Related
Just wanting to know why it hasnt been done yet, all the dev guys out the and there is no way of unlocking you phone by eg. putting a new rom on or a simple way to flash something to it which would unlock it, surely there is a way of doing this instead of paying for codes?
This isnt for me by the way mine came unlocked, just for all those who require an unlock it would be great for an easy and cheaper alternative.
Newer phones have better protection and are harder to crack. So anyone who is working at HTC and leaks the unlock database, will be able to provide the codes.
ferraripassion said:
Newer phones have better protection and are harder to crack. So anyone who is working at HTC and leaks the unlock database, will be able to provide the codes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what do you mean by better protection? against what unlocking your phone? why not just give the codes out if people request them?
Kickasskev said:
what do you mean by better protection? against what unlocking your phone? why not just give the codes out if people request them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The networks often subsidise their phones to get your business. If they didn't lock phones you could buy one for example, on orange, and move to virgin. In this example it would mean Orange have lost money on you.
The networks use locking as a way to recoup their subsidy by keeping your business. However, it only used to be pay and go phones which were locked as pay monthly customers are tied into a contract but lately even pay monthly phones are starting to be locked down more and more.
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
The problem is - I am on an 18 month contract with Orange. Irrespective of if I root / debrand / stock rom my phone, Orange still get the money for 18 months! I have to use their version of the OS with "targeted advertising" e.g. Orange maps (paid for) instead of Google maps (free)
Why should I not have the option to choose which OS I am running (under my own risk) whether it be Orange approved or "open source"?
I can easily do it by rooting and debranding - but why should I have to?
aindow said:
If they didn't lock phones you could buy one for example, on orange, and move to virgin. In this example it would mean Orange have lost money on you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why you sign a contract! The thing that locks you into the carrier is not the SIM lock, which can usually be quickly and cheaply removed, but the contract you signed.
If I sign an 18month contact with Orange to get a new phone, and cancel my direct debit to move to Virgin, I can do that whether the phone is SIM locked or not - the only difference is I've had to pay out say £15 to get an unlock code.
So, SIM locking really doesn't do anything at all and is generally just a waste of time and effort.
IMHO, if someone has got a free phone on contract, and then breaks that contract without reason to move to another carrier, they should have their phones IMEI blacklisted because they've essentially renounced any rights to use that device.
Regards,
Dave
I bought the phone from Tmobile and then bought the unlock code online but for the life of me I am unable to get the prompt for entering the unlocke code.
One previous phones (G3, Note 3), it automatically poped up when I started the phone with At&t sim but I'm having no such luck with the G4. I have also tried all the codes that the seller suggested but still no prompt. I even tried the Tmobile's unlock application and it just gives an error that server is not responding.
Does anyone has any suggestion? I desperately need some help.
ajamils said:
I bought the phone from Tmobile and then bought the unlock code online but for the life of me I am unable to get the prompt for entering the unlocke code.
One previous phones (G3, Note 3), it automatically poped up when I started the phone with At&t sim but I'm having no such luck with the G4. I have also tried all the codes that the seller suggested but still no prompt. I even tried the Tmobile's unlock application and it just gives an error that server is not responding.
Does anyone has any suggestion? I desperately need some help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that phone needs to be used for 30 or 60 days or something to let you unlock it.
Sent from my M8 M8
ThatKawaiiGuy said:
I believe that phone needs to be used for 30 or 60 days or something to let you unlock it.
Sent from my M8 M8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that requirement was only of I want to request an unlock code from Tmobile.
What if i use a different sim in that phone? My brother has been a Tmobile customer for over 10 years.
ajamils said:
I thought that requirement was only of I want to request an unlock code from Tmobile.
What if i use a different sim in that phone? My brother has been a Tmobile customer for over 10 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same "strick" requirements with S6/Edge.. to do permanent unlock your brother needs to have the ESN tied to his account as main user.. you can try the temporary unlock with his tmobile that could buy you 30days
Try putting this in the dialer 2945#*811#
Edit.. Doesn't work they gave me that code to unlock my G3 but it had the 851 suffix If you own the phone outright then customer service should give you the code
I was told by an in-store t-mobile rep that if you buy the phone outright, you can contact them to get it unlocked for free. If you buy it on the EIP, you have to make two payments before you can get it unlocked.
I did buy the phone outright but since they didn't want to sell the phone without a service plan I got the month to month plan and from what I've heard I need to keep the account for 40 days before I can request an unlock code.
With that said, since I already have the unlock code all I need is the access to the prompt to enter it.
Sticky situation...
I got the same problem. Any attempts to prompt to enter activation fail.
Tried entering other carrier sim cards and dialing 2945#*811# but it doesn't do anything.
All we need is a manual way to enter unlock code (which i already got). Would be nice if there was an app that just forces it to appear... It feela like T-Mobile is just masked it out of their dialer.
I have the same problem - I have the codes but cannot access the unlock menu?
T-Mobile 811
I did notice that there is a new app Tmo threw on here called unlock. Maybe that's why the code won't work. Maybe it has to go through the app now..
Swizzle82 said:
I did notice that there is a new app Tmo threw on here called unlock. Maybe that's why the code won't work. Maybe it has to go through the app now..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what it looks like. I contacted Tmobile and asked for an unlock code and the CSR told me that they do not have any record of my phone's IMEI so I should use it for few days and then call back.
I'm on new Tmobile account and just opened the phone today.
Swizzle82 said:
I did notice that there is a new app Tmo threw on here called unlock. Maybe that's why the code won't work. Maybe it has to go through the app now..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, but all that app does it checks if you're eligible for an unlock... I don't understand I gave them FULL payment for the phone (I don't owe T-mobile anything for this device, device is paid off in full).
But I did call them and they're saying you basically have to be with them for 40 days for them to give you the unlock.. It's really lame how they're hacking their phone not to display unlock option, even though you friggin' have paid off phone.... you don't force people to be your customers like that "Mr we give you so much freedom, we don't even have contracts".
That's total BS. I paid full price for the phone as well so I don't know what gives them the right to do something like this.
same here. not only did i pay full price. according to their pricing chart i had to pay a $30 premium on top of the MSRP because I'm a non-tmobile customer. Now i'm finding out that not only does the unlock process have to go through app, even though customer service gave me different instructions on how to unlock it (that didn't work), but I also have to find a tmobile customer that's within good standing temporarily give me their sim card to put into the phone so that i can run the unlock with the app. WHAT THE F**K TMOBILE!? and you want me to leave ATT for you? as bad as people say ATT is they've never given me issues like this. BS
I was a Tmobile customer since Voice Stream days but switched to At&t two years back and I'm never going back. The only thing that I hate about At&t is their B$ about locking bootloader and because of that my last 3 phones have been from Tmobile. But the way things are going with Tmobile now, it looks like I'll be buying my next phone will either be an international version or At&t
I'm with you guys! This is last time I did business with T-Mobile , forcing people to use your services even if you paid in full for the device is not the best way to gain business...
And by the way even getting someone with T-Mobile account will not magically unlock your device, you would still have to buy their service for 2 months ahead to unlock "YOUR" device.
Lobanovskiy said:
I'm with you guys! This is last time I did business with T-Mobile , forcing people to use your services even if you paid in full for the device is not the best way to gain business...
And by the way even getting someone with T-Mobile account will not magically unlock your device, you would still have to buy their service for 2 months ahead to unlock "YOUR" device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The argument right now is that there should in no way be any restrictions from a carrier if the customer purchases a product at full value. Although, this restriction is technically included in their T's & C's.
BUT!!! In line with those same T's & C's, technically there's no way for them to stop any of us from having an existing tmobile customer gain an unlock code using their account as long as sed customer claims it as their own during the unlock process. After it's done tmobile can't do sh**.
What you are describing falls under their eligibility requirements for "Unlock eligibility for monthly phones, tablets and mobile internet devices". What I'm trying to do technically falls under the standard device unlocking requirements (IN RED). They can't tell a tmobile customer in good standing that they can't unlock a tmobile phone that was purchased for them as a "gift" that was paid for at face value as long as that tmobile customer meets all of tmobile's requirements pertaining to the unlocking category they fall under. If they do that then they're in for a lawsuit for sure...
Unlock requirements
We provide mobile device unlock codes free of charge within two business days (or provides further information about timing) for eligible devices.
Device eligibility is determined as follows:
The device must be a T-Mobile device.
The device must not be reported as lost, stolen or blocked to T-Mobile.
The account associated with the device must be in good standing.
You have requested no more than 2 mobile device unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months.
The device must satisfy all the Postpaid or Pay in Advance (Prepaid) Unlocking terms outlined below.
You may need a non-T-Mobile and non-MetroPCS SIM card to insert in the phone.
Unlock eligibility for monthly phones, tablets and mobile internet devices
The device must have been active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days on the requesting line.
If the device is financed using T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP), all payments must be satisfied and the device must be paid in full.
If the device is on an account that is under a service contract term, at least 18 consecutive monthly payments must have been made or the account has migrated to Simple Choice no contract rate plan.
If the device is associated with a canceled account, the account balance must be zero, including all pending charges
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
Unlock eligibility for pay in advance (prepaid) phones, tablets and mobile internet devices
The device has been active on the T-Mobile network for more than 1 year on the requesting line.
If the device has been active for less than 1 year on the requesting line, the Pay in Advance account associated with the device must have had more than $25 in refills for basic phones or $100 in refills for smartphones or tablet since device first use date.
The account must not be canceled and in good standing.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
I have unlocked phones for friends before. As long as the phone is registered on the network for at least 7 days and is paid off someone who has a T-Mobile account(older than 40 days) can unlock any device.
I was thinking of getting the G4 from T-Mobile and use it on ATT. However, I learned a harsh lesson when trying this for my wife with the S6 edge. There is no question in my mind that T-Mobile is going around the agreement that all carriers have to unlock the device. I too purchased a code and even though someone figured out how to get the unlock prompt up, it would not take the code. I decided to get prepaid service. Turns out that if you get prepaid service, to unlock the phone you have to have added at least $100 balance. Otherwise, you have to wait 1 year on prepaid. No one I spoke to was able to unlock the device. In the end I probably could have gotten the phone unlocked once I had $100 balance using the app but I thought this was ridiculous so I filed an FCC complaint. I was contacted the next day by someone form their executive office. She offered to unlock the phone. I had already returned the phone and was stuck with a $100 prepaid account I didn't need. So in the end I got a $100 visa card from them.
Despite me explaining to her multiple times, she would not acknowledge that they were preventing third-party unlocking by forcing the use of the T-Mobile app. I think they need to hear from more people. I gave the links in my S6 post. I am linking it here so maybe some of you can file the complaint as well and T-Mobile can stop this nonsense for phones purchased at full retail.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=60610687&postcount=46
I'm seriously thinking about returning the damn phone and getting the Unlocked version from eBay. It is not only cheaper but I won't have to deal with any of this account crap that I had to sign up for to buy the device. My only concern is that I've already filled the online rebates for the 128GB microSD and the LG promo, so I'm probably going to miss out on those.
Does anyone has any experience with returning phone + service to T-Mobile store? On the reciept it says that they could charge a restocking fees of up to $50.
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
Hello. I just got a pixel 3a xl, but it is bootloader locked to T-Mobile, I see Google has a pixel repair tool to reflash the pixel to stock. My question is it asks for your carrier, if I change the carrier to a different carrier that doesn't lock the bootloader will o be able to unlock my bootloader to flash root.
While I could not say for sure, I suspect the answer would be 98 percent no.
Thanks I want to try but it's my only phone and if it is down for a while I have no phone and I need 2FA for work.
If I try I will post here
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
You cannot unlock it from T-Mobile or unlock the bootloader, even with the flash tool... The flash tool does not/cannot modify that part of the phone, if it was that simple people would be doing it all the time.
Only T-Mobile can unlock the SIM, once that is done you can unlock the bootloader. Your only other option is to go through a 3rd party unlock code service, which can be sketchy according to some people (I have done it a few times without issue though).
I want to verify this.
SO if I buy a used T-Mobile 3a XL that is paid in full, I should be able to get it SIM unlocked by the carrier correct and if its carrier SIM unlocked, I CAN unlock the bootloader?
kdoggy said:
I want to verify this.
SO if I buy a used T-Mobile 3a XL that is paid in full, I should be able to get it SIM unlocked by the carrier correct and if its carrier SIM unlocked, I CAN unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as it is not the Verizon model 3a, then yes. You can bootloader unlock it once it is SIM card unlocked. Only the Verizon models permanently lock the bootloader.
Question 2...
SO lets say I buy a T-Mobile 3a XL and it works fine with a T-M SIM but is SIM locked... Can I pay someone to unlock it and then still unlock the boot loader?
Someone know has a new in the box T-Mobile Pixel 3a XL I can have for $225.00 but its never had service on it and it sounds like it has to be active on T-Mobile AND have had seriver for 40 days to get them to do it.
kdoggy said:
Question 2...
SO lets say I buy a T-Mobile 3a XL and it works fine with a T-M SIM but is SIM locked... Can I pay someone to unlock it and then still unlock the boot loader?
Someone know has a new in the box T-Mobile Pixel 3a XL I can have for $225.00 but its never had service on it and it sounds like it has to be active on T-Mobile AND have had seriver for 40 days to get them to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen unlock services being advertised, but I have also seen people post that they don't work. It would require that someone hacked or has access to the T-Mobile locking software which isn't out of the realm of possibility, so it's possible some services do work.
Hello friends, I need your help! Who can help me raise my brick and make a full backup of my smartphone using qpst?
Update. So I ended up buying a T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL when they went on sale.
Search my name and look at the thread reply I just posted in the Pixel 4 XL forum about T-Mobile unlocking.
I included pictures.
I just purchased a Pixel 4 XL, I'm brand new T-Mobile subscriber, the phone is not paid off and I have it on a lease and I've only been on the service for 4 days.
I currently have the T-Mobile Pixel 4 XL with both a full SIM card unlock and OEM bootloader unlock.
I'm currently running the phone with an AT&T physical SIM and a T-Mobile eSIM.
acejavelin said:
You cannot unlock it from T-Mobile or unlock the bootloader, even with the flash tool... The flash tool does not/cannot modify that part of the phone, if it was that simple people would be doing it all the time.
Only T-Mobile can unlock the SIM, once that is done you can unlock the bootloader. Your only other option is to go through a 3rd party unlock code service, which can be sketchy according to some people (I have done it a few times without issue though).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have any recommendations? I have a brand new Pixel 4 that an online retailer lied about being unlocked & is T-Mobile carrier locked & they're completely unwilling to release the Sim from their network. I'll take the sketchy unlock service. I tried one in ATL friend gave me a number but most only do Samsung's or iPhones for obvious reasons.
---------- Post added at 06:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:05 PM ----------
sic0048 said:
As long as it is not the Verizon model 3a, then yes. You can bootloader unlock it once it is SIM card unlocked. Only the Verizon models permanently lock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not just Verizon though right? I heard Sprint does too.
Nightshadex543 said:
Have any recommendations? I have a brand new Pixel 4 that an online retailer lied about being unlocked & is T-Mobile carrier locked & they're completely unwilling to release the Sim from their network. I'll take the sketchy unlock service. I tried one in ATL friend gave me a number but most only do Samsung's or iPhones for obvious reasons.
---------- Post added at 06:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:05 PM ----------
Not just Verizon though right? I heard Sprint does too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind there are SIM locks and bootloader locks. Every US carrier SIM locks you phone if it was bought in an installment plan. Once the phone is paid off, I think every carrier will SIM card unlock the phone.
All recent Pixel versions have to be SIM card unlocked before the bootloader unlock option is available. So you have to have a SIM card unlocked phone before you can bootloader unlock. But Verizon is the only US carrier that has asked Google to permanently bootloader lock their phones. Sprint and others don't weigh in on the subject and Google's policy is to allow bootloader unlock. This isn't necessarily true with other phone brands however.
As far as getting the phone SIM unlocked, the policy is to not do it, so it's rare to find a call center person that is willing to do it whether you call in or chat with someone online. However, the success stories that I do see are usually done by DMing the carrier's support group on Twitter of all places. Explain that you need to get the phone unlocked and many times they will do it.
sic0048 said:
Keep in mind there are SIM locks and bootloader locks. Every US carrier SIM locks you phone if it was bought in an installment plan. Once the phone is paid off, I think every carrier will SIM card unlock the phone.
All recent Pixel versions have to be SIM card unlocked before the bootloader unlock option is available. So you have to have a SIM card unlocked phone before you can bootloader unlock. But Verizon is the only US carrier that has asked Google to permanently bootloader lock their phones. Sprint and others don't weigh in on the subject and Google's policy is to allow bootloader unlock. This isn't necessarily true with other phone brands however.
