Database Users

[Q] Unlocked version same as subdivided one?

Well I went at a best buy to see a demo model but they didn't have one so I asked questions and asked if there was a difference and the person said no.If you buy with a contract, they give you an unlocked one for $200 but without one they will sell it for $529.. This worries me as if they have an imei code or whatever you won't be able to use the 5.99 or $10 internet plan where tmobile will block it.. Is this true and do you think tmobile will block the cheaper "dumb phone" data plan? Thanks!!

Aaron Y. said:
Well I went at a best buy to see a demo model but they didn't have one so I asked questions and asked if there was a difference and the person said no.If you buy with a contract, they give you an unlocked one for $200 but without one they will sell it for $529.. This worries me as if they have an imei code or whatever you won't be able to use the 5.99 or $10 internet plan where tmobile will block it.. Is this true and do you think tmobile will block the cheaper "dumb phone" data plan? Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no difference in phones they are the same SKU but there are numerous threads about the T-zones plan, some say it works still some say it doesnt
do a quick search or check a couple pages back

I belive they're the same device. They're all unlocked. I don't remember which one, but Samsung, T-Mo or Google tweeted that the other day.
When I bought mine, without contract, it came out of the same stack of phones as the one the guy next to me who was on contract got his from.

Aaron Y. said:
Well I went at a best buy to see a demo model but they didn't have one so I asked questions and asked if there was a difference and the person said no.If you buy with a contract, they give you an unlocked one for $200 but without one they will sell it for $529.. This worries me as if they have an imei code or whatever you won't be able to use the 5.99 or $10 internet plan where tmobile will block it.. Is this true and do you think tmobile will block the cheaper "dumb phone" data plan? Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The locked and unlocked phones are exactly the same. There is absolutely no difference between them. Dont listen to anyone who works for best buy.
If T-Mobile chooses to block Nexus S IMEIs from the t-zones or web2go data plans they will. Your contract would not prevent that.

The word is subsidized by the way.

In my case I bought an unlocked one in Bestbuy for $529.00 without a Plan. I have sim card from another carrier. When I installed it works for making calls but not Internet Data acces is available. I configure the APN and still doesn't work.
I did a test with a Rebelsimcard and then it works but just for a while and then it stops, it gets unregistered from the network. I removed the Rebelsimcard and it register but only for making calls. then if I wait a few minutes and then put again the rebelsimcard it start to works perfectly for while but it happens again.
Any ideas on what the problem it could be? How can I fix this permanetly?

[Tutorial] How to get $30 prepaid plan with T-Mobile new activation

Note: - This guide only works for new T-Mobile prepaid activation and with T-Mobile HTC One device.
Introduction: T-Mobile has the hidden $30 prepaid plan that has 100 talk minutes, unlimited text and 5GB data with 4G speed. This is the cheapest plan for prepaid IMHO. I have tested the data speed in Rochester, MN (not a refarmed 1900Mhz area), and the results are 16Mps download and 5Mps upload. You can transfer your number from other carrier (Straight Talk etc.) with this new activation. There is no activation fee. I haven't experienced any drop call or technical issue. The coverage is really good in Minnesota.
What you need to get started:
1. Activation kit (aka sim card). You can buy the activation kit from T-Mobile or Bestbuy store for 15 bucks, then print out this template (Link: http://bit.ly/TMaxwM) and cut it to micro sim. Keep the simcard card or write down the simcard number.
2. Buy a T-Mobile refill card from Walmart/Bestbuy (Link: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Tmobile-30-Wireless-Airtime-Card/15443357) for first month. Keep the PIN number
3. A T-Mobile HTC One. You don't need to unlock the SIM. I paid full price for my device. It came flawlessly without any imperfections
Step-by-step process:
- Put the micro simcard that you cut (1) into the phone.
- In the activation kit, there is a activation card that has the activation code (11 digits number). You need this number.
- Go to www.t-mobile.com/prepaidactivation and follow the instruction (you simply put the simcard number and activation code)
(Note: if you don't have the device yet, you can type 9999999999)
- If you need to port your number from other carrier, don't forget to click on the option on the right. It took me 7-8 hours to get my number ported from ST to T-Mobile.
(Note: For Straight Talk Bring Your Own Device users, the account number is the simcard number from ST)
- After you submit, you now can choose your plan. Pick the $30 plan for 100 minutes + Unlimited text/data (5G with 4G speed).
- The last step is to fund your account for the first month. Take the PIN number from the refill card (2) and type it in.
Then, you are done. T-Mobile will send a confirmation email after you finish the process. If you choose a new number, you can use it instantly. If you want to port your number, it will take no more than 24 hours to get the number ported.
If you have any problem or concern with the porting process, call this number 877-789-3106. This is the T-Mobile department in charge for porting number. They can assist you and tell you when your number is ready to use. :good:
Enjoy your new phone and awesome (but affordable) service with T-Mobile :laugh:
P/S: My device came with locked bootloader. I followed this instruction (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2265618) to unlock bootloader/ flash new recovery and new ROM. I am using ARHD 8.1 ROM, and it works perfectly on T-Mobile. The Wifi calling feature is working with this ROM too. Many thanks to mike1986

holy crap is this real?

nuggstein said:
holy crap is this real?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah man, 100% real

Wish existing customers could switch. Good info op!
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

Great post! I got the $30 prepaid plan with the 64gb Developer Edition and I am loving it.
Speeds are excellent eventhough I am not in an LTE city. Way faster than the crappy speeds I was getting under Sprint.
So happy I just ditched them to get away from Contracts forever!!
Got a $100 bill for the ETF which will be canceled out by the $100 Visa Giftcard from the HTC "buyback program" my old GS2.
Perfect!!

