Guys, yesterday I was able to unlock my s5 that my brother bought from t-mobile in the US and brought to me to use it with brazilian carriers.
I purchased an unlocking code from Cellf Services for about $35, I paid + $5 for the instant service they provide which they promise to delivery the code in less than 30 minutes. I indeed received mine in less than 30 minutes. :good:
They sent me an email telling the codes were ready and gave me an url. I was impressed. I thought I was buying only the network unlocking code, but they gave me NETWORK, PROVIDER, SUBPROVIDER and DEFREEZE codes.
Somewhere in the site, I think in the terms and conditions, they say if you record a video of the unlocking proccess, upload to youtube or to metacafe, and send them the link they'll refund you. That might have been the first terms and conditions I have ever read in my life... :cyclops:
Well, I didn't record the video of the proccess because I was at work and was too worried about the possible region lock :crying:
Whatever, I inserted the non suported sim card I wanted to use, booted the beast and was propted for the "SIM network unlock pin", typed the network code provided by cellfservices and boom, unlocked :victory: . Worked like a charm. No region lock in my case, or maybe it's the same region since it's south america... who knows...
As of the other codes, I didn't test them, only needed the network one, so I don't know if they'll work, probably will...
Now I'm happy like a chick in the dumpster.
Alande Amorim said:
Guys, yesterday I was able to unlock my s5 that my brother bought from t-mobile in the US and brought to me to use it with brazilian carriers.
I purchased an unlocking code from Cellf Services for about $35, I paid + $5 for the instant service they provide which they promise to delivery the code in less than 30 minutes. I indeed received mine in less than 30 minutes. :good:
They sent me an email telling the codes were ready and gave me an url. I was impressed. I thought I was buying only the network unlocking code, but they gave me NETWORK, PROVIDER, SUBPROVIDER and DEFREEZE codes.
Somewhere in the site, I think in the terms and conditions, they say if you record a video of the unlocking proccess, upload to youtube or to metacafe, and send them the link they'll refund you. That might have been the first terms and conditions I have ever read in my life... :cyclops:
Well, I didn't record the video of the proccess because I was at work and was too worried about the possible region lock :crying:
Whatever, I inserted the non suported sim card I wanted to use, booted the beast and was propted for the "SIM network unlock pin", typed the network code provided by cellfservices and boom, unlocked :victory: . Worked like a charm. No region lock in my case, or maybe it's the same region since it's south america... who knows...
As of the other codes, I didn't test them, only needed the network one, so I don't know if they'll work, probably will...
Now I'm happy like a chick in the dumpster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You think, every SIM card even in other region, it will work? I'm planning to buy one and send it to the Philippines.
Firstly you have to make a minimim 5 minutes call from country where you bought your phone. After then regional lock will be removed
hemander said:
You think, every SIM card even in other region, it will work? I'm planning to buy one and send it to the Philippines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say. I've searched extensively about the region lock on the S5 before purchasing the sim unlocking code. Cellunlocker, one of the unlocking sites I found, explicitly stated that "*All USA and European Carriers ARE subject to Region Locking". However, saying they're 'subject to region locking' doesn't mean they definetly are.
There's a BGR.com article (google 'bgr galaxy s5 region lock') confirming the region lock of the european S5 with a picture of one of the box stickers warning it.
Are you planning to buy one in USA?
Mine I'm almost sure wasn't region locked. I am not sure if mine came with it since my sister in law opened the box to avoid paying customs duty and was missing one of the stickers, but if there was one of this sticker, she wouldn't have bought it.
The official way to region unlock the S5 would be making calls that sum 5 minutes on the region it was purchased.
Check the box for this sticker prior buying. If you can, use the device for some time before sending it.
If you do this -- I give you no warrant -- I think you should be ok... I personally would go for it.
In my case, I might have been lucky, else I would have to wait for some weeks (maybe months) until someone managed to hack it.
Alande Amorim said:
I can't say. I've searched extensively about the region lock on the S5 before purchasing the sim unlocking code. Cellunlocker, one of the unlocking sites I found, explicitly stated that "*All USA and European Carriers ARE subject to Region Locking". However, saying they're 'subject to region locking' doesn't mean they definetly are.
There's a BGR.com article (google 'bgr galaxy s5 region lock') confirming the region lock of the european S5 with a picture of one of the box stickers warning it.
Are you planning to buy one in USA?
Mine I'm almost sure wasn't region locked. I am not sure if mine came with it since my sister in law opened the box to avoid paying customs duty and was missing one of the stickers, but if there was one of this sticker, she wouldn't have bought it.
The official way to region unlock the S5 would be making calls that sum 5 minutes on the region it was purchased.
Check the box for this sticker prior buying. If you can, use the device for some time before sending it.
If you do this -- I give you no warrant -- I think you should be ok... I personally would go for it.
In my case, I might have been lucky, else I would have to wait for some weeks (maybe months) until someone managed to hack it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. Am planning to buy another here. I just wanted to know, where did your sister-in-law bought that? Maybe, that'll also work when unlock and bring to Philippines.
Related
hello,
i just got note 3 few days ago, didn't know anything about region lock and having big problems.
i've already tried region lock away by chainfire and no luck.
damn samsung you suck!
i claimed amazon guy who sold me but he says it's unlocked phone and region lock has nothing to do with him.
and i've already rooted so i can't even return it.
so i got $700 5.7inch galaxy note 3 alike wifi tab....
is there any way to get that unlock code?
do you know any descent site who might do it?
and if i install another rom (such as CM or etc) can i be using this phone?
thanks.
Did you already try this guy? I remember when I was following this problem in the beginning it was one of the things that worked for some people.
http://puman.ru/
imdogdream said:
hello,
i just got note 3 few days ago, didn't know anything about region lock and having big problems.
i've already tried region lock away by chainfire and no luck.
damn samsung you suck!
i claimed amazon guy who sold me but he says it's unlocked phone and region lock has nothing to do with him.
and i've already rooted so i can't even return it.
so i got $700 5.7inch galaxy note 3 alike wifi tab....
is there any way to get that unlock code?
do you know any descent site who might do it?
and if i install another rom (such as CM or etc) can i be using this phone?
thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I would recommend is as follows:
obtain an unlock code for your device from a reputable unlocking source. I use cellunlocker.net. They charge $32.99 USD which is steep but the turnaround time is usually less than an hour and they're 100% reliable. I have unlocked about 30 devices to date and if you are willing to post an unlock video and your experience on youtube, they will refund your fee. Once unlocked, follow the steps below...
1) Change your CSC to the carrier in which your SIM supports. Do this by obtaining your IMEI number through *#06# from the dialer menu.
2) With your IMEI noted from above, enter the following code *#272*[IMEI]# and you will be prompted with a region menu. Select the 3 letter region which corresponds with the carrier you wish to use. At this point, all should be working.
Hope this helps!
cellrama said:
What I would recommend is as follows:
obtain an unlock code for your device from a reputable unlocking source. I use cellunlocker.net. They charge $32.99 USD which is steep but the turnaround time is usually less than an hour and they're 100% reliable. I have unlocked about 30 devices to date and if you are willing to post an unlock video and your experience on youtube, they will refund your fee. Once unlocked, follow the steps below...
1) Change your CSC to the carrier in which your SIM supports. Do this by obtaining your IMEI number through *#06# from the dialer menu.
2) With your IMEI noted from above, enter the following code *#272*[IMEI]# and you will be prompted with a region menu. Select the 3 letter region which corresponds with the carrier you wish to use. At this point, all should be working.
Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah~~~
thanks for your reply.
few hours ago i applied unlock with puman.ru guys. they said they don't work weekend so I gotta wait till monday.
damn!! i wish i saw this post few hours ago
thanks though!!!
i'll post u back how it work with puman.ru guys.
carlitos66 said:
Did you already try this guy? I remember when I was following this problem in the beginning it was one of the things that worked for some people.
http://puman.ru/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello, i sent him money last night.
he says it's his offdays so i'll get the code by monday morning~
thanks!
SOLUTION!!!!!!!!!!!
puman.ru
this is the best guy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
it's working now guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i recommend him highly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello,
My name is Roberto, Iive in Chile and here the Galaxy S8 is still not selling and there is no information about the date, the price? way to high.
