Develop Bugs

[Q] How does one come up with an unlock code for any carrier based on the imei??

Hi all,
I am well aware that this has been asked before, let me start off. I'm also aware that this hasn't been answered yet. I am trying to unlock 2 slides for use on any network but they are not activated so I cannot just call t-mobile for the unlock codes. I would rather not have to pay some website for something that may or may not be successful also, so I am reaching out to the brightest people I know over at XDA because hey, if anyone knows its you guys...
I guess the question is How do these sites, t-mobile, or anyone else for that matter calculate or "come up with" these unlock codes based on the phones IMEI number? There has to be some sort of mathematical equation or more likely, some program which makes this happen. I have asked for unlock codes before for going to Mexico and its always a PITA dealing with customer service reps. these are for sale so i doubt they would be very receptive anyway.
Thanks to everyone in advance.

Well I guess no one here knows or would rather not give out the secret. Honestly, the programs that a lot of those places use to determine the subsidary unlock code more or less just takes a 'guess'. It uses certain criteria to figure out the code, the imei number is most peoples guess but I've seen a program (actually listed on the front page of XDA) that can change the imei number - so I doubt it's that. Why would I say the software just takes a guess? Well...
When you look at the disclaimer on those sites it will say something to the effect that the codes are not guranteed to work, or that there is the "occasional" phone that can't be unlocked by them. There probably is no software, they just have a business contract with carriers to sell the codes so they both make profit off of something that's legally free. Also, call your carrier, they can't unlock every phone they carry - go ahead, ask them if they can. A smart tech will inform you that it's impossible because the manufacturer failed to provide them with the code. If you truly want the unlock code, you have to call the manufacturer, like HTC. Carriers only have to provide you with the subsidary unlock code if they have it, otherwise you're screwed, that law has no standing with the manufacturer.
I will say though, there is an equation used to generate the codes but it could vary model to model or company to company. If you can find a smart enough person with enough time on their hands you would be loved by everyone in the phone world.

Thanks
KCRic said:
Well I guess no one here knows or would rather not give out the secret. Honestly, the programs that a lot of those places use to determine the subsidary unlock code more or less just takes a 'guess'. It uses certain criteria to figure out the code, the imei number is most peoples guess but I've seen a program (actually listed on the front page of XDA) that can change the imei number - so I doubt it's that. Why would I say the software just takes a guess? Well...
When you look at the disclaimer on those sites it will say something to the effect that the codes are not guranteed to work, or that there is the "occasional" phone that can't be unlocked by them. There probably is no software, they just have a business contract with carriers to sell the codes so they both make profit off of something that's legally free. Also, call your carrier, they can't unlock every phone they carry - go ahead, ask them if they can. A smart tech will inform you that it's impossible because the manufacturer failed to provide them with the code. If you truly want the unlock code, you have to call the manufacturer, like HTC. Carriers only have to provide you with the subsidary unlock code if they have it, otherwise you're screwed, that law has no standing with the manufacturer.
I will say though, there is an equation used to generate the codes but it could vary model to model or company to company. If you can find a smart enough person with enough time on their hands you would be loved by everyone in the phone world.
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thank you for that explanation. i figured as much just from years of wanting to unlock my devices and only recently being able to demand it from the carrier. The new law stating that we may unlock and "jailbreak" our devices is a tweakers dream come true but it doesnt help much with unactivgated devices unless you wish to pay for it. I would still like to know how they do it, but rather I would like to meet some body with that free time, general know how and resources to find these unlock codes or even, better yet make a market app available for download for $20 bucks. im sure people would pay it.
How many times have i owed T-mobile money and wanted to slap a cingular chip or even att in there (now the same company)? somebody will simplify this. maybe this thread will get the ball rolling. Either way, inquiring minds need to know.
XDA - I'm calling you out. Who can do this?????

How to unlock Samsung Exhilarate i577 for free?

Hi,
Is there any way to network unlock Samsung Exhilarate i577 for free?
I have searched it over the internet and all I can find are the websites offering the paid Unlock code.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks.

Aaman.Chawlaa said:
Hi,
Is there any way to network unlock Samsung Exhilarate i577 for free?
I have searched it over the internet and all I can find are the websites offering the paid Unlock code.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aaman:
As far as I know, the only way to unlock it for free, is to contact AT&T and explain why you need it unlocked. They will unlock it for certain specific reasons. They include (but are not limited to) the following:
1) Corporate user who travels internationally - your phone must be on a corporate account, not personal
2) Private user (personal account) who's contract has expired
3) Private user who travels internationally (even if only occasionally), and has been a long standing customer with AT&T, and is not likely to switch carriers on a whim
4) Military person who is on a personal "military" contract and has a need to travel internationally, even if only occasionally
There is no real reason to unlock your phone unless you are an international traveler. AT&T and other companies do not like to unlock their phones (especially if you are on a contact w/ them) because they are afraid that you'll switch to another carrier with your expensive phone that they gave you at a deep discount by agreeing to stay with them for a minimum of two years.
Also, to unlock the phone, you need to have another company's SIM card to complete the unlock process.
Other than that, you'll need to pay someone (some company) to do it. This usually involves sending your phone in. However, I can not and will not recommend any of them as I don't know anything about those companies. You're on your own if you decide to take that route.
V/R
BlackWolf

So, i'll have to go the hard way of purchasing the code through a website
Thanks for the information.

Aaman.Chawlaa said:
So, i'll have to go the hard way of purchasing the code through a website
Thanks for the information.
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Click to collapse
I'd still try and see if you can't get AT&T to unlock it - it takes a few days if they agree - they'll send you an e-mail with the unlock code for your phone if they agree.
If not, be aware that some of those sites that promise to "unlock" phones are scam sites.
V/R
BlackWolf

Will buy it from eBay. Thanks.

Carrier Unlock T-Mobile? Where to get used SIM?

I got ahold of a used t-mobile z2 force. Considering I'm still using a 2012 phone, this will be quite an upgrade for me. I tried the t-mobile app to carrier unlock but no luck. From reading here, it seems there are two options.
#1 - Get new a prepaid sim, activiate, then add $100 credit, wait a few days, then try the app again, eventually it will work.
#2 - Get/Borrow a used sim (doesn't matter if prepaid), put it in the phone, wait a few days, then try the app again, eventually it will work.
Am I right?
If so, any suggestions where to find a used sim? I tried ebay and they're all new and unactivated. Or maybe someone here did option 1 and doesn't need their sim anymore, PM me.
I looked into option #1 myself but at $3/month for voice/text only, it's not real useful to me as I use hangouts/voice for voice & text, all I really need is data. And with the prepaid unlimited I'd use up my $100 in two months, kinda a waste imo.

What error message did you receive? There are two kinds; the device is not eligible for an unlock or the device is unknown.

Unlock Failed: This mobile device is not eligible for unlock. For device Unlock eligibility details, please go online or contact Customer Care.

That error means the device is recognized by the server and can be unlocked when it is eligible. Since you’re not the original owner you won’t have any way of knowing when it will be eligible. The phone could still be on a payment plan or the original buyer could have defaulted.
If you need it unlocked quickly your best bet maybe finding a third party unlock service that can flag your IMEI as unlock eligible with the unlock server.

I'm more concerned about cheaply than quickly.
My understanding tho is that it is not under any contract. But even so my understanding is that the app won't unlock unless there's a SIM card in there too from an existing customer... but this is just based on searches, I'm still unsure.

I believe the phone has to be used for at least 45 days on a T-Mobile account to be considered for unlock.

If I had family or friend on t-mobile I'd ask them to use this phone a while. But I don't unfortunately, that would be the easiest.

I had my unactivated new in box T-Mobile z2 force that i got from a trade unlocked in a week after getting prepaid and putting 100 on it. That was the fastest and easiest way not knowing ppl who use tmo. Just wait a few days then call tech support and get them to escalate the unlock...say it's work related...after that restart and it will be unlocked.

I want cheapest, not fastest or easiest. $100 for unlock sounds crazy. Don't suppose you still have that sim card?

I don't know if my Sim would even help. I think with prepaid they go by imei so you might even have to add that $ to it. I think the Sim is just the door bell button.

oh... yeah I better figure that out. If they require prepaid sim to have added $100 since first used on that particular imei, then a used sim doesn't help.
So seems like 3 options.
1 - fork out the $100 to t-mobile,
2 - borrow a non prepaid t-mobile sim (loan my phone to someone) for possibly up to 45 days before able to unlock
3 - find and pay an unlock service
I wonder what these unlock services do that I can't.

Anyone have the link to the apk?

enigma9o7 said:
oh... yeah I better figure that out. If they require prepaid sim to have added $100 since first used on that particular imei, then a used sim doesn't help.
So seems like 3 options.
1 - fork out the $100 to t-mobile,
2 - borrow a non prepaid t-mobile sim (loan my phone to someone) for possibly up to 45 days before able to unlock
3 - find and pay an unlock service
I wonder what these unlock services do that I can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have a contact with someone at T-Mobile that can flag your IMEI as unlock eligible with the unlock server.
---------- Post added at 11:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 AM ----------
sounreal said:
Anyone have the link to the apk?
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Click to collapse
The app is preinstalled on supported phones only. If your phone does not have the app then it uses a different method to Sim unlock.

I tried 3 different eBay seller and none could provide me with a code.

Well I just paid $60 to try cellunlocker.net; hopefully it works. An advertisement posted 5 days ago says it will...
https://www.cellunlocker.net/cellphonenews/2018/03/t-mobile-unlock-app-service-is-up-and-running/

still waiting... their eta aint so great as I passed the 1-5 business days. But I'm still hopeful cuz their online chat told me should be by next tuesday, although they didn't answer support email and I was on phone hold 10 mins beofre hanging up (since online chat replied while I was waiting on hold).

enigma9o7 said:
still waiting... their eta aint so great as I passed the 1-5 business days. But I'm still hopeful cuz their online chat told me should be by next tuesday, although they didn't answer support email and I was on phone hold 10 mins beofre hanging up (since online chat replied while I was waiting on hold).
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Click to collapse
I have been waiting for two weeks and I have lost my confidence.

Picasa01 said:
I have been waiting for two weeks and I have lost my confidence.
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Click to collapse
Have you heard anything in the meantime? I got an email (after I posted here last) saying it was ready, but it still won't unlock. Called them and the guy said sorry they'll re-do it, something about the wrong server. So back to waiting... losing confidence but still hopeful...
If it isn't too much trouble, keep me updated (in this thread) as to what happens for you, or if you end up asking for refund, etc....

Codes don't work on T-Mobile phones once the unlock app is on the device. Hopefully there isn't a balance on the device which would prevent it from being unlocked. For all the phones I use the app for, cuz I have T-Mobile and have gone through a quite a few devices, once it's paid off usually the app automatically works long as it was active service for 40 days prior.
Before the app I knew you could have someone with T-Mobile use this phone for a few days until it registers on the network and then you can request an unlock code and have it escalated.

I really want to lose patience
enigma9o7 said:
Have you heard anything in the meantime? I got an email (after I posted here last) saying it was ready, but it still won't unlock. Called them and the guy said sorry they'll re-do it, something about the wrong server. So back to waiting... losing confidence but still hopeful...
If it isn't too much trouble, keep me updated (in this thread) as to what happens for you, or if you end up asking for refund, etc....
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I really want to lose patience。Did you unlock it? My order has been for a month

How to unlock att s9 to use with another carrier?

What is the proper procedure to unlock an att s9 to use with another carrier?
Thanks.

Just to clarify. This phone was purchased from Samsung directly with the new $150 discount for Att branded phones.

RossTeagan said:
So the phone is bought from samsung but lock on att?
Try the following to check if your phone is network locked be sure you really need to unlock it (otherwise, I don't think you need to unlock it).
1. Insert a GSM SIM card from another network (a non-AT&T SIM, liek Cricket ot T-Mobile)
2. Try placing a call
If your phone manages to connect and make the call with this other SIM card, then you won't need to unlock it, as it's already unlocked. And if the phone is locked, I recommend you check with AT&T, given that this phone is not tight to a contract.
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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?
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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.

Question unlock

I am sorry, Very Sorry. Last i was here, this kinda question was awarded with flames.
But, how do i unlock my device without going through one of those sham sites?
I thought it would be a quick easy search no here. But, i cant find anything.
Thanks

Pay off your device in full and have your provider unlock it.

dirtybudha said:
Pay off your device in full and have your provider unlock it.
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THIS.
If you cannot do this, then you have to see if you can find a reputable site to get this from.
I know there are many reasons you cannot, but let's say you have an ATT phone and want to use it on TMO, but don't have an account with ATT. You should try calling them anyway, because, as long as the phone has a clean ESN/IMEI, then you should be able to get a code as the device is not blacklisted or under financing.
If that does not work, find a friend with ATT and get them to call and see if you can do it that way.
Those are really your only main options other than paying another site.
If your device is still under financing and/or restriction period, then you are out of luck getting the carrier to unlock it.

Talderon said:
THIS.
If you cannot do this, then you have to see if you can find a reputable site to get this from.
I know there are many reasons you cannot, but let's say you have an ATT phone and want to use it on TMO, but don't have an account with ATT. You should try calling them anyway, because, as long as the phone has a clean ESN/IMEI, then you should be able to get a code as the device is not blacklisted or under financing.
If that does not work, find a friend with ATT and get them to call and see if you can do it that way.
Those are really your only main options other than paying another site.
If your device is still under financing and/or restriction period, then you are out of luck getting the carrier to unlock it.
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Click to collapse
Absolutely true, with a clean ESN/IMEI and the device has no lean on it.