You can also buy the refill card from Amazon for cheap :laugh:

Is there anyway to do this if I'm already a T-Mobile customer?
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app

nav525 said:
Is there anyway to do this if I'm already a T-Mobile customer?
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible if you activate an independent line with a new number.

AirSupply said:
You can also buy the refill card from Amazon for cheap :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you talking abou the tmobile $30 pay as you go refill card? the one that's only being sold by third-party sellers? it's like 25 bucks and i'm not sure how legit..

legit im currently paying 104 after tax with att, i honestly love the service and lte speeds but damm 30 dollars!!

bloggert said:
are you talking abou the tmobile $30 pay as you go refill card? the one that's only being sold by third-party sellers? it's like 25 bucks and i'm not sure how legit..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am unsure about the 3rd party sellers whom are selling the refill card on Amazon. Some of them don't have any feedbacks, but couple of them have more than 100 feedbacks from last year. You buy at your own risk though

I am definitely interested in doing this! Thanks so much for making this guide. Can you tell me where you bought your phone and how much it cost? I was planning on getting the Dev edition, but I'm not in a refarmed area so I need the 1700 mhz band ability. Where's the best/cheapest place to buy the T-Mobile version without a contract?
Also, did you unlock the bootloader/ flash new recovery and new ROM before or after activating it?
Lastly, how did you get the wifi calling to work? That would help a lot since I would only have 100minutes. Is it an app or...?
Thanks!

jpzsports said:
I am definitely interested in doing this! Thanks so much for making this guide. Can you tell me where you bought your phone and how much it cost? I was planning on getting the Dev edition, but I'm not in a refarmed area so I need the 1700 mhz band ability. Where's the best/cheapest place to buy the T-Mobile version without a contract?
Also, did you unlock the bootloader/ flash new recovery and new ROM before or after activating it?
Lastly, how did you get the wifi calling to work? That would help a lot since I would only have 100minutes. Is it an app or...?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- I bought it directly from T-Mobile via telesale. Price is $580 + tax + shipping (if you choose overnight).
- I unlocked and flashed new ROM right after I activated the prepaid account.
- Wifi calling works immediately after your account is activated.
- I have used GrooveIP to make phone call on wifi or 4G network. It uses Google Voice number

how much?
How much for the total of your htc one tmobile?

blackangst said:
Wish existing customers could switch. Good info op!
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nav525 said:
Is there anyway to do this if I'm already a T-Mobile customer?
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys, I would suggest you port your number to Google Voice. Then you can port it back to Tmobile after you start the new $30 a month prepaid account. Or you could keep the number with Google Voice if you like.
Either way, it's a way to keep your number.
Here is a really informative thread on this plan: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1646755
That thread is for the Galaxy Nexus and this plan, but there still is a ton of relevant info there.
Also, I recommend Callingmart for your refills. Here's a link:
http://www.callingmart.com/

AirSupply said:
- I bought it directly from T-Mobile via telesale. Price is $580 + tax + shipping (if you choose overnight).
- I unlocked and flashed new ROM right after I activated the prepaid account.
- Wifi calling works immediately after your account is activated.
- I have used GrooveIP to make phone call on wifi or 4G network. It uses Google Voice number
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just purchased the HTC One over the phone. They had to put me on the $50 postpaid plan to start, in order for me to purchase the phone, but said I could switch to prepaid when I receive the phone. I'll call them once the phone arrives. Do you think I'll be able to switch to prepaid with the SIM card that comes with the phone, or will I need to purchase the prepaid SIM card from T-Mobile's website?

jpzsports said:
I just purchased the HTC One over the phone. They had to put me on the $50 postpaid plan to start, in order for me to purchase the phone, but said I could switch to prepaid when I receive the phone. I'll call them once the phone arrives. Do you think I'll be able to switch to prepaid with the SIM card that comes with the phone, or will I need to purchase the prepaid SIM card from T-Mobile's website?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you pay full price for the phone? If yes, once you receive the device, don't use the SIM that comes with it. Call Customer Service to close your account and follow my instruction.

AirSupply said:
Did you pay full price for the phone? If yes, once you receive the device, don't use the SIM that comes with it. Call Customer Service to close your account and follow my instruction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I did pay full price. So I should just immediately call and cancel the postpaid plan before I use that SIM and they won't charge me the $50? And I should buy the Prepaid SIM kit and just go to the online prepaid activation site?

I did this a month ago with my HTC One. Bought the phone from T-Mobile store, paid it in full, signed up for the cheapest post-paid plan, the $50 one. I also paid for that at the same time as the phone. I was running off of that plan for about 6 hours and then I called T-Mobile to get switched to the $30 5gb plan. After about 10 minutes of talking to the low-level customer service rep, they were saying I couldn't switch to the plan because it is technically Walmart's plan and not T-Mobile's. I knew it was completely not true, so I spoke to that person's supervisor and he immediately switched me over to the $30 plan, with maybe a couple of minutes of switching time after the phone call. After that, all was good, my original $50 payment was still valid and it was used by the $30 plan, so I had a $20 remaining balance in my account that I use in case I go over my minutes. After you go over your 100 minutes, it's 10cents a minute after that so long as you have money in your T-Mobile account. My first month of the service is about to be over in 4 days and I only spent $6 (60 minutes) of my $20 balance on my account.
So for entire bill for the first month will be under $40 assuming I don't talk on the phone for more than 40 minutes between now and Friday 5/24.
* I also went out of town to bumblef*ck North Carolina and I was getting zero service in the mountains, like everyone else, but slightly worse service where AT&T users were getting data and I wasn't. But that all changed when I had WiFi calling in the cabin, and nobody else had that option. So I was still gettings calls and texts, whereas everyone else had to wait until they were on the drive home and got service again.

Syn Ack said:
I did this a month ago with my HTC One. Bought the phone from T-Mobile store, paid it in full, signed up for the cheapest post-paid plan, the $50 one. I also paid for that at the same time as the phone. I was running off of that plan for about 6 hours and then I called T-Mobile to get switched to the $30 5gb plan. After about 10 minutes of talking to the low-level customer service rep, they were saying I couldn't switch to the plan because it is technically Walmart's plan and not T-Mobile's. I knew it was completely not true, so I spoke to that person's supervisor and he immediately switched me over to the $30 plan, with maybe a couple of minutes of switching time after the phone call. After that, all was good, my original $50 payment was still valid and it was used by the $30 plan, so I had a $20 remaining balance in my account that I use in case I go over my minutes. After you go over your 100 minutes, it's 10cents a minute after that so long as you have money in your T-Mobile account. My first month of the service is about to be over in 4 days and I only spent $6 (60 minutes) of my $20 balance on my account.
So for entire bill for the first month will be under $40 assuming I don't talk on the phone for more than 40 minutes between now and Friday 5/24.
* I also went out of town to bumblef*ck North Carolina and I was getting zero service in the mountains, like everyone else, but slightly worse service where AT&T users were getting data and I wasn't. But that all changed when I had WiFi calling in the cabin, and nobody else had that option. So I was still gettings calls and texts, whereas everyone else had to wait until they were on the drive home and got service again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! Glad to hear it's working well for you. So you seemed to be able to switch from postpaid to prepaid over the phone even with the regular SIM card. I already bought the prepaid SIM kit so I'll probably just go straight through activating with that SIM and not even use the SIM that comes with the phone. I should probably also call to cancel the postpaid account just in case. Hopefully it will all go smoothly and I'll have the $30 plan on the HTC One and be able to transfer my phone number.
That's great to hear about the Wifi calling feature too. So it allows for calls and texts? That's great to hear if I'm in an area with no coverage. When I'm at home, should I also use wifi calling? Better voice quality?

How to sim unlock galaxy s5?

How to....

BUMP.... Same question?
NOTE: this is a legal and legitimate question
I travel A LOT and have a box of 20 different (ACTIVE) sim cards, most places don't support AT&T (my US carrier) plus I want to keep the same foreign number that I had for the past 5 years. Anyway, I have a legitimate need and as such the carrier will unlock but their rules have apparently gotten really strict. [I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4 so as not to deal with this.]
T-Mobile requires 40 days of service or will unlock for military after the grace period (14 days) is over
AT&T requires 5 months of service
It just not right! Especially when I paid $720 for my phone -- the no contract price from TMobile ($660) plus 10% California tax.
I even paid this service (http://www.unlock-code-world.com) to unlock my phone and they came back after 2 days and said they couldn't do it. So, don't go to them for S5 although their price was REALLY good ($5.99).
So, what's a guy to do?
My plan is to return my phone to TMobile today and rebuy an AT&T one and try their customer service because I got no where with TMobile, even after requesting a supervisor.

I'd actually like to know this myself.
I don't want to root or flash any firmware, which is why I'd like to buy from the UK (as I've always had their firmware previously)
Happy to pay for an unlock code if that's the way to go, but are they reputable?

If you buy the phone from a online store (not a service provider) it will be unlocked. If you buy it under contract then it will be locked to the Network, at least Vodafone is.
I have tried to get an unlock code but the IMEI numbers are not in the databases yet. Most places online selling these are reputable and you get the code pretty quickly via e-mail, well if they can provide it that is.
For my phone, even Vodafone did not have the unlock code so have had to go back to Samsung for it.

alex_tytn said:
NOTE: this is a legal and legitimate question
I travel A LOT and have a box of 20 different (ACTIVE) sim cards, most places don't support AT&T (my US carrier) plus I want to keep the same foreign number that I had for the past 5 years. Anyway, I have a legitimate need and as such the carrier will unlock but their rules have apparently gotten really strict. [I flew to Canada when I bought my iPhone4 so as not to deal with this.]
T-Mobile requires 40 days of service or will unlock for military after the grace period (14 days) is over
AT&T requires 5 months of service
It just not right! Especially when I paid $720 for my phone -- the no contract price from TMobile ($660) plus 10% California tax.
I even paid this service (http://www.unlock-code-world.com) to unlock my phone and they came back after 2 days and said they couldn't do it. So, don't go to them for S5 although their price was REALLY good ($5.99).
So, what's a guy to do?
My plan is to return my phone to TMobile today and rebuy an AT&T one and try their customer service because I got no where with TMobile, even after requesting a supervisor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you paid full price call customer care and tell them that you need a sim unlock code for your phone I had my note 3 for a week not paid in full but on the EIP and I've been a long time customer I told them what I needed and they took my IMEI and emailed me back with an unlock code within 24 hours, they will do it for you easily since your phone is paid for trust me.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Personal rant. ;|
dawgboy1783 said:
If you paid full price call customer care and tell them that you need a sim unlock code for your phone I had my note 3 for a week not paid in full but on the EIP and I've been a long time customer I told them what I needed and they took my IMEI and emailed me back with an unlock code within 24 hours, they will do it for you easily since your phone is paid for trust me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not TMobile -- I called multiple times and even waited for a supervisor. PLUS multiple visits to the store.
I bought another one from AT&T yesterday and can hopefully get my money back from T-Mobile without a restocking fee (which I just learned about).
My whole S5 purchase has been quite a nightmare but the phone is cool.
Recapping...
Pre-ordered from Radio Shack to save $50 but their price was $100 more than AT&T so that was not good -- also forced to buy a $50 nonrefundable gift card in order to get the coupon. Then, they tell me later that the $50 coupon was only for people who bought plans but I clearly said that I wanted to pay full price and have no contract. [ Going back to talk to manager there to try and get them to give me my $50 deposit back. ]
Bought a phone from TMo for $720 (with tax) and they salesman told me it was unlocked. Multiple calls to TMobile, etc. no luck. [Going back to return that phone today.]
Bought the phone from AT&T yesterday only to find that I can't root it -- yes, they have a $35 restocking fee. Unlocking from them requires all these things but I'm hopeful that I can at least have that part.
TMo version (G900T) could be rooted -- and mine was so I'm hoping they miss that when I return it. AT&T version (G900A) has a locked bootloader so my understanding is that it will not ever be unlocked by the simple Chainfire method.

alex_tytn said:
Not TMobile -- I called multiple times and even waited for a supervisor. PLUS multiple visits to the store.
I bought another one from AT&T yesterday and can hopefully get my money back from T-Mobile without a restocking fee (which I just learned about).
My whole S5 purchase has been quite a nightmare but the phone is cool.
Recapping...
Pre-ordered from Radio Shack to save $50 but their price was $100 more than AT&T so that was not good -- also forced to buy a $50 nonrefundable gift card in order to get the coupon. Then, they tell me later that the $50 coupon was only for people who bought plans but I clearly said that I wanted to pay full price and have no contract. [ Going back to talk to manager there to try and get them to give me my $50 deposit back. ]
Bought a phone from TMo for $720 (with tax) and they salesman told me it was unlocked. Multiple calls to TMobile, etc. no luck. [Going back to return that phone today.]
Bought the phone from AT&T yesterday only to find that I can't root it -- yes, they have a $35 restocking fee. Unlocking from them requires all these things but I'm hopeful that I can at least have that part.
TMo version (G900T) could be rooted -- and mine was so I'm hoping they miss that when I return it. AT&T version (G900A) has a locked bootloader so my understanding is that it will not ever be unlocked by the simple Chainfire method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow man I cant beleive they wont give you an unlock code, they had no problem giving me mine and I have only made one payment on it so far, what exactly are you telling them and are you currently a tmobile customer?.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

dawgboy1783 said:
Wow man I cant beleive they wont give you an unlock code, they had no problem giving me mine and I have only made one payment on it so far, what exactly are you telling them and are you currently a tmobile customer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They said they'd unlock but I had to be a customer for 40 days -- no, I wasn't previously a customer. 40 days won't work for me because I have an AT&T GoPhone plan while in the US and I'm leaving this weekend. Besides, I didn't want to subscribe to the TMobile one which is waaaaay more expensive.
I spent $40 for two phones for 5 months while in the US. My wife and I don't talk/text a lot and I use Skype out for all my voice calls. It also seems that I always have Wifi in SoCal -- especially since I get my home internet from Time Warner and they give free wifi coverage.
$0.10 per minute and $0.20 per SMS and only when you use it. :good:
Sorry to hijack this thread.
I really want the same answer.
HOW TO SIM UNLOCK THE S5?

alex_tytn said:
They said they'd unlock but I had to be a customer for 40 days -- no, I wasn't previously a customer. 40 days won't work for me because I have an AT&T GoPhone plan while in the US and I'm leaving this weekend. Besides, I didn't want to subscribe to the TMobile one which is waaaaay more expensive.
I spent $40 for two phones for 5 months while in the US. My wife and I don't talk/text a lot and I use Skype out for all my voice calls. It also seems that I always have Wifi in SoCal -- especially since I get my home internet from Time Warner and they give free wifi coverage.
$0.10 per minute and $0.20 per SMS and only when you use it. :good:
Sorry to hijack this thread.
I really want the same answer.
HOW TO SIM UNLOCK THE S5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think they are afraid that if they give you an unlock code and you unlock the phone then you will sell it, I think that was included in my conversation with customer support when I requested my unlock code but I assured them that was not my intentions, also being a customer for at least 40 days would makes sense, because I believe that I did read that in the support section for unlocking prerequisites, I wish I could help you but it seems the only method would be to buy an unlock code which I hear is a fast process and I've seen them advertized pretty cheap under $30.00 US, wich is not bad because if you ever decide to sell it, unlocked device's are always worth more.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60EsHfH6eVw

hemander said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60EsHfH6eVw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's about the only way for now.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

hemander said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60EsHfH6eVw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
Worked for me UK Vodafone handset.
Either all IMEI unlock codes have now been released to all databases or these are the only guys that have them at the moment. I tried a couple of online places last week and they did not have the unlock codes.

chippyuk said:
Thanks!
Worked for me UK Vodafone handset.
Either all IMEI unlock codes have now been released to all databases or these are the only guys that have them at the moment. I tried a couple of online places last week and they did not have the unlock codes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have on my web site mobileunlock24.com access to unlock galaxy s5 from All European networks unlocking code is ready up to 1 hour.

Would this somehow work on sprint?

goodboynyc said:
Would this somehow work on sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should do! Try it, if they cannot provide an unlock code they will refund you straight away.

I usually use this site: http://unlockphonenetwork.com/
They always when i had a phone to unlock they did it flawlessly.
I had a AT&T phone and needed to get it unlocked, found it cheaper then anywhere else.
Cellunlocker.net sells it for 29.99$
Unlockthaphone.com 34.99$
and they sell it for 24.99$ which is awesome!
Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVkhvWMQe08&list=UUxk75HVldBdY7jgRFlyfIcw
Hope ti helps you guys!
Cheers!

SIM card unlock for the Sprint variant ?

Does anyone know if a method to unlock the SIM card has been found on the Sprint variant?

its not locked

The sim card itself is locked, but you can just take it out and throw any other carriers sim in and it should work dandy.

I'm using TMobile on my sprint version

No so.
What they do now is when you go into the Sprint store they activated on the network and try to download updates so you can factory reset it however when you do and you put in a new Sim card it gets stuck on activating cellular service when you try to enter Sim card and after that is not of the sprint it basically just says invalid Sim will have to work on and unlock method

so what happened was i got them to exchange it with an unopened one, t-mobile works just fine. going to try att and "maybe" pop the sprint sim in however one might assume (I have little working knowlege) that if a sprint sim is put in it carrier locks it?

any more info on this?

from what I heard from here and on this reddit post" https://tinyurl.com/essentialsprint" it only locks if a sprint sim is put in first activating it with another sim keeps it unlocked gonna try this method when i get mine thursday. hopefully this works and ill pay off the cheap lease promotion they have which allegedly can let you get the phone for as little as 130 or so then use it with my mint sim service.

glasscitysd said:
from what I heard from here and on this reddit post" https://tinyurl.com/essentialsprint" it only locks if a sprint sim is put in first activating it with another sim keeps it unlocked gonna try this method when i get mine thursday. hopefully this works and ill pay off the cheap lease promotion they have which allegedly can let you get the phone for as little as 130 or so then use it with my mint sim service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm really curious if this works. Keep us posted. I would love to score one and use it on T-Mobile. I've heard some people have had success harassing live chat support into unlocking them.

benjmiester said:
I'm really curious if this works. Keep us posted. I would love to score one and use it on T-Mobile. I've heard some people have had success harassing live chat support into unlocking them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly they forced me to activate in store so I'm sim locked for 50 days then they will unlock it but I may try harrasing live chat lol cause sprints service is a hit or miss here in Toledo ohio

The lower option for end of lease payment is an extra. You still have to pay the whole amount when deactivating from Sprint. plus the lower amount you see as your End Of Lease buy out price. Yes after activating the phone first with Sprint the Sim will be locked. If you are traveling outside the country and you have been a customer for years Sprint will unlock your sim for International Usage. But for Domestic usage no. As long as the phone remains Unpaid on the Lease program they will Not provide the Msl to Unlock the device. In order to get the Msl the device will have to be Fully paid.

These phones are shipping locked before you put a sim in now. It happened to my and hours of calls to Sprint won't change a thing. I have to wait 50 bloody days. There's a thread for this on slick deals where this is explained in red text.

Weird, I just called and paid it off, and requested unlock and guy submitted for me right away. He said 24-48 hours, so I'll update this when I know more.

MSL is easy to get on other phones. Is that all you need to unlock?

JoRocker said:
Weird, I just called and paid it off, and requested unlock and guy submitted for me right away. He said 24-48 hours, so I'll update this when I know more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
keep us posted im keeping mine a few days before I pay it off to make sure i have no errors id need to return it for although so far so good especially after upgrading to the oero beta. hopefully getting unlocked is that easy cause id rather be back on my cheap mvno plan with this phone lol but 50 days isn't too long a wait if not

glasscitysd said:
keep us posted im keeping mine a few days before I pay it off to make sure i have no errors id need to return it for although so far so good especially after upgrading to the oero beta. hopefully getting unlocked is that easy cause id rather be back on my cheap mvno plan with this phone lol but 50 days isn't too long a wait if not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Less than 24 hours with phone and paid off. I am now unlocked.
More details:
Purchased through flex lease on 10/14 on Free BYOD line
Received phone 10/15 then immediately called to pay off ($90+$30).
After payoff I asked to have a ticket submitted for unlock. My rep said that was fine, since I legally own the device, and promptly did it for me.
10/16 it's unlocked
If you're wondering who I spoke to, I went through tech support instead of traditional customer service route.

Please verify total cost of phone.
$25 down.
$5*18 months
$30 payout?
Some taxes and fees?
$145? +Tax

avd said:
Please verify total cost of phone.
$25 down.
$5*18 months
$30 payout?
Some taxes and fees?
$145? +Tax
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right. Just taxes and no fees.
I believe total was low $150s.

Black Friday comes early. They are going to shut this off I'm afraid.

I picked one up yesterday at the Sprint store. Sealed in the box. I took it home, unboxed it, and powered it on with my Verizon sim and it immediately connected to Verizon LTE and I tried a T-Mobile and it worked perfectly too. So I guess that trick still works to unlock the phone?

Cricket's $149 LG V35 on T-Mobile...WiFi Calling/VoLTE possibility?

Just saw a reddit post where you can basically sign up and get an LG V35 brand new for $149 as long as you "sign up for their service"...and I'd be more than willing to buy the phone along with an unlock code, and move it over to my T-Mobile family plan. My only worry is that because it's has Cricket's decrepit firmware installed on the device that T-Mo's features will not work (and I'm pretty sure they won't because it's not an actual T-Mobile branded device), but I figured I would just check in here to see if anyone has tried using the Cricket V35 on T-Mobile successfully with all of the extra bells and whistles T-Mo smartphones come with. I'm sure by now this is a dumb question, but I'd even go through the trouble of rooting this joker, FlashFire some random T-Mo firmware on to the phone, and see if I can get the extra features working. Please don't hate too much since it's such a good deal, but I had to ask the experts before I made a stupid move.
https://www.cricketwireless.com/cell-phones/smartphones/lg-v35-thinq-aurora-black.html

If it's cricket, it's at&t. Look up flashing from att firmware to ulm firmware. It's been done
Sent from my LM-V350ULM using Tapatalk

Actually, the cricket variant comes unlocked, so you don't need to flash it in order to use on T-Mobile. I believe I plugged in a mint mobile sim card and saw an option to enable WiFi calling. I could be wrong. I know for a fact, WiFi calling works fine on att prepaid for this device

galets said:
Actually, the cricket variant comes unlocked, so you don't need to flash it in order to use on T-Mobile.
I believe I plugged in a mint mobile sim card and saw an option to enable WiFi calling. I could be wrong. I know for a fact, WiFi calling works fine on att prepaid for this device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bought the V35 from Cricket store carrier unlocked -- or you bought it online somewhere (eBay, Amazon, etc) carrier unlocked? If online, then it was unlocked by the seller.
Asking because I'm surprised if the Cricket variant comes from store carrier unlocked, while the one from AT&T is NOT.
I just bought another AT&T V35 online already carrier unlocked by the seller. I now own two, unlocked that way. One still has AT&T firmware.
By the way, even US998 V30 (official carrier unlocked V30 variant) has T-Mobile WiFi calling.

LG never made the LG V35 for Cricket...it's all unlocked inventory being sold off at a deep discount, which is why people are buying them left, right, and sideways just to use n T-Mobile and other MVNOs of the sort. I'm just wondering if the normal firmware has T-Mo VoLTE/VoWiFi built-in to it's current firmware or if I do need to pull out LGUP and flash a ULM firmware to get support for it since I know that it works on Google Fi which makes me think that it should work possiby even without a firmware upgrade. I know for a fact all Cricket LG V35 smartphones come unlocked, period. They don't even have Cricket boot logos when you start them up and I'm almost as sure that they don't even have branding at all on the phone itself except for an AT&T boot screen.. I'd flash over a ULM KDZ just to get rid of the AT&T logo though.

Once you add the first month of service at $55/month and taxes, this phone comes out to $225 really but i guess still worth it for a new phone. I bought mine used for around $160 and so far love it. I just wish it could be rooted and in my opinion the better processor, memory, and audio than v30 barely outweigh the benefit of having root on V30. I have both and have been trying to decide which one to keep lol.
Edit: I can also confirm WiFi calling with Mint sim on this phone.

I got this deal few days ago.
I can confirm that the device is unlocked with no cricket / at&t branding on the phone. There is no cricket / at&t boot logo as well. I only see the LG logo on boot.
And after activating it with Cricket, I immediately changed the plan to 30 dollars per month and the extra 25 dollars has been credited to the Cricket account.
So far, I am loving the device.

O can confirm wifi calling works on TMobile once you enable it on the settings. Volte also works because in the phone app the call button has HD icon on it. I tested this on my cricket v35 which arrived today, with a TMobile SIM. Hope this helps.

Seriously?
I bought two of these at $300 each in July/August.

zoeykitten said:
Seriously?
I bought two of these at $300 each in July/August.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously, I bought one of these in July 2018 for $849. Well $649 after the GFi credit...
Sent from my LM-V350ULM using Tapatalk

zoeykitten said:
Seriously?
I bought two of these at $300 each in July/August.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it's still $300 if you just buy the phone.
This deal is for phone + 6 month Cricket service contract. Yes, contract.
bmurphr1 said:
Just saw a reddit post where you can basically sign up and get an LG V35 brand new for $149 as long as you "sign up for their service"...and I'd be more than willing to buy the phone along with an unlock code, and move it over to my T-Mobile family plan.
https://www.cricketwireless.com/cell-phones/smartphones/lg-v35-thinq-aurora-black.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean move it to T-Mobile after you pay off the six month Cricket contract?
These providers aren't interested in selling hardware. They're interested in getting new customers and retaining them. You're locked in for 6 months if you buy the phone at the special price. Otherwise it's $300.

ChazzMatt said:
And it's still $300 if you just buy the phone.
This deal is for phone + 6 month Cricket service contract. Yes, contract.
You mean move it to T-Mobile after you pay off the six month Cricket contract?
These providers aren't interested in selling hardware. They're interested in getting new customers and retaining them. You're locked in for 6 months if you buy the phone at the special price. Otherwise it's $300.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know they're trying to lure in new customers, but if they're gonna sell me an unlocked V35 for $149 I'd pay for it and just use the phone on T-Mobile since apparently it's the unlocked version of the phone. It doesn't have any Cricket branding or software on it for some odd reason, and one person has stated that it even works on T-Mo WiFi Calling and VoLTE. Screwing over Cricket doesn't bother me since they're selling unlocked smartphones, but even if I could purchase a locked V35 and then unlock it with a code I would still consider it. I'm still happy with my V30+ 128GB though, and considering buying it just to replace this V30+ since it has 6GB of RAM and the Snapdragon 845. If it works on T-Mo it's a much cheaper option than buying a Galaxy S9+ that's for sure.
Also apparently all V35 phones are unlocked in the US according to the Android Pie update released last month.
https://www.mylgphones.com/google-fi-unlocked-edtions-lg-v35-thinq-received-android-9-pie-update.html

bmurphr1 said:
I know they're trying to lure in new customers, but if they're gonna sell me an unlocked V35 for $149 I'd pay for it and just use the phone on T-Mobile since apparently it's the unlocked version of the phone. It doesn't have any Cricket branding or software on it for some odd reason, and one person has stated that it even works on T-Mo WiFi Calling and VoLTE. Screwing over Cricket doesn't bother me [/url]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't understand.
It's $149 + forced to pay for six months Cricket service legal contract.
You can be sued or be sent to Collections for "screwing over Cricket".
Or you can pay full price of $300 and buy it outright with no strings.

ChazzMatt said:
You don't understand.
It's $149 + forced to pay for six months Cricket contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cricket has never once enforced contracts...it's entirely a prepaid phone company that runs on AT&T towers. They can't force you to pay for six months of service because they can't trap you in a contract since they only do prepaid phone service. AT&T could enforce it, but Cricket doesn't have the ability to...they don't even run credit checks or get all of the information necessary to access your credit, so how could they force you to stick with Cricket for 6 months if they sell you an unlocked phone? The second month they expect payment, you could just stop paying them and then the service would be cut off...that's it. If you want to be extremely sure you could setup a Privacy.com card and use a one time payment to Cricket in order to buy the phone, and then in 30 days they just cut off your service and that's all there is to it.

bmurphr1 said:
Cricket has never once enforced contracts...it's entirely a prepaid phone company that runs on AT&T towers. They can't force you to pay for six months of service because they can't trap you in a contract since they only do prepaid phone service. AT&T could enforce it, but Cricket doesn't have the ability to...they don't even run credit checks or get all of the information necessary to access your credit, so how could they force you to stick with Cricket for 6 months if they sell you an unlocked phone? The second month they expect payment, you could just stop paying them and then the service would be cut off...that's it. If you want to be extremely sure you could setup a Privacy.com card and use a one time payment to Cricket in order to buy the phone, and then in 30 days they just cut off your service and that's all there is to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you sign a purchase agreement (CONTRACT) contingent on you paying for six months of service, then it's STILL CRICKET property until you pay in full.
$149 is not the full price. It's the down payment.
Sure you can use it on T-Mobile WHILE STILL PAYING FOR CRICKET SERVICE.
But you'll no longer have your T-Mobile phone number. You have to port it to Cricket to get this deal.
Have you even read the terms?

ChazzMatt said:
And it's still $300 if you just buy the phone.
This deal is for phone + 6 month Cricket service contract. Yes, contract.
You mean move it to T-Mobile after you pay off the six month Cricket contract?
These providers aren't interested in selling hardware. They're interested in getting new customers and retaining them. You're locked in for 6 months if you buy the phone at the special price. Otherwise it's $300.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed I did, and I would never port my phone number to Cricket. I would get a new number from T-Mobile (EDIT: Actually it's Ultra Mobile), pay 1 month of service, and then stop payments completely. Cricket does not have the authority to run credit checks and they do not blacklist your phone's IMEI if you stop paying, and since they are selling an unlocked phone there is literally nothing Cricket/AT&T can do about it. The only thing they can do is shut off your service for the new number that Cricket assigns to your account and that is it because if you wanted to come back to Cricket, they still want you to have your phone ready to go and you'd have to purchase a new BYOD Cricket SIM card. They do not even have the capacity to impact your credit score or blacklist your phone for stopping payments on your plan if you pay for the phone in full, and you are paying $150 for the entire cost of the phone - it's not being purchased on a payment plan nor do they charge an equipment fee for the V35 after paying for the device in full. Every single month after the first 30 days you pay $50 plus taxes and that's it. I did read the terms thoroughly and that's how I know if you port in the number from a temporary place like activating a T-Mobile daily SIM card and using that number to port in and that is all that is required. T-Mobile daily prepaid SIM service = $1 per day.
EDIT: I misspoke about the cost of the T-Mobile SIM. Apparently they route you through Ultra Mobile and it's $3 per month for a SIM card with only 30 minutes on it that lasts 30 days.

bmurphr1 said:
Indeed I did, and I would never port my phone number to Cricket. I would get a new number from T-Mobile (EDIT: Actually it's Ultra Mobile), pay 1 month of service, and then stop payments completely. Cricket does not have the authority to run credit checks and they do not blacklist your phone's IMEI if you stop paying, and since they are selling an unlocked phone there is literally nothing Cricket/AT&T can do about it. The only thing they can do is shut off your service for the new number that Cricket assigns to your account and that is it because if you wanted to come back to Cricket, they still want you to have your phone ready to go and you'd have to purchase a new BYOD Cricket SIM card. They do not even have the capacity to impact your credit score or blacklist your phone for stopping payments on your plan if you pay for the phone in full, and you are paying $150 for the entire cost of the phone - it's not being purchased on a payment plan nor do they charge an equipment fee for the V35 after paying for the device in full. Every single month after the first 30 days you pay $50 plus taxes and that's it. I did read the terms thoroughly and that's how I know if you port in the number from a temporary place like activating a T-Mobile daily SIM card and using that number to port in and that is all that is required. T-Mobile daily prepaid SIM service = $1 per day.
EDIT: I misspoke about the cost of the T-Mobile SIM. Apparently they route you through Ultra Mobile and it's $3 per month for a SIM card with only 30 minutes on it that lasts 30 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Terms say it's locked to Cricket for 6 months.
Look I'm tired of arguing about it. You go do it and live with yourself.

ChazzMatt said:
Terms say it's locked to Cricket for 6 months.
Look I'm tired of arguing about it. You go do it and live with yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The terms can say anything they want to, but the phone itself comes unlocked directly from Cricket, and the only way that Cricket could touch you is if you purchased the phone and paid for your device in payments, as in 30 dollars a month for 24 months. Cricket doesn't and never will finance phones for just six months, because that would be dimwitted of a company to do. Cricket's generic terms are that they will not UNLOCK a smartphone until the phone has been on their network for at least six months - not that it has to be paid off over a six month term. Since the LG V35 sold by Cricket arrives at your door stop comes unlocked, how are they going to ding your credit? They don't even ask for your social security number or driver's license number when checking out, only payment information. I'm not trying to start an argument for the sake of my ego...arguments on the internet are inherently dumb in the first place and I'm only trying to help you and other people that also think Cricket will wreck your credit report if you don't stay with a prepaid cellular provider for six months. If you don't believe me, launch a chat session with Cricket and link them to that offer page and ask them what the total cost of the phone is if you port in your own number and what happens if you stop paying for service after the second month of service. Their answer will be "Your service will be suspended, and no we cannot report your non-payment to any of the three credit agencies because we are a prepaid phone company and you paid for your device with a single payment and not over multiple months or years like postpaid carriers attempt to lure people into. We also can't blacklist the device because it's been paid for in full, and because the phone hasn't been reported as stolen it's still able to be used on any other GSM carrier as long as the phone is unlocked." Since the phone isn't even a Cricket branded phone and shows up at your doorstep unlocked, that's all there is to it. Feel free to read about the offer on SlickDeals.net and how other people are also buying the phone for $204.99 plus taxes just to use it with Google Fi or T-Mobile now as well, which is easy to find if you just search for "cricket V35" in the forums.

ChazzMatt said:
You don't understand.
It's $149 + forced to pay for six months Cricket service legal contract.
You can be sued or be sent to Collections for "screwing over Cricket".
Or you can pay full price of $300 and buy it outright with no strings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're mistaken. The terms mention the standard terms that "you *may* be required to be on a plan for 6 months" before you can request a carrier unlock. Since the phone is carrier unlocked out of the box that request is not necessary. The discount requires a number port in not a service agreement..
It never says you are agreeing to 6 months of service. It would be perfectly reasonable to order the phone and turn off the service immediately and leave it in a drawer and never use it again without violating any kind of agreement.
From Cricket:
LG V35 - 50% OFF
Ends 11/21, while supplies last. Online only. Must port-in & activ. new line on min. $55/mo. voice and data plan. First mo. svc charge & tax due at sale. Excludes upgrades and AT&T ports. Activation fee & add’l one-time fees (up to $3 Customer Assistance Fee) may apply. See cricketwireless.com/fees. Price w/use of Mfg/Dist coupon automatically applied at checkout. By accepting Mfg/Dist coupon, customer agrees to pay all transactional tax due on item sold, including value of coupon where applicable. Transfer Number (Switch/Port), Upgrade or New Line pricing is available to customer once every 90 days. May not be combinable with certain offers, discounts, or credits. Phone may be restricted to Cricket svc during first 6 months after activation. By activating/using svc, you agree to Cricket Terms of Service (cricketwireless.com/terms). Svc good for 30 days and is subject to Cricket network management policies, see cricketwireless.com/mobile broadband for details. Return Fee: $25; see cricketwireless.com/fees for details. Pricing, terms, & other restr's subject to change and may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. Coverage & svc not avail. everywhere. © 2019 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved.

tlyonstlyons said:
You're mistaken. The terms mention the standard terms that "you *may* be required to be on a plan for 6 months" before you can request a carrier unlock. Since the phone is carrier unlocked out of the box that request is not necessary. The discount requires a number port in not a service agreement..
It never says you are agreeing to 6 months of service. It would be perfectly reasonable to order the phone and turn off the service immediately and leave it in a drawer and never use it again without violating any kind of agreement.
From Cricket:
LG V35 - 50% OFF
Ends 11/21, while supplies last. Online only. Must port-in & activ. new line on min. $55/mo. voice and data plan. First mo. svc charge & tax due at sale. Excludes upgrades and AT&T ports. Activation fee & add’l one-time fees (up to $3 Customer Assistance Fee) may apply. See cricketwireless.com/fees. Price w/use of Mfg/Dist coupon automatically applied at checkout. By accepting Mfg/Dist coupon, customer agrees to pay all transactional tax due on item sold, including value of coupon where applicable. Transfer Number (Switch/Port), Upgrade or New Line pricing is available to customer once every 90 days. May not be combinable with certain offers, discounts, or credits. Phone may be restricted to Cricket svc during first 6 months after activation. By activating/using svc, you agree to Cricket Terms of Service (cricketwireless.com/terms). Svc good for 30 days and is subject to Cricket network management policies, see cricketwireless.com/mobile broadband for details. Return Fee: $25; see cricketwireless.com/fees for details. Pricing, terms, & other restr's subject to change and may be modified or terminated at any time without notice. Coverage & svc not avail. everywhere. © 2019 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same to you:
ChazzMatt said:
Terms say it's locked to Cricket for 6 months.
Look I'm tired of arguing about it. You go do it and live with yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse