Develop Bugs

Root and Unlock SIM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WOO! Actually got my unlock code this time.

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

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

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

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

[Q] Is the G3 Sprint SIM locked or unlocked? If locked, can it be unlocked?

What the title says. In the past Sprint phones used to be SIM-unlocked for international SIMs (for instance my Motorola XPRT was) but I understand that lately they are not... I plan on traveling abroad, and I'm used to popping local SIMs.
Does anyone know if the G3 is locked or not, and if it is - can it be unlocked?

Nobody knows? Well guess I'll be the first one to test it. I'm going to Europe next week and I'll try a local SIM. Hopefully it works (if not I'll use it in my other phone which is SIM-unlocked).

You can go into the hidden menu 2945#*(model number) # and hit Sim unlock and enter a code you buy online for about 10-15$. Then you can use any Sim you want
Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Pilz said:
You can go into the hidden menu 2945#*(model number) # and hit Sim unlock and enter a code you buy online for about 10-15$. Then you can use any Sim you want
Sent from my LG-D850 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I don't think that hidden menu exists for the Sprint LG G3 (or if it does the code was changed). I tried 2945#*990# to see if the menu exists and nothing happened. I also tried
several other codes for LG phones and they don't work.

jh1521 said:
Actually I don't think that hidden menu exists for the Sprint LG G3 (or if it does the code was changed). I tried 2945#*990# to see if the menu exists and nothing happened. I also tried
several other codes for LG phones and they don't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at g2 for unlock but if they updated to the same type sprint and Samsung did then sprint is the only unlock they do it for note 3 ota .I don't get my g3 until today
Sent from my SM-G900P using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

FWIW I called Sprint, did a bit of social engineering on the phone and they agreed to unlock my SIM for foreign SIMs. It took 24h as they had to have it approved by the "backoffice" but eventually it worked. They did it all at their end, so I can't post a procedure. According to their rules the device wasn't eligible for unlock (among other conditions, a device has to be activated on your account for a minimum of 90 days to be eligible) but they still approved it "since you're a long-time customer" That was nice.
Currently using my Sprint LGG3 happily in Italy with a local SIM

Is your phone rooted?
If it is, do you mind grabbing a couple of files for me. This can help in creating the GSM unlock for the G3, just as there was for G2.
TIA

varunrs said:
Is your phone rooted?
If it is, do you mind grabbing a couple of files for me. This can help in creating the GSM unlock for the G3, just as there was for G2.
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Sprint root yet, but I'll PM you about the request once this is possible.
Sent from my LGLS990 using Tapatalk 2

I was curious about this as well and the thing is options for gsm/umts mode are available out of the box. If i recall correctly such settings were hidden if the phone was not unlocked or inaccessible. Please correct me if I'm wrong however i do plan on contacting Sprint to unlock as i have to go abroad in a month or so just in case.

I don't know about the G3, but the settings were easily found on the G2. However to use the phone in GSM/UMTS mode abroad, the phone needed to be internationally unlocked by Sprint.
One of the guys, used files from an unlocked G2 and created the method to unlock any Sprint G2 for international use. I am just trying to reverse engineer the unlock for the G3 by following the same steps that he did for the G2. His method does require root, so waiting for it like everyone else. With my experience on the HTC One series, the unlock method remains the same for Sprint phones as there is hardly any merit for Sprint to patch these exploits. Hoping same is true for LG phones as well.

So I called up Sprint today for getting the phone unlocked.
Let me start by saying my family has been with Sprint for close to 15 years, No late payments, have a total of 4 phone lines active on the 1500 minute family share plan with unlimited data and So on.
After talking to about 4 people and wasting an hour or So I Was told my phone is not eligible for unlock before 90 days of it being active. I plan on traveling internationally on September 8 and they just wouldn't do it and went on a spiel regarding Wi-Fi calling and telling me calls would be free internationally if I will be connected on a Wi-Fi network. I am taking that with a huge grain of salt. I Don't see how i can call local numbers while in Pakistan for free on Wi-Fi calling as it requires access to location and will technically only work where 911 services are available to be called on Wi-Fi from my understanding, correct me if I am wrong.
Anyways I threatened to cancel service and still they did not budge, can Sprint really afford to leak customers like that, they are no Verizon, every thing regarding their network is horrendous the only reason I'm chained to them is because my brother and sister don't want to lose their number and my dad doesn't want to pay etf ( I've told him about tmobile taking care of etf, but when i checked on their online website, none of our Sprint numbers seemed to be portable, hence i seem to be stuck...).
One thing i forgot to ask was, is it possible to swap my dad's old iPhone 5 back (which was unlocked by Sprint) and then just wait out the 90 days until they decide to unlock the g3? Or does the g3 have to stay activated through out the 90 day period? I ask because then I would have to leave this g3 here in the States (i used my fathers upgrade, was planning on switching his iPhone 5 back to the active account after getting this g3 internationally unlocked). Any insight on that matter would be appreciated.
Hoping there may be some break through on sim unlock before the 8th of September via rooting would hate to leave this phone behind (btw I am an international medical student hence the reason for needing it unlocked, just have one more year of school left).
Sent from my LGLS990 using XDA Free mobile app

