so i got a t-mobile(locked) version of fold 3 off amazon. i wanted to use on verizon. long story short.
1. got it for decent price looked at condition looks fantastic!
2. don't work called t-mobile, can't seem to unlock it. imei is clear and went to T store see if was paid off(i seem like its paid off after running imei).
3. sending back cost money... stupid me should have checked prime seller or not.
got like 60days or so before i have to send it back.
i tried just about everything i can or at least what i found online... i get error code on (connection-> more connection-> unlock permanent-> error 14,9)
im planning on returning it if there is no way to unlock sim (without the help of the carrier or third party shop). since its about 20buck to return. seem like online request is about 60buck or so (at least what i found) but then again im extremely skeptical about sending money online to questionable sites.
after reading most of the forums in xda regarding unlocking sim. CSC flashing will not change the sim lock status? its just about updates and bloatware or certain features not available in certain countries.
is there a way anyone found sim unlock is possible? if so i seem to missed it
There's no real way around it and XDA won't help you with a sim unlock that isn't official I think
This is a common thing that people think that talking about Unlocking things on a phone here on XDA, there is an assumption that it include SIM Unlock.
Unfortunately, it does not. If you cannot find an official way (which is all we can talk about here), then you'll have to try somewhere else.
In the past, using SIM Unlock services worked well, but now, it's pretty hit and miss. If you want to try one of the paid services, I would suggest doing the following:
1. Review and research a site before sending money
2. Make sure they have a money back guarantee if they cannot unlock it
3. Use a payment method that will protect your purchase
- PayPal can be an option, but disputed for them are hit and miss
- Use a credit card that has purchase protection
Just be careful if you decide to go this way, but, unfortunately, outside of what I posted, this is probably the most people are going to say on this.
Related
First:
I know there is a fully legit method to unlock this phone via t-mobile. For what it is worth, I recently tried to do this and was stymied by the bureaucracy before I was able to get it done. Specifically, they apparently had a different phone registered to my account despite the fact I had activated it with the T989 (switched to prepaid) so I had to wait 24 hours for that to get into the system. Then I was required to FAX my proof of purchase but by then I was out of the country.
(Funny story: I got my g/f a legit unlock code, who is running a Vibrant. It didn't work, and we found this out in South Africa. Luckily I brought an extra phone which I had unlocked myself.)
Second:
Has anyone taken a serious look at this? I know there are ways to do this with various (kind of expensive) hardware, unlocking websites of various pedigrees, or taking it in to certain stores for a fee. But first of all where is the fun in that, and second of all, for people in a pinch all of these methods may not work. Best to have a DIY method where all you need is adb and a hex editor.
Third:
Unlocking is a pain anyways, because from what I read you have to go back to stock to do it, and who wants to do that?
Finally:
Does anyone want to try this? I am not a seasoned developer, but I am probably going to go through the official process of unlocking my phone, which means that if there is something I can snapshot, I can do it before and after, which might provide some hints as to where this phone is unlocked. Privacy issues must be respected, meaning I probably will be reluctant to share details such as my IMEI, but maybe we can all work together to figure out offsets or otherwise find a pattern useful in unlocking this device.
Thoughts?
Same thing about the vibrant here. I requested the unlock code from Tmo, and they sent it in a about a day. When I tried to use the unlock code, it wouldn't work. I used all attempts except one and it's still locked.I called T-Mobile and they asked me to send it in.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
The rep you spoke to should have asked you for your new IMEI number so they can punch it in. They can run the unlock code thing whatever with your new imei too, I have no idea why they didn't do that.Thats what I did when I unlocked my phonessssss.
tablador said:
First:
I know there is a fully legit method to unlock this phone via t-mobile. For what it is worth, I recently tried to do this and was stymied by the bureaucracy before I was able to get it done. Specifically, they apparently had a different phone registered to my account despite the fact I had activated it with the T989 (switched to prepaid) so I had to wait 24 hours for that to get into the system. Then I was required to FAX my proof of purchase but by then I was out of the country.
(Funny story: I got my g/f a legit unlock code, who is running a Vibrant. It didn't work, and we found this out in South Africa. Luckily I brought an extra phone which I had unlocked myself.)
Second:
Has anyone taken a serious look at this? I know there are ways to do this with various (kind of expensive) hardware, unlocking websites of various pedigrees, or taking it in to certain stores for a fee. But first of all where is the fun in that, and second of all, for people in a pinch all of these methods may not work. Best to have a DIY method where all you need is adb and a hex editor.
Third:
Unlocking is a pain anyways, because from what I read you have to go back to stock to do it, and who wants to do that?
Finally:
Does anyone want to try this? I am not a seasoned developer, but I am probably going to go through the official process of unlocking my phone, which means that if there is something I can snapshot, I can do it before and after, which might provide some hints as to where this phone is unlocked. Privacy issues must be respected, meaning I probably will be reluctant to share details such as my IMEI, but maybe we can all work together to figure out offsets or otherwise find a pattern useful in unlocking this device.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thatlaoboi said:
Same thing about the vibrant here. I requested the unlock code from Tmo, and they sent it in a about a day. When I tried to use the unlock code, it wouldn't work. I used all attempts except one and it's still locked.I called T-Mobile and they asked me to send it in.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine through T-Mobile. Only issue i had was the dummy who sent the email forgot to actually put in the code so i had to talk to a rep who gave it to me then. But i flashed to stock entered code, and was able to use the ATT sim card perfectly no issues.
BTW the reason for putting it back to stock, i think the apk required for entering the code isnt on custom ROMs.
And just outta curiosity, how do you use ADB and a hex editor to figure out the unlock code? i always wondered where the unlock code came from wondered how it was calculated and such.. it must just be off the IMEI since thats all any company or t mobile needs to get the code..
After hours last night and this morning, this worked for me: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024514
Spread the word! :victory:
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.
OMG!!!! After over THREE weeks!!!. I FINALLY figured out how to get GALAXSIM unlock installed on my phone.
SEARCHING AND SEARCHING!!! "This is NOT available in your Country"!!!
Called AT&T, they won't even take your IMEI now. they tell you to TAKE YOUR PHONE TO ONE OF THEIR STORES.
I guess that way they can confiscate any that were reported lost/stolen!!
I DID IT.
NOW I JUST GOTTA PAY $3.49!!!!!!!
If I had known THAT I WOULD HAVE JUST GONE ON EBAY!!!!!!
scm37 said:
OMG!!!! After over THREE weeks!!!. I FINALLY figured out how to get GALAXSIM unlock installed on my phone.
SEARCHING AND SEARCHING!!! "This is NOT available in your Country"!!!
Called AT&T, they won't even take your IMEI now. they tell you to TAKE YOUR PHONE TO ONE OF THEIR STORES.
I guess that way they can confiscate any that were reported lost/stolen!!
I DID IT.
NOW I JUST GOTTA PAY $3.49!!!!!!!
If I had known THAT I WOULD HAVE JUST GONE ON EBAY!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it helped you unlocking your device! As for the "not available in your country", I had to remove it from the US play store because of the law changes concerning sim unlocking there. Btw did they finally reconsidered their decision or not yet?
What's that?
So you ended up buying an unlock code from eBay? Makes sense. Networks don't want to make it easy to unlock phones from their network - that's why unlock codes providers exist.
Firstly, I'll say I'm new to XDA so thanks to all those who offer people like me somewhere to turn to. So, a little back-story, I recently got the root itch after my last ATT upgrade and it would seem it couldn't have come at a worse. For I had just recieved my ATT Galaxy s6 Edge Plus two days prior to being introduced to this site. Needless to say, I put too much effort in finding other devices essentially to "play" (root, flash, etc..) then I should. Which brings me to this...I came across this Sprint HTC 10 still with the plastic on it for a price I couldn't refuse. While trying to go about Unlocking the SIM I've encountered two issues: one being I paid to get an unlock code (actually double due to "high level of security") which ends up saying unlocked from network in a pop up but when I reboot with different carrier SIM, it still says SIMlock Enabled. So, Secondly, I figured try my chances calling Sprint even though I didn't have any of the sellers information. Only to find out, according to her, that phones aren't even elligible to be SIM Unlocked unless they have been active with the carrier for atleast 50 days. I would reallly appreciate if someone could shed light on this and let me know, since I bought it out the box and don't have Sprint, did I just buy an expensive paperweight? Also, if anyone could point in the direction of an effective SIM unlock method, it would be appreciated. And lastly, would rooting it make it easier or expand my options of SIM Unlocking? Thanks for any input.