As far as getting the phone SIM unlocked, the policy is to not do it, so it's rare to find a call center person that is willing to do it whether you call in or chat with someone online. However, the success stories that I do see are usually done by DMing the carrier's support group on Twitter of all places. Explain that you need to get the phone unlocked and many times they will do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm this. I'm on TMO and I reached out on Twitter and got results. I'm not a big Twitter fan nor do I really use it, but customer services seems to be more in the loop there. I told them that I wanted to try the dev preview of android 11 and I needed to bootloader unlock. For that to happen I needed them to permanently sim unlock my phone. (Technically you can install the preview with a locked BL, but since it's a preview you can't re-flash anything lower or rollback without the BL being unlocked). Hence the dev preview. Anyways, I was polite and truthful about my intentions and they got it sim unlocked, fairly quickly too.
sic0048 said:
Keep in mind there are SIM locks and bootloader locks. Every US carrier SIM locks you phone if it was bought in an installment plan. Once the phone is paid off, I think every carrier will SIM card unlock the phone.
All recent Pixel versions have to be SIM card unlocked before the bootloader unlock option is available. So you have to have a SIM card unlocked phone before you can bootloader unlock. But Verizon is the only US carrier that has asked Google to permanently bootloader lock their phones. Sprint and others don't weigh in on the subject and Google's policy is to allow bootloader unlock. This isn't necessarily true with other phone brands however.
As far as getting the phone SIM unlocked, the policy is to not do it, so it's rare to find a call center person that is willing to do it whether you call in or chat with someone online. However, the success stories that I do see are usually done by DMing the carrier's support group on Twitter of all places. Explain that you need to get the phone unlocked and many times they will do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its bootloaders unlocked I was almost done rooting it but haven't; refrained because I don't want to violate the software warranty incase I need to return it, & find another way to do so for a refund. I called support multiple times same answer, & then Twitter dm'd last night they were again unable to do anything so they say.
They cite "privacy issues" but I know it's a ****ing money grab they don't want to unlock it unless you want to pay for one of their plans & get tied in a contract for a minimum amount of days first & I'm not going to ****ing do that. It's ridiculous to me carriers behave this way. This is why I believe in hacking because you can't trust companies for absolutely ****.
You got results? Look at my next post, can you tell me your secret because they're being serious assholes here. Not a single company involved with this situation is helping at all.
Nightshadex543 said:
You got results? Look at my next post, can you tell me your secret because they're being serious assholes here. Not a single company involved with this situation is helping at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a little confused. You say it's bootloader unlocked and you were about to root it but decided not because of warranty concerns correct?
Typically, whenever you unlock a bootloader your warranty is void then and there. That is in most cases and I assume is the same in this case, though I don't know that for a fact with a TMO Pixel 3a XL. I just assumed it was and most likely is. The reason being is you can flash anything you want, and there is no way to guarantee that whatever has happened to warrant a claim wasn't due to user error or unofficial software. A locked bootloader kind of guarantees that nothing unofficial was flashed and that's why warranties are usually based around their status and why a flag is marked when it is. So even if you re-lock it, the flag still shows it was unlocked at one point.
As for actually unlocking it via TMO, the phone uses a TMO app to actually unlock it. It basically checks your imei against their server to see if it is eligible for unlocking. As for citing privacy concerns, basically you have a TMO phone and no account it seems, and you want it unlocked. For all they know it could be stolen, and as far as proving it's yours legally without any account... probably more than they want to deal with and I'm sure they have liability reasons as well.
All I know is, I've had an account for quite some time. I've bought several phones through them, so no issues. Technically I'm still on installments with this phone, so they could have easily said no, not until it's paid off, but I like to think they said "Oh it's Airwalk... he's cool af, go ahead".
41rw4lk said:
Typically, whenever you unlock a bootloader your warranty is void then and there. The reason being is you can flash anything you want, and there is no way to guarantee that whatever has happened to warrant a claim wasn't due to user error or unofficial software. So even if you re-lock it, the flag still shows it was unlocked at one point.
As for actually unlocking it via TMO, the phone uses a TMO app to actually unlock it. It basically checks your imei against their server to see if it is eligible for unlocking. As for citing privacy concerns, basically you have a TMO phone and no account it seems, and you want it unlocked. For all they know it could be stolen, and as far as proving it's yours legally without any account... probably more than they want to deal with and I'm sure they have liability reasons as well.
