM unlocking is greyed out because it is carrier locked. I owe $250 to Sprint to pay it off. Would they allow it to be unlocked once it's payed? Or will I need to make up some excuse why I need it unlocked besides saying I want to root it?
Any help is appreciated, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always ask to have it sim unlocked before it is payed off. The longer you have had their service, the more likely they may be to unlock it. Once it is payed off, they should unlock it for you.
Once it is sim card unlocked, the bootloader unlock button will start working.
daniel4653 said:
I highly doubt sim unlocking a phone would allow the bootloader to be unlocked. For example the Verizon Pixel 2 XL is sim unlocked out of the box, but the bootloader to this day is locked.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
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That because you have a Verizon phone. It's the only US carrier that bootlocks the Pixel phones.
You live in the Cleveland area(from your profile), so can you tell them you need a sim unlock because you got a job across the lake in Canada and want to use a Canadian carrier to cut down on costs - or even say your new(fake) employer has a work sim for you to use? It's a practical and believable excuse as people do commute across the border regularly for work.
& if the sim unlock gets you the OEM unlock option - BOOM: you're all set.
*It's just a little white lie to a giant corporation that lies to consumers all the time(sprint has the best service? my a**). You've got nothing to lose, so why not try?
Bob nesta said:
You live in the Cleveland area(from your profile), so can you tell them you need a sim unlock because you got a job across the lake in Canada and want to use a Canadian carrier to cut down on costs - or even say your new(fake) employer has a work sim for you to use? It's a practical and believable excuse as people do commute across the border regularly for work.
& if the sim unlock gets you the OEM unlock option - BOOM: you're all set.
*It's just a little white lie to a giant corporation that lies to consumers all the time(sprint has the best service? my a**). You've got nothing to lose, so why not try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would saying I am going to visit Canada work?
Bob nesta said:
You live in the Cleveland area(from your profile), so can you tell them you need a sim unlock because you got a job across the lake in Canada and want to use a Canadian carrier to cut down on costs - or even say your new(fake) employer has a work sim for you to use? It's a practical and believable excuse as people do commute across the border regularly for work.
& if the sim unlock gets you the OEM unlock option - BOOM: you're all set.
*It's just a little white lie to a giant corporation that lies to consumers all the time(sprint has the best service? my a**). You've got nothing to lose, so why not try?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called and said I will be visiting Canada soon. Sprint said I will have no problems using my phone out there, lol. I will have roaming charges is all. Then he tried upgrading my plan, lol.
I'll say I'm going to Australia for a while. If that don't work I will straight up ask what's a guy gotta do to get that bootloader unlocked:laugh:. I'm worried that paying it off still won't unlock it
Gregbmil1 said:
I called and said I will be visiting Canada soon. Sprint said I will have no problems using my phone out there, lol. I will have roaming charges is all. Then he tried upgrading my plan, lol.
I'll say I'm going to Australia for a while. If that don't work I will straight up ask what's a guy gotta do to get that bootloader unlocked:laugh:. I'm worried that paying it off still won't unlock it
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Click to collapse
Maaaan... I guess my little plan failed then. Sorry to hear that. But it was worth a shot.
And I'm curious about the unlock after you pay it off too, but I have heard in the past on some devices Sprint does give you OEM unlock once it's fully paid for. Verizon is the main carrier where you are stuck no matter what...paid off or not.
I wish the you best & hope you find a solution sooner rather than later.:fingers-crossed:
Bob nesta said:
Maaaan... I guess my little plan failed then. Sorry to hear that. But it was worth a shot.
And I'm curious about the unlock after you pay it off too, but I have heard in the past on some devices Sprint does give you OEM unlock once it's fully paid for. Verizon is the main carrier where you are stuck no matter what...paid off or not.
I wish the you best & hope you find a solution sooner rather than later.:fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called and straight asked what I need to do to enable OEM unlocking. She said all I need to do is pay it off and it will be no problem no matter the reason I want it unlocked. Sadly I have to wait at least 2 weeks before I can do that
Gregbmil1 said:
I called and straight asked what I need to do to enable OEM unlocking. She said all I need to do is pay it off and it will be no problem no matter the reason I want it unlocked. Sadly I have to wait at least 2 weeks before I can do that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been 2 weeks... any status update? I can't seem to find anyone who has actually gotten the sim unlock and the bootloader unlocked with it, all people saying that is how it is, but nobody saying they did it.
Thanks,
Strawboy said:
any status update? I can't seem to find anyone who has actually gotten the sim unlock and the bootloader unlocked with it, all people saying that is how it is, but nobody saying they did it.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you mean. As long as we aren't talking about Verizon, there are plenty of people that have gotten their phones unlocked from the carriers and then had the bootloader unlock work. Google has simply tied the bootloader unlock to the SIM lock which makes sense because if you could bootloader unlock the phone, I'm sure there would be a way to SIM unlock it. There isn't anything special that Sprint needs to do other than SIM unlock the phone - the phone will automatically allow bootloader unlocking once the phone is SIM unlocked.
The Verizon models should be considered bootloader locked forever. There were some reports that people have been able to bootloader unlock the Verizon model, but I would chalk that up to early errors on Verizon's part vs a change in their company's policy.
If you are looking for a way to get Sprint to SIM unlock the phone, then that is another issue. Obviously the company policy is to only unlock phones that have been paid off unless there are special circumstance (ie you are traveling out of the country). I will say that calling the customer service line is the hardest method of getting a phone unlocked. The most success comes from people DM the carrier using Twitter. That must go into a different group and they seem to be much more likely to unlock a phone than the normal call center. But you are always at the mercy of the person handling the request because it is generally an exception to the rule.
sic0048 said:
Not sure what you mean. As long as we aren't talking about Verizon, there are plenty of people that have gotten their phones unlocked from the carriers and then had the bootloader unlock work. Google has simply tied the bootloader unlock to the SIM lock which makes sense because if you could bootloader unlock the phone, I'm sure there would be a way to SIM unlock it. There isn't anything special that Sprint needs to do other than SIM unlock the phone - the phone will automatically allow bootloader unlocking once the phone is SIM unlocked.
The Verizon models should be considered bootloader locked forever. There were some reports that people have been able to bootloader unlock the Verizon model, but I would chalk that up to early errors on Verizon's part vs a change in their company's policy.
If you are looking for a way to get Sprint to SIM unlock the phone, then that is another issue. Obviously the company policy is to only unlock phones that have been paid off unless there are special circumstance (ie you are traveling out of the country). I will say that calling the customer service line is the hardest method of getting a phone unlocked. The most success comes from people DM the carrier using Twitter. That must go into a different group and they seem to be much more likely to unlock a phone than the normal call center. But you are always at the mercy of the person handling the request because it is generally an exception to the rule.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sic,
Wow, this is fantastic, and exactly what I was looking for. I've been hesitant to pull the trigger on buying a 'sprint locked' Pixel 3 XL because I haven't seen anybody who has actually said "Yes, I've done this." Only folks who said stuff like you, but I think I'm gonna go for it. I'm very confident of getting sprint to SIM unlock it.
Thanks again for your help.
Couldn't you just buy a sim unlock code from a service other than your carrier, unlock it and problem solved??
Hello. I just got a pixel 3a xl, but it is bootloader locked to T-Mobile, I see Google has a pixel repair tool to reflash the pixel to stock. My question is it asks for your carrier, if I change the carrier to a different carrier that doesn't lock the bootloader will o be able to unlock my bootloader to flash root.
While I could not say for sure, I suspect the answer would be 98 percent no.
Thanks I want to try but it's my only phone and if it is down for a while I have no phone and I need 2FA for work.
If I try I will post here
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
You cannot unlock it from T-Mobile or unlock the bootloader, even with the flash tool... The flash tool does not/cannot modify that part of the phone, if it was that simple people would be doing it all the time.
Only T-Mobile can unlock the SIM, once that is done you can unlock the bootloader. Your only other option is to go through a 3rd party unlock code service, which can be sketchy according to some people (I have done it a few times without issue though).
I want to verify this.
SO if I buy a used T-Mobile 3a XL that is paid in full, I should be able to get it SIM unlocked by the carrier correct and if its carrier SIM unlocked, I CAN unlock the bootloader?
kdoggy said:
I want to verify this.
SO if I buy a used T-Mobile 3a XL that is paid in full, I should be able to get it SIM unlocked by the carrier correct and if its carrier SIM unlocked, I CAN unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as it is not the Verizon model 3a, then yes. You can bootloader unlock it once it is SIM card unlocked. Only the Verizon models permanently lock the bootloader.
Question 2...
SO lets say I buy a T-Mobile 3a XL and it works fine with a T-M SIM but is SIM locked... Can I pay someone to unlock it and then still unlock the boot loader?
Someone know has a new in the box T-Mobile Pixel 3a XL I can have for $225.00 but its never had service on it and it sounds like it has to be active on T-Mobile AND have had seriver for 40 days to get them to do it.
kdoggy said:
Question 2...
SO lets say I buy a T-Mobile 3a XL and it works fine with a T-M SIM but is SIM locked... Can I pay someone to unlock it and then still unlock the boot loader?
Someone know has a new in the box T-Mobile Pixel 3a XL I can have for $225.00 but its never had service on it and it sounds like it has to be active on T-Mobile AND have had seriver for 40 days to get them to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen unlock services being advertised, but I have also seen people post that they don't work. It would require that someone hacked or has access to the T-Mobile locking software which isn't out of the realm of possibility, so it's possible some services do work.
Hello friends, I need your help! Who can help me raise my brick and make a full backup of my smartphone using qpst?
Update. So I ended up buying a T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL when they went on sale.
Search my name and look at the thread reply I just posted in the Pixel 4 XL forum about T-Mobile unlocking.
I included pictures.
I just purchased a Pixel 4 XL, I'm brand new T-Mobile subscriber, the phone is not paid off and I have it on a lease and I've only been on the service for 4 days.
I currently have the T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL with both a full SIM card unlock and OEM bootloader unlock.
I'm currently running the phone with an AT&T physical SIM and a T-Mobile eSIM.
acejavelin said:
You cannot unlock it from T-Mobile or unlock the bootloader, even with the flash tool... The flash tool does not/cannot modify that part of the phone, if it was that simple people would be doing it all the time.
Only T-Mobile can unlock the SIM, once that is done you can unlock the bootloader. Your only other option is to go through a 3rd party unlock code service, which can be sketchy according to some people (I have done it a few times without issue though).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have any recommendations? I have a brand new Pixel 4 that an online retailer lied about being unlocked & is T-Mobile carrier locked & they're completely unwilling to release the Sim from their network. I'll take the sketchy unlock service. I tried one in ATL friend gave me a number but most only do Samsung's or iPhones for obvious reasons.
---------- Post added at 06:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:05 PM ----------
sic0048 said:
As long as it is not the Verizon model 3a, then yes. You can bootloader unlock it once it is SIM card unlocked. Only the Verizon models permanently lock the bootloader.
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Click to collapse
Not just Verizon though right? I heard Sprint does too.
Nightshadex543 said:
Have any recommendations? I have a brand new Pixel 4 that an online retailer lied about being unlocked & is T-Mobile carrier locked & they're completely unwilling to release the Sim from their network. I'll take the sketchy unlock service. I tried one in ATL friend gave me a number but most only do Samsung's or iPhones for obvious reasons.
---------- Post added at 06:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:05 PM ----------
Not just Verizon though right? I heard Sprint does too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind there are SIM locks and bootloader locks. Every US carrier SIM locks you phone if it was bought in an installment plan. Once the phone is paid off, I think every carrier will SIM card unlock the phone.
All recent Pixel versions have to be SIM card unlocked before the bootloader unlock option is available. So you have to have a SIM card unlocked phone before you can bootloader unlock. But Verizon is the only US carrier that has asked Google to permanently bootloader lock their phones. Sprint and others don't weigh in on the subject and Google's policy is to allow bootloader unlock. This isn't necessarily true with other phone brands however.
As far as getting the phone SIM unlocked, the policy is to not do it, so it's rare to find a call center person that is willing to do it whether you call in or chat with someone online. However, the success stories that I do see are usually done by DMing the carrier's support group on Twitter of all places. Explain that you need to get the phone unlocked and many times they will do it.
sic0048 said:
Keep in mind there are SIM locks and bootloader locks. Every US carrier SIM locks you phone if it was bought in an installment plan. Once the phone is paid off, I think every carrier will SIM card unlock the phone.
All recent Pixel versions have to be SIM card unlocked before the bootloader unlock option is available. So you have to have a SIM card unlocked phone before you can bootloader unlock. But Verizon is the only US carrier that has asked Google to permanently bootloader lock their phones. Sprint and others don't weigh in on the subject and Google's policy is to allow bootloader unlock. This isn't necessarily true with other phone brands however.
As far as getting the phone SIM unlocked, the policy is to not do it, so it's rare to find a call center person that is willing to do it whether you call in or chat with someone online. However, the success stories that I do see are usually done by DMing the carrier's support group on Twitter of all places. Explain that you need to get the phone unlocked and many times they will do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm this. I'm on TMO and I reached out on Twitter and got results. I'm not a big Twitter fan nor do I really use it, but customer services seems to be more in the loop there. I told them that I wanted to try the dev preview of android 11 and I needed to bootloader unlock. For that to happen I needed them to permanently sim unlock my phone. (Technically you can install the preview with a locked BL, but since it's a preview you can't re-flash anything lower or rollback without the BL being unlocked). Hence the dev preview. Anyways, I was polite and truthful about my intentions and they got it sim unlocked, fairly quickly too.
sic0048 said:
Keep in mind there are SIM locks and bootloader locks. Every US carrier SIM locks you phone if it was bought in an installment plan. Once the phone is paid off, I think every carrier will SIM card unlock the phone.
All recent Pixel versions have to be SIM card unlocked before the bootloader unlock option is available. So you have to have a SIM card unlocked phone before you can bootloader unlock. But Verizon is the only US carrier that has asked Google to permanently bootloader lock their phones. Sprint and others don't weigh in on the subject and Google's policy is to allow bootloader unlock. This isn't necessarily true with other phone brands however.
As far as getting the phone SIM unlocked, the policy is to not do it, so it's rare to find a call center person that is willing to do it whether you call in or chat with someone online. However, the success stories that I do see are usually done by DMing the carrier's support group on Twitter of all places. Explain that you need to get the phone unlocked and many times they will do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its bootloaders unlocked I was almost done rooting it but haven't; refrained because I don't want to violate the software warranty incase I need to return it, & find another way to do so for a refund. I called support multiple times same answer, & then Twitter dm'd last night they were again unable to do anything so they say.
They cite "privacy issues" but I know it's a ****ing money grab they don't want to unlock it unless you want to pay for one of their plans & get tied in a contract for a minimum amount of days first & I'm not going to ****ing do that. It's ridiculous to me carriers behave this way. This is why I believe in hacking because you can't trust companies for absolutely ****.
You got results? Look at my next post, can you tell me your secret because they're being serious assholes here. Not a single company involved with this situation is helping at all.
Nightshadex543 said:
You got results? Look at my next post, can you tell me your secret because they're being serious assholes here. Not a single company involved with this situation is helping at all.
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I'm a little confused. You say it's bootloader unlocked and you were about to root it but decided not because of warranty concerns correct?
Typically, whenever you unlock a bootloader your warranty is void then and there. That is in most cases and I assume is the same in this case, though I don't know that for a fact with a TMO Pixel 3a XL. I just assumed it was and most likely is. The reason being is you can flash anything you want, and there is no way to guarantee that whatever has happened to warrant a claim wasn't due to user error or unofficial software. A locked bootloader kind of guarantees that nothing unofficial was flashed and that's why warranties are usually based around their status and why a flag is marked when it is. So even if you re-lock it, the flag still shows it was unlocked at one point.
As for actually unlocking it via TMO, the phone uses a TMO app to actually unlock it. It basically checks your imei against their server to see if it is eligible for unlocking. As for citing privacy concerns, basically you have a TMO phone and no account it seems, and you want it unlocked. For all they know it could be stolen, and as far as proving it's yours legally without any account... probably more than they want to deal with and I'm sure they have liability reasons as well.
All I know is, I've had an account for quite some time. I've bought several phones through them, so no issues. Technically I'm still on installments with this phone, so they could have easily said no, not until it's paid off, but I like to think they said "Oh it's Airwalk... he's cool af, go ahead".
41rw4lk said:
Typically, whenever you unlock a bootloader your warranty is void then and there. The reason being is you can flash anything you want, and there is no way to guarantee that whatever has happened to warrant a claim wasn't due to user error or unofficial software. So even if you re-lock it, the flag still shows it was unlocked at one point.
As for actually unlocking it via TMO, the phone uses a TMO app to actually unlock it. It basically checks your imei against their server to see if it is eligible for unlocking. As for citing privacy concerns, basically you have a TMO phone and no account it seems, and you want it unlocked. For all they know it could be stolen, and as far as proving it's yours legally without any account... probably more than they want to deal with and I'm sure they have liability reasons as well.
All I know is, I've had an account for quite some time. I've bought several phones through them, so no issues.
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Only Sprint & Verizon manufacturers lock the bootloaders of their phones T-Mobile doesn't. TWRP doesn't even exist for Pixel 4 because dude's too busy with wife & kids to update so flashing is difficult until you root it first unless you feel like doing a tethered through ADB. I know Samsung has the "Knox" & figured it's similar to that. Unless it's tripped it's negligible.
I know how the unlocking app works. Also, It's not stolen my situation is similar to the below it's "super whitelisted" I've had multiple services run the IMEI & it's come back clean. The phone meets all the unlocking criteria of which is being legit paid for is one of them.
They're just not releasing from the network. I need a workaround, I'm not trying to go through an entire claims process & have it sent back when aside from "network lock" it works just fine.
****ing Greedy ass corporations.
Nightshadex543 said:
Only Sprint & Verizon manufacturers lock the bootloaders of their phones T-Mobile doesn't. I'm TWRP doesn't even exist for Pixel 4 because dude's to busy with wife & kids to update so flashing is difficult until you root it first unless you feel like doing a tethered through ADB. I know Samsung has the "Knox" & figured it's similar to that. Unless it's tripped it's negligible.
I know how the unlocking app works. Also, It's not stolen my situation is similar to the below it's "super whitelisted" I've had multiple services run the IMEI & it's come back clean. The phone meets all the unlocking criteria of which is being legit paid for is one of them.
They're just not releasing from the network. I need a workaround, I'm not trying to go through an entire claims process & have it sent back when aside from "network lock" it works just fine.
****ing Greedy ass corporations.
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Ah, Pixel 4 needs sim unlocked, I was confused because this is 3a XL and I wasn't paying enough attention. I see your frustration now. I don't know about that one, just (bonito) here and it was all easy for me. I suppose that if you don't meet their requirements it's all too easy to just lock you into their script. I can't help you here, sorry. I think you'll just have to be 'that guy' and persist with them. Good luck.
Nightshadex543 said:
TWRP doesn't even exist for Pixel 4 because dude's too busy with wife & kids to update....
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No quicker way to loose all goodwill and help from people than bad mouthing the generous developers.
Feel free to come up with your own TWRP solution. Until then, STFU.
sic0048 said:
Feel free to come up with your own TWRP solution. Until then, STFU.
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That isn't even the subject of the thread. If you're going to ignore everything else I was saying & completely miss the point to focus on a single cherry-picked remark that triggered you then you can take a hike. Don't respond. Go invest your frustrated energies elsewhere
You know what? Maybe I will take the source code & develop my own unofficial TWRP build for it. Hacking & Technological communities don't just stop because you want to "move on with your life" we still need these tools. You think journalists whistleblowers & Chinese protesters can "do without" Tor?
anyone able to root with tmobile version? I have someone selling me their tmobile P6P, its payoff and unlock, but not sure if there is a difference after it is unlock.
There are already some threads in these sections concerning achieving bootloader unlock on T-Mobile variants of the P6P, which is all you need to worry about. Once you can unlock the bootloader (and have USB Debugging enabled) you can do anything you want.
I don't use T-Mobile but it involves contacting T-Mobile support, telling them you're going to be traveling out of the country, and request they SIM unlock the phone (so that you could use SIM cards that work in other countries). When they SIM unlock your phone, you can then enable OEM Unlock and unlock the bootloader. After that, the world is yours.
The other threads will give more detail and better advice, as I know there was something about temporary SIM unlock versus permanent, and how to achieve one or the other.
Search this section for T-Mobile in the thread name, if I remember correctly.
Vio281 said:
anyone able to root with tmobile version? I have someone selling me their tmobile P6P, its payoff and unlock, but not sure if there is a difference after it is unlock.
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I used Twitter to send a Direct Message. I said "Good evening support. I have a favor to ask. Can you unlock my new Pixel 6? I may be going out of the country on short notice to assist a family friend and would want to put in a SIM from a carrier there."
After giving the agent my IEMI I was told "Thank you and thank you for being the best part of T-Mobile for over 5 years! Wow, there would be no us without you I was able to find that phone but see it doesn't qualify yet to unlock. No worries, #WeGotYourBack and I'm attempting to find a way around this. Checking on this right now for you. Be right back!"
I then replied "I appreciate that. I understand that normally the phone has to be on the network for 40 days and paid off but I believe there are temporary unlocks for traveling"
The next message was "You are more than welcomed! I know travelling abroad can be stressful enough and we want one less thing on your plate. Here are the steps to unlocking the phone Permanently https://t-mobile.com/support/devices/android/google-pixel-6-5g/mobile-device-unlock-google-pixel-6-5g…."
And I am unlocked
ElevyNJ said:
I used Twitter to send a Direct Message. I said "Good evening support. I have a favor to ask. Can you unlock my new Pixel 6? I may be going out of the country on short notice to assist a family friend and would want to put in a SIM from a carrier there."
After giving the agent my IEMI I was told "Thank you and thank you for being the best part of T-Mobile for over 5 years! Wow, there would be no us without you I was able to find that phone but see it doesn't qualify yet to unlock. No worries, #WeGotYourBack and I'm attempting to find a way around this. Checking on this right now for you. Be right back!"
I then replied "I appreciate that. I understand that normally the phone has to be on the network for 40 days and paid off but I believe there are temporary unlocks for traveling"
The next message was "You are more than welcomed! I know travelling abroad can be stressful enough and we want one less thing on your plate. Here are the steps to unlocking the phone Permanently https://t-mobile.com/support/devices/android/google-pixel-6-5g/mobile-device-unlock-google-pixel-6-5g…."
And I am not unlocked
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It didn't work?
opz187 said:
It didn't work?
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It did. My brain added a not befoe unlocked. I edited my post
ElevyNJ said:
It did. My brain added a not befoe unlocked. I edited my post
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Is the bootloader option no longer greyed out?
opz187 said:
Is the bootloader option no longer greyed out?
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Correct it is not greyed out now.
ElevyNJ said:
Correct it is not greyed out now.
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I've been trying to go about it like you did, but I'm through Sprint which is making it difficult
ElevyNJ said:
Correct it is not greyed out now.
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You're directly through T-Mobile I take it?
opz187 said:
You're directly through T-Mobile I take it?
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I have gotten every phone I've owned in the last 4 years unlocked no problem through Tforce on FB. They wont budge on my Pixel 6 pro this time. Its crazy.
Took a couple hours of messaging today but T-Mobile twitter unlocked 2 new phones that were financed through T-Mobile. At first I received a canned not eligible due "insert company policy". I asked if they would waive the 40 day requirement if I paid off both devices in full today. They agreed but both devices must be connected to and use data on the network first. I paid off the remaining balance and they instantly unlocked both phones. I did not have to use the unlocker app. Lot of hoops to jump through but we'll get a $600 credit over 24 billing cycles. Make sure the credits are on your pending bill. We still have to trade in the old phones.
Both of these phones have physical sims. They confirmed both devices would be unlocked for both physical and ESIMS. I also learned that OTA updates are pending with no time frame for all 3 of our physical SIM cards. The updates would enable SA (standalone) 5G. They currently rely on LTE. Support confirmed that ESIMS currently work with SA 5G and that customers are capable of switching to ESIM using the website.
Edit: I created a Twitter account just for this. Want to point out that the customer service agent was professional and pleasant to work with. Be patient and respectful. They are clearly overworked after Sprint merger and outsourcing by the corportate MBA terrorists.
ok I'm not talking about sim unlock people, I'm talking about bootloader unlock...
ElevyNJ said:
I used Twitter to send a Direct Message. I said "Good evening support. I have a favor to ask. Can you unlock my new Pixel 6? I may be going out of the country on short notice to assist a family friend and would want to put in a SIM from a carrier there."
After giving the agent my IEMI I was told "Thank you and thank you for being the best part of T-Mobile for over 5 years! Wow, there would be no us without you I was able to find that phone but see it doesn't qualify yet to unlock. No worries, #WeGotYourBack and I'm attempting to find a way around this. Checking on this right now for you. Be right back!"
I then replied "I appreciate that. I understand that normally the phone has to be on the network for 40 days and paid off but I believe there are temporary unlocks for traveling"
The next message was "You are more than welcomed! I know travelling abroad can be stressful enough and we want one less thing on your plate. Here are the steps to unlocking the phone Permanently https://t-mobile.com/support/devices/android/google-pixel-6-5g/mobile-device-unlock-google-pixel-6-5g…."
And I am unlocked
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did you root your phone?
Vio281 said:
ok I'm not talking about sim unlock people, I'm talking about bootloader unlock...
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In order to unlock bootloader with T-Mobile Pixel 6, device needs to be sim unlocked on their end.
djy said:
In order to unlock bootloader with T-Mobile Pixel 6, device needs to be sim unlocked on their end.
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This
Can you do a bootloader unlock with a temporary sim unlock from tmobile, or does it require permanent sim unlock from tmobile?
If you are SIM unlocked, it functions like a factory unlocked PX6/P. Enable OEM unlock, go to bootloader, fastboot flashing unlock
You might be able to start here by getting your phone T-Mobile unlocked. Check out this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...rvice-oneplus-samsung-google-lg-moto.4231597/
@mobbdeep