I wil be in the US in april and would love to buy the New S8 because is much cheaper, but there is no unlocked version untill MAY.
Can someone tell me, if I buy the AT&T version from the Samsung web page, if I have to activate with a contract or something? or I can Just buy a prepaid at&t sim and use it?
What I want is, to buy the AT&T version, unlock it, and then use it.
Then may be Install the future Unlocked Rom.
I tried to buy the UK version but is Region Locked, you have to make a 5 minut call form the place it was ment to sell UK
Please help.
Thanks.
Hi Roberto,
I am from Brazil and I will be in US in April and wanna get the S8 too.
I always do the purchase on eBay. Today there is some auctions and sellers offering the S8 to $849,00 on pre-order.
I figured out a second option, that is get the phone on Clove.co.uk. On the checkout page, you can choose this option: "Samsung’s region lock stops use of this handset within your chosen country unless activated with a European SIM. I agree for Clove Technology to break the seal on the box, activate the phone and remove the region lock by completing a 5 minute call on the handset." I think it is a good way to get the S8, it costs around $740 with shipping to US on Clove store.
I see no advantage getting the US version for foreign users, because you will not have your country language and can not flash an international firmware. You will be stuck only in AT&T's firmware version
rafaelpinaf said:
Hi Roberto,
I am from Brazil and I will be in US in April and wanna get the S8 too.
I always do the purchase on eBay. Today there is some auctions and sellers offering the S8 to $849,00 on pre-order.
I figured out a second option, that is get the phone on Clove.co.uk. On the checkout page, you can choose this option: "Samsung’s region lock stops use of this handset within your chosen country unless activated with a European SIM. I agree for Clove Technology to break the seal on the box, activate the phone and remove the region lock by completing a 5 minute call on the handset." I think it is a good way to get the S8, it costs around $740 with shipping to US on Clove store.
I see no advantage getting the US version for foreign users, because you will not have your country language and can not flash an international firmware. You will be stuck only in AT&T's firmware version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hy, thanks for that information, I wrote to them to ask about the shipping time because I will be in the US until the 25th of april so I do not know if they can ship the phone on time.
But great information, about the unlocking service.
rafaelpinaf said:
Hi Roberto,
I am from Brazil and I will be in US in April and wanna get the S8 too.
I always do the purchase on eBay. Today there is some auctions and sellers offering the S8 to $849,00 on pre-order.
I figured out a second option, that is get the phone on Clove.co.uk. On the checkout page, you can choose this option: "Samsung’s region lock stops use of this handset within your chosen country unless activated with a European SIM. I agree for Clove Technology to break the seal on the box, activate the phone and remove the region lock by completing a 5 minute call on the handset." I think it is a good way to get the S8, it costs around $740 with shipping to US on Clove store.
I see no advantage getting the US version for foreign users, because you will not have your country language and can not flash an international firmware. You will be stuck only in AT&T's firmware version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the answer from Clove, the shipping starts on the 28th so It wont arrive on time to me in the US
Too bad.
robertoaste said:
I got the answer from Clove, the shipping starts on the 28th so It wont arrive on time to me in the US
Too bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sad to hear that :/
The imei's are not in ATT's database yet if you go to the unlock page. Itll be a few weeks probably.
Make sure you scroll to the right and choose if you are an ATT customer or not.
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/request/#/unlockstep1
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
If you buy the phone from Samsung it should come with a unlock code in the email they send you.
If you want to buy it directly from AT&T they can unlock it within 24hrs. after the device is fully paid/bought out right. You just have to choose the lowest plan there and roll with it then cancel it after you unlock it
i used sim-unlock.net and it worked perfect man but im on tmobile dunno how to get video chat and **** to work
Mine was unlocked in less than 48 hours.
Sent from my SM-G950U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
where did you get your phone? I am thinking get a ATT S8 from samsung.com, but I don't know if ATT will unlock the phone for me...
Timesnewmen said:
where did you get your phone? I am thinking get a ATT S8 from samsung.com, but I don't know if ATT will unlock the phone for me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i got an att s8+ from samsung.com... att didnt unlock my phone because the phone was bought from samsung.com, they told me to call them so i did, samsung told me i had to call with my an agent from my carrier a 3 way line. so i did, i gave them the info and my imei, then they told me to factory reset my phone and that was it, and now i flashed g955u1 firmware so i am fully unlocked and bloatless
unitz0mbie said:
i got an att s8+ from samsung.com... att didnt unlock my phone because the phone was bought from samsung.com, they told me to call them so i did, samsung told me i had to call with my an agent from my carrier a 3 way line. so i did, i gave them the info and my imei, then they told me to factory reset my phone and that was it, and now i flashed g955u1 firmware so i am fully unlocked and bloatless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I have got an unlock.version from samsung.com for about $500. It's an more easy way.
Timesnewmen said:
Thanks. I have got an unlock.version from samsung.com for about $500. It's an more easy way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well yea since its released its a lot easier lol, received mine a day before launch day
So if i use the phone on another carrier (in my case in Argentina) It works perfectly but I would not be able to receive any OTA unless it has an ATT sim in it?
Does anyone know if it is possible to unlock the ATT version to use on Verizon if there is a 2yr contract still in place but another device is moved onto this contract to keep it active?
hi,
I purchased a Moto E4 model XT1766 in the USA recently and am looking for a way of unlocking it
(and possibly rooting it also) so that I can use it in the UK,
at the moment when I put my UK sim in it I get the error “Insert correct SIM card” and am very wary of buying an unlock code from ebay etc.
in that regard, is it possible for me to get it unlocked to work over here, with my own simcard?
(it's on Asda Mobile which uses the EE network)
having visited the Gsmarena website I do have some concerns though - please see my attached photos for more info
any help would be very welcome.
carkev said:
hi,
I purchased a Moto E4 model XT1766 in the USA recently and am looking for a way of unlocking it
(and possibly rooting it also) so that I can use it in the UK,
at the moment when I put my UK sim in it I get the error “Insert correct SIM card” and am very wary of buying an unlock code from ebay etc.
in that regard, is it possible for me to get it unlocked to work over here, with my own simcard?
(it's on Asda Mobile which uses the EE network)
having visited the Gsmarena website I do have some concerns though - please see my attached photos for more info
any help would be very welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears this is a sprint branded model based on your screen shots. Check with sprint prepaid to find out what their unlocking policy is. I think it used to be 12 months of paid service before they would unlock.
That said, I paid a couple bucks for an unlock code on ebay for a Verizon model, which worked as a US domestic sim unlock (sometimes more difficult to achieve than international unlock).
I wound try online chat with sprint to see what they say, or maybe social engineer a code out of them. Next I'd do the ebay code, especially if it's inexpensive.
dandrumheller said:
It appears this is a sprint branded model based on your screen shots. Check with sprint prepaid to find out what their unlocking policy is. I think it used to be 12 months of paid service before they would unlock.
That said, I paid a couple bucks for an unlock code on ebay for a Verizon model, which worked as a US domestic sim unlock (sometimes more difficult to achieve than international unlock).
I wound try online chat with sprint to see what they say, or maybe social engineer a code out of them. Next I'd do the ebay code, especially if it's inexpensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks,
I only prepaid for one month, so I doubt Sprint will look kindly on me but it would be wise of me to check with them anyway and make certain the prepay was not an auto top up one!
I'm not that trustful of ebay as yet but it wouldn't do me any harm to spent such a small amount - nothing to lose really.
update:
Sprint have been a right pain really - no joy at all - but for a good reason!
despite the phone having a Sprint sim in it, I am actually with Boost Mobile!
I found a receipt in the box that showed this, and have manged to log onto Boost's website and raise a support ticket - I will update further if I get any joy from them
Hi together,
due to the great price for the phone via Sprint, there are several pretty cheap ones also on ebay. I want to use the phone only outside the US (Germany) - is there any problem when it is locked to Sprint? Few years ago i imported a Verizon Locked Photon Q, and as i remember it was fully usable outside the US.
The ebay listing also includes the IMEI of the phones, and when i check them, they are "Clean on Sprint". But does that mean that they are locked? And if so, can i somehow unlock the phone, when i am in Germany and not on a Sprint Network?
Sorry about the confusion, i dont really get you phone locking stuff in the US
Best regards and thank you so much in advance!
