Database Users

AT&T Flat out refusing to Unlock my phone

I paid full price for my phone, I have called and spoken to 5 different AT&T Reps and every single one of them either tells me "we cant do it" or that the "code isnt available" . With the new law thing i though if you paid full non contract price for a phone they were obligated to unlock for you?

rexxcastle said:
I paid full price for my phone, I have called and spoken to 5 different AT&T Reps and every single one of them either tells me "we cant do it" or that the "code isnt available" . With the new law thing i though if you paid full non contract price for a phone they were obligated to unlock for you?
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Click to collapse
I would speak to a manager. Did you buy the phone directly from them? Most unlocking services have the codes in their systems now so there is no way AT&T doesn't have the code.

rexxcastle said:
I paid full price for my phone, I have called and spoken to 5 different AT&T Reps and every single one of them either tells me "we cant do it" or that the "code isnt available" . With the new law thing i though if you paid full non contract price for a phone they were obligated to unlock for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would try an online chat with technical support. That is how I got my code for my Galaxy S3.

Funny thing is, I remember AT&T stating that they unlocked phones anyway and the new law was unnecessary.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Grant H said:
I would try an online chat with technical support. That is how I got my code for my Galaxy S3.
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Click to collapse
Apparently you cant gain access to online support unless you have an Att account... which i do not as i am not an ATT customer.

i finally found a way to get a hold of someone via live chat and this is what i was told
"Tana Kimble: I do apologize Teddy, your device has to be at least 30 days old before the unlock codes are released to us."

rexxcastle said:
I paid full price for my phone, I have called and spoken to 5 different AT&T Reps and every single one of them either tells me "we cant do it" or that the "code isnt available" . With the new law thing i though if you paid full non contract price for a phone they were obligated to unlock for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.cellunlocker.net/
they did mine and it works great ..... nuff said
:good:

sugaman said:
http://www.cellunlocker.net/
they did mine and it works great ..... nuff said
:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$32.99, that is ripping

I work for AT&T, and we usually don't unlock new phones for the first 6 months a phone is out. Especially with a flagship phone.
Your best bet is to go through a 3rd party and just suck it up and pay for the unlock.
AT&T is under no obligation to give you an unlock code. They do it strictly as a courtesy.

I dont know if this helps, but when i bought my note 2 last november after it came out... i did so off contract and i ran into the same issue. AT&T reps typically seem like they get the codes 30-90 days after a product comes out and then theyll happily unlock it for you.. it seems like they aren't going to or arent able to unlock a brand new phone that just released.

Search is your friend. There are several unlock methods ive seen posted on xda.

delete

Ran into this today, CS rep flat out told me that it was impossible to unlock the AT&T version of the Galaxy S IV.

I was giving serious thought to returning my ATT S4 and buying a TMOBILE S4 (which doesn't have a locked boot loader) and then using it on ATT. TMOBILE Is heavily promoting that they don't lock you into contracts and will unlock your phone if you leave. When I contacted TMOBILE and asked if I could buy an S4 outright and then get it unlocked so I could use it on ATT they said they could do it - but that I had to wait 60 days after buying the phone to get it unlocked. Seemed kind of heavy handed to me - if I paid full price for the phone why would they make me wait 60 days?

@ att. Rep... I got my sgs3 un-locked when I got it in July/ Aug. No way after 6 months. And it was no problem
Sent from my SGH-I747 using xda premium

Thats so weird. I just bought mine and its unlocked after talking to a rep. I think you just need to get lucky and speak to thr right person. I didn't use my upgrade I just purchased it straight out. Oh I did mention I was going overseas and that this is the only phone I have.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Try what they are aaying to do on the s3 forums...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2029650
Edit: just tried, doesnt work..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

chocodough said:
I work for AT&T, and we usually don't unlock new phones for the first 6 months a phone is out. Especially with a flagship phone.
Your best bet is to go through a 3rd party and just suck it up and pay for the unlock.
AT&T is under no obligation to give you an unlock code. They do it strictly as a courtesy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Courtesy?
My question is this and as you say you work for AT&T so you might be able to give me a straight answer... If I DON'T get the phone at a contract price and pay the $639.99 why should AT&T care what I do with the phone then? I can understand them not wanting to share codes for a subsidized phone but full retail? What do they loose by not sharing the code? With the prevalence of services like cellunlocker.net they don't have the ability to keep the device on lock down.
I just don't get the big deal assuming one opts to pay full non-contract price.

chocodough said:
I work for AT&T, and we usually don't unlock new phones for the first 6 months a phone is out. Especially with a flagship phone.
Your best bet is to go through a 3rd party and just suck it up and pay for the unlock.
AT&T is under no obligation to give you an unlock code. They do it strictly as a courtesy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T does nothing out of courtesy. Once they have you as a cutomer, they could care less about you. ; (
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Android3220 said:
Thats so weird. I just bought mine and its unlocked after talking to a rep. I think you just need to get lucky and speak to thr right person. I didn't use my upgrade I just purchased it straight out. Oh I did mention I was going overseas and that this is the only phone I have.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the "overseas" thing on every person ive talked too. i have since spoken to 3 additional reps for a total of 8-9 and have been told the same thing by ALL of them. So i doubt they unlocked your phone for you.

Bought a Verizon PrePaid Moto G Today...

So let me tell you how this went down...
First, I go to a local Best Buy Mobile store to check out the Moto G for my girlfriend. They tell me they can't sell me one in the store until Jan. 9th, but if I purchase one online and choose to pickup in the store, I could get one. So I stand in the store, buy the phone on my GS4, and pick it up at the counter. Weird process, but whatever.
So I bought the phone. The lady at the register assured me that I would be able to use this on her line (which is a contract line). Go to activate it, and find out that it can't be done until the 9th. That's cool, no problem. Once I get home, I find out that the phone will only work on a prepaid line and BestBuy did not inform me of this. I go back up to the store to return it, but they won't take it back because it's opened. Oh, I forgot to mention, the lady at the damn counter was the one who opened it!
So, is there ANY way that I could get this to activate on a contract line without having it activated on a prepaid line for 6 months, or am I screwed? If not, is there a good way to bypass the activation and use it solely as a wifi "tablet" (for my girlfriend's kid)?
If I actually am screwed, anyone want this thing for $80 shipped in the continental US?

That's a lie about it being opened. I have returned prepaid phone there on several occasions. There is something either shady about your story or the person working but something isn't adding up here.
Sent from my XT1034 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

There is no SIM slot right?

big gulps huh? said:
That's a lie about it being opened. I have returned prepaid phone there on several occasions. There is something either shady about your story or the person working but something isn't adding up here.
Sent from my XT1034 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I thought something was fishy about that too. I'm going to try and take it back when someone else is working.
szymgio said:
There is no SIM slot right?
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Click to collapse
Correct, there is no SIM slot.

rngrdanny22 said:
If not, is there a good way to bypass the activation and use it solely as a wifi "tablet" (for my girlfriend's kid)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can bypass the activation easily, simply hit next 1 time, pull down the notification center, click on the multitasking button and swipe away the activation screen quickly, and boom! You have a $100 iPod touch alternative (which is why I bought it) I recorded a short video to show you, wiped it real quick because I just got it yesterday anyways
Code:
youtu.be/qhphsyRFEy4

rngrdanny22 said:
Yeah, I thought something was fishy about that too. I'm going to try and take it back when someone else is working.
Correct, there is no SIM slot.
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Click to collapse
It doesn't make sense to buy device without SIM slot...

szymgio said:
It doesn't make sense to buy device without SIM slot...
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Click to collapse
Why? CDMA phones have never used SIM slots. It's only with LTE now that Verizon and Sprint have used SIMs in their phones

wws12 said:
Why? CDMA phones have never used SIM slots. It's only with LTE now that Verizon and Sprint have used SIMs in their phones
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Click to collapse
I like to have choice.

uhm it was my impression that with bestbuy you can return prepaid phones opened within 14 days, the part you left out of your story is how long you waited to return the phone!
rngrdanny22 said:
So let me tell you how this went down...
First, I go to a local Best Buy Mobile store to check out the Moto G for my girlfriend. They tell me they can't sell me one in the store until Jan. 9th, but if I purchase one online and choose to pickup in the store, I could get one. So I stand in the store, buy the phone on my GS4, and pick it up at the counter. Weird process, but whatever.
So I bought the phone. The lady at the register assured me that I would be able to use this on her line (which is a contract line). Go to activate it, and find out that it can't be done until the 9th. That's cool, no problem. Once I get home, I find out that the phone will only work on a prepaid line and BestBuy did not inform me of this. I go back up to the store to return it, but they won't take it back because it's opened. Oh, I forgot to mention, the lady at the damn counter was the one who opened it!
So, is there ANY way that I could get this to activate on a contract line without having it activated on a prepaid line for 6 months, or am I screwed? If not, is there a good way to bypass the activation and use it solely as a wifi "tablet" (for my girlfriend's kid)?
If I actually am screwed, anyone want this thing for $80 shipped in the continental US?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Nice
skyhawk21 said:
uhm it was my impression that with bestbuy you can return prepaid phones opened within 14 days, the part you left out of your story is how long you waited to return the phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon phone has only been available for 3 days. He's no way near the 14 day limit. Love the attitude.

szymgio said:
I like to have choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool story, brah. Nonetheless, I guess you missed the fact that he bought this for his girlfriend who is under contract with Verizon which is a CDMA carrier. You can't buy a GSM phone and use it on a CDMA carrier. The only time one would need a SIM card slot is if you're using it on Sprint or Verizon's LTE network and since this phone doesn't have LTE....

Thanks for the responses guys! I'll try the unlock method later tonight when I have the phone in hand again (girlfriend still has it at the moment).
As for the return policy, I agree with y'all. I probably should be able to take it back, but the lady at the counter seemed like she might have been new or something. I actually tried to take it back about 4 hours later, so way within the 14 day window mentioned earlier.
On a side note, I won't be using the phone either way as I just went ahead and bought a like-new GS3 from a friend that she is going to use (wish I would have known he was selling it PRIOR to all this). If I can use it as a tablet, I'll just let her kid have it, but if not, I'll try and take it back again.
Will keep everyone posted!

keep us posted guy, I might take you up on that offer.
Good luck.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

sicembaylor said:
Cool story, brah. Nonetheless, I guess you missed the fact that he bought this for his girlfriend who is under contract with Verizon which is a CDMA carrier. You can't buy a GSM phone and use it on a CDMA carrier. The only time one would need a SIM card slot is if you're using it on Sprint or Verizon's LTE network and since this phone doesn't have LTE....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use this phone with other CDMA carrier?

So I can buy one at best buy at 99 usd and use or not? No need anything like an active line or anything else?
Sent from my Moto G

Lay295 said:
You can bypass the activation easily, simply hit next 1 time, pull down the notification center, click on the multitasking button and swipe away the activation screen quickly, and boom! You have a $100 iPod touch alternative (which is why I bought it) I recorded a short video to show you, wiped it real quick because I just got it yesterday anyways
Code:
youtu.be/qhphsyRFEy4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alejandrissimo said:
So I can buy one at best buy at 99 usd and use or not? No need anything like an active line or anything else?
Sent from my Moto G
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Click to collapse
read post above. I my self haven't bought one yet. buy looks like we can
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Alejandrissimo said:
So I can buy one at best buy at 99 usd and use or not? No need anything like an active line or anything else?
Sent from my Moto G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. After being told they didn't have any at my local store I was happy to inform them that they had 8 of them in stock which was very easy to find out online, and a little arguing about whether or not they could sell it yet, as well as a call to their Verizon rep, I finally was able to procure a Moto G without activating it. Hoping to find out this will work immediately with PagePlus.

Good news everyone, I was able to bypass the activation screen and unlock the phone for "tablet" use (using the methods mentioned in this thread). After playing with the phone for a little while, I gotta say, I actually like the thing! While we won't be using this as a phone, I will probably keep it to use as a MP3 player for the house.
I played around with the features a little and the only real disappointment that I saw was the camera. Maybe I'm use to the 13MP on the GS4, but the picture quality just didn't seem very good. Better than my girlfriend's old iPhone 4, but lacking nonetheless.

Willieumm said:
Correct. After being told they didn't have any at my local store I was happy to inform them that they had 8 of them in stock which was very easy to find out online, and a little arguing about whether or not they could sell it yet, as well as a call to their Verizon rep, I finally was able to procure a Moto G without activating it. Hoping to find out this will work immediately with PagePlus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me know how that works out. I tried and the pageplus rep said that the phone was unable to work, and it needed to be 'unlocked.' I wonder if I just got someone who didn't know what to do.

I returned my Verizon prepaid moto g today to BB. I did not have any issues. They did check to see if it had been activated. They turned the phone on and seeing the activate wizard appear turned it off. They only thing I didn't get back was the $0.70 for a 911 fee.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app

Note 3 blocked by T-Mobile, need advice

Hey guys, i've got a problem and I need some advice/options.
Long story short, as some of you may know, I bought my T-Mobile branded Note 3 on Swappa in November. Of course, Swappa says that they check IMEIs and the seller assured me that the phone was fully paid for, but a few days ago my Note 3 was blocked/blacklisted (whatever you call it) by T-Mobile for non-payment of EIP.
I have tried to resolve the issue through communicating with the seller and Swappa, but there's really nothing to be done. The seller won't refund my money, Swappa is powerless, and Paypal says the transaction is past their 45 day dispute period. The phone isn't even unlocked, so I can't even try and use it on another carrier right now.
So at this point i'm trying to minimize my losses. I am open to any suggestions as to how I can either:
1. find a way to get the phone unlocked and use it on another carrier (I know that when a T-Mobile phone is blocked or blacklisted, they share that info now with AT&T, but i'm hoping I can use it on Simple Mobile or Straight Talk or Walmart's service)
or
2. sell the phone internationally (with full disclosure of the fact that the phone is blocked on T-Mobile/AT&T of course, but it shouldn't matter if someone wants to use it outside of the US, right?)
or
3. sell the phone as a 'dev' device (at a substantial loss i'm sure), but I have no idea how to do this or even whether a dev would want a phone that is blocked (don't they need to test network stuff?).
I'm trying to find a way to make the best of a bad situation. Any one who reads this post and wants to give me some decent advice is welcome. But if you just want to start trolling PLEASE JUST GO AWAY. I have enough problems as it is right now.
In any case, i've learned my lesson. No more Craigslist, no more Negri, no more Swappa. I'm just gonna pony up the money and get my phones directly from T-Mobile. The money I thought I was saving doesn't look like such a deal anymore.

Ah damn, yeah seems a lot of people have fallen into the same trap you have unfortunately.
Well you could try another network. . However the chances are high that it'll be blocked all over the US. - yes you could sell it internationally and disclose the issue but the frequency has a different range(?) - this would probably be your best option.
If not then you'd just have to take the hit on it, toss it away or use as a media device. And put it down to a very bad lesson learnt the hard way :-/
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

radicalisto said:
Ah damn, yeah seems a lot of people have fallen into the same trap you have unfortunately.
Well you could try another network. . However the chances are high that it'll be blocked all over the US. - yes you could sell it internationally and disclose the issue but the frequency has a different range(?) - this would probably be your best option.
If not then you'd just have to take the hit on it, toss it away or use as a media device. And put it down to a very bad lesson learnt the hard way :-/
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the response, but now way I could toss $650 away. It took me a few months to save that up. That's why i'm trying to salvage whatever I can of this situation.
Perhaps there's a Canadian carrier uses the same frequencies as T-Mobile? Anyone know a site that would help me compare GSM bands/frequencies to see which countries would be the best option for reselling?

You could have a scan on gsmarena they detail frequencies on the different models.
Yeah it's definitely an expensive error for sure, assume T - Mobile aren't too keen to help at all then?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

radicalisto said:
You could have a scan on gsmarena they detail frequencies on the different models.
Yeah it's definitely an expensive error for sure, assume T - Mobile aren't too keen to help at all then?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, T-Mobile won't give me any info because i'm not the original account holder for the phone. T-Mobile will probably go after that person, but it's probably just a tax write off for them.

Try RegionLock away on Play store or buy an unlock code then try with a pre-paid service. GL

RMXO said:
Try RegionLock away on Play store or buy an unlock code then try with a pre-paid service. GL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Won't help.... Phone has been blacklisted...
Unless you can get the carrier to take it off the blacklist it won't be allowed to connect to any network in that country (theoretically)...
Just a thought though - if the phone hasn't been paid for to the carrier, it's on the blacklist and you are caught trying to use it, you may find yourself charged with possession of stolen goods... Unless you have a receipt that states it was sold to you. Either way though you will loose the phone...

Techngro said:
Hey guys, i've got a problem and I need some advice/options.
Long story short, as some of you may know, I bought my T-Mobile branded Note 3 on Swappa in November. Of course, Swappa says that they check IMEIs and the seller assured me that the phone was fully paid for, but a few days ago my Note 3 was blocked/blacklisted (whatever you call it) by T-Mobile for non-payment of EIP.
I have tried to resolve the issue through communicating with the seller and Swappa, but there's really nothing to be done. The seller won't refund my money, Swappa is powerless, and Paypal says the transaction is past their 45 day dispute period. The phone isn't even unlocked, so I can't even try and use it on another carrier right now.
So at this point i'm trying to minimize my losses. I am open to any suggestions as to how I can either:
1. find a way to get the phone unlocked and use it on another carrier (I know that when a T-Mobile phone is blocked or blacklisted, they share that info now with AT&T, but i'm hoping I can use it on Simple Mobile or Straight Talk or Walmart's service)
or
2. sell the phone internationally (with full disclosure of the fact that the phone is blocked on T-Mobile/AT&T of course, but it shouldn't matter if someone wants to use it outside of the US, right?)
or
3. sell the phone as a 'dev' device (at a substantial loss i'm sure), but I have no idea how to do this or even whether a dev would want a phone that is blocked (don't they need to test network stuff?).
I'm trying to find a way to make the best of a bad situation. Any one who reads this post and wants to give me some decent advice is welcome. But if you just want to start trolling PLEASE JUST GO AWAY. I have enough problems as it is right now.
In any case, i've learned my lesson. No more Craigslist, no more Negri, no more Swappa. I'm just gonna pony up the money and get my phones directly from T-Mobile. The money I thought I was saving doesn't look like such a deal anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bad luck for you.
But i can tell you a thing or 2 about selling phone internationally.
your t-mobile fone can be used here in SEA region and for the N3 its probably multi band.so selling it internationally shouldn't be an issue for you.but you'll probably want to sell it at a huge discount.
from past experience,t-mobile's GSM frequency is the same as those in my country and i have no issues using T-mo fone here.my signature should tell you what t-mo fones i had.but i cannot say if the 4g band is the same though.so dun worry about the GSM band being compatible or not,that's the buyer's responsibility.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM_frequency_bands)
i am not sure if there is a way to sim unlock your fone without having to buy a unlock code(i noe the sensation 4g had a way to remove sim lock altogether),if you do find a way,there is no harm testing to see if you can still use the fone on other networks.
take it as a hard lesson learned bro but dun give up trying other ways to use your fone,i am pretty sure the journey is educational.like how i tried to make t-mo fones work in my country.

I might be wrong but its only blacklisted IMEI NUMBER? in UK its illegal to change it. But I think you end up selling it OK on ebay
with NO RETURNS OR REFUND!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

ultramag69 said:
Won't help.... Phone has been blacklisted...
Unless you can get the carrier to take it off the blacklist it won't be allowed to connect to any network in that country (theoretically)...
Just a thought though - if the phone hasn't been paid for to the carrier, it's on the blacklist and you are caught trying to use it, you may find yourself charged with possession of stolen goods... Unless you have a receipt that states it was sold to you. Either way though you will loose the phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I do have a receipt from both Paypal and Swappa. But I think would only work if it has been reported lost or stolen by the original owner. I don't think that's the case. T-Mobile said it was blocked for non-payment of EIP. Guess the guy just flipped the phone as soon as he signed the contract. People suck.
frostmore said:
bad luck for you.
But i can tell you a thing or 2 about selling phone internationally.
your t-mobile fone can be used here in SEA region and for the N3 its probably multi band.so selling it internationally shouldn't be an issue for you.but you'll probably want to sell it at a huge discount.
from past experience,t-mobile's GSM frequency is the same as those in my country and i have no issues using T-mo fone here.my signature should tell you what t-mo fones i had.but i cannot say if the 4g band is the same though.so dun worry about the GSM band being compatible or not,that's the buyer's responsibility.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSM_frequency_bands)
i am not sure if there is a way to sim unlock your fone without having to buy a unlock code(i noe the sensation 4g had a way to remove sim lock altogether),if you do find a way,there is no harm testing to see if you can still use the fone on other networks.
take it as a hard lesson learned bro but dun give up trying other ways to use your fone,i am pretty sure the journey is educational.like how i tried to make t-mo fones work in my country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, very educational. I used to buy my phone on Craigslist. I never once got scammed. But then Craigslist turned into Scam Central Station. So I went to Swappa because they use Paypal and I thought that would give me some protection. Turns out, the only way to ensure that you won't get a phone that will be blocked or blacklisted later is to get it directly from the source. It's turning out to be an expensive lesson. :crying:
How much of a discount do you normally get when you purchase a T-Mobile phone? I don't want to lose $200. It would make more sense to just get a cheap 4G phone and tether it to my Note 3 and use it as a little tablet.
jowett69 said:
I might be wrong but its only blacklisted IMEI NUMBER? in UK its illegal to change it. But I think you end up selling it OK on ebay
with NO RETURNS OR REFUND!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I would have to do it that way, but i'm worried now about losing too much money trying to sell it. If I sell it internationally, I don't see why I should lose that much, since the T-Mobile block only applies to the US.

Another option?
I really don't want to lose my $30 5GB plan. I've been looking on Amazon and saw that they have some cheap T-Mobile 4G phones like this Nokia Lumia 521: http://goo.gl/KgvOgR
My thought is, I can purchase that, tether my Note 3 to it and keep using it. 90% of what I do on my Note 3 is data/browsing, gaming, etc. So if I can tether to the Lumia, I guess it would work.
Any thoughts?

Was the Paypal transaction a credit card one? If so, I would contact them directly (you may have recourse for up to 3 months?). I use Paypal but always use my credit card to pay for items and never my bank account because Paypal will not stand behind the purchase if they have a way out.

FedUpx2 said:
Was the Paypal transaction a credit card one? If so, I would contact them directly (you may have recourse for up to 3 months?). I use Paypal but always use my credit card to pay for items and never my bank account because Paypal will not stand behind the purchase if they have a way out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, unfortunately, it was a bank account. Sigh...

UPDATE
So here's an update on my situation.
After considering my options, I ordered a Straight Talk AT&T sim card a few days ago. It was only $7 with free shipping, so I figured I might as well give it a try. It got here today, so I got Chainfire's RegionLock Away app and followed the instructions here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471742) to unlock my Note 3 using the Straight Talk sim card. Didn't have a single problem getting it unlocked. Total cost to unlock ~ $10.
Once it was unlocked, I signed up for the $45 Straight Talk plan (which ends up around $50 with taxes/fees), and after a couple of reboots, I have service. The service seems pretty fast, but I don't want to do a speedtest because it's just a waste of my limited data allotment. It shows as being 4G LTE, but I don't know if that's the case.
So, I pay $20 more for half the data, and I have a Note 3 that is worth considerably less than what I paid for it only a couple of months ago on Swappa. I've definitely learned a valuable lesson here. But at least I have a working phone, so there's that.
Thanks for all of the suggestions guys.

That's awesome and glad you are able to use the phone normally.

Techngro said:
So here's an update on my situation.
After considering my options, I ordered a Straight Talk AT&T sim card a few days ago. It was only $7 with free shipping, so I figured I might as well give it a try. It got here today, so I got Chainfire's RegionLock Away app and followed the instructions here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471742) to unlock my Note 3 using the Straight Talk sim card. Didn't have a single problem getting it unlocked. Total cost to unlock ~ $10.
Once it was unlocked, I signed up for the $45 Straight Talk plan (which ends up around $50 with taxes/fees), and after a couple of reboots, I have service. The service seems pretty fast, but I don't want to do a speedtest because it's just a waste of my limited data allotment. It shows as being 4G LTE, but I don't know if that's the case.
So, I pay $20 more for half the data, and I have a Note 3 that is worth considerably less than what I paid for it only a couple of months ago on Swappa. I've definitely learned a valuable lesson here. But at least I have a working phone, so there's that.
Thanks for all of the suggestions guys.
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Sorry to hear about your problems. Even though a couple people had the same issue with phones from Negri Electronics, mine purchased from Negri still says that the IMEI is not recognized when checked and it works fine on T-Mobile or AT&T (tested with sister's T-Mobile SIM and daily use with AT&T grandfathered Unlimited) with LTE. I am very happy. T-Mobile was going to make me spend $791 + at least 45 days of unwanted service before I could even request an unlock and they have 7 days to respond (52 days of unwanted service?). That's not a deal.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

CZroe said:
Sorry to hear about your problems. Even though a couple people had the same issue with phones from Negri Electronics, mine purchased from Negri still says that the IMEI is not recognized when checked and it works fine on T-Mobile or AT&T (tested with sister's T-Mobile SIM and daily use with AT&T grandfathered Unlimited) with LTE. I am very happy. T-Mobile was going to make me spend $791 + at least 45 days of unwanted service before I could even request an unlock and they have 7 days to respond (52 days of unwanted service?). That's not a deal.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
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Well, i'm glad that Negri made someone happy. There were plenty of people on this forum who felt they were getting scammed by them and had to cancel preorders after waiting 3 weeks for a shipment that never happened.
You might feel you're getting a deal, and maybe you are, and i'm glad for you. But for me, as I said, I learned a very expensive lesson from my experiences with both Negri and Swappa. It's only a deal when it works out the way you want it to. When you get screwed like I did, it stops being a deal. Not only did my phone get blocked, I now pay more money for less service. The extra $100 in savings isn't worth the risk for me anymore.

For those wondering if the N6 will work on Verizon....

I just spoke with an awesome and knowledgeable rep from Google over the phone. He told me without a doubt that the N6 OUT OF THE BOX will work on Verizon. There will NOT be a special model made for Verizon and that there is TWO Models, A US & International Model THAT'S IT. He said anyone who buys from the Play Store can simply pop in their SIM and the phone will do the rest. He also stated if you need more confirmation, Just visit http://www.google.com/nexus/6/ and scroll the the bottom right and there you will see Verizon Wireless.
Some of us already knew this including myself, But i realize some of you are nervous about spending all your money just for the phone not to work. You are good to go!

J.Guido85 said:
I just spoke with an awesome and knowledgeable rep from Google over the phone. He told me without a doubt that the N6 OUT OF THE BOX will work on Verizon. There will NOT be a special model made for Verizon and that there is TWO Models, A US & International Model THAT'S IT. He said anyone who buys from the Play Store can simply pop in their SIM and the phone will do the rest. He also stated if you need more confirmation, Just visit http://www.google.com/nexus/6/ and scroll the the bottom right and there you will see Verizon Wireless.
Some of us already knew this including myself, But i realize some of you are nervous about spending all your money just for the phone not to work. You are good to go!
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Im one of the many americans who live nearly paycheck to paycheck and cant afford to pay 649 for a phone off contract, sure id love to just not feasible in my current situation. 199 on contract is perfect for me because i can sell my galaxy s4 for around that and not have to pay any "out of pocket" i know in the end im paying more but this is just easier for me, than dropping 649 all at once. With that being said im gonna start saving for it and if verzion decides to delay that long i will purchase from google.

seems like tmobile is the only carrier i can see offering this on the home screen of their site.

http://www.droid-life.com/2014/10/31/nexus-6-working-on-verizon-out-of-the-box/
or there is this...

This does not answer the question that MOST people need answered....... We don't care if the play store version will work on Verizon......most people aren't buying the play store version outright.... We need to know if the Verizon version will be locked down..... Just because it's the same hardware doesn't mean that Verizon doesn't get Motorola to flash their own version of firmware that locks out the ability to unlock the bootloader!

anthonyg45157 said:
Im one of the many americans who live nearly paycheck to paycheck and cant afford to pay 649 for a phone off contract, sure id love to just not feasible in my current situation. 199 on contract is perfect for me because i can sell my galaxy s4 for around that and not have to pay any "out of pocket" i know in the end im paying more but this is just easier for me, than dropping 649 all at once. With that being said im gonna start saving for it and if verzion decides to delay that long i will purchase from google.
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You're actually saving money by buying a phone on contract if you are going to use it on Verizon. The only way you save money is paying full retail and then going with a cheaper pre-paid carrier.

Ive pestered verizon online and over the phone and can't get a straight answer if they will ever carry it. Im hoping we hear something offical. From a business standpoint I can see why they would delay it. But thats TERRIBLE for customers but verizon always gets the last word as seen in all previous situations. Im fine to wait until end of Novemeber but any longer I may switch carriers. Might even be some black Friday deals

I think the nexus 6 sold by verizon most likely is a locked phone, which is why verizon store is selling the phone later than other carrier for they need to patched the phone.

polke45 said:
I think the nexus 6 sold by verizon most likely is a locked phone, which is why verizon store is selling the phone later than other carrier for they need to patched the phone.
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I doubt it. Verizon's other high end phones have been GSM unlocked for the most part.

Verizon actually would take the least issue with selling a GSM unlocked device.
All of their LTE devices are sold GSM unlocked.
Because of the compatibility, this appears to be the first device they'll ever truly allow in a "bring your own device" fashion without pre-approving the IMEI in their database. It's good to see, and it makes sense with the push to sign customers up on Edge and the lack of contracts now.

Take it for what it's worth and with a hefty dose of salt, but someone claims to have spoken with their friend who's a network engineer and it sounds dodgy:
http://www.reddit.com/r/nexus6/comments/2lhrm2/detailed_information_on_status_of_the_nexus_6_and/
Sounds like while it may work right out of the box with an existing nano sim, you may be screwed without an existing activated nano sim. Furthermore, it sounds like the delayed release on Verizon (check out the individual page now which only mentions T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular) may be because Verizon is trying to change the terms of the agreement and try to get software specific to them and they may pull a Nexus One and drop it entirely.
I'm a bit concerned that even if I can get it to work from the day my GPS version arrives, they can at any time decide to block it and I'll have a phone I can't use on Verizon. If they pull that ****, I'll probably just leave for AT&T anyway, but the risk is still there.
Until Verizon officially announces something or is selling the device, those of us with a play store or motorola.com phone we've purchased are taking a risk it may not work or may work for a while and then stop working. And if Verizon decides not to "play ball" then what happens with radio updates? If there are radio bugs, we're screwed because they'd have to go through Verizon for that wouldn't they?

It would make sense if they didn't allow any unlockable bootloader phone on their network. But they are allowing Samsung to sell a dev edition Note 4.

Mayze23 said:
It would make sense if they didn't allow any unlockable bootloader phone on their network. But they are allowing Samsung to sell a dev edition Note 4.
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Like anything Verizon does makes logical sense?

J.Guido85 said:
I just spoke with an awesome and knowledgeable rep from Google over the phone. He told me without a doubt that the N6 OUT OF THE BOX will work on Verizon. There will NOT be a special model made for Verizon and that there is TWO Models, A US & International Model THAT'S IT. He said anyone who buys from the Play Store can simply pop in their SIM and the phone will do the rest. He also stated if you need more confirmation, Just visit http://www.google.com/nexus/6/ and scroll the the bottom right and there you will see Verizon Wireless.
Some of us already knew this including myself, But i realize some of you are nervous about spending all your money just for the phone not to work. You are good to go!
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Click to collapse
Just spoke with a Moto Rep and he assured me I'll have no problem activating on VZW. Seems like good news... now... white or blue.

Coop9 said:
Just spoke with a Moto Rep and he assured me I'll have no problem activating on VZW. Seems like good news... now... white or blue.
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Regarding the earlier point about whether Verizon will even carry the Nexus 6, I spent some time today at a local Verizon store looking at what my choices might be (like the Droid Turbo) if the Nexus 6 doesn't appear and asked specifically to the availability/timing of the Nexus 6 at Verizon. The manager wasn't aware of any date but did indicate they might not even carry it if the phone couldn't pass the Verizon testing and approval process. Not a answer that gives a great deal of hope but at least I didn't get the entire denial of any knowledge of status.
Sent from my Surface Pro 3 using Tapatalk

If vzw pulls a nexus one to htc incredible or black list imes why don't people organize and protest the fcc. Vzw is a carrier. We should have any device on their network as long as it's not harmful and they must prove harm case by case.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

You would think someone would be in some deep **** if a bunch of us buy it for Verizon and then can't use it, especially when it says Verizon right on the Google play page and numerous of Google and Motorola employees confirming it works. I know were all tense about this but I really believe were all worrying to much. I know Verizons history as much as anyone so can't blame u but I say were gonna be alright.

INCREMENTAL said:
You would think someone would be in some deep **** if a bunch of us buy it for Verizon and then can't use it, especially when it says Verizon right on the Google play page and numerous of Google and Motorola employees confirming it works. I know were all tense about this but I really believe were all worrying to much. I know Verizons history as much as anyone so can't blame u but I say were gonna be alright.
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There's nothing on Google Play store saying it works on Verizon BTW... Not sure where you saw that... Unfortunately VZW can carry or not carry any phone they want.

bossei said:
There's nothing on Google Play store saying it works on Verizon BTW... Not sure where you saw that... Unfortunately VZW can carry or not carry any phone they want.
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It is on the specs page as well as the device page (their logo) and was also mentioned on their blog or whatever. If it's all just to say it's /could/ work, then Google should honor returns well past the 14-day period because it sure as hell is misleading as hell.

jkc120 said:
It is on the specs page as well as the device page (their logo) and was also mentioned on their blog or whatever. If it's all just to say it's /could/ work, then Google should honor returns well past the 14-day period because it sure as hell is misleading as hell.
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Interesting; I don't see any of that here.

How do I remove Sprint bloatware after Unlock?

I finally reached the 50 day finish line and will have my phone unlocked today or tomorrow. I want to sell this, but as "unlocked" on Swappa to make a bit more on it. How do I remove the Sprint Bloatware after unlock?

The variant you have technically will always be a Sprint variant. If you start up in bootloader mode, it will have variant - sprint not openus

I want to know the answer to this as well. I heard that factory resetting with a non sprint sim would take that stuff away. I am still 10 days out from the unlock.

runderekrun said:
I want to know the answer to this as well. I heard that factory resetting with a non sprint sim would take that stuff away. I am still 10 days out from the unlock.
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I don't think that will work. We switched my wife's from the Sprint stock rom to the openus stock rom for better updates and it's still showing Sprint variant. It is also unlocked. So I don't know. But our phones never had bloatware on them to begin with.

JoRocker said:
I finally reached the 50 day finish line and will have my phone unlocked today or tomorrow. I want to sell this, but as "unlocked" on Swappa to make a bit more on it. How do I remove the Sprint Bloatware after unlock?
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Yes it will always be a Sprint variant and can only be unlocked for domestic use. Please make sure buyers are aware if you sell it on Swappa.

Airwolf79 said:
Yes it will always be a Sprint variant and can only be unlocked for domestic use. Please make sure buyers are aware if you sell it on Swappa.
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That's 100% false.. I already talked to Sprint about this because I'm moving to Taiwan in February, and they said it will work anywhere in the world. I.E. International and domestic unlock. There is no Sprint Bloatware just a PRL manager when Sprint Sim is inserted..
I also received an email stating my phone has been "International and Domestic Unlocked".

JoRocker said:
That's 100% false.. I already talked to Sprint about this because I'm moving to Taiwan in February, and they said it will work anywhere in the world. I.E. International and domestic unlock. There is no Sprint Bloatware just a PRL manager when Sprint Sim is inserted..
I also received an email stating my phone has been "International and Domestic Unlocked".
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Correct.
I don't see any bloatware on my phone.
It will always be a Sprint variant but that is only for identification.

JoRocker said:
That's 100% false.. I already talked to Sprint about this because I'm moving to Taiwan in February, and they said it will work anywhere in the world. I.E. International and domestic unlock. There is no Sprint Bloatware just a PRL manager when Sprint Sim is inserted..
I also received an email stating my phone has been "International and Domestic Unlocked".
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Well Sprint doesn't say anything about unlocking it internationally. https://www.sprint.com/en/support/solutions/device/faqs-about-unlocking-your-sprint-device.html
Maybe you'll be lucky and it'll work for you, but I wouldn't take a chance taking a Sprint variant over seas with their track record of randomly relocking phones. There was a post here on the forum of a guy from Germany that bought an unlocked Sprint phone and couldn't use it over there. So until you actually try it, you won't know for sure. I still stand by my OP that the seller should disclose that it's a Sprint variant because it's not worth as much. There's plenty of regular unlocked ph1's on Swappa to choose from, so good luck trying to sell it for more than $300, if it's mint.

JoRocker said:
I finally reached the 50 day finish line and will have my phone unlocked today or tomorrow. I want to sell this, but as "unlocked" on Swappa to make a bit more on it. How do I remove the Sprint Bloatware after unlock?
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What Sprint bloatware are you referencing? I had my sprint installed but that was it. I keep it to pay my bill and track other things, but I was able to delete it just for kicks.

Airwolf79 said:
Well Sprint doesn't say anything about unlocking it internationally. https://www.sprint.com/en/support/solutions/device/faqs-about-unlocking-your-sprint-device.html
Maybe you'll be lucky and it'll work for you, but I wouldn't take a chance taking a Sprint variant over seas with their track record of randomly relocking phones. There was a post here on the forum of a guy from Germany that bought an unlocked Sprint phone and couldn't use it over there. So until you actually try it, you won't know for sure. I still stand by my OP that the seller should disclose that it's a Sprint variant because it's not worth as much. There's plenty of regular unlocked ph1's on Swappa to choose from, so good luck trying to sell it for more than $300, if it's mint.
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I just called Sprint again to make sure (spoke to international department) they said there will be no issues it is 100% unlocked. I don't know what happened with that guy from Germany, but I'd guess he was lied to about it being unlocked from whoever he bought it from. In fact unless the post is less than a couple weeks ago, I know that's the case, because I got mine the first week of the offer and just was able to get it unlocked late last week.
I went to Swappa and every mint selling for $340 is still locked to Sprint. In fact, every posting says "locked to Sprint, will be unlockable after 50 days". So I'd assume people are selling the unlocked Sprint variants on "Unlocked" section, because there's no Bloatware, and it is unlocked.

carterfalls said:
What Sprint bloatware are you referencing? I had my sprint installed but that was it. I keep it to pay my bill and track other things, but I was able to delete it just for kicks.
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That's what I meant, I figured out how to remove it. I actually don't have to, it gets installed with Sprint Sim it seems.

JoRocker said:
I just called Sprint again to make sure (spoke to international department) they said there will be no issues it is 100% unlocked. I don't know what happened with that guy from Germany, but I'd guess he was lied to about it being unlocked from whoever he bought it from. In fact unless the post is less than a couple weeks ago, I know that's the case, because I got mine the first week of the offer and just was able to get it unlocked late last week.
I went to Swappa and every mint selling for $340 is still locked to Sprint. In fact, every posting says "locked to Sprint, will be unlockable after 50 days". So I'd assume people are selling the unlocked Sprint variants on "Unlocked" section, because there's no Bloatware, and it is unlocked.
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People that got in on the early lease program were told that they wouldn't have to wait the whole 50 days, and many posted their devices were unlocked within a few days of being paid off. One guy even posted his contract, and it didn't say anything about being only DSU until 50 days of use. Obviously, Sprint caught on to this that people were cancelling their contracts as soon as they paid off the device.
My point is, sellers of a Sprint device that are trying to sell it as an unlocked device need to disclose that it's a Sprint variant because most people will gladly pay a little more for a true GSM unlocked device that they don't have to worry about getting randomly relocked. The cheapest PH1 on Swappa in the unlocked section is $389, and none of them say they are Sprint variants, but there are people who will lie and not tell someone it's a Sprint variant, so I just wanted to inform the OP. That's not right.

Airwolf79 said:
People that got in on the early lease program were told that they wouldn't have to wait the whole 50 days, and many posted their devices were unlocked within a few days of being paid off. One guy even posted his contract, and it didn't say anything about being only DSU until 50 days of use. Obviously, Sprint caught on to this that people were cancelling their contracts as soon as they paid off the device.
My point is, sellers of a Sprint device that are trying to sell it as an unlocked device need to disclose that it's a Sprint variant because most people will gladly pay a little more for a true GSM unlocked device that they don't have to worry about getting randomly relocked. The cheapest PH1 on Swappa in the unlocked section is $389, and none of them say they are Sprint variants, but there are people who will lie and not tell someone it's a Sprint variant, so I just wanted to inform the OP. That's not right.
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Look, I know you want to be right, but you just aren't... I ordered my phone day 3 of the deal. My phone was unlocked originally and then relocked a week later, because Sprint initially made a mistake and corrected it. It didn't affect me because I'm on the Sprint BYOD deal anyways. That's more than likely what happened to the German guy...
There is zero difference between the Unlocked and Sprint version. Usually with carrier specifics phones (note again I said usually) they alter the accepted frequencies to support that specific network and add carrier Bloatware, that's not the case with the Essential phone. Once the 50 days is up and you get it unlocked, it's unlocked forever. It's yours and you own it to use how you see fit. There is no Sprint Bloatware whatsoever or any carrier branding. It is now deemed "Unlocked" and can be advertised as such. I'll put in my listing that it was used on Sprint Network, but to say it will randomly relock is a ridiculous statement and has no chance of happening. It will accept all frequencies that any Essential phone is capable of using.

JoRocker said:
Look, I know you want to be right, but you just aren't... I ordered my phone day 3 of the deal. My phone was unlocked originally and then relocked a week later, because Sprint initially made a mistake and corrected it. It didn't affect me because I'm on the Sprint BYOD deal anyways. That's more than likely what happened to the German guy...
There is zero difference between the Unlocked and Sprint version. Usually with carrier specifics phones (note again I said usually) they alter the accepted frequencies to support that specific network and add carrier Bloatware, that's not the case with the Essential phone. Once the 50 days is up and you get it unlocked, it's unlocked forever. It's yours and you own it to use how you see fit. There is no Sprint Bloatware whatsoever or any carrier branding. It is now deemed "Unlocked" and can be advertised as such. I'll put in my listing that it was used on Sprint Network, but to say it will randomly relock is a ridiculous statement and has no chance of happening. It will accept all frequencies that any Essential phone is capable of using.
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You just completely contradicted yourself. Your phone was relocked "accidentally". LMAO. Ok buddy, you're right, I'm wrong.

JoRocker said:
Look, I know you want to be right, but you just aren't... I ordered my phone day 3 of the deal. My phone was unlocked originally and then relocked a week later, because Sprint initially made a mistake and corrected it. It didn't affect me because I'm on the Sprint BYOD deal anyways. That's more than likely what happened to the German guy...
There is zero difference between the Unlocked and Sprint version. Usually with carrier specifics phones (note again I said usually) they alter the accepted frequencies to support that specific network and add carrier Bloatware, that's not the case with the Essential phone. Once the 50 days is up and you get it unlocked, it's unlocked forever. It's yours and you own it to use how you see fit. There is no Sprint Bloatware whatsoever or any carrier branding. It is now deemed "Unlocked" and can be advertised as such. I'll put in my listing that it was used on Sprint Network, but to say it will randomly relock is a ridiculous statement and has no chance of happening. It will accept all frequencies that any Essential phone is capable of using.
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There are two sprint system apps installed onto the sprint variant. Once it's unlocked, it is close enough to unlocked to probably sell it as such but there is a slight differences.

Airwolf79 said:
You just completely contradicted yourself. Your phone was relocked "accidentally". LMAO. Ok buddy, you're right, I'm wrong.
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Click to collapse
I didn't contradict myself... They relocked people because they hadn't had service on the phone for 50 days to fully own the device... I have now. It is unlocked internationally and Domestically. It will accept all carriers in the world without risk of relocking... You're trying to way too hard to be correct.
I have already removed the Sprint PRL manager, by flashing Essentials stock ROM, not that it actually shows unless there's a Sprint Sim in the phone in the first place, but still for others peace of mind. It is now an Unlocked Essential Phone. No difference from my phone to an Essential website or Amazon version...

Airwolf79 said:
You just completely contradicted yourself. Your phone was relocked "accidentally". LMAO. Ok buddy, you're right, I'm wrong.
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Click to collapse
Sprint can't relock them if there's no Sprint sim in them anymore.
I bought 4 through the deal, only 1 got relocked, that was the one that still had a sprint sim (and that one is unlocked now as well since the 50 days are up).
2 of them I gave to my parents who live in Belgium (that's in Europe) and they've been working perfectly ever since.

Gambler_BE said:
Sprint can't relock them if there's no Sprint sim in them anymore.
I bought 4 through the deal, only 1 got relocked, that was the one that still had a sprint sim (and that one is unlocked now as well since the 50 days are up).
2 of them I gave to my parents who live in Belgium (that's in Europe) and they've been working perfectly ever since.
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Ok I'm glad it worked out for you. Then I guess the right thing to do if selling the phone in the unlocked section on Swappa is to state that the 50 days has passed and it's fully unlocked. I stand corrected.

RE: Thread comment related to domestic and international unlocks on PH-1 Sprint variant.
Both unlocks are applicable on PH-1.
Attached composite of screen captures from my unlocked PH-1's illustrating BOTH domestic AND international unlocks of one of my PH-1's as reference example.
Friends don't let friends insert Sprint SIM's into their Essential phones View attachment 4803126