Can a Bad ESN phone be activated and used outside of USA?

Can a Bad ESN phone be activated and used outside of USA? - G4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey there, my brother is currently visiting my family in USA and cellphones are half price if i buy it there, some eBayers sell LG G4 a lot cheaper with BAD ESN, I live in Israel, will I be able to activate and use the phone here in Israel or BAN ESN is globally locked?

I have the same question. Will work bad esn sprint g4 with international gsm operators. Thanks.

yes VERIZON is unlocked and sprint also unlockble

I'm too looking for a cheap G4 on ebay, the lowest i found is around 230$ with bad ESN and account locked.
So after researching, i know that the phone must be unlocked to be able to use outside USA.
Best way is to buy a H815 which is factory unlocked, the AT&T H810 can be unlocked via Unlock code.
The T-Mobile H811 use unlock app instead of code so considering impossible to unlock, but this one can be flash to H815.
The Verizon is factory unlocked, but bootloader is not, so it will be difficult if you want to modify the system.
The Sprint version you have to contact Sprint to unlock, don't know if it's possible with bad ESN.
The USCellular US991 is factory unlocked, but it's not confirm because not much people use it.
That's all i know, hope it'll help.
Anyway if you can't unlock it you still can you it as a nice device and wait for a possible method.

Related

Is Sim Unlock Available?

So im thinking of getting a Galaxy Nexus on craigslist but I am wondering whether there is simple way to unlock atm. Im located in Canada and will have to get the device to work with my carrier Rogers.
Thanks

All nexus phones come factory unlocked from Samsung

isinisterx said:
All nexus phones come factory unlocked from Samsung
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are talk bout bootloader unlock, OP is talk bout SIM unlock.

xGary said:
So im thinking of getting a Galaxy Nexus on craigslist but I am wondering whether there is simple way to unlock atm. Im located in Canada and will have to get the device to work with my carrier Rogers.
Thanks
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Click to collapse
I have never used Craigslist. It is for second-hand stuff, right? Can't you ask the seller if it is sim locked to any carrier and if so could he unlock it before selling it?
I am on contract with O2 but I called them as soon as I received the phone and they were able to send me the unlock code for no charge. I told them I was on assignment in Korea and needed to use a Korean sim.

xGary said:
So im thinking of getting a Galaxy Nexus on craigslist but I am wondering whether there is simple way to unlock atm. Im located in Canada and will have to get the device to work with my carrier Rogers.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless they got the phone from Japan or a few carriers in Europe, the phone should be SIM unlocked.

Actually a lot of them are carrier locked here in Canada (or as far as I can tell from the Craigslist postings). The reason I don't get a unlocked one is because locked ones are cheaper so if there is a simple way to unlock then I could save some money.

If the phone is sim locked to a carrier then you can easily get it unlocked either at a phone shop or online. They range from around 15-25GBP.
Unfortunately there is no free way of doing it.
Mark.

There is (although I didn't try it), but you'll lose your IMEI with the permanent solution.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1548210

Unlock Htc One m8 - Without all techincal stuff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to buy Unlocked LG G4?

It seems like all of the of the carriers have released the LG G4 locked to the carrier, but where can I purchase it unlocked, so that I can switch between carriers?
Does Best Buy sell it unlocked?
I'm in South Florida, USA.
Thank you.

Best place so far, and several have got them from this seller on ebay here at XDA
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-LG-G4-H...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item4196721570

Looks pretty legit, do you have a link to satisfied customers on XDA?
Thank you for the link.

Acill said:
Best place so far, and several have got them from this seller on ebay here at XDA
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-LG-G4-H...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item4196721570
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He is selling the Asian version.
The only one with an unlockable bootloader (right now) is the EU version. (if that matters to you)

I suppose I'm confused about the differences. I'd like to be able to root/unlock the bootloader - which will allow me to install custom ROMs/modifications?
But my main concern at the moment is being able to switch carriers - for example from Sprint to T-Mobile.

I dont think you can go from sprint to t-mobile. Sprint is CDMA and T-Mobile is GSM
Also good to know the 815 isnt universal, had no idea. WAY to many SKUs on this phone!!

The Asian version at that link will run on T-Mobile, AT&T or any other GSM provider just fine. It won't run on Sprint or Verizon.

I have an unlock one up gor sale on swappa. Check for Fidelio_o

No one is selling an unlocked version. An unlock is not even available (for the US variants).

I got the unlocked version from that eBay listing. Using it on AT&T. Love it.

Does 815 have quick charging?
Does anyone know if 815 model comes with quick charging?

uday029 said:
Does anyone know if 815 model comes with quick charging?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using my anker quick charger and it works just fine.

B&H Photo will have them around June 20. $629 for non-leather, $699 for leather.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1155900-REG/lg_lg_h815_32gb_blk_g4_h815_32gb_unlocked.html

That's one of the questions I also have. If I buy the unlocked version will it be compatible with both AT&T & T-Mobile. And by compatible I mean will I get full 4G LTE speeds while using on either carrier. I currently have a unlocked branded T-Mobile HTC One M8 but I don't get AT&T's LTE when I put in one of their SIM cards.

gtg465x said:
I got the unlocked version from that eBay listing. Using it on AT&T. Love it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I call bull****. An unlock is not even available right now.

davelee1054 said:
I call bull****. An unlock is not even available right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go ahead, call it. Hope it makes you feel better.
It's not an AT&T branded model that was unlocked after purchase. It's a factory unlocked model. As in, not carrier branded, was never locked to begin with so didn't need to be unlocked.
See here:
http://m.ebay.com/itm/191577825455?nav=SEARCH

Bootloader unlock is available for the h815 but you just blew your warranty if anyone is selling g4s with unlocked bootloaders i would be careful as there is no warranty lg has already stated once you unlock the bootloader your warranty is blown.

nexy33 said:
Bootloader unlock is available for the h815 but you just blew your warranty if anyone is selling g4s with unlocked bootloaders i would be careful as there is no warranty lg has already stated once you unlock the bootloader your warranty is blown.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, I have an H815. The bootloader is not unlocked. Factory unlocked refers to the phone not being locked to a specific carrier, not the bootloader. It works on AT&T and T-Mobile and any GSM carrier I want. And I didn't have to do any unlocking myself to get it carrier unlocked. It came that way from the LG factory, hence the term "factory unlocked". LG sells this model that way. Warranty in tact.

here http://www.handtec.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?order=most_viewed&dir=desc&cat=0&q=lg+g4
real EU variants

Ok I know that just flicked through the thread and caught some one calling BS about not being able to buy unlocked as I bought mine direct from lg and it's unlocked, by not reading from the beginning I surmised it was about the boot loader.

LG G7/G7+ Sim Unlock Code

Hi guys, I want to buy LG G7 Thinq phone, but I found that there are few versions of it LM-G710, LM-G710EM, LM-G710EX etc. So which one is easier to sim unlock after purchase? I heard that AT&T version is the easiest one.
I want to send it this phone to my friend to India, want to make sure that I will choose the right version.
[UPDATE] successfully unlocked using this service: Mod edit
thanks for help guys

I heard that lg g7 sim unlock code will work perfectly on at&t phones, so if you can order at&t version it will be very easy to unlock sim of this phone.

jaredalcantro said:
I heard that lg g7 sim unlock code will work perfectly on at&t phones, so if you can order at&t version it will be very easy to unlock sim of this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no ATT version.
ATT went with the V35 instead.
The 710ULM is what is used on ATT and is the carrier unlocked model available from B+H or Bestbuy.
No SIM unlock needed.
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

Lg g7 sprint
I have an lg g7 from sprint ,i want to unlock it at t mobile who can help me to unlock it ?

unlock a sprint lg of the latest models that can not be box, costs 150usd
in the sprint telephones it is not useful to enter unlock code because these do not have that type of security for unlocking and less the last ones that have encryption by RSA

this website doesn't work for sprint
unlock code doesn't work
At the time of writing I cannot find ppl that are capable of gsm unlocking my lg g7 sprint usa
Also I know 2 men deep in unlocking, they told me it will take some time to do 1st unlock
I can offer 30$ if someone can do it. I just need my phone. sick of my old huawei. I need only gsm unlock on it.

cellindrabullock said:
is possible to unlock g7 us cellular (cdma version) using sim unlock code? I want to use it with t-mobile (gsm).
as I know they have different LTE bands and frequencies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
US Cellular variant should already be unlocked. Even though it's the "U.S. Cellular" model, in REALITY it's the same model sold as the official carrier unlocked open market model. The only difference is the open market model is sold by authorized 3rd party retailers like B&H Photo and those IMEI and DEVIC_ID (in the past) were also registered with the LG Developer website to be eligible for bootloader unlock codes.
But for just SIM card unlock/carrier unlock, they're exactly the same. At least that's the way it's been for LG V30 and before that the LG G6. US Cellular is so small they don't warrant a dedicated phone like like Verizon or T-mobile, so LG lets them sell the carrier unlocked model as "their" phone.
For the LG V30/V30+ US9998, there's no difference whatsoever in the US Cellular and open market models, for performance, bands, stock apps installed, etc. It's the EXACT same phone.

If you buy the T-Mobile version, you unlock it for free after purchase
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

ariel5112 said:
I have an lg g7 from sprint ,i want to unlock it at t mobile who can help me to unlock it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you been able to unlock it? I was thinking of flashing the European unlocked firmware to it. Lmg710em and see if maybe that unlocks it

Idon12no said:
If you buy the T-Mobile version, you unlock it for free after purchase
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Say what?

cerwidwen said:
Say what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile has an app. You pay for the phone and it's yours, so you just unlock it with the app. I'm sure you could just call them to unlock it too.
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

So if anybody successfully managed to unlock a Sprint LG G7 please post a proof, otherwise it’s just fake advertising of certain website or just speculation.

leonardovisconsi said:
thanks for sharing, I have received my unlock code this morning as well.
can someone share APN settings for T-Mobile please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fast.t-mobile.com
Sent from my LM-G710 using Tapatalk

leonardovisconsi said:
thanks for sharing, I have received my unlock code this morning as well.
can someone share APN settings for T-Mobile please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which carrier is your LG G7 from? I'm still looking for a way to unlock a Sprint LG G7. Thanks

leonardovisconsi said:
I have a Sprint version too with firmware version G710P10a. what is your phone firmware version ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My G7 just updated to G710P11a 2 days ago, was on G710P10a prior. So I just wan to confirm, lgsimunlock;com was able to unlock your Sprint G7 and it's now on TMobile? Someone on xda was warning people not to use their service, that it's a scam. I want to be sure if I am going to pay them. Thanks

EVOltron said:
My G7 just updated to G710P11a 2 days ago, was on G710P10a prior. So I just wan to confirm, lgsimunlock;com was able to unlock your Sprint G7 and it's now on TMobile? Someone on xda was warning people not to use their service, that it's a scam. I want to be sure if I am going to pay them. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lgsimunlock wont work since the g7 from sprint doesn't ask you for an unlock code when you insert another sim. Ive had my g7 from sprint sitting there
UPDATE: I did some digging around I found out that you need to open up this hidden menu to input the unlock code. I haven't been able to find it. But maybe the lgsimunlock site could work. I wouldn't mind wasting $13 just to make sure it works

jamesblunt211 said:
I want to buy second hand lg g7 phone, how to check if the phone was blacklisted or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't post links here yet but imeipro is safe and recommended.

anyone got the sprint g7 unlocked?

Lg g7 thinQ G710EM bought in sweden (regional lock)
Hi guys, have you ever faced like this version G710EM which is not locked particular sim carrier (its only for EU carriers). I couldn’t use the phone in Asia. i bought unlocking code but is never asks the code when i change the sim card (reboot, restart, factory reset didn’t help). How can i unlock it for every carrier? Thank you very much in advance.

Your phone is region locked. On phone box you have to have a seal with a warning “For use with European SIM only“ and a leaflet inside with an explanation what region locked means and how you can disable it.
Long story short: you have to use your phone with a European SIM card on a European network for at least 30min. After that your phone is region free and can be used on any network with any SIM card worldwide.

Need to unlock LG G8 ThinQ from T-Mobile USA. Please help.

Hi everyone. Any chances to unlock LG G8 ThinQ from T-Mobile USA? Device App says "Unlock Failure. This mobile device is not eligible for unlock...". OEM UNLOCK option is available in Developers options so it could be rooted I guess. Can't even find paid reliable website who provide this kind of service not for 5-16 days of time frame. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

WarVic said:
Hi everyone. Any chances to unlock LG G8 ThinQ from T-Mobile USA? Device App says "Unlock Failure. This mobile device is not eligible for unlock...". OEM UNLOCK option is available in Developers options so it could be rooted I guess. Can't even find paid reliable website who provide this kind of service not for 5-16 days of time frame. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I've had the same version as you bit couldn't get it unlocked, went through T-Mobile themselves and they couldn't help. Check the IMEI via their site and if it doesn't come up them no luck sadly.
I had to sell in the end...

WarVic said:
Hi everyone. Any chances to unlock LG G8 ThinQ from T-Mobile USA? Device App says "Unlock Failure. This mobile device is not eligible for unlock...". OEM UNLOCK option is available in Developers options so it could be rooted I guess. Can't even find paid reliable website who provide this kind of service not for 5-16 days of time frame. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a g5 Locked to T-Mobile i tried websites but they weren't able, then i decided to call T-Mobile after so many rep they did id for me via Twitter, tell them that this phone is from LG

No way to unlock , unless change the Soc dire

Unlocking
WarVic said:
Hi everyone. Any chances to unlock LG G8 ThinQ from T-Mobile USA? Device App says "Unlock Failure. This mobile device is not eligible for unlock...". OEM UNLOCK option is available in Developers options so it could be rooted I guess. Can't even find paid reliable website who provide this kind of service not for 5-16 days of time frame. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a difference between SIM locked and bootloader locked. The OEM unlock option only refers to the bootloader unlock which is not possible at this time on any G8. Bootloader unlock has to come from LG, SIM unlock would come from T-Mobile

I bought a clean imei LG G8 T-Mobile I'm wondering if there is a way to unlock it for free

T-Mobile phones from recent years can only be unlocked with the T-Mobile Device Unlock app, which queries their servers to ensure that both the phone AND you are eligible for unlock: Account must be in good standing (even if no longer active), phone must be paid off (of course), and it must have been active on T-Mobile postpaid for at least 40 days (1 year prepaid).
If these criteria are fulfilled, they will generally approve unlock (they have to, by law) -- although they often have a hard time making it work with the Device Unlock app, even when they say it's approved. Filing an FTC complaint will escalate it to TMO Executive Office, who CAN make it work, even when rest of TMO can't -- but only do this if you know you fulfill their requirements.
Good old unlock codes don't work with TMO phones. Anybody trying to sell them to you are scammers.
There ARE a few 3rd party services who can unlock T-Mobile through remote connection, where they trick the Device Unlock app into thinking it is connecting to TMO servers. But I think they only work on rooted phones.

Develop Bugs

welcome