I haven't tried sim-unlocking this phone but I usually get unlock codes from reputable sellers on eBay. If the code you received doesn't work, I would ask for my money back or ask the seller to help me troubleshoot the issue.
The source seemed to be a reputable and were extremely professional, (HTCunlockingservice.com), and said they got the code straight from Sprint server. I just don't understand why the code won't work. Any knowledge of how factual the service reps statement that if it hasnt been active for 50 days, it cant be unlocked?
Even if I have to lose the camera
The camera loss has nothing to do with a service unlock.
You should call Verizon, give them the IMEI number, see if it's clean and the phone is paid off. If so, they can unlock it.
You can go with online services but they aren't cheap and there are few other variables. You can read more in the several posts about others' need to unlock a phone.
dirtybudha said:
The camera loss has nothing to do with a service unlock.
You should call Verizon, give them the IMEI number, see if it's clean and the phone is paid off. If so, they can unlock it.
You can go with online services but they aren't cheap and there are few other variables. You can read more in the several posts about others' need to unlock a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not paid off, and one of the security breach results that happened to my phone left Verizon with the opinion that the symptoms on the phone were deliberate, and that I added a second phone line. So, they think that I added services that cost money and now I just don't want to pay for them. Which is not the case. So, if I don't pay them a substantial amount of money, they will suspend my service. I am definitely not paying for something that I didn't do or legitimately don't owe to them, or anyone else. Do you know if using the same method that is used to easily hack into any android could be modified to alter the source code that locks the device to a carrier? I don't mean specifically, better said, has anyone tried using Kali Linux , with metasploit/ Wireshark to get into an android and establish permissions, then try change the source code related to carrier locking?
Tech4fast said:
It's not paid off, and one of the security breach results that happened to my phone left Verizon with the opinion that the symptoms on the phone were deliberate, and that I added a second phone line. So, they think that I added services that cost money and now I just don't want to pay for them. Which is not the case. So, if I don't pay them a substantial amount of money, they will suspend my service. I am definitely not paying for something that I didn't do or legitimately don't owe to them, or anyone else. Do you know if using the same method that is used to easily hack into any android could be modified to alter the source code that locks the device to a carrier? I don't mean specifically, better said, has anyone tried using Kali Linux , with metasploit/ Wireshark to get into an android and establish permissions, then try change the source code related to carrier locking?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for taking the time to reply, I appreciate it
No worries, it's not an uncommon issue.
Nothing I'm aware of can be done to unlock it using Odin or anything like that. You might explore the other options, but I know nothing about them. Search the forums here and you'll find a lot that ask about unlocking. There is a discussion in one about services. Might give you a direction to go and check in.
Here's the rub. If it is not paid off and you want to take it to another service, you're going to have a bad time.
If they close your account and you don't pay them money (especially paying off the phone), then they will blacklist the IMEI and NO CARRIER will ever be able to activate it on their network. Blocked IMEI's, there is no way to flash anything or root whatever or unlock anything that will get you to have it active on a service carrier until the originator has it removed from the blacklist.
I think that is going to be your biggest hurdle trying to take it to another provider.
VZW should automatically unlock it after 60 days if you bought it from them. If third party purchase, 60 days after activated.
Unlockboot.com P.S your phone will go straight to collections unless you pay it off the proper way
Most people wouldn't give info on how to unlock it because it's unethical. It's doable but the phone price will go to collections.
Hey, I am exactly in the same boat. I night s Verizon Fold 3 from someone on craigslist, they told me it was fully paid for, later I found out that it was not. Also it was not unlocked after 60 days. I know the phone cannot be used in the US, but I just want to unlock it for international use.
Did you guys found a solution? Same as Mjatta, i got f*cked on eBay, the even post that accepted returns, but got no response, and eBay didn't help either.
If anybody have a solution for this please reply I am also having the same issue and I can't even contact Verizon because I am in Nigeria.
I hope a paid service will be available soon for this to help owners who are not in the USA
banjicom said:
If anybody have a solution for this please reply I am also having the same issue and I can't even contact Verizon because I am in Nigeria.
I hope a paid service will be available soon for this to help owners who are not in the USA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're just out of luck. There isn't anything anyone here can do. You will just have to bite the bullet and take the hit on the phone and get another one. It's going to get blacklisted as soon as it's in collections and no carrier's network, that is legitimate, will activate the device.