Develop Bugs

[Q] Can I Use My Rooted SGS2 In Europe?

Hi All,
Does anyone know if I can use my rooted SGS2 over in Europe? Specifically I'm using a rooted T989 running TDJ's Darkside Evolution 3 v7 with the venom kernel and the Touch0Color theme. I'm going to the Netherlands, where I think I can just get a local Tmobile (NL) sim and be fine, and the Romania, where I believe the phone will work on the Orange network.
Since the phone is rooted, it should also be unlocked, so there shouldn't be a hitch in just switching the sim and being up and running, correct?
Any thoughts, and especially first hand experience, would be appreciated.
I just want to make sure I'm not missing something completely obvious that makes simply buying the cheap $15 throw away the better option.
Thanks,

That's correct. Just call tmo for the unlock code...tell them the truth-you're going overseas. When you get there get a local SIM and pop it in.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app

your phone should work in with any gsm carrier to make phone calls but your phone has to be unlocked. I dont know how the data will work since most gms carriers frequency bands are different from Tmobile's.

Ok, so I went to T-Mobile as instructed, and they said they would get back to me in 14 days (I know, right?). So they just sent me the below.
What should I do? I'm still wondering if the phone is just blanket unlocked as a result of the root and the new rom, but I'd prefer not to go buy a prepaid AT&T sim to find out. Can anyone out there advise?
Here's what T-Mobile sent me.
BEGIN
T-Mobile Phone #: 5********9
T-Mobile Sim Unlock Request
Sim Unlock Reference: 5*****6
IMEI: 3*************0
Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide the unlock code at this time. After review of the account we have determined that the device is not in use with the corresponding mobile number. T-Mobile policies and procedures state that the device must be in use on the mobile number requesting the unlock code. If this is a new device please allow 3-4 business days prior to submitting a new request to allow your usage to update in our system.
Thank you,
SIM Unlock Department
Thank You,
Sim Unlock Department
T-Mobile USA, Inc.
END
I checked the numbers twice, and they are correct. But, obviously, I'm using the number with the phone on t-mobile without a hitch ...
So I called T-mobile, and asked what's what. They said that they couldn't even see what my phone was on the system, and then suggested that I call Samsung. Samsung said that they couldn't verify ownership of the phone and said to call tmobile. So I'm wondering what's going on here. The tmobile rep did say that she doesn't think that I'd be able to use an AT&T sim even though I rooted my phone. How would they know though, isn't the normal android stuff unlocked?
Any thoughts?

"rooted" and "unlocked" are not same terms.
I have rooted my phone and requested Unlock code from t-mobile before my trip to russia. Their policies state that you have to be t-mobile's customer for at least 40 days.(though because of circumstances they gave it to me on 39th day)
In russia I bought local sim card, slip it in my S2, followed an instructions provided by t-mobile and had no problems to place/receive calls and use an Internet. Though speed was 3G.

First, Rooted it doesn't mean Unlocked! They are 2 different operations.
You can be Rooted but NOT Unlocked, you can be Unlocked but NOT Rooted
and you can be Rooted AND Unlocked.
That being said, I beleive you have to be on Stock ROM when you
request the unlock code. With a custom ROM they don't recognize
your phone.....
If you don't want to flash back to stock until you get the code, then I would
go to a local cell phone store (not a company, just a local that sells
phones for all major carriers) and ask them to unlock it for you.
It should take about 5 min. and should cost about $20.
You can also go in Romania and unlock it there for about $5.
I know nothing about Netherlands, but it should be the same.....
Good luck and have a nice vacation.

[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.

Google Pixel XL Sim Lock EE UK

Hello, I bought this phone on ebay, but I had not seen that the latter is blocked on the operator EE UK
Do you know how to unblock this phone knowing that I have unlocked the bootloader, and install a rom stock, and that it keeps blocking?
Sorry for the translation, but it's Google

Go on eBay for a unlock code very cheap

Apparently the codes do not work with this phone, it takes another method

On sorry mate don't know, update us when you find a way.

Contact ee they have to unlock it by consumer law protection even if you didn't buy it from them

ravi_gandhi said:
Contact ee they have to unlock it by consumer law protection even if you didn't buy it from them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this true? anyone managed to successfully get them to do this? My understanding is even though you are not the original owner, because the handset is so new, they wont unlock till at least 6 months later.