Update: Got a call from Sprint this morning, they apologized for putting me through the hassle i mentioned in my earlier post and went ahead and unlocked my device. Guess there's hope for Sprint after all. I still maintain that the customer service reps are not very helpful at all though Or maybe they just don't have the power to over ride certain things who knows.
Sent from my LGLS990 using XDA Free mobile app

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2776198
G3 ROOT

Jocelyn said:
No Sprint root yet, but I'll PM you about the request once this is possible.
Sent from my LGLS990 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is the way for root LS990 in the link below. Please help to find a folder name 'carrier' in the root folder and catch it out if it exist. Thank you very much.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2776198

hetaldp said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2776198
G3 ROOT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hetal bhai, that method doesn't work on ZV4. Or has it been sorted.
Also your thoughts on whether the same method of unlocking will work as the one on G2.

varunrs said:
Hetal bhai, that method doesn't work on ZV4. Or has it been sorted.
Also your thoughts on whether the same method of unlocking will work as the one on G2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My G3 will land soon ! Wil update

did the reverse unlock work for G3 ?

Waiting if someone who has got his phone unlocked from Sprint, root their phone and grab a couple of files for me to check if the unlock is possible on G3. Please PM me if someone has root on their unlocked phone.

GSM
varunrs said:
Waiting if someone who has got his phone unlocked from Sprint, root their phone and grab a couple of files for me to check if the unlock is possible on G3. Please PM me if someone has root on their unlocked phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you already?
There are a couple of people at the Forum to unlock phones.

I think they're are some Cloudyfa Roms for the G3. That ROM unlocks your phone out of the box. Or you can try flashing an aosp ROM. Then dialing *#*#4636#*#* and switch the GSM only. It works on the g2. Not sure about the G3 but it's worth a shot. This also works for domestic use in the the US.

Unlocking Phone??? Totally Impossible?? YUP!!

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)

Unlocking T-Mobile 1+1 Samsung S8+

Hi, The 1700$ for 2x S8+ promotion suites my needs, the only problem is I have to activate T-mobile line but I would like to take it with me to Israel.
Is it possible to unlock it? (Via T-Mobile or by installing a new rom)

moonknightthe1st said:
Hi, The 1700$ for 2x S8+ promotion suites my needs, the only problem is I have to activate T-mobile line but I would like to take it with me to Israel.
Is it possible to unlock it? (Via T-Mobile or by installing a new rom)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you paying for the phone in full immediately, or paying monthly for it? There is no way to install a new ROM since there is no root or bootloader unlock yet.

geoff5093 said:
Are you paying for the phone in full immediately, or paying monthly for it? There is no way to install a new ROM since there is no root or bootloader unlock yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm paying full. does it make any difference?

moonknightthe1st said:
I'm paying full. does it make any difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, because TMobile won't unlock the phone unless it's paid off.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

There's an unlock app built right into the phone by T-Mobile. As long as it's paid off fully, the app "should" see that and permanently unlock it.

Also, you need to be on t-mobile for at least 40 days.

If he calls on and says he is traveling he could get it done in less than 40 days. I had my LG V20 unlocked with around 28 days on the T-Mobile network.

I'm the t mobile app, there is a option to unlock it temporarily for the trip. But he should be able to unlock it permanently

Milly7 said:
If he calls on and says he is traveling he could get it done in less than 40 days. I had my LG V20 unlocked with around 28 days on the T-Mobile network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this is true.. I "traveled" numerous times, and TMO Reps request the unlock, as long as the device is paid off. I had my unlock acceptance. Hence, I requested my unlock on Friday April 22nd, and got the acceptance on April 24th. In reality the 40 day rule has a loophole.
Sent from my SM-T825Y using Tapatalk

T-Mo is pretty relaxed with unlocking these days. Got on T-Mo app and start a chat. Told rep that I need the phone unlocked for travel. Rep came back within 2 mins and told me to do a Permanent Unlock request from the app and it worked. I still have device payment on this phone by the way. ?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

FWIW Best Buy begins selling unlocked S8/+ on May 31.

How does two S8+ for $1700 qualify as a promotion? ”Promotion" generally implies a discount of some kind.
Hey guys, check out this promotion: Ford is selling Mustang GTs at $40,000 each, or two for $80,000.
Sent from my SM-G955U using XDA-Developers Legacy app

rflieger said:
How does two S8+ for $1700 qualify as a promotion? ”Promotion" generally implies a discount of some kind.
Hey guys, check out this promotion: Ford is selling Mustang GTs at $40,000 each, or two for $80,000.
Sent from my SM-G955U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The date he posted Samsung.com was running a promo for a $750 rebate when buying two T-Mobile S8/S8+ phones

I purchased my T-Mobile phone from Samsung. Asked T-Force to add my IEMI to their system so i could ask for unlock code in 40 days when i am travelling. Next day they said it was approved for unlock and to use the Unlock App. Used the phone for less than 10 days and unlocked

mrbear01 said:
I purchased my T-Mobile phone from Samsung. Asked T-Force to add my IEMI to their system so i could ask for unlock code in 40 days when i am travelling. Next day they said it was approved for unlock and to use the Unlock App. Used the phone for less than 10 days and unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good thing you went though T-Force, every other support channel seems totally clueless about unlocking T-Mobile phones bought directly through Samsung. They try to whitelist the IMEI in the Device Unlock app, but that won't work. They need to send a request to add the IMEI to their inventory system so it looks like it was sold by them.

fragg3d said:
Good thing you went though T-Force, every other support channel seems totally clueless about unlocking T-Mobile phones bought directly through Samsung. They try to whitelist the IMEI in the Device Unlock app, but that won't work. They need to send a request to add the IMEI to their inventory system so it looks like it was sold by them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, i asked t add to their system. This is how i started the conversation.
"Hi, I purchased a Samsung S8+ from Samsung directly (T-mobile branded), but it is not showing up as a T-Mobile device under my account. I'd like to have my IMEI added as T-Mobile phone so i can request a SIM Unlock. Please help."
T-Force CSR asked for IMEI to add to their system and submitted it for unlock.

mrbear01 said:
Yup, i asked t add to their system. This is how i started the conversation.
"Hi, I purchased a Samsung S8+ from Samsung directly (T-mobile branded), but it is not showing up as a T-Mobile device under my account. I'd like to have my IMEI added as T-Mobile phone so i can request a SIM Unlock. Please help."
T-Force CSR asked for IMEI to add to their system and submitted it for unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically I would think they had no choice but to unlock yours immediately. If you didn't purchase it directly from them how could they fully bind you to their policy.

moonknightthe1st said:
Hi, The 1700$ for 2x S8+ promotion suites my needs, the only problem is I have to activate T-mobile line but I would like to take it with me to Israel.
Is it possible to unlock it? (Via T-Mobile or by installing a new rom)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just seen this on android central, in Canada new law is to have all phones in 2017 unlocked,
At the end of the article.. found this..
Other devices, like the Galaxy S8, are sold unlocked and become locked to the first SIM card inserted in the phone.
My phone will be coming in, I hear some people saying some are unlocked, after putting in ur sim, has anyone tried putting another sim from another provider.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA-Developers Legacy app

mrbear01 said:
I purchased my T-Mobile phone from Samsung. Asked T-Force to add my IEMI to their system so i could ask for unlock code in 40 days when i am travelling. Next day they said it was approved for unlock and to use the Unlock App. Used the phone for less than 10 days and unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a new Samsung galaxy s8 plus from t-mobile I even put down $730.00 and I'm trying to get it permanently unlocked but t-mobile will only temporary unlock it.I'm going to Australia for 6 months for work.any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks In advance!!!
vnphantom said:
T-Mo is pretty relaxed with unlocking these days. Got on T-Mo app and start a chat. Told rep that I need the phone unlocked for travel. Rep came back within 2 mins and told me to do a Permanent Unlock request from the app and it worked. I still have device payment on this phone by the way. ?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fragg3d said:
Good thing you went though T-Force, every other support channel seems totally clueless about unlocking T-Mobile phones bought directly through Samsung. They try to whitelist the IMEI in the Device Unlock app, but that won't work. They need to send a request to add the IMEI to their inventory system so it looks like it was sold by them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

On a whim, I fired up the device unlocker app, and I was instantly approved for a permanent device unlock. I am on Jump on Demand (lease arrangement) from T-Mobile.

Unlocking Moto Z 2 Force - Tmobile

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.
Click to expand...
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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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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Click to collapse
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
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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.