Develop Bugs

[Q] Unlock + questions

Hi,
I would like to unlock my T989. Although I've bought it at full price from Walmart I've got an email from T-mobile saying that "The device was not purchased from a T-Mobile USA retail store or authorized T-Mobile retailer." and I've decided not to battle them for 3 months and just do it myself.
I'm a newbie and the following questions might be silly.
1) I understand there is a software by z3x that unlocks the phone. Do I need an extra hardware for it (what is the z3x-box)? If so, what kind?
2) If I root the phone, will it be immediately unlocked?
3) Is there a free method to unlock this phone (assuming I'll root it successfully)?
Thanks!

bloodymeli said:
Hi,
I would like to unlock my T989. Although I've bought it at full price from Walmart I've got an email from T-mobile saying that "The device was not purchased from a T-Mobile USA retail store or authorized T-Mobile retailer." and I've decided not to battle them for 3 months and just do it myself.
I'm a newbie and the following questions might be silly.
1) I understand there is a software by z3x that unlocks the phone. Do I need an extra hardware for it (what is the z3x-box)? If so, what kind?
2) If I root the phone, will it be immediately unlocked?
3) Is there a free method to unlock this phone (assuming I'll root it successfully)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Option 3!
You can do it yourself, just follow the simple instructions :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024514
Sent from my SGH-T989D using xda premium

You could always just take the simple way and tell Tmobile your taking a trip to mexico in 3 weeks (Cuz itll take 2 weeks at the max for the manufacturer to send the code to tmobile) and you want to use a prepaid service down there but dont want to buy a new phone. I just did this today, but act like you dont know much about sim unlocking to be on the safe side. The lady tried to get my to buy a new phone from tmobile down in mexico or just let my phone roam and get international charges and i told her "Well im trying to use the same phone with a prepaid service down in mexico so i wont have to have any additional charges when i come back, I herd something about most phones being locked so will i be able to use the prepaid sim on my current phone?" and after that she mentioned sending me an unlock code.. She tried to play me like i didnt know anything about sim unlocking by telling me my options were buying a new phone down there or letting the charges rack up. Then tried to cut the conversation off short this was in the online chat. But if you keep asking questions and explaining you dont want a new phone or to let them add charges theyll eventually tell you about unlocking your phone and ask for you imei and email then youll have to wait for 2 weeks.
Hope i helped a few people, I tried the method above and it didnt work for me. So i took the longer route that will forsure unlock your phone. :good:

Curiously enough, I'm currently abroad.
I don't have a t-mobile account. I don't even need one according to their website. It's just annoying. But I feel like I'm tilting at windmills.
"If you paid full retail price for a device, you qualify to have the SIM subsidy unlock code provided you meet the following requirements:
The device must have been purchased at a T-Mobile retail store or authorized T-Mobile retailer.
The device must be paid for completely. You must be able to fax the proof of purchase to T-Mobile."
In any case, as I didn't get an answer in the other thread, do you happen to know
1) How do I boot into recovery mode? and how do I choose to flash a radio? Do I need to install a specific recovery software? I would really appreciate if somoeone will able to post a detailed "unlocking for dummies" guide, starting from an unrooted phone. A medal of honor will be given if the guide will start from a stock, unrooted phone.
2) I understand the latest version of the radio is UVLI. Should I use it or use the one that comes with my phone? (I would like as few problems as possible)?
TwoStax said:
You could always just take the simple way and tell Tmobile your taking a trip to mexico in 3 weeks (Cuz itll take 2 weeks at the max for the manufacturer to send the code to tmobile) and you want to use a prepaid service down there but dont want to buy a new phone. I just did this today, but act like you dont know much about sim unlocking to be on the safe side. The lady tried to get my to buy a new phone from tmobile down in mexico or just let my phone roam and get international charges and i told her "Well im trying to use the same phone with a prepaid service down in mexico so i wont have to have any additional charges when i come back, I herd something about most phones being locked so will i be able to use the prepaid sim on my current phone?" and after that she mentioned sending me an unlock code.. She tried to play me like i didnt know anything about sim unlocking by telling me my options were buying a new phone down there or letting the charges rack up. Then tried to cut the conversation off short this was in the online chat. But if you keep asking questions and explaining you dont want a new phone or to let them add charges theyll eventually tell you about unlocking your phone and ask for you imei and email then youll have to wait for 2 weeks.
Hope i helped a few people, I tried the method above and it didnt work for me. So i took the longer route that will forsure unlock your phone. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

You have step by step details in the post mentioned by DupleX01.
- install recovery
- install radio SGH-T989_UVLE1_radio
- unlock the phone
- done
- you can change the radio again (look in the dev area for several radio packages that work with T989) - optional if the phone works well
Here is a direct link to the post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=36417242&postcount=145
Thank mr_guan for his post if it helped.

[Q] network wont connect

I have my galaxy s3 through tmobile, and I used to be on my boyfriend's account. Well after we broke up, he reported my phone as stolen. Now I cant use my phone with any carrier, because apparently the IMEI number has been blacklisted. I have called tmobile to explain the situation, but they are not hearing it because I wasn't the account holder. Is there any way to go around this situation? They will not listen to me or believe me, even though I take my phone to them and show all of my data and proof that I have had it forever! Please help, because if I cant fix this then I will be out a lot of money that I do not have!!!

jessf said:
I have my galaxy s3 through tmobile, and I used to be on my boyfriend's account. Well after we broke up, he reported my phone as stolen. Now I cant use my phone with any carrier, because apparently the IMEI number has been blacklisted. I have called tmobile to explain the situation, but they are not hearing it because I wasn't the account holder. Is there any way to go around this situation? They will not listen to me or believe me, even though I take my phone to them and show all of my data and proof that I have had it forever! Please help, because if I cant fix this then I will be out a lot of money that I do not have!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'll bite the bullet on this one. It looks like you are screwed as your phone is blacklisted and most of the carriers are sharing lists, so you probably never be able to get service in the U.S. Your only real options, other than pursue legal action against BF/TMo, are to sell the phone to a non-U.S. party for them to use or part it out.
Good Luck with it.

Thread Cleaned. Do not spam the boards to get 10 posts.

T-MOBILE Samsung Galaxy Note 3 BAD IMEI

Hi, I recently bought a new samsung galaxy note 3 t-mobile on craigslist. everything worked perfectly fine and a few days later, my sim card didn't not work anymore, i couldn't make any calls or connect with my data plan. i asked t-mobile and basically the person who sold the phone to me called in t-mobile and reported it as stolen and not my phone is blocked from ever making calls and now it has a blocked imei.
I read on a lot of articles, is there a possible possible way to clean the imei or replace the imei or repair it? Please help. I'm really sad and I'm so lost. I want to be able to use my samsung galaxy note 3 t-mobile with my own simcard however, it's imei block. can someone be kind enough and helped me? I tried everything even the 1) Insert the desired SIM card you want to use unlocked into your device, and restart the phone.
2) Enter the code *#197328640# into the keypad and press send. 3) Go to Main Menu -> [1] UMTS -> [1] Debug Screen -> [8] Phone Control -> [6] Network Lock -> Options [3] Perso SHA256 OFF (after choosing this option, wait for at least 30 seconds)
overall nothing works? is there a place or show that can unblock my imei or someone repair it so i can use it on t-mobile. please help. thanks so much again.

Get your money back from the seller.
Other than using the phone on a different carrier than T-Mobile, there is no legal way to fix your problem.

elisecohenn1 said:
Hi, I recently bought a new samsung galaxy note 3 t-mobile on craigslist. everything worked perfectly fine and a few days later, my sim card didn't not work anymore, i couldn't make any calls or connect with my data plan. i asked t-mobile and basically the person who sold the phone to me called in t-mobile and reported it as stolen and not my phone is blocked from ever making calls and now it has a blocked imei.
I read on a lot of articles, is there a possible possible way to clean the imei or replace the imei or repair it? Please help. I'm really sad and I'm so lost. I want to be able to use my samsung galaxy note 3 t-mobile with my own simcard however, it's imei block. can someone be kind enough and helped me? I tried everything even the 1) Insert the desired SIM card you want to use unlocked into your device, and restart the phone.
2) Enter the code *#197328640# into the keypad and press send. 3) Go to Main Menu -> [1] UMTS -> [1] Debug Screen -> [8] Phone Control -> [6] Network Lock -> Options [3] Perso SHA256 OFF (after choosing this option, wait for at least 30 seconds)
overall nothing works? is there a place or show that can unblock my imei or someone repair it so i can use it on t-mobile. please help. thanks so much again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never ever go on Craigslist for a phone.
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3

Like someone said, theres no legal way to unblock that phone but PM me for my solution to when I had the same problem as you. Yours actually should be easier to fix lol
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app

krelvinaz said:
Get your money back from the seller.
Other than using the phone on a different carrier than T-Mobile, there is no legal way to fix your problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"I can't get my money back from the seller. I tried emailing them and calling them yet they refuse to pick up. I have never done any harm or done anything to inflict pain or evil upon the seller. I have done my part of the bargain by giving them the money, a fair exchange, yet in the end, these types of individuals use deceit and trickery.

BACARDILIMON said:
Never ever go on Craigslist for a phone.
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Thanks, now I know. I went to T-MOBILE and the only solution is through the other person's end. The owner would have to call T-MOBILE up and tell them that it's not stolen in order to make the "block imei" to "unblock." I wish there was a solution because there are so many incidences of these occurring to innocent individuals who just wants a simple and happy life with their newly bought phone. Sigh, I wish T-MOBILE had a way where they can offer ways for those in these sticky situations ? ):

Aaaaaaand do not mention anything regarding changing imei around here. Its very illegal and devs will mad and take actions
Sent from my hot tub time machine

elisecohenn1 said:
"Thanks, now I know. I went to T-MOBILE and the only solution is through the other person's end. The owner would have to call T-MOBILE up and tell them that it's not stolen in order to make the "block imei" to "unblock." I wish there was a solution similar to jailbreak or something because there are so many incidences of these occurring to innocent individuals who just wants a simple and happy life with their newly bought phone. Sigh, I wish T-MOBILE had a way where they can offer ways to unblock the imei. Or there was a special application for the google play store or something to issue us a new imei ? ):
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well u can go to cops with emails that you bought it off this guy and then he reported it stolen. U will have legal action and win.
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3

Yea I tried the whole cops ordeal on multiple occasions and it goes nowhere. Out of everything going on in life, I think cell phone theft will be at the bottom of their IDGAF files next to eating steaks for breakfast and cereal for dinner
Sent from my hot tub time machine

Keep googling their number and searching craigslist for stuff they sell. They might pop up some time. Then I'd thump them.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Should have met dude @ tmobile store and make sure everything was legit before paying for the phone, i bought mine off craigslist this way and have no problems. This is how you can tell if your dealing with a shady person or not is when there not willing to meet you in store,huge red flag right there!
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda premium

elisecohenn1 said:
Hi, I recently bought a new samsung galaxy note 3 t-mobile on craigslist...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are SOL, my friend. Never buy from Craigslist. Resell on eBay for parts. That's all you can do.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

Or switch to att network
---------- Post added at 06:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:33 AM ----------
Dattack said:
Or switch to att network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You said you have his number? Do a reverse ID check and sometimess you can get the full name for free

You can't switch to any network anymore. One it's black flagged on one network, the rest are SOl too.
Sent from my your mom's bedroom. Knock before you enter

BACARDILIMON said:
Never ever go on Craigslist for a phone.
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I normally agree with most of what you say but not with the above comment. So long as the buyer calls the network and gives them the IMEI number and has it associated with your existing account then on "their" system the phone is now yours regardless of what the seller does at a later date. The network will not block it.

Limeybastard said:
I normally agree with most of what you say but not with the above comment. So long as the buyer calls the network and gives them the IMEI number and has it associated with your existing account then on "their" system the phone is now yours regardless of what the seller does at a later date. The network will not block it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you think about it though. Why pay some guy let's say 300. And then have T-Mobile charge me for the phone so they can get they money. It not gonna happen. I say about 70% of the phones on Craigslist are stolen or a smuck is trying to make some money and scam you then report it stolen so he get fast cash. It is a dirty thing to do but it does happen unfortunately. The seller would have to satisfy TMOBILE first.
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3

BACARDILIMON said:
If you think about it though. Why pay some guy let's say 300. And then have T-Mobile charge me for the phone so they can get they money. It not gonna happen. I say about 70% of the phones on Craigslist are stolen or a smuck is trying to make some money and scam you then report it stolen so he get fast cash. It is a dirty thing to do but it does happen unfortunately. The seller would have to satisfy TMOBILE first.
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I sold my S4 on CL, the potential buyer called ATT and gave them the IMEI number and requested that this be put on his account prior to giving me the cash. He the buyer informed me that this way once the phone is registered to him then there will be no negative repercussions at a later date.

Limeybastard said:
When I sold my S4 on CL, the potential buyer called ATT and gave them the IMEI number and requested that this be put on his account prior to giving me the cash. He the buyer informed me that this way once the phone is registered to him then there will be no negative repercussions at a later date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but with jump program it no money down. TMOBILE will not transfer to a different owner. So it be like him getting the phone himself from them.
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3

BACARDILIMON said:
Yes but with jump program it no money down. TMOBILE will not transfer to a different owner. So it be like him getting the phone himself from them.
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, this was ATT so Jump was not in the equation. I am thinking if Jump was in the equation then T mobile would not allow the phone to be transferred until outstanding balance is paid off.

Limeybastard said:
Agreed, this was ATT so Jump was not in the equation. I am thinking if Jump was in the equation then T mobile would not allow the phone to be transferred until outstanding balance is paid off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all about money. It sucks but hey they love the money and we hate to give it to them lol
TWEAKED 1.0 NOTE 3

purchased locked phone.

So my girlfriend just purchased an S6 (sprint) and when she took it to the store to have it activated they couldn't do it because it was "locked"...some kind of carrier lock I'm assuming.. Like they owed sprint money or something? Obviously if it was a normal security lock than we could just do a factory reset but apparently that won't work.
So.. Anyone know anything about this and a way around it? I'm a Verizon user and have never heard of this kind of problem. Thanks for any help in advance.

topshot17 said:
So my girlfriend just purchased an S6 (sprint) and when she took it to the store to have it activated they couldn't do it because it was "locked"...some kind of carrier lock I'm assuming.. Like they owed sprint money or something? Obviously if it was a normal security lock than we could just do a factory reset but apparently that won't work.
So.. Anyone know anything about this and a way around it? I'm a Verizon user and have never heard of this kind of problem. Thanks for any help in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All carriers, including Verizon, have a carrier BLOCK not lock. A carrier lock means the device is locked to that carrier. What exactly did Sprint say? If the phone is blacklisted, which you can check on any ESN checker online, then it will never work on Sprint.
Where did she buy the phone at?

elesbb said:
All carriers, including Verizon, have a carrier BLOCK not lock. A carrier lock means the device is locked to that carrier. What exactly did Sprint say? If the phone is blacklisted, which you can check on any ESN checker online, then it will never work on Sprint.
Where did she buy the phone at?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm unsure what they told her exactly, besides that they can't activate it. Now what is the point of a carrier block? She got the phone off Craigslist.

topshot17 said:
I'm unsure what they told her exactly, besides that they can't activate it. Now what is the point of a carrier block? She got the phone off Craigslist.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. Its definitely carrier blocked. NEVER buy cell phones from Craigslist without first checking the ESN from Sprint directly. You are better off selling the device on eBay FOR PARTS.
The point of a carrier block is so people who steal, or fail to pay off their device, can not use it anymore, and thus rip off good people on craigslist and eBay.

elesbb said:
Yup. Its definitely carrier blocked. NEVER buy cell phones from Craigslist without first checking the ESN from Sprint directly. You are better off selling the device on eBay FOR PARTS.
The point of a carrier block is so people who steal, or fail to pay off their device, can not use it anymore, and thus rip off good people on craigslist and eBay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Joy. Problem with this phone is that it has a none removal back.. Can't look under the battery.. Can't get into the phone to check the ESN either without the previous owners Gmail account information.

topshot17 said:
Joy. Problem with this phone is that it has a none removal back.. Can't look under the battery.. Can't get into the phone to check the ESN either without the previous owners Gmail account information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That I believe is an FRP lock.. Totally different from a carrier block. But if you go into download mode, you can press the home key to view IMEI. But FRP lock, which is what you just described, can be bypassed.
Check out this video and follow it to a T. You may need to improvise do to different android versions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ8_qbj1DPQ
Hope it helps! If its just FRP locked, and not carrier blocked, then you should be okay to get it activated.

elesbb said:
That I believe is an FRP lock.. Totally different from a carrier block. But if you go into download mode, you can press the home key to view IMEI. But FRP lock, which is what you just described, can be bypassed.
Check out this video and follow it to a T. You may need to improvise do to different android versions.
Hope it helps! If its just FRP locked, and not carrier blocked, then you should be okay to get it activated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I'll check into it.

Saafir said:
The numbers for the device is located on the back panel, at the bottom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh it is.. So the phone did have an FRP lock on it but that was an easy fix.. But unfortunately it also has a carrier block due to an unpaid balance. Thanks for everyone's help.

topshot17 said:
Ahh it is.. So the phone did have an FRP lock on it but that was an easy fix.. But unfortunately it also has a carrier block due to an unpaid balance. Thanks for everyone's help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can't you contact the person who sold it to you? threatening to bring the police in might scare them into giving you a refund. If the phone had a FRP lock and its flagged, then im pretty sure the phone was stolen.

The Android Attorney said:
can't you contact the person who sold it to you? threatening to bring the police in might scare them into giving you a refund. If the phone had a FRP lock and its flagged, then im pretty sure the phone was stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah It more than likely was. It's pretty much a dead end.. My gf payed for it but her brother met the person somewhere for pickup.. Only contact information is an email address which they haven't responded too after the sale. Apparently the phone was dead when he picked it up. I personally would have put it on my car charger and powered it on before paying for it.. And got more information.. But oh well.. Now she knows to be more cautious and I'll probably handle any future used phone purchases for her.

Saafir said:
Shady stuff man. I hope you have better luck with Craigslist in the future. I try to steer clear of them, sort of like Ebay. You could always inquire on what the remaining balance is. If it's something stupid like $48, I would just pay it off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha yeah somehow I doubt it'll be anything under a few hundred.. Think I'll call and check just got kicks though.

topshot17 said:
Yeah It more than likely was. It's pretty much a dead end.. My gf payed for it but her brother met the person somewhere for pickup.. Only contact information is an email address which they haven't responded too after the sale. Apparently the phone was dead when he picked it up. I personally would have put it on my car charger and powered it on before paying for it.. And got more information.. But oh well.. Now she knows to be more cautious and I'll probably handle any future used phone purchases for her.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who buys a used cellphone without even physically checking it ?? I mean seriously ?...next time when buying atleast have a number of the seller and complete info of what u are buying atleast
Sent from my LG-H815 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Sprint Note10 plus help

hey guys, just bought a NOTE 10 PLUS from a friend dirt cheap since he cant unlock it. i tried to do the factory rest and now im stuck at the setup screen saying i need to varify myself. can you guys link me to the proper thread to download the firmware to flash with odin. theres so many varients that i need to ask for guidance. this is the N975U for the Sprint network. id like to just have it as a web browser if possible.

Simply return it to it's owner and they will be able to unlock it. Flash whatever you like, you won't be able to get around a frp lock.

The fact that 'the friend' is unable to unlock it makes it a bit suspicious...

Jeff202020 said:
hey guys, just bought a NOTE 10 PLUS from a friend dirt cheap since he cant unlock it. i tried to do the factory rest and now im stuck at the setup screen saying i need to varify myself. can you guys link me to the proper thread to download the firmware to flash with odin. theres so many varients that i need to ask for guidance. this is the N975U for the Sprint network. id like to just have it as a web browser if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully this will help for future encounters...
Before you buy/accept any Android device make sure the seller/owner of the phone does a factory data reset before he/she sells/gives it to you.
Performing the FDR will disable the FRP lock (Google Anti-theft Measure). As stated previously if the previous person doesn't do the phone will ask for the previous Google Account login information for verification. Without that information you won't be able to use, flash or Factory Data Reset the phone.

There is 100% a way to unlock it as previously mentioned, return it to its owner. Buying stolen goods is not a good idea, that is what we can learn from this.

Wish I would have known this was locked this way. Dont think its stolen.. just found. Oh well..... learned the hard way.

I'm sure you do but the owner didn't buy it just so you could get a sweet deal on a Note 10 Plus. Stolen or lost, it could easily be returned to it's owner.

Jeff202020 said:
This is a found phone over the holiday shopping spree. That's what I was told at least. I've been out of the flashing world for years and was not aware about these new security system with Google. Bought the dang thing for 200$ thinking I was getting a awesome deal by just flashing it. looks like I lost money. So there's no way to unlock it? I was also forwarded that he couldn't unlock the thing. I thought I'd stay quiet and use is in since he doesn't even know what it is. Lol. I might have shot myself in the foot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am I understanding this correct? Your friend found the phone (he didn't buy it nor did he actually own the phone, he just happened to find it) that you bought?
If so then that is in fact a stolen phone. Regardless of what your friend said if someone happened to loose the phone it does not mean it belongs to the person who found it. If the friend didn't make a reasonable effort to find the owner of the phone then they have committed theft by finding.
The correct and legal thing to do when you found a lost phone is if you see any sort of carrier branding on the phone (Verizon, AT&T or etc) take it to the nearest store matching the carrier branding. Inform them that the phone was found on the ground. They will be able to locate the appropriate owner. If you can't locate any branding you should take it to your local police department in case someone called it in as lost. If the phone was found at a local store, give the phone to the store in case someone comes looking for the phone they lost.
And the answer is no. The FRP lock is an anti-theft measure. Surrender the phone to the applicable provider or local authorities so the owner can claim the lost device. Your friend should be able to give your money back if they are your friend.

You have received your answer here and also here
Return it to the authorities as your posts about this are inconsistent
Thread closed and all other posts about this will be removed