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Sorry if this has been addressed, but I am new to these forums. I recently purchased a T-Mobile Z2 Force on eBay. The phone was locked and I purchased an unlock code and as to no surprise to many here it can't be entered as my device is not eligible. After reading more on T Mobile I guess it has to be active on their network for a certain period. I am in Toronto so this won't work for me given I am Telus here. I am wondering if I were to flash my phone to stock firmware and put my sim in would it prompt me to enter the unlock code like most phones. Thank god Canada is banning locking phones as of December this is a real pain.
Hi Everyone,
I've seen some posts about unlocking this but I'm curious as to whether I can unlock a T-Mobile branded phone purchased outright that has never been activated.
What have you all found to be the easiest way to unlock it? I've already reached out to TM via FB to no avail.
Let me know what you guys think.
Thanks!
Bootloader unlock is done via Motorola. To unlock your device for all carriers you must actively use the phone for 7 days. If you can't unlock it yourself after 7 days using the builtin app, then go in to a store. They can call in and help get it unlocked, but only after you've used the phone for 7 days.
papadelogan said:
Bootloader unlock is done via Motorola. To unlock your device for all carriers you must actively use the phone for 7 days. If you can't unlock it yourself after 7 days using the builtin app, then go in to a store. They can call in and help get it unlocked, but only after you've used the phone for 7 days.
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Ok, that is my question.
The phone is brand new - no sim. I'm trying to get it to a prepaid wireless service and need it unlocked to do so. What you're saying is that I would need to activate it for 7 days for the bootloader to work, correct?
Tmobile themselves offer unlocking but only after 40 days of service which is a no go in my current situation.
Thanks again for any help. No other programs or apps out there that can unlock it more quickly without the amount of work?
You guys are awesome!
ponzpo said:
Ok, that is my question.
The phone is brand new - no sim. I'm trying to get it to a prepaid wireless service and need it unlocked to do so. What you're saying is that I would need to activate it for 7 days for the bootloader to work, correct?
Tmobile themselves offer unlocking but only after 40 days of service which is a no go in my current situation.
Thanks again for any help. No other programs or apps out there that can unlock it more quickly without the amount of work?
You guys are awesome!
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No. You are matching the two things together. Let me be a little bit simpler about this. All use different paragraph so you don't get confused.
BOOTLOADER unlock can be done about 1 minute after you buy the phone. You contact Motorola directly. Search this forum and you'll get tons of information on it
CARRIER Unlocking a T-Mobile phone to be able to use with any carrier can be done after 7 Days of use on a T-Mobile plan. If they recently bumped it up to 40 and that's what customer service told you, then go with that. I've been with them for a few years now and only needed 7 days, but then I was in the store working with one of the sales people and they called in about it. I may have gotten special consideration given the amount of time my wife has had an account with T-Mobile, but I did a carrier unlock after only 7 days.
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
I picked up a New tmo z2 force and started it with prepaid. The prepaid balance has to be at least 100$ and active for 14 days before they will unlock it.
noXcape said:
I picked up a New tmo z2 force and started it with prepaid. The prepaid balance has to be at least 100$ and active for 14 days before they will unlock it.
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Is that T-Mobile specific prepaid?
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
Yes. Tmo prepaid
Also that's what the tmo rep told me. I still have like 10 days to wait...so I'll report back when it's done
Decided to call and try my luck with another rep. They escalated the unlock for me and did it with the hour.
Unlock app says permanently unlocked now!
You don't need to have it 7 days or whatever. Buy the phone full price, insert the tmobile sim, boot up and carrier unlock right away with the unlock app. Bootloader unlock is with motorola. That's it.
First, you need to activate your phone with a T-Mobile SIM card (you don't need to possess the SIM card, you can even borrow one for a few minutes) and a non-T-Mobile SIM to check if the phone is network locked.
You can check by following these steps:
1. Insert the “non-accepted SIM card” on the phone (Please check if your new SIM Card is activated, if not contact your Mobile Operator in order to activate it).
2. Wait for the phone to load
3. Insert the SIM’s PIN code (4 digits), if asked.
4. Read the message your phone displays, if you need the unlock code or to unlock via the Device Unlock App.
Mod Edit
Based on the message you have, you can contact T-Mobile again and ask them to unlock. Or you can use a third party unlocking service.
