"Unlocked"? - Nexus 5X Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I know this has been probably asked a thousand times before, and I've thought I knew it myself. "Unlocked" nexus means I can basically put any SIM card in it and it'll work regardless of where I bought it. But, why is there a US version and an international version? What are the differences then?

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best buy won't update unlocked phones on different carriers

hey xda family long time no see, im just curious to see if anyone knows about this. i went to best buy to update my unlocked att note 4 since im on metro pcs and can't get the update because im on different carrier. when i went to the desk and told the guy what i wanted to do, he said no problem and i handed him my phone. when he plugged it up he had asked if it was an unlocked device and i said yes, he then asked if i had att i said no im on metro. he then said unfortunately because of best buys policy that he can't update my phone because i wasn't on att which didn't make any sense because i did the same thing with my last note 4 that unfortunately got watered damaged. apparently somebody with an unlocked t mobile phone tried to update through best and it hard bricked his phone, which is odd to me because the only way you could HARD brick your phone is unless he had the exynos note 4 or he had tried to install official software on a modified device which is a big no no. he kept telling me that because im on metro pcs i'd have to go to odin and reflash my note 4 back to att which made no sense because it's still an att phone it's just on a different carrier. i do know as long as you install the right firmware for your device in this case an update file thats exclusively for sm-n910a devices. what gives did i run into a clueless rep? im thinking of going to another best buy and just taking out the sim card and play stupid when they bring up the word unlocked. sorry for the long paragraph folks
omnipotent93 said:
hey xda family long time no see, im just curious to see if anyone knows about this. i went to best buy to update my unlocked att note 4 since im on metro pcs and can't get the update because im on different carrier. when i went to the desk and told the guy what i wanted to do, he said no problem and i handed him my phone. when he plugged it up he had asked if it was an unlocked device and i said yes, he then asked if i had att i said no im on metro. he then said unfortunately because of best buys policy that he can't update my phone because i wasn't on att which didn't make any sense because i did the same thing with my last note 4 that unfortunately got watered damaged. apparently somebody with an unlocked t mobile phone tried to update through best and it hard bricked his phone, which is odd to me because the only way you could HARD brick your phone is unless he had the exynos note 4 or he had tried to install official software on a modified device which is a big no no. he kept telling me that because im on metro pcs i'd have to go to odin and reflash my note 4 back to att which made no sense because it's still an att phone it's just on a different carrier. i do know as long as you install the right firmware for your device in this case an update file thats exclusively for sm-n910a devices. what gives did i run into a clueless rep? im thinking of going to another best buy and just taking out the sim card and play stupid when they bring up the word unlocked. sorry for the long paragraph folks
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Most of those reps are clueless.
Your phone is an AT&T version and is running AT&T firmware. Just tell them that it's an AT&T phone. Don't mention that you're using an unlocked device on Metro. I think you may have confused him by telling him that. He may have thought your Note 4 was a Metro version and running Metro firmware. They only have AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile firmware. They may have international too, but not sure. He probably was afraid to flash AT&T firmware onto what he thought was a Metro phone.
Again... clueless. I went there once and the idiots refused to work on my phone (needed to be reflashed and I couldn't get Odin to work) because I was using Nova Launcher. The guy said it wasn't Samsung's home screen and that I had hacked the phone to change it. Well, first, the 910a isn't rootable, and second, a launcher has nothing to do with root.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N930A using Tapatalk
So you have a N910a unlocked on Metro PCS and you wanted to have the software updated to the latest? And you brought it into a Best Buy store to have them update the software? (sorry, your post is hard to read in a big block form like that).
May I ask: have you thought to try the update yourself? Even if you pulled the SIM card and connected via Wifi...
HotShotAzn said:
So you have a N910a unlocked on Metro PCS and you wanted to have the software updated to the latest? And you brought it into a Best Buy store to have them update the software? (sorry, your post is hard to read in a big block form like that).
May I ask: have you thought to try the update yourself? Even if you pulled the SIM card and connected via Wifi...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need an AT&T sim card in order to get the update OTA. That, or the Odin files. Are the latest Odin files uploaded? If so, then that'd be the easiest (DIY) solution here. Make sure to back up your files though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N930A using Tapatalk
thank you all for your input, i managed to get the latest firmware through another best buy that was within reasonable driving distance. however, i still think att sucks for not allowing the bootloader to be unlocked and for being slow with marshmallow it's ridiculous. if att had the image files posted somewhere i wouldn't mind doing it myself.
omnipotent93 said:
hey xda family long time no see, im just curious to see if anyone knows about this. i went to best buy to update my unlocked att note 4 since im on metro pcs and can't get the update because im on different carrier. when i went to the desk and told the guy what i wanted to do, he said no problem and i handed him my phone. when he plugged it up he had asked if it was an unlocked device and i said yes, he then asked if i had att i said no im on metro. he then said unfortunately because of best buys policy that he can't update my phone because i wasn't on att which didn't make any sense because i did the same thing with my last note 4 that unfortunately got watered damaged. apparently somebody with an unlocked t mobile phone tried to update through best and it hard bricked his phone, which is odd to me because the only way you could HARD brick your phone is unless he had the exynos note 4 or he had tried to install official software on a modified device which is a big no no. he kept telling me that because im on metro pcs i'd have to go to odin and reflash my note 4 back to att which made no sense because it's still an att phone it's just on a different carrier. i do know as long as you install the right firmware for your device in this case an update file thats exclusively for sm-n910a devices. what gives did i run into a clueless rep? im thinking of going to another best buy and just taking out the sim card and play stupid when they bring up the word unlocked. sorry for the long paragraph folks
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Click to collapse
That is not cool. Call Samsung on them. I wasn't even questioned either time. Samsung referred me to the samsung experience at Best Buy in the first place.

Looking To Buy This Phone...Need Advice...

I am looking to get this phone and needed some advice. I haven't bought a cellular branded phone for a long while. I usually go with the USA Factory unlocked version. On this phone is the cellular named stamped on the back of the phone? I know the model for the USA Unlocked version is G820QM (with a 7 at the end at times) but it is honestly harder to find. What does everyone recommend on this phone in regards to getting the cellular branded one or should I keep trying to find the USA Unlocked version? What about bloatware with the different cellular branded ones? How is that? Can you get rid of the bloatware? I also like what I call the LG Branded ones as they get the updates faster do they not? Please help me. I am looking for a phone and this one stuck out at me unless someone suggests a different phone with similar specs to this one? Thanks so much! :good:
alias4ever said:
I am looking to get this phone and needed some advice. I haven't bought a cellular branded phone for a long while. I usually go with the USA Factory unlocked version. On this phone is the cellular named stamped on the back of the phone? I know the model for the USA Unlocked version is G820QM (with a 7 at the end at times) but it is honestly harder to find. What does everyone recommend on this phone in regards to getting the cellular branded one or should I keep trying to find the USA Unlocked version? What about bloatware with the different cellular branded ones? How is that? Can you get rid of the bloatware? I also like what I call the LG Branded ones as they get the updates faster do they not? Please help me. I am looking for a phone and this one stuck out at me unless someone suggests a different phone with similar specs to this one? Thanks so much! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unsure where you're from, but stay away from the AT&T unlocked model (my model G820UM), I'm from the UK and ordered one, big mistake, AT&T does not send any update to their phones if they are not using an AT&T SIM card in the US, some users have been successful in updating they're OS, by just using a AT&T SIM card outside of the US, some haven't and I haven't tried it, because I don't want to waste more money on a SIM card when the results are not 100% guaranteed.
There is no way of cross flashing a different ROM, so you will be stuck without updates, until someone finds a way of cross flashing a ROM from an unlocked model. I'm checking this forum regularly hoping some has found a solution, but nothing so far
If you are in the US and on AT&T then it will fine, bloatware (which is a lot) can be removed/disabled easily
Honestly, for the price I paid (£280), I think the Xiaomi Mi9 would have been a better option, similar specs, updates every 2 months and you're able to unlock bootloader, not the best process to unlock the bootloader, but still possible (just need to wait for permission from Xiaomi which could take a few weeks), you'll be missing out on the best headphone jack, better cameras (not by much) and better battery life, for a similar price I think this is the best deal for snapdragon 855 phone.
If you don't mind paying a bit more and want the same features as the G8, go for the Samsung S10.
hugoprh said:
Unsure where you're from, but stay away from the AT&T unlocked model (my model G820UM), I'm from the UK and ordered one, big mistake, AT&T does not send any update to their phones if they are not using an AT&T SIM card in the US, some users have been successful in updating they're OS, by just using a AT&T SIM card outside of the US, some haven't and I haven't tried it, because I don't want to waste more money on a SIM card when the results are not 100% guaranteed.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried updating after taking out the SIM card?
ChrisAG said:
Have you tried updating after taking out the SIM card?
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Click to collapse
Yep no luck, I've sold the phone, I was wasting too much time trying to find a solution, so just sold it and claimed my sanity back xD
Going back to the trusty Xperia 5, timely updates and great software and they are going for around £260 so easily recommended.
That's too bad, AT&T must be interfering, because I just purchased an unlocked G8 in Canada, and it updated to 10 over WiFi, before I inserted a SIM from my carrier (Bell Mobility). Phone was not on Bell originally.
ChrisAG said:
That's too bad, AT&T must be interfering, because I just purchased an unlocked G8 in Canada, and it updated to 10 over WiFi, before I inserted a SIM from my carrier (Bell Mobility). Phone was not on Bell originally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, this a AT&T "feature", want updates? Buy at AT&T SIM card and use it in the US, guess they don't want anyone outside the US to use their products, unsure why, but it is what it is...
hugoprh said:
Unsure where you're from, but stay away from the AT&T unlocked model (my model G820UM), I'm from the UK and ordered one, big mistake, AT&T does not send any update to their phones if they are not using an AT&T SIM card in the US, some users have been successful in updating they're OS, by just using a AT&T SIM card outside of the US, some haven't and I haven't tried it, because I don't want to waste more money on a SIM card when the results are not 100% guaranteed.
There is no way of cross flashing a different ROM, so you will be stuck without updates, until someone finds a way of cross flashing a ROM from an unlocked model. I'm checking this forum regularly hoping some has found a solution, but nothing so far
If you are in the US and on AT&T then it will fine, bloatware (which is a lot) can be removed/disabled easily
Honestly, for the price I paid (£280), I think the Xiaomi Mi9 would have been a better option, similar specs, updates every 2 months and you're able to unlock bootloader, not the best process to unlock the bootloader, but still possible (just need to wait for permission from Xiaomi which could take a few weeks), you'll be missing out on the best headphone jack, better cameras (not by much) and better battery life, for a similar price I think this is the best deal for snapdragon 855 phone.
If you don't mind paying a bit more and want the same features as the G8, go for the Samsung S10.
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Click to collapse
Is 10 really that big a deal from 9? I have 9 on my phone i could care less if it gets 10 and I am pretty sure it wont , lol
I feel like if we have temp root then it's only a matter of time before we get TWRP and roms. I just picked up an AT&T model for $178. Not sure if it's unlocked, but fairly easy through AT&T. Just worried if we have an exploit, updating to 10 might invalidate it.
I come from PS3/xbox 360 hacking, haha.

Verizon G7 Power (XT1955-6)

So my Moto E5 Supra started smoking and almost caught on fire last week. I'd had it about a year but couldnt stand how Cricket had the bootloader locked and I couldnt root it. I decided i'd not get one of their phones and order one from Ebay.
The seller had it listed as an Unlocked G7 Power ATT/Cricket XT-1955 so I looked it up and made sure it would be rootable. It gets here, and its the XT1955-6 Verizon version. Calling works but has a constant notification of it not being a verizon sim which I could live with. But then I get on here and see it has a locked bootloader...
What can I do? I contacted the seller and he will allow me to return it. I know there arent magical workarounds for phones with locked bootloaders from going through this with the E5 Supra. I really like the phone though, so im going to order another one today from somewhere online and send this one back tomorrow. Which version is guaranteed to come with an unlocked bootloader and preferably work with GSM? I saw that 1955-5 could be flashed onto the international version and its actually cheaper and comes with more ram and space I believe. Not sure on battery size.
I want to make absolutely certain that what I get can be rooted, primarily because of how much im paying for mobile hotspot data and I enjoy the freedom. Are the international versions bootloader unlocked? I dont mind having to flash things on it or whatever in order to make it all work smoothly. Is the G7 International the way to go?
Thanks in advance!
GarrettVW67 said:
So my Moto E5 Supra started smoking and almost caught on fire last week. I'd had it about a year but couldnt stand how Cricket had the bootloader locked and I couldnt root it. I decided i'd not get one of their phones and order one from Ebay.
The seller had it listed as an Unlocked G7 Power ATT/Cricket XT-1955 so I looked it up and made sure it would be rootable. It gets here, and its the XT1955-6 Verizon version. Calling works but has a constant notification of it not being a verizon sim which I could live with. But then I get on here and see it has a locked bootloader...
What can I do? I contacted the seller and he will allow me to return it. I know there arent magical workarounds for phones with locked bootloaders from going through this with the E5 Supra. I really like the phone though, so im going to order another one today from somewhere online and send this one back tomorrow. Which version is guaranteed to come with an unlocked bootloader and preferably work with GSM? I saw that 1955-5 could be flashed onto the international version and its actually cheaper and comes with more ram and space I believe. Not sure on battery size.
I want to make absolutely certain that what I get can be rooted, primarily because of how much im paying for mobile hotspot data and I enjoy the freedom. Are the international versions bootloader unlocked? I dont mind having to flash things on it or whatever in order to make it all work smoothly. Is the G7 International the way to go?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has the big battery if it the power
I am seeing a lot of blankflash posts and bricked devices posts. I really do like the Motos for the price, but I may just go an entirely different route. Im wondering are the International G7s bootloader unlocked? As far as the Power goes, the 1955-5 comes with an unlocked bootloader correct?
GarrettVW67 said:
I am seeing a lot of blankflash posts and bricked devices posts. I really do like the Motos for the price, but I may just go an entirely different route. Im wondering are the International G7s bootloader unlocked? As far as the Power goes, the 1955-5 comes with an unlocked bootloader correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader never come unlocked u have to do it certain carryors slow them to be unlocked some carryors won't allow them .if u get one that is international one most likely u can unlock boot loader and as for the brick ones most times they did something wrong I had same feeling so I got off a chat on tellagram and people there explained things to me and got an complete guied on how to do so do not brick it
Thank you for clarifying it but I didn't mean to say come unlocked. I realize you have to go through Motorola. I just don't want to go through this same issue again. Cricket had the G7 Power but they don't allow bootloader's to be unlocked on anything of theirs.
But as far as variants that are unlockable through Motorola, do you happen to know which ones have bootloader's that are 100% able to be unlocked?
I know this doesn't matter but my OEM unlock switch I am actually able to toggle. Was on the phone with Verizon and each rep moved me up the ladder until finally they tried to tell me Motorola is the one who locks them. That may be true, but at Verizon's request I would imagine ? Lol
One other thing. I've been reading and reading on here and other places. There was a guy on here who said he was going to flash the 1955-5 firmware on his 1955-6. I'm not sure if it was exactly those words, but he seemed to think some firmware could allow it. But from what I remember, the bootloader comes before all of that and are encrypted and I feel like flashing any different firmware even if stock and signed or whatever would brick his device ..
GarrettVW67 said:
One other thing. I've been reading and reading on here and other places. There was a guy on here who said he was going to flash the 1955-5 firmware on his 1955-6. I'm not sure if it was exactly those words, but he seemed to think some firmware could allow it. But from what I remember, the bootloader comes before all of that and are encrypted and I feel like flashing any different firmware even if stock and signed or whatever would brick his device ..
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Click to collapse
@zfk110 has a Verizon model I believe. Maybe @zfk110 can let you know if it can be unlocked or not.
Also join telegram group for Moto g7 power here: https://t.me/mG7Power
Very much appreciate the help.
flash713 said:
@zfk110 has a Verizon model I believe. Maybe @zfk110 can let you know if it can be unlocked or not.
Also join telegram group for Moto g7 power here: https://t.me/mG7Power
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Click to collapse
Thumb of the rule, any branded Motorola phone won't have unlocked bootloader.
Read here
https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/MOTO-G...ader-Unlock-Help-Please-post-here/m-p/3024663
if you're buying a new phone then make sure its IMEI works on Verizon first
Here
https://www.verizon.com/onedp/byod?kbid=121565#/
Edit: Once you do find that out, then make sure it's not a branded phone for Verizon, ATT, T-Mobile, MetroPcs. Normally those phones have logo's on the back and app installed on them if it's not then you might get lucky to have one which you can unlock the bootloader and still works with Verizon.
If your phone is branded then best bet to resale it and get a phone mentioned above, there is no work around to it.
zfk110 said:
Thumb of the rule, any branded Motorola phone won't have unlocked bootloader.
Read here
https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/MOTO-G...ader-Unlock-Help-Please-post-here/m-p/3024663
if you're buying a new phone then make sure its IMEI works on Verizon first
Here
https://www.verizon.com/onedp/byod?kbid=121565#/
Edit: Once you do find that out, then make sure it's not a branded phone for Verizon, ATT, T-Mobile, MetroPcs. Normally those phones have logo's on the back and app installed on them if it's not then you might get lucky to have one which you can unlock the bootloader and still works with Verizon.
If your phone is branded then best bet to resale it and get a phone mentioned above, there is no work around to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.

How are Consumer Cellular Note 10 Carrier Locked? Help Needed

I have a Note 10 Plus N975U1 that was sold as a Consumer Cellular device through Target. The phone came with the N975U1 unlocked ROM installed on the phone and there is no carrier apps or Consumer Cellular identification anywhere. The only reason I know it's Consumer Cellular is because of a message that popped up for something, can't recall what now.
Anyway, the phone acts just like an unlocked model. Put in various sim cards and the phone reboots through the blue recovery screen to update carrier software for the sim you are using. APN settings are available and can be edited. Everything is just like an unlocked model.
Except, it connects to the network for a couple minutes or so and then stops working. It acts like the Verizon versions do before they are unlocked by Verizon. Except the Verizon versions give you a little pop up stating the phone can't be used on another network. This model has no message.
I am guessing that they are locked using the same mechanism that Verizon uses for locking their devices now except they just are not showing anything to let you know.
Is anybody aware of exactly how this is done and any third party who can unlock it? I have tried a couple different unlocked ROM s as well as an AT&T and Verizon just to see what happens. Same problem.
Thanks
Have a link from the target site to the phone you bought?
I have a feeling that the phone is not actually unlocked or it may not be as what it appears exactly. You can run the IMEI number using swappa and see if the phone is indeed an U1 variant or just the normal carrier N975U.
It maybe possible (not sure how exactly) that your using an international variant that was flashed and configured to look like a N975U1. For example the phone listed here is an international variant that is compatible with US LTE, but I have some serious doubts with how compatible it really is. From past experiences with a local store that sells unlocked Note 10+ units for Net10, I discovered they are not actually US models and are really international models. They were flashed and configured in a weird way (best I can describe it) that it would work for the most part, work with Net10, but it would not work with the other providers here locally. It would at first appear to work but then fail all together.. It wasn't until I started digging into the IMEI number and what it belonged too that I discovered the truth of what the model actually is, and I then promptly returned the phone to the store I bought it from.
If the phone is just network locked and a genuine N975U1 model it would just seem that you only have to use the phone with the service for a certain period of time before they will unlock it. Consumer Cellular would be the best place to go to get (and ask about getting) the phone unlocked.
https://www.consumercellular.com/Help/phones-and-services/5
I resell used phones and specifically phones from Consumer Cellular. All the previous Samsung models used to come unlocked, but about the time the S10 was released, all their Samsung phones came with this unusual lock. I've tried working with countless unlockers and no one has been able to remove it. Once it connects to the internet, it downloads some google update and the phone loses voice/data service. I've wondered how they do this too. A few other models I have that have the same lock are the A10e A20 J7 S10/+ S20/+ Note 10/+. Really really frustrating as I've been searching for a long time now. If anyone knows anything, please let me know. I have hundreds of these that need to be unlocked. Also to clarify, yes they are all the U1 factory unlocked models.
Edit: Apparently when a carrier locked device is flashed to U1 firmware BEFORE unlocking, there is no software prompt to unlock the device. It probably was a carrier locked N975U originally. Maybe on Consumer Cellular firmware, there would be a prompt to unlock it?
These are the guys but they only do commercial work. I am pretty sure they never fail unlock.
https://www.swiftunlocks.us/
Guyinlaca said:
Edit: Apparently when a carrier locked device is flashed to U1 firmware BEFORE unlocking, there is no software prompt to unlock the device. It probably was a carrier locked N975U originally. Maybe on Consumer Cellular firmware, there would be a prompt to unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are not the U versions. I've sold CC phones for years and they are and have always been U1 models. Not only does it say it in the software, but even on the back glass. They are locking these things with an update somehow.
I'll reach out to swiftunlocks, but I would put a big bet up that they can't unlock it either. I'm connected with some of the top unlockers in the world as this is my business and no one has any idea. If anyone is reading this and wants a phone to test, I'll even send you one if you think you can unlock it. It's worth a lot of money to me to find a solution. The worst part is that these phones are all paid off and eligible to unlock through the carrier, but since "I'm not the original owner" they won't help me.
Shatter65 said:
These are not the U versions. I've sold CC phones for years and they are and have always been U1 models. Not only does it say it in the software, but even on the back glass. They are locking these things with an update somehow.
I'll reach out to swiftunlocks, but I would put a big bet up that they can't unlock it either. I'm connected with some of the top unlockers in the world as this is my business and no one has any idea. If anyone is reading this and wants a phone to test, I'll even send you one if you think you can unlock it. It's worth a lot of money to me to find a solution. The worst part is that these phones are all paid off and eligible to unlock through the carrier, but since "I'm not the original owner" they won't help me.
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Click to collapse
My friend, did you finally find a solution to unlock samsung phones locked to consumer cellular, i have a few phones locked to them and i would like to know if theres a way to unlock them
seth81 said:
My friend, did you finally find a solution to unlock samsung phones locked to consumer cellular, i have a few phones locked to them and i would like to know if theres a way to unlock them
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Click to collapse
I personally use samkey.org

Question Smokin deal but...

So I can get the Pixel 6 Pro for $8 per MO for 3 years if I trade in my OP 8t+ with AT&T. What are the chances of being able to root? If not, is it really worth it? Tell it like it is please.
guessing you didnt read a single thread here. it had root and aosp rom day 1
Izy said:
guessing you didnt read a single thread here. it had root and aosp rom day 1
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Click to collapse
Apparently not enuff. Lol. I saw Root on the non carrier version but assumed that Carrier skinned phones were impossible to unlock boot loader. I guess I've spent too many years on Samsung bloat to know any better.
bbiigg said:
Apparently not enuff. Lol. I saw Root on the non carrier version but assumed that Carrier skinned phones were impossible to unlock boot loader. I guess I've spent too many years on Samsung bloat to know any better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on your carrier, whether he allows an unlocked bootloader.
Looks like OP is on AT&T. P6P has its own quirks but aren't you happy with OP8T?
Anyone correct me if I'm wrong, butt if memory serves me correctly, at least a couple with the AT&T variant were able to root by using the same "trick"as those with T-Mobile variants, which was to contact customer support, tell them you're going out of the country and wanted to be able to SIM-unlock so they could use the phone outside the US. Once those variants were SIM unlocked, they were able to enable OEM unlocking and unlock the bootloader (and root).
There are several threads in this section about the subject but I believe T-Mobile customers have been the most outspoken, so you might have to dig to find the folks who specially l specifically did it with AT&T variants, not to be confused with the folks who are using the factory unlocked variant on AT&T.

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