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Each time I run though looking for more clues as to how to remove the network lock on my Sprint Galaxy S6 (SM-G920P) I come across this thread.
[GUIDE] SUCCESS!!! SIM Unlock Sprint Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge Plus, Note 5
https://forum.xda-developers.com/sp...de-success-sim-unlock-sprint-samsung-t3130294
However, the first post has been removed due to the poster promoting paid services.
I am interesting in finding out what was in that post, other than the paid service. I've been digging for days and I'm stuck. I'd really like to be able to use my S6 but it's stuck on the Sprint network. My post-pay plan is on Verizon. I tried contacting Sprint but since I don't have the account details where it was activated previously, they refuse to unlock it for me. I tried paying a service $6 to unlock it but they never responded. I can't afford one of the services that's $40, I'm between jobs.
Does anyone know what was in that thread before? Or can point me in the direction of a solution? I have no problems dealing with the technical side if I have a tiny bit of guidance. It would be very much appreciated.
Thanks!
If you're no longer under contract and have paid off your phone. Just call sprint to unlock your phone. They have to because it's the law.
The thread I was speaking of didn't include any technical information as I had anticipated. Perhaps at one point but not when it was removed.
Swaydude, thanks for the info. I'll contact Sprint again. Everywhere I've looked says the IMEI is clean. The phone wasn't mine originally. I got it from my sister when she got her S7 a while back. She doesn't remember her account information. Apparently it was originally setup through a boyfriend but she'd been paying it for the last year or so. I'm not sure. She's all over the place sometimes.
You can try a number of things. If you want to switch to Verizon, you need a Verizon compatible imei. You'll need to lie to them over the phone. It's best to just get the service setup on somebody's Verizon phone, then switch the SIM cards out. (Give them back theirs and install the one you setup in your own phone.) First you'll need to unlock your phone..if you're rooting then you need idoneapps 3.15 & 3.18. There's a lot of fake versions around the internet being shared, if you pm me I'll send you the real ones. There's also cheap services on eBay that allow remote access to your computer's usb ports. People can change your imei using these but you're not likely going to get an imei that's compatible with Sprint or Verizon from those services. It's important to understand the value your original imei carries because it's worth $60 and will work with all the service providers. Changing means there's no possible way to get it back without sending your phone to Samsung and that's a really unreliable place to expect repairs after you've rooted. To avoid this you should install the latest 5.1.1 update and pay for the new idoneapps. It works without root, and can unlock your phone without worries. The issue with this is getting your new apns to save properly. You might need to reboot for them to show up after you save them, sometimes it takes 2 or 3 times.. Or enter ##DATA## on your dialer, press tap on edit data profile, enter your msl code and then manually edit your apns from the profile menu. You'll need to download and flash the update from Odin and run the app with the imei package, it show do all the work for you apart from using Odin to downgrade. Also note that downgrading isn't that easy since the update binary level has to match the device level on specific partitions. This is why I suggest the latest 5.1.1 update from Sprint, because the app doesn't provide your msl on the newer updates without root.
You can use Z3X Samsung Tool Pro 27.2 or above. Just install it, select your phone model and you will see further instructions there itself. Just Google for the cracked/paid version.*If you get 'unlocking.... error.', you might need to flash old modem first.
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.
Click to expand...
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.
A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock. Needless to say, the phone is paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund).
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution within 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
TheDannemand said:
A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Needles to say, the phone was paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund). Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock.
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution with 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worst comes to worst, sell the phone on eBay while at the same time buying one of the mint LS998 V30+ for $320. Immediately convert to carrier unlocked US998, bootloader unlock and root.
In the eBay listing for this phone stress the T-Mobile band 71, blah, blah, blah -- which you don't need on AT&T MNVO, but would interest T-Mobile users.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
Worst comes to worst, sell the phone on eBay while at the same time buying one of the mint LS998 V30+ for $320. Immediately convert to carrier unlocked US998, bootloader unlock and root.
In the eBay listing for this phone stress the T-Mobile band 71, blah, blah, blah -- which you don't need on AT&T MNVO, but would interest T-Mobile users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, Chazz!
I had a suspicion you might suggest that :laugh:
But yes, that would have to be the outcome if I cannot solve it. I'll probably file an FCC complaint first, which michy21 reported had solved her problem. But again, there is no pushback from anybody, which is a positive.
The only attachment I have to this particular phone is my 2 year warranty, which gives me peace of mind. A phone bought used wouldn't have that (or any warranty).
Thanks again!
Edit: Actually, it's not quite true that I have no other attachment to this H932: If/when T-Mobile rolls out B71 in this area, I'll probably give them another try, as they generally have far better network speeds. AT&T service here is acceptable (and widespread) but doesn't blow me away. We only switched because TMO couldn't reach through our concrete brick walls. Red Pocket supports all four carriers, so I can switch to TMO network on my current plan to take advantage of B71.
So my hope is I won't have to part with this phone. AND that @runningnak3d will release H932 root later this year
TheDannemand said:
A small warning here for those who need to send a previously SIM unlocked H932 in for LG repair:
After breaking its glass back, I had to send my TMO V30+ in for repair at LG’s center in Texas. At the same time I asked them to replace the screen under warranty, since there was a small cluster of dead pixels just above the navigation bar. They did all that. Cost $88 (including free shipping) with 11 days turnaround.
They also managed to lose the SIM unlock which I had previously been granted by T-Mobile using their Device Unlock app. Realizing this could be a problem, I had included a letter to LG Repair where I begged them to preserve the SIM unlock. Needless to say, the phone is paid off and all bills were paid (including the extra month TMO auto-charged my credit card and refused to refund).
After receiving it back, my Red Pocket GSMA SIM (AT&T prepaid MVNO) only does 3G, not LTE. The TMO Device Unlock app says the phone is “network locked” and not eligible for unlock.
T-Mobile Customer Service first requested unlock instructions to be emailed to me. After 2 days I received an email saying I had to use the TMO Device Unlock app. Duh. After much experimenting on my own (including with my now inactive TMO SIM card) I went to the T-Mobile store where I bought the phone. They were keen to help, but unable to solve the problem. We did confirm that with an active TMO SIM, everything was fine.
I then called TMO Customer Service again, this time asking for Tier 2. Here they finally escalated the case and requested an unlock from LG and said to expect a solution within 72 hours.
Different from the issue reported by @michy21 in this thread mine is the SAME phone with the same IMEI; it was just wiped by LG repair in a way that lost the SIM unlock. OR it really is a new phone or motherboard and they transferred the IMEI.
I should add that there has been no pushback or reluctance to help from any T-Mobile staff. It’s just that the company has baked everything so hard into the Device Unlock app now, so no human is able to do anything.
The only lesson here is to never buy carrier devices -- as @ChazzMatt has been stressing all along, and as I had been practicing myself in my Nexus days. But unfortunately carrier devices are where the best deals are -- which is the only thing that made it possibly for me to buy this class of phone in the first place.
I'll update this thread with the final outcome. Fingers crossed. I’ll be traveling overseas soon, really hope to have it fixed before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That does not make sense at all. Has the device IMEI have changed at all? Was the actual logic board replaced? The answer is likely no. So why would the device be relocked by LG? You are giving them way too much credit.
More proof that the device should have remained unlocked is that you can access the device with your MNVO (ATT), if it was truly locked you would not able to get a signal or make a call under your MNVO at all. Sounds more like user error or a miss configuration of your carrier, or both.
Also you should not be trying to run a T-Mobile Specific device unlock app under a different carrier sim,
and it might just be reporting wrong information. Had this happen to me several times in the past, when the device was actually unlocked. You said yourself, you were able to use the device on (ATT)!
jblparisi said:
That does not make sense at all. Has the device IMEI have changed at all? Was the actual logic board replaced? The answer is likely no. So why would the device be relocked by LG? You are giving them way too much credit.
More proof that the device should have remained unlocked is that you can access the device with your MNVO (ATT), if it was truly locked you would not able to get a signal or make a call under your MNVO at all. Sounds more like user error or a miss configuration of your carrier, or both.
Also you should not be trying to run a T-Mobile Specific device unlock app under a different carrier sim,
and it might just be reporting wrong information. Had this happen to me several times in the past, when the device was actually unlocked. You said yourself, you were able to use the device on (ATT)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I understand where you come from. And no offense taken
The problem IS a SIM lock (or "network lock" as they call it). But not in the same way you're thinking where nothing works with an alien SIM. Both T-Mobile and LG have confirmed that.
Some details I didn't mention in my opening post (I meant to warn people here, not argue the matter):
1) LG warned me before they began repair that the phone would come back SIM locked, even though I'd included a letter asking if they could avoid it. I also talked to T-Mobile before sending it in, who said to just request an unlock code if needed (obviously that person was clueless).
2) I've seen other XDA users report how SIM locked V30s could connect on different networks, but NOT get LTE. That's what I am seeing too. One of my goals with visiting the T-Mobile store was to verify that there wasn't a problem with the phone itself preventing LTE. But once an active TMO SIM was inserted, everything works flawlessly.
3) I thought the same thing about not running the TMO Device Unlock app with the alien SIM inserted, but TMO's wording in the instructions they sent me are: "Before completing the steps below to unlock your device you must be connected to the internet via a cellular network in order to complete the steps", not mentioning it must be on TMO. And I DO have 3G internet with my Red Pocket SIM. Nevertheless, my second goal with visiting the T-Mobile store was so we could try the Device Unlock app with an active TMO SIM. And regardless of which SIM is inserted, the app reports that the phone is currently network locked and not eligible for unlock. When running this app on an unlocked phone, it shows the date of unlock -- even after a factory reset. They are obviously storing the lock/unlock state on the vendor, modem or carrier partitions or some such place. And on my phone it is in a locked state.
4) There is not much room for user configuration error here: The phone has been factory reset 5-6 times while testing this, with the only configuration being a Red Pocket APN. That same SIM and same APN work flawlessly in my Nexus 5 as well as my wife's V30 (also H932). Even if I mis-typed the APN, I wouldn't have done so 5-6 times -- and I would have caught it during one of the many times I verified the APN.
So I have no doubt that there is some form of network lock in place that is causing this. And again, T-Mobile and LG agree and have promised to solve it.
You are right that LG had no reason to replace the mainboard. But they did replace both the screen and the glass cover. I think it is possible that they sent me a refurbished phone with my IMEI transferred -- which would explain both their warning that the phone would come back locked, and why the Device Unlock app gets confused when seeing a blank (still locked) phone, but T-Mobile's IMEI database claims that the device is already unlocked (as I saw on the screen in the store).
So, we'll see if they manage to solve it or I have to sell this phone as suggested by Chazz.
Would paying a 3rd party carrier unlocking do the trick? Or does even that seem out of the question now? Before Frankensteining was a thing I did that so I could use an H931 on T-mo. It was $10 well spent as far as I was concerned.
jaysus145 said:
Would paying a 3rd party carrier unlocking do the trick? Or does even that seem out of the question now? Before Frankensteining was a thing I did that so I could use an H931 on T-mo. It was $10 well spent as far as I was concerned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the suggestion. I'd have no objection to that at all, but various reports on here had given me the impression that 3rd parties aren't able to unlock the H932 because TMO locked it down so hard (as is the case with Sprint, but for different technical reasons). I could be wrong about that, so definitely something to try.
Thanks again!
Update: It's been four days since I talked to T-Mobile and they promised to escalate my problem and request that LG provide a solution. They said to expect a response within 72 hours, but I haven't heard back from them.
But yesterday, when I tried popping in my Red Pocket SIM (it's in my Nexus 5 until this is solved) everything suddenly worked: Instant LTE, which stayed all day, even as I drove an hour away across town and worked there for a few hours (using hotspot), went on several errands, and back home all last night. LTE Discovery Log showed how it had switched seamlessly between towers, without ever losing LTE. I was certain they had fixed it, and was much relieved.
Then this morning, it had locked itself again. Phone had been on all night, clearly T-Mobile must have pushed another lock. Or rather: One of the TMO services/apps locked it after pulling TMOs servers. No amount of Network Resets, reboot or toggling Mobile Network settings have worked to get it back. I promised T-Mobile not to make any more attempts with the Device Unlock app as it messes things up for them, but I am sure it it would still say "Ineligible for unlock" even though the IMEI is clear in TMO's database (and listed as already unlocked).
As always, the same SIM gives perfect LTE service in my Nexus 5 and on my wife's V30, with the same APN.
I called T-Mobile Customer Care and was unable to persuade them to transfer me to Tier 2. But they did says to expect a call within a day.
It is almost certain I'll have to go the FCC complaint route. It's sad because T-Mobile is otherwise not a bad company. Probably just a small handful of idiots who got this "bright idea" how to protect TMO phones -- which ends up causing so much trouble for legitimate customers.
@jaysus145: Which Unlock service did you use? The ones I looked at which support T-mobile unlock cost $75-150 -- and they don't seem to guarantee success.
TheDannemand said:
@jaysus145: Which Unlock service did you use? The ones I looked at which support T-mobile unlock cost $75-150 -- and they don't seem to guarantee success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used celllunlocker.net, it cost me $10 to unlock my AT&T version, and took less then a day to complete.
jaysus145 said:
I used celllunlocker.net, it cost me $10 to unlock my AT&T version, and took less then a day to complete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
T-Mobile called me back yesterday and assured me they were still working on it and they would get this phone unlocked and please sit tight another day. They confirmed there was nothing on the phone's IMEI or my old account that should prevent it.
I'll check out unlocking services if it comes down to it.
Thanks again!
Final update on this (and solution):
T-Mobile solved the server side problem with a manager override, so that the Device Unlock app now says "Permanent Unlock approved". But it continued reporting "Unlock Failed" nevertheless. Some say because the phone is already unlocked, personally I think because the servers report the phone as previously unlocked. The app also says "Phone is currently network locked" when first running.
Notably, the connection problem persisted, and T-Mobile (after discussing with LG) said it had to be a bad SIM card or a problem with that SIM ICCID and my phone's ESN. As previously described, I get perfect connection and service using the same SIM in my Nexus 5 and in my wife's V30. T-Mobile said that was all they could do.
I then decided it was time to take the matter in my one hands. After much searching and countless Factory Resets and Network Settings Resets, I managed to get the phone working right with the following steps:
1) Remove Google account to disable Device Reset Protection.
2) Factory Reset from the Service Menu: *#546368#*932# (replace 932 with your model number, though this is likely a T-Mobile only problem). From there SVC Menu - Factory Reset (R&D Only). This takes quite a bit longer than normal Factory Reset.
3) Initial setup with WiFi, no Google account. No APN. Phone shows usual connection slowness.
4) Airplane mode, then WiFi on.
5) T-Mobile Device Unlock app, Permanent Unlock. Got the same "Unlock Failed, but Approved" message.
6) Enter APN.
7) Network Settings Reset (Android Settings - Reset menu). Wait for reset to complete. It may go straight to LTE already here.
8) Power off/on.
After this, everything is back to normal. Instant signal and LTE connection, even after subsequent Factory Reset. It's such a relief :laugh:
Edit: I should add that it is quite possible that not all of these steps are required. Probably the Service Menu Factory Reset was the key to undo what LG had done during the repair. I am merely listing all the steps which I used, and which brought my phone back to life.
Hi guys, I want to pre-order Samsung Galaxy Note 10 or Note10+ phone from carrier and unlock it for my local sim card. I'm trying to find the best variant for me, but I have noticed that there are a lot of different variants of this phone. Which one is the best choice for sim unlocking purposes or they have the same baseband hardware? Also I heard that some of them may be hard locked by carrier.
SM-N975F; SM-N975F/DS; SM-N975U; SM-N975U1; SM-N975W; SM-N9750/DS; SM-N975N; SM-N971U; SM-N971N; SM-N970F; SM-N970F/DS; SM-N970U; SM-N970U1; SM-N970W; SM-N9700/DS; SM-N970N; SM-N976F; SM-N976U; SM-N976N
Thanks
just a heads up.. new security is no joke.. i used an AT binary and ran a few commands on a n976v and it killed my imei completely.. i assume if u dont kno wat ur doin dont try urself as it seems a few wrong commands and ur done for
elliwigy said:
just a heads up.. new security is no joke.. i used an AT binary and ran a few commands on a n976v and it killed my imei completely.. i assume if u dont kno wat ur doin dont try urself as it seems a few wrong commands and ur done for
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DOH! Can you get it fixed? Samsung warranty?
Mr. Orange 645 said:
DOH! Can you get it fixed? Samsung warranty?
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i already got it replaced with a brand new one since it was still within the satisfaction guarantee
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk
elliwigy said:
i already got it replaced with a brand new one since it was still within the satisfaction guarantee
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk
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Good deal! Bet you were sweating it for a minute.
This whole thread looks like a scam. Users with only a few posts, posting huge amounts of text with various model number etc. Then linking to a website.
Stinks of a scam to me guys. I'm reporting it.
vinokirk said:
This whole thread looks like a scam. Users with only a few posts, posting huge amounts of text with various model number etc. Then linking to a website.
Stinks of a scam to me guys. I'm reporting it.
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the op was simply trying to ask what model he should buy that he can unlock and use with his local carrier... whats wrong with that?
Hi guys, can someone please explain how to enter sim unlock code? my note10+ us cellular phone does not ask for code for some reason(
I have made wipe, cache and dalvik cache cleaning but the problem still there.
how to activate pop up menu for entering code?
thnx
angelorodriguez said:
Hi guys, can someone please explain how to enter sim unlock code? my note10+ us cellular phone does not ask for code for some reason(
I have made wipe, cache and dalvik cache cleaning but the problem still there.
how to activate pop up menu for entering code?
thnx
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u sure it needs one? whats us cellulars device unlock policy
elliwigy said:
u sure it needs one? whats us cellulars device unlock policy
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it's so diffictult unfortunately, so I'm searching for other way
us cellular policy:
Eligibility
For devices capable of being unlocked, what are the eligibility requirements that need to be satisfied before a device may be unlocked?
The requesting party:
Must have an active account with U.S. Cellular or
Is a former customer who has fulfilled all financial obligations to U.S. Cellular or
Is an individual owner of an eligible device
Prepaid customers may have a pre-paid device unlocked any time after 12 months from the first activation of the device sought to be unlocked on the U.S. Cellular network
U.S. Cellular will not unlock devices that are lost, stolen or obtained fraudulently.
U.S. Cellular cannot unlock devices that have not been sold or provided by U.S. Cellular.
Due to compatibility, differences in technology, obsolescence and/or hardware/software limitations:
U.S. Cellular may not be able to unlock a device.
U.S. Cellular cannot guarantee that an unlocked device will operate on another carrier’s network and/or perform as it would on the U.S. Cellular network
Military Personal may have the device assigned to their account unlocked upon presentment of deployment papers for locations outside of the U.S. Cellular operating areas such as overseas provided the account has no past due balance.
angelorodriguez said:
it's so diffictult unfortunately, so I'm searching for other way
us cellular policy:
Eligibility
For devices capable of being unlocked, what are the eligibility requirements that need to be satisfied before a device may be unlocked?
The requesting party:
Must have an active account with U.S. Cellular or
Is a former customer who has fulfilled all financial obligations to U.S. Cellular or
Is an individual owner of an eligible device
Prepaid customers may have a pre-paid device unlocked any time after 12 months from the first activation of the device sought to be unlocked on the U.S. Cellular network
U.S. Cellular will not unlock devices that are lost, stolen or obtained fraudulently.
U.S. Cellular cannot unlock devices that have not been sold or provided by U.S. Cellular.
Due to compatibility, differences in technology, obsolescence and/or hardware/software limitations:
U.S. Cellular may not be able to unlock a device.
U.S. Cellular cannot guarantee that an unlocked device will operate on another carrierâ€[emoji769]s network and/or perform as it would on the U.S. Cellular network
Military Personal may have the device assigned to their account unlocked upon presentment of deployment papers for locations outside of the U.S. Cellular operating areas such as overseas provided the account has no past due balance.
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i used to work for us cellular years ago and at the time their 4g lte devices were already unlocked.. unless they changed it since then..
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
elliwigy said:
i used to work for us cellular years ago and at the time their 4g lte devices were already unlocked.. unless they changed it since then..
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
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at this moment it's really difficult to get sim unlock directly from us cellular because they have changed sim unlokcing policy(
I own us cellular phone as well and will search for third party service
antonyrufbago said:
I have tried to get unlock code for my note 10+ directly from Sprint support but they refused without any explanation why( any suggestions?
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One possible explanation could be "I'm going to England on vacation and want to use a local SIM card for service while I'm there."
antonyrufbago said:
I have tried to get unlock code for my note 10+ directly from Sprint support but they refused without any explanation why( any suggestions?
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I will second guyd's recommendation. The reason in your case might be you haven't had an account long enough, or the phone long enough with the account you have, or something along those lines. I remember a carrier I was on (AT&T or Tmobile) used to have a 6 month period if on a prepaid account, or similar restrictions. But I actually got the code sooner than that just by asking. But I think I was maybe 3 months into the period on a long standing account where I hadn't had any other phones unlocked.
But the way people used to try to get around that was by making the request related to international traveling. But it wasn't 100%. Some people would try a few times before it working.
I also think people reported that using chat worked better than calling, or the other way around.
they all liars, i tried unlock my phone i paid $13 After 25 hours they send me code did not work at all and now im trying get money back
antonyrufbago said:
I have tried to get unlock code for my note 10+ directly from Sprint support but they refused without any explanation why( any suggestions?
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Click to collapse
you cant just call in and get a unlock code lol... the sprint department i work in is customer account services which handles all those calls.. Sprint along with every other carrier sees device unlocking as achurn clue since typically people want to unlock to use their phones on another carrier sothey give themselves that "last chance" to save a customer.
with that being said, no one u can talk to over the phone at sprint has the ability to unlock phones... they create a case which goes to a dedicated back office team that goes and unlocks it on the back end.
They will notify you via whichever means you requested when the case is created. It typically will take 1 to 3 business days unless they are backlogged at which point it can take up to 5 business days.
This is all of course assuming you meet the requirements which typically means device is fully paid off, phone has been active on Sprint at least 50 days (i think its 50 if i can recall) and account is in good standing i.e. not in collections or suspended for non pay etc etc.
Its done on the backend servers so usually just need the phone to b turned on and connected to the internet. I believe they also send you a code.
All they can do over the phone is create the case and check in the system if its unlocked or not.
guyd said:
One possible explanation could be "I'm going to England on vacation and want to use a local SIM card for service while I'm there."
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tgen they will only submit a request for intl sim unlock and not domestic lol
serhioalmadarez said:
Sprint support is really sucks( I have sent a numerous messages as well but they responding with canned messages and reffering to their horrible policy:
Sprint Postpaid Devices
Sprint will unlock a device from Sprint's network under the following circumstances:
The device is SIM Unlock capable
The device must be or have been active on the Sprint network for a minimum of 50 days
Any associated Service Agreement (or any Minimum Service Term, where applicable), Installment Billing Agreement, or Lease Agreement has been fulfilled including, but not limited to, payment in full of any applicable: 1) early termination fees, 2) accelerated installment or lease payments, and/or 3) end-of-lease purchase options. Because leased devices are not owned by the user, the end of lease purchase option must be exercised and paid in full before the SIM unlock is completed.
The associated account is in good standing
The device has not been reported as lost or stolen, associated with fraudulent activity, or otherwise flagged as ineligible to be unlocked
For SIM unlock-capable devices (generally most devices launched after February 2015), Sprint will automatically unlock postpaid devices when they becomes eligible.
Sprint Forward Devices
Sprint Prepaid will assist with unlocking a Sprint Forward device under the following circumstances:
The device has not been reported as lost or stolen or otherwise flagged as ineligible to be unlocked.
The device has been active on the associated account for at least 12 months with the account active at that time.
Sprint Forward customers must contact Customer Care to request that their device be unlocked. If you believe you meet the above requirements and would like to request that your SIM unlock-capable device be unlocked, contact Sprint Prepaid Customer Care.
I think I will search for unlocking solution online
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i think that rep did a great job explaining the exact policy in detail which is more than what most get.
If you a gripe its not the reps fault, they are just doing their job and adhering to Sprints policies and procedures.
sanchezpersetto said:
I called them yesterday five times. After a lot of discussion about why I wanted to leave Sprint she provided me "domestic" unlock codes but told me they would not work on any US network. According to Sprint's information on their legal site she is right. At the 2nd paragraph in the top section “Unlock your Sprint device” and the 5th paragraph under the “Unlocking FAQs”. I’m so frustrated with the hassle and finger pointing from Sprint. After the law passed last summer I'm not sure how they can make their software where it stops the phone from working on another network? The are basically spinning the law language and saying that “Sprint has no technological process available to do this”! Well come UP WITH A PROCESS SPRINT!!! I’m hating them more by the minute.
According to Samsung today they say they have nothing to do with it and it is totally up to Sprint. Sprints says it is the way their phones were manufactured to work for them by Samsung. Is this all just BS to keep you from leaving Sprint?
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i assume the code they provided is probably an msl code or somethin that doesnt fully unlock the device.. im suprised they did that for you, you should be greatful lol
bianciadellino said:
In my opinion it is all a shame on Sprint's part. They have internal policy that keeps them from contacting Samsung to actually unlock the phones. So if you meet all of their criteria and they will give you a code. That makes it look like to the press and FCC they are complying voluntarily but actually refuse to let Samsung unlock your Note10 for domestic use. The reason I believe this is how it would work is that no competing carrier can enter the 8 digit code on your Note10 screen. That method with placing the code is exactly the way sprint does it when you need an international unlock to use it in Europe or other countries!!!! They have instructed Samsung to only allow it to unlock for foreign carriers yet they say on their legal page..."Sprint has no technological process available to do this" while they appear to by complying with the FCC directive. I just really love this statement on the legal page referenced above "Even if unlocked, Sprint devices will not necessarily work on another carrier's network." NO THEY WON'T WORK BECAUSE SPRINT WON'T LET THEM WORK!!! How stupid do they think American customers are? I guess pretty stupid since they are getting away with it. Shame on you, Sprint
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Really? lol i mean i dont have sprint for coverage reasons but you make it spund like theyre the only company with policies like this.
How do you think myself and other big red users feel when they implemented their new unlock policies? Verizon requires the phone to be activated on the verizon network then you must wait 2 months for an unlock regardless (unless military or govt) and they originally had an agreement with the fcc but managed to get out if it early.
I reiterate Sprint does not have the means to fully sim unlock a device on the spot but do have a means to generate an msl code or other unlock code but as youre aware its a way to fully unlock the device.
And its also a fact that just bcuz a phone gets unlocked doesnt mean itll work everywhere, this is with any device with any company. Sprint cannot guarantee someone elses network lol. If you choose to leave a d tale ur phone why would they guarantee it? They wouldve been dead in the water lol
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?
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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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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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I personally use samkey.org