RossTeagan said:
First, you need to activate your phone with a T-Mobile SIM card (you don't need to possess the SIM card, you can even borrow one for a few minutes) and a non-T-Mobile SIM to check if the phone is network locked.
You can check by following these steps:
1. Insert the “non-accepted SIM card” on the phone (Please check if your new SIM Card is activated, if not contact your Mobile Operator in order to activate it).
2. Wait for the phone to load
3. Insert the SIM’s PIN code (4 digits), if asked.
4. Read the message your phone displays, if you need the unlock code or to unlock via the Device Unlock App.
Mod Edit
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This doesnt work.. It says unlock failed.. tried permanent and temporary. Tmobile says theres an unpaid balance but the phones imei is not lost or stolen. The way to request an unlock is the previous owner and the imei # has to make a request. ugh and theres some dude who says he can do it for a fee (clean the imei) im trying to use this on metro and cannot because of the whole tmobile unpaid balance bullcrap
Correct me if I'm wrong. No T-Mobile phone is eligible for unlock unless it's paid off in full and remained on the network for 45 days after. I've unlocked plenty of them after they were paid off and this was almost always the case.
I unlocked my bootloader right after getting my phone. It's not paid off, as I upgraded via JUMP.
sabrdawg said:
I unlocked my bootloader right after getting my phone. It's not paid off, as I upgraded via JUMP.
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Thinking the OP is talking about carrier unlock.
Check what your IMEI's status is in the T-Mobile network with their service here: https://www.t-mobile.com/verifyIMEI.aspx
Note that if the result doesn't with "Congratulations..." you might not be able to unlock your phone.
20degrees said:
Thinking the OP is talking about carrier unlock.
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Ah, got it. It's tricky when "unlock" has multiple meanings, lol! In that case, no, you can't carrier unlock until your phone is paid off
I posted a similar question before I realised there was a thread already on this topic. Can anybody confirm that if you buy a tmo version from Motorola, then what are the conditions for having it unlocked? Is it $100 credit balance (for me that would add $100 to the cost) or immediately on insertion of a TMO SIM or some other conditions? Does anybody have any experiences they can report? Thanks
I can tell you I just tried getting a tmobile variant unlocked (375 outright, I have AT&T) and had a buddy with a tmobile account make the purchase and put his active sim in it and they would not unlock it. Stated it had to be on tmobile network for 40 days. He called multiple times and argued it's already paid off but they wouldn't budge. So I returned it. Had to eat a 50 fee for returning it. I chalk it to a lesson learned.
I was going to buy the phone from the Motorola website for $500 so $375 is a good deal. The problem is while I have a tmobile SIM card on a prepaid account I don't live in the US and while I'm travelling there soon I won't be on the network for 40 days. so I guess it won't be unlockable while I'm there and certainly not once I'm gone.
I wonder what the unlocking Services online are like? Has anybody had any experiences to relate
lchiu7 said:
I was going to buy the phone from the Motorola website for $500 so $375 is a good deal. The problem is while I have a tmobile SIM card on a prepaid account I don't live in the US and while I'm travelling there soon I won't be on the network for 40 days. so I guess it won't be unlockable while I'm there and certainly not once I'm gone.
I wonder what the unlocking Services online are like? Has anybody had any experiences to relate
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There is also a temp unlock through the unlock app. Still fully sim unlocked but for only a short time. Then if you do come back to the US for 40+ days you can try for the permanent unlock.
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using XDA Labs
OK _ just got off both a phone call and chat session with TMO support. Basically the phone has to be on their network for 2 billing cycles and then you can call them to unlock it. That applies even apparently to the $3/month plan. I do have somebody who could do that but they would have to send the phone to me and I am not sure you can do that with its LiOn battery inside.
i have a tmobile Z2 i bought online and was not able to unlock it. It is very clearly a tmobile version but when i tried to use the unlock from tmo it say i am not eligible for an unlock i then called and they said the device was not sold by tmobile then called moto and got the same story. as of now i stick in an att sim and it does nothing only works on a tmo sim. any advice on how to carrier unlock this device.
T-Mobile devices require usage on the network before an unlock is allowed. Sometimes they will allow an unlock without use on the network, but since you did not buy the phone from them that most likely will not happen.
What is the error message you are receiving? If it is the device is not eligible, than it is in the server database and you should be able to unlock it after you have used it on the T_Mibile network.
If however you are receiving an unknown error, than the phone is not listed and you'll probably never get it unlocked.
Either way, it might be easiest to return the device to the seller if you're still within the return period.
Well even if I cant unlock it yet I have a friend who would be willing to use it for sometime and let it get time in on his account. The phone was already in use on the original sellers account so I thought that was enough. I will slap this tmo sim in it and give it some time it's the device I plan to do development on. I have a z2 from at&t so that my daily and this one can get bricked for all I care. I want to support the Z2 community
I had the same issue. Look for my post in the older unlocking thread. It's very straightforward and you can use a prepay sim to do it.
i have bought a g8 from swappa, locked to sprint.
can it be unlocked already?
it does not asks for unlock pin when i put in another sim card.
or there is a way to flash an unlocked rom?
thanks
maderke said:
i have bought a g8 from swappa, locked to sprint.
can it be unlocked already?
it does not asks for unlock pin when i put in another sim card.
or there is a way to flash an unlocked rom?
thanks
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Have a look at this article
https://www.reviews.org/mobile/unlock-your-sprint-phone/
I couldn't get my locked T-Mobile to work so planning to sell.
I bought a Unlocked Verizon G8 and I got it working for the most part but couldn't make or receive phone calls on it. I think the phone app had too much specific Verizon stuff. Ended up returning it
The Sprint version is a mess. Trust me.
I got my locked to Sprint. It works fine so far in the UK when I put my sim in it.
agent.m said:
I got my locked to Sprint. It works fine so far in the UK when I put my sim in it.
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Great stuff, it's a solid phone and deserves a proper release in the UK
agent.m said:
I got my locked to Sprint. It works fine so far in the UK when I put my sim in it.
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Are you sure it's not unlocked? Mine is brand new out of the box and I just get no Service, and a little note saying invalid sim in the drop down menu.
Has anyone manage to have one of these unlocked outside of going by the book with sprint?
All the services i've asked either said they can't do it, or said they could at first, then just sent me a refund pretty much straight back.
I don't mind paying for the service but it seems nobody is there yet.
Anyone know anything I don't?
Welfares said:
Are you sure it's not unlocked? Mine is brand new out of the box and I just get no Service, and a little note saying invalid sim in the drop down menu.
Has anyone manage to have one of these unlocked outside of going by the book with sprint?
All the services i've asked either said they can't do it, or said they could at first, then just sent me a refund pretty much straight back.
I don't mind paying for the service but it seems nobody is there yet.
Anyone know anything I don't?
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They said it was locked to Sprint but also said it would work in UK. I hope you get it sorted. I'm having the same problem with the V50. I'm guessing the o my solution is if someone request the unlocking code from the manufacturer. Which can take a week or so.
agent.m said:
They said it was locked to Sprint but also said it would work in UK. I hope you get it sorted. I'm having the same problem with the V50. I'm guessing the o my solution is if someone request the unlocking code from the manufacturer. Which can take a week or so.
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The problem for the unlock code with the sprint G8 (and I gather some of the other phones too) is that they don't request an unlock code with an alternate SIM. There's a bunch of other codes you can enter to get the unlock code thing to pop up..... doesn't work.
It looks like the solution for the same thing on the Sprint G7 is for them to remote in using teamviewer or anydesk and work their magic.
I guess I could see if I can get my hands on a properly smashed up, non screen functional, unlocked phone, and transplant the board. But not really something I want to do with a brand new phone.
Partially hobbled by the lack of popularity I guess, you can find someone to do pretty much anything done to a Samsung
Welfares said:
Are you sure it's not unlocked? Mine is brand new out of the box and I just get no Service, and a little note saying invalid sim in the drop down menu.
Has anyone manage to have one of these unlocked outside of going by the book with sprint?
All the services i've asked either said they can't do it, or said they could at first, then just sent me a refund pretty much straight back.
I don't mind paying for the service but it seems nobody is there yet.
Anyone know anything I don't?
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Click to collapse
Welfares said:
The problem for the unlock code with the sprint G8 (and I gather some of the other phones too) is that they don't request an unlock code with an alternate SIM. There's a bunch of other codes you can enter to get the unlock code thing to pop up..... doesn't work.
It looks like the solution for the same thing on the Sprint G7 is for them to remote in using teamviewer or anydesk and work their magic.
I guess I could see if I can get my hands on a properly smashed up, non screen functional, unlocked phone, and transplant the board. But not really something I want to do with a brand new phone.
Partially hobbled by the lack of popularity I guess, you can find someone to do pretty much anything done to a Samsung
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Hi mate. I still have my G8 so will have a try with a code I was given. You need it to request the sim unlock right?
Welfares said:
The problem for the unlock code with the sprint G8 (and I gather some of the other phones too) is that they don't request an unlock code with an alternate SIM. There's a bunch of other codes you can enter to get the unlock code thing to pop up..... doesn't work.
It looks like the solution for the same thing on the Sprint G7 is for them to remote in using teamviewer or anydesk and work their magic.
I guess I could see if I can get my hands on a properly smashed up, non screen functional, unlocked phone, and transplant the board. But not really something I want to do with a brand new phone.
Partially hobbled by the lack of popularity I guess, you can find someone to do pretty much anything done to a Samsung
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Im really hoping these codes work for you (option 2 or 3). I didn't for me unfortunately.
Unlocking instruction for LG G8 ThinQ ?
How to enter an unlock code in a LG G8 ThinQ:
Second option (device doesn't ask for an unlock code with an unaccepted SIM)
1. Start the device with an accepted simcard (example LG G8 ThinQ was bought in Orange you need to insert an Orange card)
2. Go to the dial screen and press “2945#*model number#” (the same way you enter a phone number)
Example: the device is a P999 you need to enter “2945#*999#” or for KU990 you need to enter “2945#*990#” etc…
Third option (accepted simcard)
1. Go to dial screen and press 2945#*71001# or 2945#*20001# as if making a call
2. when a hidden window appears enter the unlock code
Thanks Agent.M
I appreciate you looking into it. I've tried all those codes on mine and they don't work.
From what I gather, Sprint has used some sort of different locking method that can't be undone by entering a code.
It looks like it was the same on the LG G7 and the solution involved cross flashing some software. The services offering to do it all remote in using team viewer or similar and do it for you.
There was a thread running on the G7 forum for it the sprint unlock, this G8 thread doesn't seem to have nearly as much activity on it. And doesn't look like LG is being helpful with unlocking the boot loader.
I'm a bit sad, I put a lot of thought into which phone to get. We've only got the G8s locally, and it's not quite the same phone.
I'm going to return it and I guess burn the $100 in postage, return postage, restock fees etc. I'm not really happy to sit on it for another 6 months until someone works out an unlock for it. With my luck, someone will probably crack it next week after I send it off.
Unlock codes don't work on this phone.
There's no way to enter it.
Also. Suspicious post is suspicious.
It kinda sucks that this phone still can't be unlocked from Sprint using a 3rd party option. Because of the lack of attention, I'm afraid that LG phones might be leaving the scene just like HTC.
I ended up returning my g8 and getting a v40 new unlocked locally.
It's freaking enormous but we only got the g8s here which isn't any smaller.
Hence chasing the g8. I wanted something a sensible size.
My sprint phone have a major issue, it was randomly rebooting several times per day. I got sick of it and did a full reset, it made things even worse, I somehow lost the sprint boot up logo and now it just endlessly reboots until I shut it down completely.
Is there anyway to do flash it back to the original stock firmware?
My Sprint G8 (sim unlocked) from america is working with my Irish sim on GSM/UMTS only.........so no mobile data. There doesn't seem to be an option to add an APN.
It cost me 400 dollars including shipping and duties.............kinda expensive for a pocket camera!!!
Love the phone and will go to any lenghts to get it sorted.....but it's not looking good.
agent.m said:
I got my locked to Sprint. It works fine so far in the UK when I put my sim in it.
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I'd love to hear details......did you buy the phone from US seller or did you bring it to the UK yourself, after using it on Sprint in the US?
Did your UK SIM register on your UK provider and have you got mobile data?
Could you post some screenshot from your "about phone" menu and also your APN setting from your Network menu?
I can't get my Sprint G8 working in Ireland on my data network (works on GSM, calls and texts only)
Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk
I'm having the exact same issue with my LG G8
- As We only have G8s in EU, I bought AT&T G8 from US eBay. Used it for a month without any issues and then suddenly MM#6 error.
- Went to AT&T "unlock phone" page and entered my IMEI. It said the phone is lost or stolen.
- Contacted the eBay seller, they told it should be unlocked and sent me an unlock code. I entered the unlock menu (2945#*820#) and all options gave the same result "Phone is not Personalized", which should mean that there is no lock on the unit and I did not have an option to even enter the unlock code. But there is still the MM#6 error.
So a bit clueless as to what to do now and based on this thread it seems like there is no solution to this. The phone seems to be locked by some other method.
I have never owned an LG phone before and just wanted to try it out. Guess it's an expensive lesson :laugh:
edit: just after posting this, I got answer back from my carrier - the phone is blacklisted. So that's and anticlimactic end to the story :laugh:
It's a pity......the handset is amazing.
There are a community of people trying to get this sorted.
The problem seems to be that your phone is trying to register on the ATT network and it can't........and there is no way to change the settings needed for it to register onto your network.
Can you post a screenshot of your APN screen in Network Settings.
Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk
Bought a cheap Moto E 2020 from Tracfone on a whim. Didn't think it would be this difficult to get unlocked but I seem to hit a wall everywhere I look. Any info or tools you could point me to to unlock it without involving Tracfone would be appreciated.
I just go the same phone with the same deal. Upon some quick searching it looks like the bootloader is fairly locked down on this one. So you cannot root nor SIM unlock this particular Tracfone Moto E 2020. Other brand phones are easier to crack. Same issue I had with AT&T Note being unable to root while the same model Verizon phone was able to. Tracfone will unlock after 12 months and 1 day of service. In the meantime maybe someone will find a solution to rooting/unlocking the device.
If I get the PUK code and enter that into my phone does that allow me to unlock my bootloader?
SeanFromSoCal said:
I just go the same phone with the same deal. Upon some quick searching it looks like the bootloader is fairly locked down on this one. So you cannot root nor SIM unlock this particular Tracfone Moto E 2020. Other brand phones are easier to crack. Same issue I had with AT&T Note being unable to root while the same model Verizon phone was able to. Tracfone will unlock after 12 months and 1 day of service. In the meantime maybe someone will find a solution to rooting/unlocking the device.
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Interested to know about the 12 month 1 day of service statement. Where did you learn that information? Is it factual? Does it happenen automatically?
Best way I've heard is to use their TracFone unlock policy website. Should be an automated process once you've hit that 12 months (360 days) mark
Unlocking Compliance
www.tfwunlockpolicy.com
I still have a few months until mine is eligible.
I bought a 2020 Moto E from Walmart that is supposed to be for Walmart Family By T-Mobile but it turns out to be sold by TracFone and even has TracFone Splash screen when the phone starts.
The odd thing is that it gives you the option to activate it with about 12 different carriers but I want to use it with my existing T-Mobile Sim card but it won't work. I get the invalid sim card notice that the phone is locked to Tracfone.
I am assuming that if I was to open an account with Walmart Family for 1 month it would unlock the APN for T-Mobile.
Has anyone tried that?
Tracfone xt2052dl will unlock if you have a paid 12 month + 1 day service from Tracfone. The bundled talktime of 1000 min over 365 days does NOT count towards this limit. So after this bundled promo expire, one has to buy prepaid service from Tracfone for 1 year to get this phone unlocked. No other way currently possible to unlock.
I bought an 'unlocked' Moto E, and was able to use T-mobile SIM. I cannot do anything else to the phone as far as the OS that is running. I really wanted to go to Lineage, but have not found anything that would allow that.
Question is, can a Tracfone branded Moto E (xt2052dl) ever be able to have the OS changed? If so, how? OR, does tracfone prevent doing anything until the phone dies?