Unlocked bootloader, warranty voided? - G4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

My G4 was built in May and recently developed some weird issues. Reboots every 30 minutes or so, and will only charge intermittently. Charges for 30 seconds, stops for 30 seconds, charges 30 seconds, stops again.
Weirdly it seems to be charging to 'full' faster than before, and the battery life has become terrible despite being in airplane mode as I've put my simcard in another phone. I've tried a complete wipe and flashed stock but no improvement.
I was under the impression I'd voided the warranty by unlocking the bootloader but I've just read the LG unlocking page which contains the following text, implying there may still be some warranty coverage.
"As we cannot guarantee the proper operation of our hardware with custom software, we are not able to maintain the full scope of warranty for your device after you have unlocked the bootloader. Because of that we have a responsibility to let you know that defects which may result from, or were caused by custom device-software may not be covered by LG warranty."
I'm in the UK and about to send my phone off to LG for repair, anyone have any experience with this? Will they just knock it back straight away for being unlocked or will they replace it anyway as it looks like a hardware issue?

Did you buy it outright or via your network?
In my experience, networks in the UK are a lot more understanding of unlocked bootloaders than manufacturers. I unlock the bootloader on pretty much all of my devices and whenever I've sent a device back, they've never batted an eye lid.
I've mates who have had similar experiences on Vodafone.

i'm in the UK and phoned up to explain i could only get 4G at home by forcing it via the hidden menu by dialling 277634#*# in dialer and go to field test > modem settings > lte band selection and selecting band 3 (for Three network). asked them if i could send it in to be looked at and they told me by accessing the hidden menu i'd invalidated my warranty. JUST FOR THAT!!!! good luck with an unlocked bootloader, let me know how you get on...

I actually broke my phone and couldn't fix it myself. I had an unlocked bootlader and had flashed TWRP and other stuff. It clearly said "Bootloader unlocked!" when turning it on.
So... I bricked it and couldn't fix it myself so I had to send it for repair. I sent it to Phone House (Spain, I live here) and they said they couldn't fix it, so they sent it to LG. They told me that after some time I'd receive a SMS with the cost of the repair. I was scared it would be too high but I had no other option.
Two weeks go by and I receive a SMS from LG saying "your phone has been fixed and you can pick it up from the store you left it." I was confused as **** because I thought my warranty was voided but it apparently wasn't.
Either way my phone was fixed and I didn't have to pay anything.

Related

Bootloop black screen. Can't restore.

Alright so I have had my LG G4 since last summer. Last night I went to check my phone, and it was turned off. After turning it on it showed the LG G4 logo then went black. Tried charging it but same thing. Can't restore it because it won't stay in Download mode long enough to be reset. I have read that serial numbers that start with 505 to I think 507 or 509 can have faulty mobo's. I was thinking of taking it into Tmobile to get it upgraded or replaced, but there's one catch. My bootloader is unlocked an I don't know if that breaks warranty, when you turn on the device it shows bootloader unlocked. Kinda stuck here. Please give advice thanks :/.
What in case they knew about bootloop problem on the early stage, or they specially injected this problem to explode in two-three years (when the warranty is off). Just to save a lot of money they offered free bootloader unlock with non-removable message on the screen and "your warranty will be void". In my opinion they should fix it for free, just because this situation is a shame. Mine has unlocked bootloader as well, now in service, but still don't know the status. If they will not fix it for free - I will push them to do this
BleepBloop said:
Alright so I have had my LG G4 since last summer. Last night I went to check my phone, and it was turned off. After turning it on it showed the LG G4 logo then went black. Tried charging it but same thing. Can't restore it because it won't stay in Download mode long enough to be reset. I have read that serial numbers that start with 505 to I think 507 or 509 can have faulty mobo's. I was thinking of taking it into Tmobile to get it upgraded or replaced, but there's one catch. My bootloader is unlocked an I don't know if that breaks warranty, when you turn on the device it shows bootloader unlocked. Kinda stuck here. Please give advice thanks :/.
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Click to collapse
The circumstances are very different for the US than it is for the rest of the world. Your one catch is no catch. It doesn't matter. Just do it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=66931869&postcount=1048
Snakecharmed said:
The circumstances are very different for the US than it is for the rest of the world. Your one catch is no catch. It doesn't matter. Just do it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=66931869&postcount=1048
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Click to collapse
Alright I am calling the 611 number today. Thanks.
Not sure if the policy is the same worldwide but mine's just been for repair in the UK with an unlocked bootloader and CM13 loaded on it. They fixed it under warranty with no questions asked.
That said it was repaired by the retailer who probably don't care as they just fix it and claim the cash from LG.