All I know is, I've had an account for quite some time. I've bought several phones through them, so no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only Sprint & Verizon manufacturers lock the bootloaders of their phones T-Mobile doesn't. TWRP doesn't even exist for Pixel 4 because dude's too busy with wife & kids to update so flashing is difficult until you root it first unless you feel like doing a tethered through ADB. I know Samsung has the "Knox" & figured it's similar to that. Unless it's tripped it's negligible.
I know how the unlocking app works. Also, It's not stolen my situation is similar to the below it's "super whitelisted" I've had multiple services run the IMEI & it's come back clean. The phone meets all the unlocking criteria of which is being legit paid for is one of them.
They're just not releasing from the network. I need a workaround, I'm not trying to go through an entire claims process & have it sent back when aside from "network lock" it works just fine.
****ing Greedy ass corporations.
Nightshadex543 said:
Only Sprint & Verizon manufacturers lock the bootloaders of their phones T-Mobile doesn't. I'm TWRP doesn't even exist for Pixel 4 because dude's to busy with wife & kids to update so flashing is difficult until you root it first unless you feel like doing a tethered through ADB. I know Samsung has the "Knox" & figured it's similar to that. Unless it's tripped it's negligible.
I know how the unlocking app works. Also, It's not stolen my situation is similar to the below it's "super whitelisted" I've had multiple services run the IMEI & it's come back clean. The phone meets all the unlocking criteria of which is being legit paid for is one of them.
They're just not releasing from the network. I need a workaround, I'm not trying to go through an entire claims process & have it sent back when aside from "network lock" it works just fine.
****ing Greedy ass corporations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, Pixel 4 needs sim unlocked, I was confused because this is 3a XL and I wasn't paying enough attention. I see your frustration now. I don't know about that one, just (bonito) here and it was all easy for me. I suppose that if you don't meet their requirements it's all too easy to just lock you into their script. I can't help you here, sorry. I think you'll just have to be 'that guy' and persist with them. Good luck.
Nightshadex543 said:
TWRP doesn't even exist for Pixel 4 because dude's too busy with wife & kids to update....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No quicker way to loose all goodwill and help from people than bad mouthing the generous developers.
Feel free to come up with your own TWRP solution. Until then, STFU.
sic0048 said:
Feel free to come up with your own TWRP solution. Until then, STFU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That isn't even the subject of the thread. If you're going to ignore everything else I was saying & completely miss the point to focus on a single cherry-picked remark that triggered you then you can take a hike. Don't respond. Go invest your frustrated energies elsewhere
You know what? Maybe I will take the source code & develop my own unofficial TWRP build for it. Hacking & Technological communities don't just stop because you want to "move on with your life" we still need these tools. You think journalists whistleblowers & Chinese protesters can "do without" Tor?
Instead of going back and forth with T-Mobile I'm considering just paying the $100 or whatever to have an unlocking service do it, but I'm not sure if it's even technically possible for services like this to exist. Many seem like scams, but a couple seem legit. Are they "real"?
I am not aware of any paid services for this - but I generally do not look into this as I only purchase unlocked devices - so they might be legitimate.
Regardless, why take the chance?
If you have T-Mobile, getting your device carrier unlocked is an extraordinarily easy process. Just check out the guide on their website:
SIM Unlock Policy | Unlock Your Mobile Wireless Device | T-Mobile
Learn how to unlock your wireless mobile device for use on other carriers (formerly SIM Unlock). See device compatibility and unlock requirement.
www.t-mobile.com
didymus said:
Instead of going back and forth with T-Mobile I'm considering just paying the $100 or whatever to have an unlocking service do it, but I'm not sure if it's even technically possible for services like this to exist. Many seem like scams, but a couple seem legit. Are they "real"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$100 does seem much... I've seen legit services for here in the UK that unlock for £15 (the equivalent of ~US$20 iirc)
didymus said:
Instead of going back and forth with T-Mobile I'm considering just paying the $100 or whatever to have an unlocking service do it, but I'm not sure if it's even technically possible for services like this to exist. Many seem like scams, but a couple seem legit. Are they "real"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They used to be real (in my experience) because all they need is the key - same as what T-Mo does - so if they got a copy from the factory in China, then services could unlock. There used to be hundreds of them back in teh day on eBay.
However, I haven't heard of it for the P6P and because it's Foxconn, maybe their security is better and key lists are controlled better?
$10 on ebay