6 months is differed ownership only for people in contract with them, and you own the phone so yeah the 6 months doesn't apply to you, if you contact them just say i bought the phone without contract. Also you can fill in a form on their website and request a unlock for a fee of £8.99

If you're from the UK take it to your local EE shop should unlock it for you, By law they can't refuse don't know if they charge or not but shouldn't be more then £10
Don't know how it would work overseas :crying:

EE
same here
called EE , refuse to unlock b4 6 months
doesnt matter if u r on contract or PAYG
no solution around?

ac-milan said:
same here
called EE , refuse to unlock b4 6 months
doesnt matter if u r on contract or PAYG
no solution around?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you not tried using the dePixel8 method and reflashing the stock EU ROM?

vkh2k1 said:
Have you not tried using the dePixel8 method and reflashing the stock EU ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are confusing bootloader lock with carrier SIM lock. Unlocking the bootloader and flashing any ROM will have no effect on carrier SIM lock.

cam30era said:
You are confusing bootloader lock with carrier SIM lock. Unlocking the bootloader and flashing any ROM will have no effect on carrier SIM lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh! what a pain that is then! Wonder if the software updates have to be pushed by EE as well !

vkh2k1 said:
Oh! what a pain that is then! Wonder if the software updates have to be pushed by EE as well !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, Google.
Google control the unlock too. It now works like Apple's remote unlocks. So this allows them to update the EE models same as the others whilst maintain control of the sim lock for EE. EE have to request the IMEI of the device has its Sim Lock flag unlocked and then Google push the unlock to the device. It's why there is no way of generating a third party unlock code
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

If that's the case then Google can go to h..l. I've bought a Pixel XL from EE mainly because there was none available elswhere. Nobody told me it was locked. Now I want to use it on other networks and absolutely can't unlock it. Not until 6 month's have passed.
After owning Samsung devices for 2 years in a row I thought it would be refreshing to use a pixel and buy one but Google just fu...d it up for me and others.
I'm selling this device and Google can forget about me as a customer.

Robi-K said:
If that's the case then Google can go to h..l. I've bought a Pixel XL from EE mainly because there was none available elswhere. Nobody told me it was locked. Now I want to use it on other networks and absolutely can't unlock it. Not until 6 month's have passed.
After owning Samsung devices for 2 years in a row I thought it would be refreshing to use a pixel and buy one but Google just fu...d it up for me and others.
I'm selling this device and Google can forget about me as a customer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whilst Google are responsible for pushing the unlock at EE's request, that is only because if the exclusive deal EE negotiated.
EE are by far the most strict mobile network in the UK when it comes to unlocking devices on their network and the most customer unfriendly.
Had any of us known that before we purchased these Pixels that turned out to be on EE then I am sure we would not have bought them.
However the fault here is both ours for not researching more before purchase (in my case the reseller essentially missold me) and moreover the fault of EE (for being the biggest ****fest carrier). Google are the lesser at fault here.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

i can unlock google pixel ee block if u have bootloader unlocked or u havent updated to 7.1.1 who pached the unlocking depixel method.

warrior26ro said:
i can unlock google pixel ee block if u have bootloader unlocked or u havent updated to 7.1.1 who pached the unlocking depixel method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any way to downgrade back to 7.1.1 for this method? I stupidly ordered one from eBay not realising about the unlock so now I'm going to be stuck with it for a while if not

there is no method to unlock bootloader for 7.1.1 at this moment but im sure will be very soon.

Hi all, I am back in the UK (British Citizen) and decided to buy a Google Pixel XL which I done so 25 hours ago (yesterday). I am heading back to Australia on Friday 17th and I will be using my new Pixel phone in Oz on another network. I paid 690GBP for the phone yesterday, plus new SIM and credit and was advised if it's locked they would unlock it online for around 8GBP. Of course, as I paid full price for the phone, I wholly own the phone to do whatever I please to do with it. So I have called EE and advised that I am travelling to Australia for a length of time and will need to purchase a local SIM in Australia to use whilst there. They advise me that they will not unlock the phone until 6 months after the purchase date, which of course is absurd.
It looks like I will be returning the phone first thing tomorrow morning and buying the same phone again from PC world or similar. Unless anyone can advise a way around this before then which I doubt is possible, having read the posts here in this thread. I updated to 7.1.1 as soon as the phone said it was available. The great thing about UK consumer rights, law is that we are protected to allow us to return goods to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Completely absurd!

dieselboy said:
Hi all, I am back in the UK (British Citizen) and decided to buy a Google Pixel XL which I done so 25 hours ago (yesterday). I am heading back to Australia on Friday 17th and I will be using my new Pixel phone in Oz on another network. I paid 690GBP for the phone yesterday, plus new SIM and credit and was advised if it's locked they would unlock it online for around 8GBP. Of course, as I paid full price for the phone, I wholly own the phone to do whatever I please to do with it. So I have called EE and advised that I am travelling to Australia for a length of time and will need to purchase a local SIM in Australia to use whilst there. They advise me that they will not unlock the phone until 6 months after the purchase date, which of course is absurd.
It looks like I will be returning the phone first thing tomorrow morning and buying the same phone again from PC world or similar. Unless anyone can advise a way around this before then which I doubt is possible, having read the posts here in this thread. I updated to 7.1.1 as soon as the phone said it was available. The great thing about UK consumer rights, law is that we are protected to allow us to return goods to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Completely absurd!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do EE sell them on pre-pay ?
They only sell them on contract. It's in their terms and conditions that they will only unlock a contract phone after its 6 months old.
Even if you bought the phone off someone else, it just means they sold you a phone that was originally a contract / upgrade.
If you bought it from a shop as NEW and unlocked or labelled as EE PAYG, take it back as the phone simply can not be PAYG on EE.
However if when you bought it and it was labeled as locked to EE then it is up to the store if they will take it back. You don't have an automatic right for a 'change of mind', you would have to prove you were missold.
Many of us have made the mistake ... Sadly
If they do accept the return, take it and buy an unlocked model from Carphone warehouse or PC World/Curry's. Good luck.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

SIM unlock lost by LG repair - hard to get back

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.
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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.
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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.

Verizon unable to unlock my SM-N976V phone

Please move it to correct forum if this is not the right one.
I bought Samsung Galaxy Note Plus 10 5G in Oct 2019 from Verizon (all paid). I ported my number from Verizon to AT&T 5 days ago (after 9 months of using it with Verizon). My account is disconnected from Verizon and I have received the port is completed e-mail from them. AT&T has confirmed that the sim is fully activated.
But Guess what, When I put the sim in mobile it says another carrier is not allowed to be used on this phone ! For last 4 days I have wasted more than 10 hours staying in Verizon store and on call with customer care and they have no idea what is going on ! Customer care says the phone is fully unlocked. After 3 days of constant trying one of the representative said you have to reactivate the old account again and then try unlock again from the backend (which I have no control of !) . And, guess what, none of those good people are reactivating the account.
Verizon store guy doesn't help, just says talk to customer care and customer care says its unlocked so they can't do anything.
What should I do ?

About the only things I can suggest are:
If you have flashed firmware that is not the Verizon carrier firmware then flash it back to Verizon carrier firmware.
If you have disabled any carrier applications on the phone please re-enable them.
Make sure they are attempting to unlock the phone while you are within native Verizon coverage
I am not sure if a non-carrier branded firmware exists for the Note 10+ 5G, but non-carrier firmware has caused network unlocking issues before. The second idea is just in case you may have used a package disabler and disabled something necessary for network unlocking the phone. Last one is from past experiences where I wasn't able to complete phone activation because I wasn't within Verizon's native coverage area. The coverage I was in, while not roaming (or extended area) was not actually native Verizon coverage... I would tend to believe this would possibly be the same for network unlocking the phone.
Otherwise get a hold of Verizon and hound them to get it unlocked. Not much else can be done really... If the phone qualifies for being unlocked they should unlock it.

Filed fcc complaint
I have filed FCC complaint. I never changed anything in the mobile (didn't even know firmware flash was a thing until now when I started looking for solutions), used it for general purpose. I am in the same area where I bought it. Verizon store guy tried everything from simple reset to factory reset wiping everything out but nothing worked.
I have also ordered a prepaid Verizon sim. I will put that in and will try to get the phone unlocked.
I will post my results after 2-3 days.
Thanks for the quick reply !
scottusa2008 said:
About the only things I can suggest are:
If you have flashed firmware that is not the Verizon carrier firmware then flash it back to Verizon carrier firmware.
If you have disabled any carrier applications on the phone please re-enable them.
Make sure they are attempting to unlock the phone while you are within native Verizon coverage
I am not sure if a non-carrier branded firmware exists for the Note 10+ 5G, but non-carrier firmware has caused network unlocking issues before. The second idea is just in case you may have used a package disabler and disabled something necessary for network unlocking the phone. Last one is from past experiences where I wasn't able to complete phone activation because I wasn't within Verizon's native coverage area. The coverage I was in, while not roaming (or extended area) was not actually native Verizon coverage... I would tend to believe this would possibly be the same for network unlocking the phone.
Otherwise get a hold of Verizon and hound them to get it unlocked. Not much else can be done really... If the phone qualifies for being unlocked they should unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Got it resolved.
Final Update:
Since I had filed FCC complaint online, Verizon Executive Relations department contacted me and She was able to unlock from her side with the help of 'Technical Management' employee on call.
dagarwal82 said:
I have filed FCC complaint. I never changed anything in the mobile (didn't even know firmware flash was a thing until now when I started looking for solutions), used it for general purpose. I am in the same area where I bought it. Verizon store guy tried everything from simple reset to factory reset wiping everything out but nothing worked.
I have also ordered a prepaid Verizon sim. I will put that in and will try to get the phone unlocked.
I will post my results after 2-3 days.
Thanks for the quick reply !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse