So I just called Sprint to see if I could unlock my Galaxy Note 4 for international use.. The girl on the line after putting on hold a few times, comes back and says they can't unlock it but can give me the code to give to the other carrier and they will be able to unlock for GSM use.. I said ok and she gave me the MSL.
As I understand it, MSL is just for some menus in the phone and not useful in unlocking GSM/SIM use..
What are my options? ..
Edit:.. I called again, got the sprint international support number (888-226-7212) and these people seem to understand what GSM Unlock actually is LOL ..
anyway.. They tell me that the phone have to be active on my account for at least 90 days before they unlock it..
I did buy the phone used from EBay and to my understand it is paid for in full.. Sprint Rep also confirmed that.. It is also active and works fine on my account right now but I only activated it today..
So - What is this nonsense about having to wait 90 days?
One more EDIT: .. I called the international support # again. This time with some info I found on the sprint website.. (https://www.sprint.com/legal/unlocking_policy.html) .. They were telling me that the device have to be active on my account for 90 days.. but the site says this:
"The applicable device is currently active on a Sprint account and the applicable account has been active for at least 90 days. "
So, after reading this back to them, she went ahead.. although with frustration and I could tell she didn't like that.. but did unlock it for me
Sprint gave me an MSL, too, but so far it's been USELESS!
I bought my Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in April 2015.
I've been calling and dealing with Sprint since December 2015, trying to get them to unlock my Note 4 for use w/ ANY other carriers. (It does not seem to be possible.)
The 4 or 5 separate times I've called Sprint, the outcome has been the same. They put me on hold, and all I get in the end is an "MSL code" ... to be used by the new carrier to "unlock" the phone for use w/ other (domestic) carriers.
I've been told on a few of those initial calls to Sprint that my phone "unlock" was complete.
I've gone to Metro PCS (several times), T-Mobile, etc. So far no luck.
The phone still seems to be LOCKED for Sprint use ONLY.
I've tried the following SIMs on the phone, NONE have worked: Metro PCS, H2O, T-Mobile (1 live and 1 to be activated), SimpleMobile, and a friend's live SIM.
The message the on the phone is: Invalid SIM card.
My phone was purchased new, for Sprint, everything in good standing. Paid in full. No longer in contract. Not blacklisted, etc.
So, Mr. Q, basically, I find it hard to believe that your Sprint Note 4 was "unlocked."
However, I am going to call this number, and see what results I get. Especially since my phone was bought from Sprint and has been active and on Sprint since day 1.
P.S. You write that the lady did "unlock" your Sprint Note 4 for you. What exactly does this mean? Are you able to use other SIMs now?
Do tell. Please...
I await your reply!
Mr. Q 5 said:
So I just called Sprint to see if I could unlock my Galaxy Note 4 for international use.. The girl on the line after putting on hold a few times, comes back and says they can't unlock it but can give me the code to give to the other carrier and they will be able to unlock for GSM use.. I said ok and she gave me the MSL.
As I understand it, MSL is just for some menus in the phone and not useful in unlocking GSM/SIM use..
What are my options? ..
Edit:.. I called again, got the sprint international support number (888-226-7212) and these people seem to understand what GSM Unlock actually is LOL ..
anyway.. They tell me that the phone have to be active on my account for at least 90 days before they unlock it..
I did buy the phone used from EBay and to my understand it is paid for in full.. Sprint Rep also confirmed that.. It is also active and works fine on my account right now but I only activated it today..
So - What is this nonsense about having to wait 90 days?
One more EDIT: .. I called the international support # again. This time with some info I found on the sprint website.. (ht tps sprint com legal unlocking policy html) .. They were telling me that the device have to be active on my account for 90 days.. but the site says this:
"The applicable device is currently active on a Sprint account and the applicable account has been active for at least 90 days. "
So, after reading this back to them, she went ahead.. although with frustration and I could tell she didn't like that.. but did unlock it for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PRS247 said:
I bought my Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in April 2015. ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is how I understand it, for the Note 4, Sprint will only unlock it for International Use. Meaning we won't be able to use it on any other carrier here in the U.S. and even that, if you try to use the phone you will only get Voice/SMS and 3g internet.
I am not even sure yet if it's really unlocked and I can't try it until I go to another country.. However, they did sent some kind of update to the device and told me to go to the phone Settings, Update and then UICC Unlock. Now on the Sprint website there is a menu and have a selection that says "Unlock my phone" or something like that, it says Phone is already unlocked for International use.
So.. does not seem like you can GSM Unlock Note 4 for domestic use.
If you or others want my advice, it is to set aside some extra money and buy a real factory unlocked phone that will work in the U.S. and outside the U.S. on GSM.. and that phone is not going to be a Sprint one.
However, if you do still want to unlock GSM use inside the U.S. I think the option is to look here or on other websites for that.. I myself will need to do some more research and see if we can use a Sprint Note 4 on T-Mobile and other GSM.
Mr. Q 5 said:
However, if you do still want to unlock GSM use inside the U.S. I think the option is to look here or on other websites for that.. I myself will need to do some more research and see if we can use a Sprint Note 4 on T-Mobile and other GSM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep me posted and good luck!
Some guy on youtube, MN MobileGuy, claims to be able to "SIM unlock" this phone for GSM use.
He charges $60 and says his process takes about an hour to remotely unlock the phone.
I dont mean to sound rude, but a fair bit of reading would have probably led you to the fact that there is an app and a developer on here that produced a tool to unlock all sprint galaxy devices over several months ago. The original thread with the tool got edited so you have to go over to his website to get it done. Costs about $35 its pretty straight forward i've used it several times no hastle...
http://www.idoneapps.com/index.php?os=android
cRiMiNaL_Genius said:
I dont mean to sound rude, but a fair bit of reading would have probably led you to the fact that there is an app and a developer on here that produced a tool to unlock all sprint galaxy devices over several months ago. The original thread with the tool got edited so you have to go over to his website to get it done. Costs about $35 its pretty straight forward i've used it several times no hastle...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what's the link to the original thread? why'd it get edited/deleted? was it posted as free?
I've seen a thread w/ a guy who posted a bunch of links and files. but i can't trust someone online i don't know.
like i said, there's a guy on youtube that claims to do the same thing. at least his face is on his videos making claims.
i guess i've come across too many that use scenarios like this to compromise other people's property.
if someone i knew, w/ the same phone, had a locked Sprint one day, and then next day they were on an unlocked GSM carrier, then i 'd go see the guy. otherwise, not.
i've seen way too many ppl. take advantage of others.
sucks. but, yeah... life.
---------- Post added at 05:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:08 AM ----------
cRiMiNaL_Genius said:
I dont mean to sound rude, but a fair bit of reading would have probably led you to the fact that there is an app and a developer on here that produced a tool to unlock all sprint galaxy devices over several months ago. The original thread with the tool got edited so you have to go over to his website to get it done. Costs about $35 its pretty straight forward i've used it several times no hastle...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but thanks for the fyi...
Keyword to google search is idone. Well known fact around here; he's the trusted developer of Galaxy Tools.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Related
Hello, i got my s4 from a metro pc dealer today, it's a new model SGH-M919N, is there an unlock out there? the unlock method for (SGH-M919N) does not work(*#27663368378#)?
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and Help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
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unlock
kennyglass123 said:
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and Help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just need to know if there is an unlock for the new model from Metro-pc??plz any help?
Metro PCS*
And you mean carrier unlock? You can't. Metro is a CDMA carrier. You can only unlock gsm phones like at&t and T-Mobile.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium HD app
Metro's galaxy s4 is supposed to be their first gsm phone since T-mobile took over. The phone is supposed to be just like our version. Not sure about unlocking, why would you need to anyway?
any suggestions??
knightsh said:
Metro's galaxy s4 is supposed to be their first gsm phone since T-mobile took over. The phone is supposed to be just like our version. Not sure about unlocking, why would you need to anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am going to my home country next month and i need it unlocked to work?please any help or ill have to return it??
XxKINGxX2580 said:
Metro PCS*
And you mean carrier unlock? You can't. Metro is a CDMA carrier. You can only unlock gsm phones like at&t and T-Mobile.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, its carrier unlocked im looking, it's locked to Metro, any suggestions?? can u tell me if this is legit and would work?? https://www.fastgsm.com/en/samsung/m919n/unlocking
Oh yeah i forgot about that. I think that the galaxy s4 is using T-Mobile's GSM network so i think that that website is legit.
XxKINGxX2580 said:
Oh yeah i forgot about that. I think that the galaxy s4 is using T-Mobile's GSM network so i think that that website is legit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok...it cost 29.99 so ill try this method before i take it to a unlock phone shop and if none of this works out, im returning it for a refund??
What are you returning for a refund? I don't think you can get a refund for the code. For the phone, why would you return it just because you can't unlock it?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium HD app
XxKINGxX2580 said:
What are you returning for a refund? I don't think you can get a refund for the code. For the phone, why would you return it just because you can't unlock it?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MetroPCS's policy is that you can unlock the phone after using it with MetroPCS for three months -- they'll actually do it for you.
However, you can unlock it before that if you find the correct instructions. And, yes, it will work with any GSM network.
My question is this: Are there any differences between the M919 and M919N that would prevent the procedure for unlocking a T-Mobile M919 from working with the M919N?
Reignogleph MMXI said:
MetroPCS's policy is that you can unlock the phone after using it with MetroPCS for three months -- they'll actually do it for you.
However, you can unlock it before that if you find the correct instructions. And, yes, it will work with any GSM network.
My question is this: Are there any differences between the M919 and M919N that would prevent the procedure for unlocking a T-Mobile M919 from working with the M919N?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried the procedures and get to persosha256 area of the debugging menu and it just brings me back to the main menu so that does not work. the weird thing is is that when I put a t-mobile sim in the phone, or any SIM for that matter, it does not read that there is a SIM card at all. I think metro programs the phone with the SIM number and service mode when they activate service. It's not that it is locked, but rather that it won't even register a SIM card other than metropcs.
sgtmedeiros said:
I have tried the procedures and get to persosha256 area of the debugging menu and it just brings me back to the main menu so that does not work. the weird thing is is that when I put a t-mobile sim in the phone, or any SIM for that matter, it does not read that there is a SIM card at all. I think metro programs the phone with the SIM number and service mode when they activate service. It's not that it is locked, but rather that it won't even register a SIM card other than metropcs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unbelievable!
I've been on the phone with MetroPCS ever since I read your response. So far, I'm getting two conflicting stories. Salespeople at stores are saying that you get an unlocking code after three months of owning the S4. The official customer service line rep has said that the issue of not being able to use the phones with other carriers is pissing off customers and the issue will be resolved very soon. I have yet to speak with a few other CS people onsite and possibly a supervisor to get a less sketchy response.
At this point, it sounds as though either salespeople are lying or official customer service doesn't know what it's talking about.
I've spoken to three salespeople at different locations -- two in different stores in NYC, one in White Plains -- and all repeat the same unlocking in three months speech that got me to buy the phone in the first place.
It sounds as though the issue will likely be resolved, but what I'd like to know is why this particular phone is posing problems in the first place when no other GSM carrier has had this issue.
Thanks for making me aware of this, sgtmedeiros.
MetroPCS seems profoundly disorganized. Half the people in customer service look at the wrong (non-GSM) map when you ask about S4 coverage and deny you can get reception in places where I've already gotten it.
---------- Post added at 04:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:30 PM ----------
Finally got through to a supervisor in corporate and she said your SIM should be recognized; that she has been getting reports the phone's tested and works with other GSM carriers. She wants me to call her back early next week and claims she'll have a definitive answer to my questions and a response to your situation.
However, you're the one who's having the issue. Have you tried contacting them as well?
Reignogleph MMXI said:
Unbelievable!
I've been on the phone with MetroPCS ever since I read your response. So far, I'm getting two conflicting stories. Salespeople at stores are saying that you get an unlocking code after three months of owning the S4. The official customer service line rep has said that the issue of not being able to use the phones with other carriers is pissing off customers and the issue will be resolved very soon. I have yet to speak with a few other CS people onsite and possibly a supervisor to get a less sketchy response.
At this point, it sounds as though either salespeople are lying or official customer service doesn't know what it's talking about.
I've spoken to three salespeople at different locations -- two in different stores in NYC, one in White Plains -- and all repeat the same unlocking in three months speech that got me to buy the phone in the first place.
It sounds as though the issue will likely be resolved, but what I'd like to know is why this particular phone is posing problems in the first place when no other GSM carrier has had this issue.
Thanks for making me aware of this, sgtmedeiros.
MetroPCS seems profoundly disorganized. Half the people in customer service look at the wrong (non-GSM) map when you ask about S4 coverage and deny you can get reception in places where I've already gotten it.
---------- Post added at 04:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:30 PM ----------
Finally got through to a supervisor in corporate and she said your SIM should be recognized; that she has been getting reports the phone's tested and works with other GSM carriers. She wants me to call her back early next week and claims she'll have a definitive answer to my questions and a response to your situation.
However, you're the one who's having the issue. Have you tried contacting them as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have talked to a couple of representatives here and the issue seems to be with imei pairing. when activated, the device is programmed to only pick up a certain sim card. If the sim card inserted into the device is not that card, then the phone will not even recognize that there is a sim card at all. ridiculous!
Yes the metro pcs s4 can be unlocked i have mine unlocked!!!!!!!
Xcution said:
Hello, i got my s4 from a metro pc dealer today, it's a new model SGH-M919N, is there an unlock out there? the unlock method for (SGH-M919N) does not work(*#27663368378#)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so the metropcs s4 can be unlocked like many people out there might now this all ready but the s4 from metro is the SGH-M919N
REMOVE THE N AN WHAT ARE YOU LEFT WITH WELL ( THE T-MOBILE S4 ) remember the metropcs s4 is just like the T-mobile s4 only thing the N at the back is to categorizes what company its from.
ok so now the best part of this message u want to unlock it well u cant call metro because they wont provide the unlock code trust me i tried an dont call tmobile either -_\ !!
Warning
THIS WILL VOID WARRANTY AN ITS NOT A FREE UNLOCK AGAIN THIS IS NOT A FREE UNLOCK
THE TOOL I USED TO UNLOCK MINE WAS THE Unlock Client TOOL just search the name in Google an it should be the first option!
REMEMBER DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1: DOWNLOAD THE TOOL RUN AS ADMINISTRATOR
2: LOOK UP MODEL! LOOK UP MODEL UNDER THIS (M919) DO NOT PUT THE N AT THE BACK OF THE MODEL JUST LEAVE IT OUT
3: PRESS ATL+X YOU SHOULD GET A MESSAGE SAYING DIRECT UNLOCK ACTIVATED MAKE SURE U GET THIS MESSAGE BEFORE GOING TO STEP 4
4: AFTER YOU HAVE PUT IN THE MODEL NUMBER READ THE INSTRUCTIONS IT WILL GIVE YOU PLEAS FOLLOW AS THEY ARE WRITTEN!!!!
5: ADD CREDIT TO THE PROGRAM
6: PUT IN EMAIL THAT YOU ADD CREDITS FROM AN CLICK ON SEARCH AN THE PHONE WILL UNLOCK
Hopes this helps an pleas pass it on ^_^
I work for metroPCS
Unlock Metro PCS based Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-M919N
Xcution said:
yeah, its carrier unlocked im looking, it's locked to Metro, any suggestions?? can u tell me if this is legit and would work?? -had-do-delete-the-link-for-some-wierd-ass-posting-policy en samsung m919n unlocking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the listing of the "fastgsm" guy very carefully. He specifically says that he does not unlock the m919n for USA!.. Be careful.
...
I was able to buy a the unlock from eBay: search for "M919N Unlock"
Some really helpful guy send me 2 codes in the email - 12 hours after payment.
I initially got 2 codes from him:
1ST CODE: SERVICE PROVIDER unlock PIN: XXXXXXXX (8 numeric digits); and
2ND CODE: SIM network unlock PIN: XXXXXXXX (8 numeric digits).
He said that the phone will first prompt for the 1st code and then prompt for the 2nd code.
Here's what happened:
Inserted a non Metro PCS micro SIM.
I plugged in the 1st code... and the same screen came back. tried the 1st code again on the same screen... the same screen came back again... tried the 2nd code on the same input box ... phone read "Wrong Code Entered 3 times, you must reboot"
F***ED... I thought... The phone was still working on Metro PCS.
Wrote back to the guy and asked him what's up -- sent him my other phone number. Received a call back, almost instantly.
He said (Korean accent) that he did not realize that the phone needed 3 codes (WTF?). He gave me another code that I wrote down on a piece of paper. Asked him to hang with me while I do this....
Inserted non Metro PCS micro SIM again.. and booted.
Phone prompted for Service Provider PIN: <<entered the new 8 digit PIN>> <enter>
Phone prompted for SIM network unlock PIN: <<entered the 2nd CODE from email>>
clicked <enter>
Voila... Phone unlocked! :laugh:
.. was kinda scared there for a moment! ... all good now!
if anyone wants to know ...
Ebay Item #121166155845
it was $44.95.. kinda pricey... but hey... if the phone's unlocked!
NOT FASTGSM ITS UnlockClient.co
ragarwal74 said:
I read the listing of the "fastgsm" guy very carefully. He specifically says that he does not unlock the m919n for USA!.. Be careful.
...
I was able to buy a the unlock from eBay: search for "M919N Unlock"
Some really helpful guy send me 2 codes in the email - 12 hours after payment.
I initially got 2 codes from him:
1ST CODE: SERVICE PROVIDER unlock PIN: XXXXXXXX (8 numeric digits); and
2ND CODE: SIM network unlock PIN: XXXXXXXX (8 numeric digits).
He said that the phone will first prompt for the 1st code and then prompt for the 2nd code.
Here's what happened:
Inserted a non Metro PCS micro SIM.
I plugged in the 1st code... and the same screen came back. tried the 1st code again on the same screen... the same screen came back again... tried the 2nd code on the same input box ... phone read "Wrong Code Entered 3 times, you must reboot"
F***ED... I thought... The phone was still working on Metro PCS.
Wrote back to the guy and asked him what's up -- sent him my other phone number. Received a call back, almost instantly.
He said (Korean accent) that he did not realize that the phone needed 3 codes (WTF?). He gave me another code that I wrote down on a piece of paper. Asked him to hang with me while I do this....
Inserted non Metro PCS micro SIM again.. and booted.
Phone prompted for Service Provider PIN: <<entered the new 8 digit PIN>> <enter>
Phone prompted for SIM network unlock PIN: <<entered the 2nd CODE from email>>
clicked <enter>
Voila... Phone unlocked! :laugh:
.. was kinda scared there for a moment! ... all good now!
if anyone wants to know ...
Ebay Item #121166155845
it was $44.95.. kinda pricey... but hey... if the phone's unlocked!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my listing isnt for fast gsm its for UnlockClient.co an its only 15 bucks an its no code it unlocks the phone directly u dont need to wait for codes to be sent to u it unlocks there an then at ur computer an customer support is very fast
I was thinking...since the metropcs variant uses the tmobile network I wonder if an unlock code from an M919 will work to unlock it.
Has anyone tried this method. I have confirmed that the SIM card in the metropcs is infact a tmobile SIM.
I am just thinking out loud. I guess I could try it but I dont know of a reputable unlock site I could try it with who will refund me if it doesnt work.
---------- Post added at 08:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:55 PM ----------
Have you confirmed this to work? I sent an email to these folks and asked if it would work on the M919N and they said "not yet"
techguy1214 said:
Ok so the metropcs s4 can be unlocked like many people out there might now this all ready but the s4 from metro is the SGH-M919N
REMOVE THE N AN WHAT ARE YOU LEFT WITH WELL ( THE T-MOBILE S4 ) remember the metropcs s4 is just like the T-mobile s4 only thing the N at the back is to categorizes what company its from.
ok so now the best part of this message u want to unlock it well u cant call metro because they wont provide the unlock code trust me i tried an dont call tmobile either -_\ !!
Warning
THIS WILL VOID WARRANTY AN ITS NOT A FREE UNLOCK AGAIN THIS IS NOT A FREE UNLOCK
Have you confirmed this to work? I sent an email to these folks and asked if it would work on the M919N and they said "not yet"
THE TOOL I USED TO UNLOCK MINE WAS THE Unlock Client TOOL just search the name in Google an it should be the first option!
REMEMBER DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1: DOWNLOAD THE TOOL RUN AS ADMINISTRATOR
2: LOOK UP MODEL! LOOK UP MODEL UNDER THIS (M919) DO NOT PUT THE N AT THE BACK OF THE MODEL JUST LEAVE IT OUT
3: PRESS ATL+X YOU SHOULD GET A MESSAGE SAYING DIRECT UNLOCK ACTIVATED MAKE SURE U GET THIS MESSAGE BEFORE GOING TO STEP 4
4: AFTER YOU HAVE PUT IN THE MODEL NUMBER READ THE INSTRUCTIONS IT WILL GIVE YOU PLEAS FOLLOW AS THEY ARE WRITTEN!!!!
5: ADD CREDIT TO THE PROGRAM
6: PUT IN EMAIL THAT YOU ADD CREDITS FROM AN CLICK ON SEARCH AN THE PHONE WILL UNLOCK
Hopes this helps an pleas pass it on ^_^
I work for metroPCS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it works
Yes it works because my metro pcs s4 is unlocked n that's how i unlocked mine
My story is unique. For another reason I flashed my MetroPCS SGH-M919N with T-Mobile firmware as a result I got a SGH-M919 with UVUAMDL firmware, took a chance and went to fastgsm, paid unlock as T-Mobile SGH-M919, download app and unlocked my phone. A week later flash metro pcs firmware back to SGH-M919M UVUAMF2 and my phone still unlocked, I can put any SIM from anywhere on it working flawlessly
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)
I got ahold of a used t-mobile z2 force. Considering I'm still using a 2012 phone, this will be quite an upgrade for me. I tried the t-mobile app to carrier unlock but no luck. From reading here, it seems there are two options.
#1 - Get new a prepaid sim, activiate, then add $100 credit, wait a few days, then try the app again, eventually it will work.
#2 - Get/Borrow a used sim (doesn't matter if prepaid), put it in the phone, wait a few days, then try the app again, eventually it will work.
Am I right?
If so, any suggestions where to find a used sim? I tried ebay and they're all new and unactivated. Or maybe someone here did option 1 and doesn't need their sim anymore, PM me.
I looked into option #1 myself but at $3/month for voice/text only, it's not real useful to me as I use hangouts/voice for voice & text, all I really need is data. And with the prepaid unlimited I'd use up my $100 in two months, kinda a waste imo.
What error message did you receive? There are two kinds; the device is not eligible for an unlock or the device is unknown.
Unlock Failed: This mobile device is not eligible for unlock. For device Unlock eligibility details, please go online or contact Customer Care.
That error means the device is recognized by the server and can be unlocked when it is eligible. Since you’re not the original owner you won’t have any way of knowing when it will be eligible. The phone could still be on a payment plan or the original buyer could have defaulted.
If you need it unlocked quickly your best bet maybe finding a third party unlock service that can flag your IMEI as unlock eligible with the unlock server.
I'm more concerned about cheaply than quickly.
My understanding tho is that it is not under any contract. But even so my understanding is that the app won't unlock unless there's a SIM card in there too from an existing customer... but this is just based on searches, I'm still unsure.
I believe the phone has to be used for at least 45 days on a T-Mobile account to be considered for unlock.
If I had family or friend on t-mobile I'd ask them to use this phone a while. But I don't unfortunately, that would be the easiest.
I had my unactivated new in box T-Mobile z2 force that i got from a trade unlocked in a week after getting prepaid and putting 100 on it. That was the fastest and easiest way not knowing ppl who use tmo. Just wait a few days then call tech support and get them to escalate the unlock...say it's work related...after that restart and it will be unlocked.
I want cheapest, not fastest or easiest. $100 for unlock sounds crazy. Don't suppose you still have that sim card?
I don't know if my Sim would even help. I think with prepaid they go by imei so you might even have to add that $ to it. I think the Sim is just the door bell button.
oh... yeah I better figure that out. If they require prepaid sim to have added $100 since first used on that particular imei, then a used sim doesn't help.
So seems like 3 options.
1 - fork out the $100 to t-mobile,
2 - borrow a non prepaid t-mobile sim (loan my phone to someone) for possibly up to 45 days before able to unlock
3 - find and pay an unlock service
I wonder what these unlock services do that I can't.
Anyone have the link to the apk?
enigma9o7 said:
oh... yeah I better figure that out. If they require prepaid sim to have added $100 since first used on that particular imei, then a used sim doesn't help.
So seems like 3 options.
1 - fork out the $100 to t-mobile,
2 - borrow a non prepaid t-mobile sim (loan my phone to someone) for possibly up to 45 days before able to unlock
3 - find and pay an unlock service
I wonder what these unlock services do that I can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have a contact with someone at T-Mobile that can flag your IMEI as unlock eligible with the unlock server.
---------- Post added at 11:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 AM ----------
sounreal said:
Anyone have the link to the apk?
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Click to collapse
The app is preinstalled on supported phones only. If your phone does not have the app then it uses a different method to Sim unlock.
I tried 3 different eBay seller and none could provide me with a code.
Well I just paid $60 to try cellunlocker.net; hopefully it works. An advertisement posted 5 days ago says it will...
https://www.cellunlocker.net/cellphonenews/2018/03/t-mobile-unlock-app-service-is-up-and-running/
still waiting... their eta aint so great as I passed the 1-5 business days. But I'm still hopeful cuz their online chat told me should be by next tuesday, although they didn't answer support email and I was on phone hold 10 mins beofre hanging up (since online chat replied while I was waiting on hold).
enigma9o7 said:
still waiting... their eta aint so great as I passed the 1-5 business days. But I'm still hopeful cuz their online chat told me should be by next tuesday, although they didn't answer support email and I was on phone hold 10 mins beofre hanging up (since online chat replied while I was waiting on hold).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been waiting for two weeks and I have lost my confidence.
Picasa01 said:
I have been waiting for two weeks and I have lost my confidence.
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Click to collapse
Have you heard anything in the meantime? I got an email (after I posted here last) saying it was ready, but it still won't unlock. Called them and the guy said sorry they'll re-do it, something about the wrong server. So back to waiting... losing confidence but still hopeful...
If it isn't too much trouble, keep me updated (in this thread) as to what happens for you, or if you end up asking for refund, etc....
Codes don't work on T-Mobile phones once the unlock app is on the device. Hopefully there isn't a balance on the device which would prevent it from being unlocked. For all the phones I use the app for, cuz I have T-Mobile and have gone through a quite a few devices, once it's paid off usually the app automatically works long as it was active service for 40 days prior.
Before the app I knew you could have someone with T-Mobile use this phone for a few days until it registers on the network and then you can request an unlock code and have it escalated.
I really want to lose patience
enigma9o7 said:
Have you heard anything in the meantime? I got an email (after I posted here last) saying it was ready, but it still won't unlock. Called them and the guy said sorry they'll re-do it, something about the wrong server. So back to waiting... losing confidence but still hopeful...
If it isn't too much trouble, keep me updated (in this thread) as to what happens for you, or if you end up asking for refund, etc....
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Click to collapse
I really want to lose patience。Did you unlock it? My order has been for a month
What is the proper procedure to unlock an att s9 to use with another carrier?
Thanks.
Just to clarify. This phone was purchased from Samsung directly with the new $150 discount for Att branded phones.
RossTeagan said:
So the phone is bought from samsung but lock on att?
Try the following to check if your phone is network locked be sure you really need to unlock it (otherwise, I don't think you need to unlock it).
1. Insert a GSM SIM card from another network (a non-AT&T SIM, liek Cricket ot T-Mobile)
2. Try placing a call
If your phone manages to connect and make the call with this other SIM card, then you won't need to unlock it, as it's already unlocked. And if the phone is locked, I recommend you check with AT&T, given that this phone is not tight to a contract.
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Click to collapse
I don't have the phone yet (2 more days,) but I did an extensive Google search, and it seems like this particular phone will be sim locked. It's paid off outright, no contract or anything, but there were several heavy discounts like $150 off msrp and another $150 off for trading in S6.
My Google search gave me two possible options -
1) Talk to ATT and ask to unlock,
2) Use an unlock site, like DeviceUnlock, pay 20-50 dollars for them to obtain and send an unlock code to you.
As for #1, I saw a post where a guy complained that talking to ATT and Samsung was useless to him in a similar situation - each company sent him to the other one to get it unlocked, so he got nowhere with this option.
Also, I saw a few posts that said that a locked phone may have to be activated on ATT first and used for up to 40 days before ATT will unlock it for you. What would happen with this Samsung bought phone though?
And for #2, I just don't know how this kind of business works - you send them IMEI and the locked carrier info, pay money, and a few days later, they send you an unlock code that you can enter yourself.
Is it safe? How does it work exactly? What if there's a problem because the IMEI is not actually registered on ATT because the phone was sold by Samsung?
I have many more questions, just because I don't know what I am talking about, but the bottom line is this. What should I do?
Thanks.
AS your phone is paid off and there is no contract on it, you should stick with your first option: ask att to unlock it but as you said you will need an activated phone, so you will need to activate the phone with att, however, you should go to them immediately and not wait for 40 days. While Samsung locked the phone, the actual company who controls the lock and who has authority of unlocking it att. So don't let them fool you to go search the code somewhere else.
Also, there is a law in the US that forces operators to unlock your phone if there are no debts or contract on your device. So keep that in mind.
Regarding third parties, they are a shortcut and you just have to provide them the devices IMEI and network lock. They, in turn, will look for the unlocking code for you. And if there are issues, as you said, I think you can ask for a refund (so if you decide to go for such a service, first make sure they have a money back guarantee).
TLDR Go with att, they should (have to) provide the unlock for you
Hi nabbed,
did you manage to unlock it?
what did you do in the end?
Giskardors said:
Hi nabbed,
did you manage to unlock it?
what did you do in the end?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called ATT, spoke to tech support. The tech said that since I had no history/account with ATT, they had to make one to verify that the phone IMEI was clean. He created a new account - name, address, phone, email, imei etc info. He created a support ticket (and gave me its number) for sim unlock. He said that I should receive an email within 48 hours that would either tell me that I cannot unlock or will come with the unlock code (if it is decided that I should be able to unlock.)
I tried using their default web service for getting an unlock https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/unlockstep1 but that thing doesn't work - the Next button cannot be clicked.
If unsuccessful, I am considering going and talking to a retail ATT store representative directly. They probably don't know much, but perhaps they can be more convincing on the phone with ATT.
Third option is trying one of the unlock websites.
So I had to do this with my S9, same kind of situation as you (I have T-Mobile service, received an AT&T locked device).
As you know, the web portal won't work. AT&T never entered your IMEI in their database, so as far as THEY are concerned, your phone doesn't exist.
Call tier 2/advanced tech support and have them create a case with the Device Unlock Team. GET A CONFIRMATION NUMBER. You should receive an email confirming that the case was made.
48-72 hours later, you SHOULD have an unlock code. Should. This is AT&T, and they don't know their ass from their elbow. It took me 2 weeks.
Device unlock services didn't work, as the IMEI has to be in AT&T's database for it to work correctly. They'll just (hopefully) refund your money when it fails.
Don't go into an AT&T store. As a former AT&T retail employee, I can guarantee you, those employees are dumber than a bag of wet hammers, and have no way of helping you with this, whatsoever. In addition, since you're not BUYING anything, they're not going to help too much even if they could.
Good luck. It will work for you eventually.
entropism said:
So I had to do this with my S9, same kind of situation as you (I have T-Mobile service, received an AT&T locked device).
As you know, the web portal won't work. AT&T never entered your IMEI in their database, so as far as THEY are concerned, your phone doesn't exist.
Call tier 2/advanced tech support and have them create a case with the Device Unlock Team. GET A CONFIRMATION NUMBER. You should receive an email confirming that the case was made.
48-72 hours later, you SHOULD have an unlock code. Should. This is AT&T, and they don't know their ass from their elbow. It took me 2 weeks.
Device unlock services didn't work, as the IMEI has to be in AT&T's database for it to work correctly. They'll just (hopefully) refund your money when it fails.
Don't go into an AT&T store. As a former AT&T retail employee, I can guarantee you, those employees are dumber than a bag of wet hammers, and have no way of helping you with this, whatsoever. In addition, since you're not BUYING anything, they're not going to help too much even if they could.
Good luck. It will work for you eventually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
The tech guy didn't say what kind of a support ticket he created. It may have been a general support ticket, or maybe he referred me to the unlock team directly, I don't know. He seemed like he understood perfectly what I needed. Anyway, the ticket format is like this - cm10230128_122673352, does that look right?
I have received an email confirmation that the call was made, but not that the case was created yet. The call ended at 5:30pm CDT on a Friday night, so maybe it would take until Monday to get a confirmation?
nabbed said:
Thanks.
The tech guy didn't say what kind of a support ticket he created. It may have been a general support ticket, or maybe he referred me to the unlock team directly, I don't know. He seemed like he understood perfectly what I needed. Anyway, the ticket format is like this - cm10230128_122673352, does that look right?
I have received an email confirmation that the call was made, but not that the case was created yet. The call ended at 5:30pm CDT on a Friday night, so maybe it would take until Monday to get a confirmation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it will take up to tuesday. That's the limit
Im going to the US for 2 weeks, I dont know if i'll be able to unlock it on time, but If I order it I'll get it on the 2nd week.
I really hope you can unlock it!
Keep us updated
Update:
Got the unlock code in an email. The instructions say "Please allow 24 hours upon receipt of this notification to complete the unlock process." Not sure what that means, gonna try to unlock tomorrow with a project fi sim.
Update2:
Phone unlocked fine with a Project FI sim card and connected to T-mobile.
We're on the same boat!
I'm also on Project Fi and I received my AT&T S9 today.
My IMEI was found in AT&T's database and I just submitted the unlock request.
Do you experience any issues when using S9 w/ Project Fi?
zenlifexxa said:
We're on the same boat!
I'm also on Project Fi and I received my AT&T S9 today.
My IMEI was found in AT&T's database and I just submitted the unlock request.
Do you experience any issues when using S9 w/ Project Fi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just used the Fi sim card to facilitate the unlock procedure (the S9 is not mine, it's for a friend, and I am just setting it up.) I just looked at sim status in the options to confirm that provider was T-Mobile. In my research, I read that using Project FI T-Mobile was no different from any other unlocked gsm phone using T-Mobile. You will lose all Project FI apps because they don't exist with non-Google phones. There will not be carrier switching between T-Mob, Sprint and US Cell, and there will not be wifi calling. But if your T-Mob service is already good, there shouldn't be a problem.
As as side note, my own FI service is kind of awful. Ever since Google introduced "preferred partner" feature, where a FI phone would connect not to the strongest signal carrier but rather to a particular carrier, in this case Sprint in my area, I have had really bad sound quality.
US Cellular has best towers in this area, with signal strength of -70-80 db or so, while Sprint has crappy towers with signal strength of less -100 db. Yet I am constantly connected to Sprint with crappy sound quality because they are the preferred partner here. I have to constantly to remind myself to manually switch to US Cell if I'm to make a lengthy phone call.
Good luck.
TLDR: I was able to get my unlock code from Codes2Unlock (even with my phone having an unpaid balance).
Go to Codes2Unlock website, choose any microsoft lumia device, put in the IMEI for the Duo, once you get a confirmation email, forward it to their support rep telling them that its a surface duo and that there was no option for a Surface Duo on their website, Play the waiting game, and Enjoy once they send it over.
I (probably like you) for the longest time wanted to get my surface unlocked but couldnt because at the time i was paying on my device AT&T gave me the run around with unlock codes, and so did microsoft. Because of the area i lived in the duo was basically useless on AT&T and i literally only switched from tmobile for that phone.
I checked website after website and nobody was able to do it. I happened to remember Codes2Unlock.com from years ago when I got an unlock code from them for my Galaxy S4. So i emailed them, asked if they supported unlocking the surface duo. they said yes-- strange thing was on their site theres no option for the surface duo even though if you google it, theres a link saying they do.
So the support rep (who replies fast af lol) messaged me back asking if my device asks for an unlock pin--i said yes-- the support person said it should be no problem.
I mentioned to them that theres no option for the surface Duo and that only Lumia devices show-- they said just select any Microsoft Lumia device, send the confirmation email with the IMEI and let them know its a surface duo and they'll update it on their end. they also mentioned (after asking) that an unpaid device doesnt matter and they can still get an unlock code.
I forwarded the same Rep the confirmation email and 5 days later (this morning) i woke up with my unlock code and now my Duo runs on T-Mobile.
If theres any doubts ill reply with screenshots but im at work rn so it was just easier to type all this out first. Hope this helps anyone stuck on AT&T
I have been told by both Microsoft and AT&T to pound sand. Open an account and use the phone on a paid plan. Just tried your method and I'm waiting a response with my code. They did reply to my updated device info within 5 minutes. Super fast. Thanks thanks for the suggestion, hope this works better than then dialing AT&T or Microsoft support. I will update to confirm this works. Sorry for posting in two threads.
carortruck80 said:
I have been told by both Microsoft and AT&T to pound sand. Open an account and use the phone on a paid plan. Just tried your method and I'm waiting a response with my code. They did reply to my updated device info within 5 minutes. Super fast. Thanks thanks for the suggestion, hope this works better than then dialing AT&T or Microsoft support. I will update to confirm this works. Sorry for posting in two threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Youre fine haha, im just glad I was able to help someone
Microsoft and AT&T can kick rocks. I cant wait for some custom roms to get released
@carortruck80 were you able to unlock with this service? Ive been waiting at att/unlock for more than a week now. status still on "IN PROGRESS" since 18th of May!
Tbaba said:
@carortruck80 were you able to unlock with this service? Ive been waiting at att/unlock for more than a week now. status still on "IN PROGRESS" since 18th of May!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you email them like I mentioned in the post?
Good morning all. I would like to report back that I Did get this thing unlocked. However, and that is a Big however, AT&T nor the mentioned supplier was able to confirm the existence of the imei Without the phone first being registered on the AT&T network. I had to buy a prepaid plan to get the phone to work. Then, magically, 18 hours later I got the confirmation from AT&T after emails saying "we are further investigating your request.". The mentioned supplier also said that it didn't exist till then. I canceled my request after AT&T finally came through. BE Warned! Even tried redpocket (AT&T mvno) and they couldn't even do the initial activation.
(deleted-combined post)
carortruck80 said:
Good morning all. I would like to report back that I Did get this thing unlocked. However, and that is a Big however, AT&T nor the mentioned supplier was able to confirm the existence of the imei Without the phone first being registered on the AT&T network. I had to buy a prepaid plan to get the phone to work. Then, magically, 18 hours later I got the confirmation from AT&T after emails saying "we are further investigating your request.". The mentioned supplier also said that it didn't exist till then. I canceled my request after AT&T finally came through. BE Warned! Even tried redpocket (AT&T mvno) and they couldn't even do the initial activation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh? did you never have the phone up and running on AT&T network?
none24 said:
Huh? did you never have the phone up and running on AT&T network?
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Click to collapse
I had to buy a prepay plan for them to unlock it because without putting it on att first, it didn't exist to them. Yes, activated on att to get unlock code, got code, swapped Sim, entered code and unlocked. That was the final resolution to getting it unlocked.
carortruck80 said:
I had to buy a prepay plan for them to unlock it because without putting it on att first, it didn't exist to them. Yes, activated on att to get unlock code, got code, swapped Sim, entered code and unlocked. That was the final resolution to getting it unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oof yeah that's because they don't register the IMEI in their system until the phone is activated. Which is likely why codes2unlock couldn't find it either
none24 said:
Oof yeah that's because they don't register the IMEI in their system until the phone is activated. Which is likely why codes2unlock couldn't find it either
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, that being said.... To update everyone, IF YOU BUY A NEW SEALED IN THE BOX PHONE, it cannot be unlocked unless first actually being registered/activated on the network it is locked to. Silly me bought a new sealed device and tried to unlock it without paying the man first. Really wish there was some direction on this before I bought it. Oh well. I figured there would be a record somewhere since the DID assign it an IMEI.
none24 said:
Did you email them like I mentioned in the post?
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Click to collapse
I havent tried codes2unlock yet. I'm still waiting on the att unlock site i filled.
carortruck80 said:
So, that being said.... To update everyone, IF YOU BUY A NEW SEALED IN THE BOX PHONE, it cannot be unlocked unless first actually being registered/activated on the network it is locked to. Silly me bought a new sealed device and tried to unlock it without paying the man first. Really wish there was some direction on this before I bought it. Oh well. I figured there would be a record somewhere since the DID assign it an IMEI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may be a HUGE problem for me. Cause i got the sealed one form amazon. not currently in the US, and dont have an att sim card. do I have a brick on my hands now?
Tbaba said:
This may be a HUGE problem for me. Cause i got the sealed one form amazon. not currently in the US, and dont have an att sim card. do I have a brick on my hands now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is an att model, it has the att Sim in it. Not sure about activation overseas. I don't understand why nobody mentions this. I have never bought a sealed locked phone just to unlock it so I didn't know. To me, it sounds like there is no master list or database of what phones and imei's got made. It doesn't exist until it is activated. I hope you don't, but sounds like you do. I bought it originally to test to see if I wanted to trade it in with Ms for the duo 2, so it wasn't a deal breaker...but if I didn't like it, I would have been stuck with it.
carortruck80 said:
If it is an att model, it has the att Sim in it. Not sure about activation overseas. I don't understand why nobody mentions this. I have never bought a sealed locked phone just to unlock it so I didn't know. To me, it sounds like there is no master list or database of what phones and imei's got made. It doesn't exist until it is activated. I hope you don't, but sounds like you do. I bought it originally to test to see if I wanted to trade it in with Ms for the duo 2, so it wasn't a deal breaker...but if I didn't like it, I would have been stuck with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As it it now, I have to get a prepaid AT&T when i get back in the country.... oh, well...
I just tried to go through codes2unlock and after more than double the 7 working days and two support request emails going unanswered I would strongly warn against using codes2unlock. Seems I've been scammed out of the 35usd fee, buyer beware.
Anyone tried this service recently?