[Warranty] Have you ever got LG to repair your phone with an unlocked bootloader?

My phone fell prey to the ILAPO issue where a faulty motherboard causes the phone to bootloop endlessly. I had unlocked my bootloader and was running imperium ROM previously. LG said they'd repair my phone under warranty, but I'm afraid once they get it they'll change their mind once they see that I unlocked my bootloader ("Bootloader Unlocked!" text is still visible while phone bootloops.)
The way I see it, I have two options:
Send it in and pray they only inspect the hardware (they asked me to send it in without a battery, anyways....)
Bake the motherboard in my oven in hopes of destroying any trace of data (but could this temporarily fix my problem by re-seating the connections and cause LG to decide I don't really need a repair?)
What do you think? Have any of you got your phone repaired after unlocking the bootloader?
EDIT: I ended up sending my phone in and it was repaired even though the bootloader was unlocked! Waiting to receive it in the mail
depending on how much warranty time you still have, maybe you could wait a week or 2 and then relock bootloader method will be published, start watching this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/g4/general/h815-relock-bootloader-t3506634
@OmnipotentPilot : I did and they did.
I had same issue and sent it in and they fixed it and returned it.
I also bought mine 2nd hand so I had no receipt or anything. I went to website and filled out service request, put a date within a year in where it asked purchase date (or something like that), then it says picture of reciept, and didn't provide one. Then i put the IMEI number in and it came back as repair covered...
also for service requested i picked ( i think it was hardware issue or something like that. then "other" so I could type in that it had the "motherboard bootloop issue".
I got a shipping label thru email, sent it in, it was in the facility 12 hrs (they provide a tracking number once recieved), and shipped back out 2day. whole thing took about a week. but I don't think they actually go thru them once it's approved and recieved. Because when you get the shipping label it says what to make sure is in the box when you send it and it specifically says "receipt" but I didn't have one, so it wasn't in there, but everything got done. I think they actually have a bunch of boards and they just put a new one in and flash the IMEI number or something and send it back out. Because my sd card bracket was bent and broken too and that was fixed as well. But I know the glass and frame / bezzel was mine because I had a small scratch that was still there when I got it back.
My Phone had the bootloop issue, It was 10 days out of warranty (just over a year since purchase) and I had unlocked bootloader and Genysis ROM, Sent it in and it looks like they replaced the insides. It's got a new serial number but i still recognised the same little marks on the outside. It came with Lollipop on so had to re unlock bootloader and install genysis again.
Oh and I also dropped the phone in a stream a few months before but got it out within a couple of secs so i don't think it affected it. But they didn't pick up on that either.
Hello,
No problem for me. 10 days and my phone is back with a new motherboard AND new battery (mistake may be for the battery...).
My phone was unlocked with a custom rom.
Have a nice return
Since LG G4 bootloop had gave us trouble last year, now LG realised their mistake.
So LG should repair whether with warranty or not! Root or not , locked or unlocked. They should repair for free
Yep, I bootlooped mine trying to update CM13 when it was in nighly and they replaced it with no problems XD
repaired no problems
i had same issue sent it in with unlocked bootloader and got it back repaired in 9 days
Sorry to bump but I wanted to let everyone know that I ended up sending in my device. I received an email yesterday that repairs are complete and it's on the way back to me! Will edit original post.
No such luck with mine unfortunately, sent it back stating that it was rooted and therefore warranty was invalid.
Depends on the technician I guess. Mine was unlocked, without any OS and it got fixed (over one year to warranty expires). My friend had no luck though. His claim was rejected despite locked bootloader. What is more, the technician claims the phone was water damaged.
In the EU , the SELLER have to change or repair your device for free in warranty time...I live in hungary...my H815 bootlooped...The LG refuse the service...the Official LG repair shop refuse too...Then i research a little....
Read this: https://www.piana.eu/root/
Tomorrow i'll go to the seller (mobile company, Telenor Hungary) and let's the game begin!
Yes. My carrier unlocked/bootloader unlocked/TWRP recoveried H815 that I bought off Swappa was replaced by LG with no issues. They say they replaced my motherboard, but the entire device is new. New EVERYWHERE. I had an H815, now this device has H811 all over it. They couldn't send an H815, so they asked me what I wanted. I opted for the H811 so I can unlock the bootloader (screw AT&T and their restrictions).
New device is already bootloader unlocked, TWRP installed and running stock rooted ROM until the carrier unlock goes through. Then it will be all ResurrectionRemix.

LG UK denied Guarantee because of Unlocked Bootloader

I had my G4 repaired last year when it suffered the Bootloop issue, It had a custom rom and unlocked bootloader back then but they still fixed it (assuming they couldn't even get it to boot fully)
Long story short, My G4's charging port began to be very temperamental, and I was getting rare bootloops so I sent it back again seeing as it was under Guarantee. After my phone sitting at the center for 2+ weeks without any updates I emailed LG to be told that because of the unlocked bootloader it was out of guarantee.
Has anyone tried to push on with LG and get it fixed after they deny the repair?
If they received your phone and IMEI was confirmed to be unlocked, then you're either getting the spare parts yourself or looking for a new one.
They actually have to repair it.
Maybe it will help if you put preassure on them.
That's not cool, how the hell unlocking bootloader could damage USB port.
Don't know the laws in UK. But lg Sweden have always repared my devices always unlocked.
One time thay couldn't repair it and sent me a store credit for a brand new device 480 usd even more then I payed for it?
Unless they can prove that unlocking bootloader caused the faulty USB (which they obviously can't) then you are entitled to it. Pressure them.
If not, get it back, relock bootloader and send back again.

International model Bootlooped/won't turn on, LG USA doesn't take it, what do

Needed a phone to fill the app-gap coming from Windows(don't judge) until contract expires, and bought a H791 5X on ebay last October. (more on that). Works very well for about 8 month, then it started bootlooping. Searched XDA and found thread by xcnathan32, managed to revive it. Yesterday it was updating apps(not OTA security patch), dropped dark, and won't turn on at all. Held power+vol down until fingers turned blue, and maybe 1 in 20 chance it will light up, warns that bootloader is unlocked, then stop responding and drop dark again. Twice I got it to get to recovery screen, but it froze on one occasion, and on the other occasion shows a weird orange line towards bottom of screen, and I wasn't able to flash anything before it froze again.
As I'm fairly certain this is a hardware issue, I tried chatting LG support. Gave them IMEI, and they say this is a international phone, so LG USA won't support it. chatted with Google, really nice service, but when I gave them IMEI they couldn't bring up any warranty option since they don't have my IMEI in inventory...suggested calling LG support. Just called them, and they checked IMEI and said the same thing from chat(they even greeted me by name without me saying a word), but they did tell me my IMEI belongs in JAMAICA. YeahMan. Or...NoMan?
So I'm running out of options - what should I try next? give up? Go the Chinese route for repair?(and 4GB upgrade?) new ones are on ebay for ~230 so repair in US doesn't make much $ sense...
TL;DR: got international 5x, bootlooped, no repair from LG/Google, what do?

SIM unlock lost by LG repair - hard to get back

A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock. Needless to say, the phone is paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund).
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution within 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
TheDannemand said:
A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Needles to say, the phone was paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund). Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock.
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution with 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worst comes to worst, sell the phone on eBay while at the same time buying one of the mint LS998 V30+ for $320. Immediately convert to carrier unlocked US998, bootloader unlock and root.
In the eBay listing for this phone stress the T-Mobile band 71, blah, blah, blah -- which you don't need on AT&T MNVO, but would interest T-Mobile users.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
Worst comes to worst, sell the phone on eBay while at the same time buying one of the mint LS998 V30+ for $320. Immediately convert to carrier unlocked US998, bootloader unlock and root.
In the eBay listing for this phone stress the T-Mobile band 71, blah, blah, blah -- which you don't need on AT&T MNVO, but would interest T-Mobile users.
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Click to collapse
Thank you, Chazz!
I had a suspicion you might suggest that :laugh:
But yes, that would have to be the outcome if I cannot solve it. I'll probably file an FCC complaint first, which michy21 reported had solved her problem. But again, there is no pushback from anybody, which is a positive.
The only attachment I have to this particular phone is my 2 year warranty, which gives me peace of mind. A phone bought used wouldn't have that (or any warranty).
Thanks again!
Edit: Actually, it's not quite true that I have no other attachment to this H932: If/when T-Mobile rolls out B71 in this area, I'll probably give them another try, as they generally have far better network speeds. AT&T service here is acceptable (and widespread) but doesn't blow me away. We only switched because TMO couldn't reach through our concrete brick walls. Red Pocket supports all four carriers, so I can switch to TMO network on my current plan to take advantage of B71.
So my hope is I won't have to part with this phone. AND that @runningnak3d will release H932 root later this year
TheDannemand said:
A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock. Needless to say, the phone is paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund).
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution within 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
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Click to collapse
That does not make sense at all. Has the device IMEI have changed at all? Was the actual logic board replaced? The answer is likely no. So why would the device be relocked by LG? You are giving them way too much credit.
More proof that the device should have remained unlocked is that you can access the device with your MNVO (ATT), if it was truly locked you would not able to get a signal or make a call under your MNVO at all. Sounds more like user error or a miss configuration of your carrier, or both.
Also you should not be trying to run a T-Mobile Specific device unlock app under a different carrier sim,
and it might just be reporting wrong information. Had this happen to me several times in the past, when the device was actually unlocked. You said yourself, you were able to use the device on (ATT)!
jblparisi said:
That does not make sense at all. Has the device IMEI have changed at all? Was the actual logic board replaced? The answer is likely no. So why would the device be relocked by LG? You are giving them way too much credit.
More proof that the device should have remained unlocked is that you can access the device with your MNVO (ATT), if it was truly locked you would not able to get a signal or make a call under your MNVO at all. Sounds more like user error or a miss configuration of your carrier, or both.
Also you should not be trying to run a T-Mobile Specific device unlock app under a different carrier sim,
and it might just be reporting wrong information. Had this happen to me several times in the past, when the device was actually unlocked. You said yourself, you were able to use the device on (ATT)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I understand where you come from. And no offense taken
The problem IS a SIM lock (or "network lock" as they call it). But not in the same way you're thinking where nothing works with an alien SIM. Both T-Mobile and LG have confirmed that.
Some details I didn't mention in my opening post (I meant to warn people here, not argue the matter):
1) LG warned me before they began repair that the phone would come back SIM locked, even though I'd included a letter asking if they could avoid it. I also talked to T-Mobile before sending it in, who said to just request an unlock code if needed (obviously that person was clueless).
2) I've seen other XDA users report how SIM locked V30s could connect on different networks, but NOT get LTE. That's what I am seeing too. One of my goals with visiting the T-Mobile store was to verify that there wasn't a problem with the phone itself preventing LTE. But once an active TMO SIM was inserted, everything works flawlessly.
3) I thought the same thing about not running the TMO Device Unlock app with the alien SIM inserted, but TMO's wording in the instructions they sent me are: "Before completing the steps below to unlock your device you must be connected to the internet via a cellular network in order to complete the steps", not mentioning it must be on TMO. And I DO have 3G internet with my Red Pocket SIM. Nevertheless, my second goal with visiting the T-Mobile store was so we could try the Device Unlock app with an active TMO SIM. And regardless of which SIM is inserted, the app reports that the phone is currently network locked and not eligible for unlock. When running this app on an unlocked phone, it shows the date of unlock -- even after a factory reset. They are obviously storing the lock/unlock state on the vendor, modem or carrier partitions or some such place. And on my phone it is in a locked state.
4) There is not much room for user configuration error here: The phone has been factory reset 5-6 times while testing this, with the only configuration being a Red Pocket APN. That same SIM and same APN work flawlessly in my Nexus 5 as well as my wife's V30 (also H932). Even if I mis-typed the APN, I wouldn't have done so 5-6 times -- and I would have caught it during one of the many times I verified the APN.
So I have no doubt that there is some form of network lock in place that is causing this. And again, T-Mobile and LG agree and have promised to solve it.
You are right that LG had no reason to replace the mainboard. But they did replace both the screen and the glass cover. I think it is possible that they sent me a refurbished phone with my IMEI transferred -- which would explain both their warning that the phone would come back locked, and why the Device Unlock app gets confused when seeing a blank (still locked) phone, but T-Mobile's IMEI database claims that the device is already unlocked (as I saw on the screen in the store).
So, we'll see if they manage to solve it or I have to sell this phone as suggested by Chazz.
Would paying a 3rd party carrier unlocking do the trick? Or does even that seem out of the question now? Before Frankensteining was a thing I did that so I could use an H931 on T-mo. It was $10 well spent as far as I was concerned.
jaysus145 said:
Would paying a 3rd party carrier unlocking do the trick? Or does even that seem out of the question now? Before Frankensteining was a thing I did that so I could use an H931 on T-mo. It was $10 well spent as far as I was concerned.
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Click to collapse
Thank you for the suggestion. I'd have no objection to that at all, but various reports on here had given me the impression that 3rd parties aren't able to unlock the H932 because TMO locked it down so hard (as is the case with Sprint, but for different technical reasons). I could be wrong about that, so definitely something to try.
Thanks again!
Update: It's been four days since I talked to T-Mobile and they promised to escalate my problem and request that LG provide a solution. They said to expect a response within 72 hours, but I haven't heard back from them.
But yesterday, when I tried popping in my Red Pocket SIM (it's in my Nexus 5 until this is solved) everything suddenly worked: Instant LTE, which stayed all day, even as I drove an hour away across town and worked there for a few hours (using hotspot), went on several errands, and back home all last night. LTE Discovery Log showed how it had switched seamlessly between towers, without ever losing LTE. I was certain they had fixed it, and was much relieved.
Then this morning, it had locked itself again. Phone had been on all night, clearly T-Mobile must have pushed another lock. Or rather: One of the TMO services/apps locked it after pulling TMOs servers. No amount of Network Resets, reboot or toggling Mobile Network settings have worked to get it back. I promised T-Mobile not to make any more attempts with the Device Unlock app as it messes things up for them, but I am sure it it would still say "Ineligible for unlock" even though the IMEI is clear in TMO's database (and listed as already unlocked).
As always, the same SIM gives perfect LTE service in my Nexus 5 and on my wife's V30, with the same APN.
I called T-Mobile Customer Care and was unable to persuade them to transfer me to Tier 2. But they did says to expect a call within a day.
It is almost certain I'll have to go the FCC complaint route. It's sad because T-Mobile is otherwise not a bad company. Probably just a small handful of idiots who got this "bright idea" how to protect TMO phones -- which ends up causing so much trouble for legitimate customers.
@jaysus145: Which Unlock service did you use? The ones I looked at which support T-mobile unlock cost $75-150 -- and they don't seem to guarantee success.
TheDannemand said:
@jaysus145: Which Unlock service did you use? The ones I looked at which support T-mobile unlock cost $75-150 -- and they don't seem to guarantee success.
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Click to collapse
I used celllunlocker.net, it cost me $10 to unlock my AT&T version, and took less then a day to complete.
jaysus145 said:
I used celllunlocker.net, it cost me $10 to unlock my AT&T version, and took less then a day to complete.
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Click to collapse
Thank you!
T-Mobile called me back yesterday and assured me they were still working on it and they would get this phone unlocked and please sit tight another day. They confirmed there was nothing on the phone's IMEI or my old account that should prevent it.
I'll check out unlocking services if it comes down to it.
Thanks again!
Final update on this (and solution):
T-Mobile solved the server side problem with a manager override, so that the Device Unlock app now says "Permanent Unlock approved". But it continued reporting "Unlock Failed" nevertheless. Some say because the phone is already unlocked, personally I think because the servers report the phone as previously unlocked. The app also says "Phone is currently network locked" when first running.
Notably, the connection problem persisted, and T-Mobile (after discussing with LG) said it had to be a bad SIM card or a problem with that SIM ICCID and my phone's ESN. As previously described, I get perfect connection and service using the same SIM in my Nexus 5 and in my wife's V30. T-Mobile said that was all they could do.
I then decided it was time to take the matter in my one hands. After much searching and countless Factory Resets and Network Settings Resets, I managed to get the phone working right with the following steps:
1) Remove Google account to disable Device Reset Protection.
2) Factory Reset from the Service Menu: *#546368#*932# (replace 932 with your model number, though this is likely a T-Mobile only problem). From there SVC Menu - Factory Reset (R&D Only). This takes quite a bit longer than normal Factory Reset.
3) Initial setup with WiFi, no Google account. No APN. Phone shows usual connection slowness.
4) Airplane mode, then WiFi on.
5) T-Mobile Device Unlock app, Permanent Unlock. Got the same "Unlock Failed, but Approved" message.
6) Enter APN.
7) Network Settings Reset (Android Settings - Reset menu). Wait for reset to complete. It may go straight to LTE already here.
8) Power off/on.
After this, everything is back to normal. Instant signal and LTE connection, even after subsequent Factory Reset. It's such a relief :laugh:
Edit: I should add that it is quite possible that not all of these steps are required. Probably the Service Menu Factory Reset was the key to undo what LG had done during the repair. I am merely listing all the steps which I used, and which brought my phone back to life.

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