If the phone is truly still locked to Sprint, it probably won't work with any other SIM card (the phone will just report Invalid SIM). You could look at ting.com/byod and check the IMEI there to see if it reports clear GSM / CDMA capabilities. If that shows up OK, then it at least doesn't have any financial obligation, and it should work.
Are you sure the phones are still Sprint Locked? Or was the seller just indicating they were Sprint variant phones, and were unlocked?
kbonnel said:
If the phone is truly still locked to Sprint, it probably won't work with any other SIM card (the phone will just report Invalid SIM). You could look at ting.com/byod and check the IMEI there to see if it reports clear GSM / CDMA capabilities. If that shows up OK, then it at least doesn't have any financial obligation, and it should work.
Are you sure the phones are still Sprint Locked? Or was the seller just indicating they were Sprint variant phones, and were unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the fast reply :good:
- I checked multiple lisitings from this seller at ting.com/byod, and they all say its compatible with ting/gsm/cdma. So if i get this right, the phone itself should not be locked then, because its neither stolen nor in financial trouble?
- i dont know if i am able to post ebay links here, one of the lisitings from this seller is 332465030454 - the seller just says that the buyer itself should check the IMEI. But as i understood it, i cant check if the phone is net/simlocked to sprint, just if its "legal"..
regards
Kampfgans said:
Thank you so much for the fast reply :good:
- I checked multiple lisitings from this seller at ting.com/byod, and they all say its compatible with ting/gsm/cdma. So if i get this right, the phone itself should not be locked then, because its neither stolen nor in financial trouble?
- i dont know if i am able to post ebay links here, one of the lisitings from this seller is 332465030454 - the seller just says that the buyer itself should check the IMEI. But as i understood it, i cant check if the phone is net/simlocked to sprint, just if its "legal"..
regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really wish I was able to give you a definitive answer, esp. since you are in Germany, as the return capabilities are a lot harder since it takes a while to ship back and forth. I was reviewing the company's website to see where they get their inventory, but couldn't really come up with a clear answer. They do indicate in the FAQ that they offer a service to test the ESN for a fee, but it doesn't go into much detail. Maybe give them a call, or send the seller a message on ebay to see if they are willing to pop in a non-sprint sim to verify it at least doesn't report back invalid - sim.
kbonnel said:
I really wish I was able to give you a definitive answer, esp. since you are in Germany, as the return capabilities are a lot harder since it takes a while to ship back and forth. I was reviewing the company's website to see where they get their inventory, but couldn't really come up with a clear answer. They do indicate in the FAQ that they offer a service to test the ESN for a fee, but it doesn't go into much detail. Maybe give them a call, or send the seller a message on ebay to see if they are willing to pop in a non-sprint sim to verify it at least doesn't report back invalid - sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to let you know about the outcome - they cannot guarantee that it is unlocked
Hopefully there will be another Amazon Deal or somebody doesnt need his F&F code
Kampfgans said:
Just to let you know about the outcome - they cannot guarantee that it is unlocked
Hopefully there will be another Amazon Deal or somebody doesnt need his F&F code
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what was the outcome? I have one ebay seller that isn't sure either. He bought it from sprint. Wanted to use it in Germany
saschb2b said:
So what was the outcome? I have one ebay seller that isn't sure either. He bought it from sprint. Wanted to use it in Germany
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assume anything bought from Sprint that the seller can't verify was active on Sprint's network for 50 days as unusable.
Sprint will only generate ISU (international SIM Unlock) that is permanent after a device has been on the network for 50 days.
This policy is strictly enforced and even if the device is paid off, it does not matter.
Hello guys and happy new year.
I'm planning to buy the essential phone from ebay. I have found some quite interesting offers from sprint locked devices. My question is the device will work at cosmote greece?
„Invalid sim“
I bought an essential phone from USA a few days ago and it is sim locked for sprint and I have not found any way to make it simlock free.
It says invalid sim.
I can use it as an expensive MP3 player or camera or when using WiFi.
But not as a telephone.
I asked the seller for help. He said he would call sprint.
I was able to flash Oreo beta2 Android 8.
In fast boot mode the mobile said it was a sprint variant.
I guess only sprint can made it sim lock free with a code.
If there is no solution I will maybe have to send it back.
What a pity situation. Why is essential phone not selling the phone for Europe ?
That's what I was afraid about. Thought a proper rom flash could remove the lock. But it seems you can't do it yourself. Essential will bring it to Europe. But when is not sure.
saschb2b said:
So what was the outcome? I have one ebay seller that isn't sure either. He bought it from sprint. Wanted to use it in Germany
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As already mentioned above -the seller could not guarantee it to me that i will be able to use it.
Finally, i ended up ordering it directly from Essential. Have it since 2 weeks now, works great on Telekom!
Hi, I am in Ireland and got a PH-1 which was locked by Sprint but i contacted them and they told me they have unlocked it for me and i can use it in Ireland but i am actually not able to use it on any network here, it just says Invalid Sim every time i put the sim card in.
Can anyone help me please?
forget sprint in europe!
In Germany it does not work with "Sprint" Locked Essential Phone.
Sam.anas said:
Hi, I am in Ireland and got a PH-1 which was locked by Sprint but i contacted them and they told me they have unlocked it for me and i can use it in Ireland but i am actually not able to use it on any network here, it just says Invalid Sim every time i put the sim card in.
Can anyone help me please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way to unlock it is with a Sprint SIM and they update the the phone or enter in a code.
Heloo i bought essential ph-1 amd it says invalid sim card. Im from georgia and want to work gsm carrier. Can i unlock the phone?
Hi,
So a friend of mine is bringing the Essential Phone to India from the USA. It is a Sprint model. Can anyone help me and tell me how can I go about unlocking the device so that I can use it with Indian carriers?
zaydenQ said:
Hi,
So a friend of mine is bringing the Essential Phone to India from the USA. It is a Sprint model. Can anyone help me and tell me how can I go about unlocking the device so that I can use it with Indian carriers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have your friend from the USA stay on a sprint account for 50 days then he can call them to unlock it for international as long as it's paid in full.
Unlock sprint
Hey. Can somebody help me with the unlock my essential phone pH 1
I had to send mine back. They have two types of UICC unlocks. One of them in for carriers inside the USA only and the other is for international carriers. The problem is that the international unlock is temporary. Even if the phone is paid in full their systems are relocking lots of phones when used on international carriers using the essential on USA carriers seems to be fine. Mine was paid in full with sprint and was unlocked for 1 month when I called Sprint they said that the international UUIC unlock is temporary so I needed to request it again. I decided to return the phone and once I got the refund and I purchased one directly from essential and my problems were solved.
Sprint is a CDMA network, so you need to check a few things before actually using the phone outside Sprint network.
CDMA networks use network-based white lists to verify their subscribers. That means you can only switch CDMA phones with your carrier’s permission. Details: https://www.unlockunit.com/blog/cdma-networks/
However, you might be able to use your phone with a local Indian GSM network. You must make sure that your phone has also GSM capabilities. you can check this on https://www.gsmarena.com/
And you can check your network's bands here: https://www.frequencycheck.com/
Jahdiel2011 said:
I had to send mine back. They have two types of UICC unlocks. One of them in for carriers inside the USA only and the other is for international carriers. The problem is that the international unlock is temporary. Even if the phone is paid in full their systems are relocking lots of phones when used on international carriers using the essential on USA carriers seems to be fine. Mine was paid in full with sprint and was unlocked for 1 month when I called Sprint they said that the international UUIC unlock is temporary so I needed to request it again. I decided to return the phone and once I got the refund and I purchased one directly from essential and my problems were solved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was your phone unlocked after 50 days with Sprint? I'm only keeping Sprint for 50 days to get them to do the international unlock. After that I will cancel. My phone was automatically unlocked for US sims after I paid off the lease and I'm using it with a T-mobile sim now. I noticed that the UICC menu is gone with my T-mobile sim in the phone. Do you know if the phone can be relocked for international sims even if it doesn't have a Sprint sim in the phone?
DrvLikHell said:
Was your phone unlocked after 50 days with Sprint? I'm only keeping Sprint for 50 days to get them to do the international unlock. After that I will cancel. My phone was automatically unlocked for US sims after I paid off the lease and I'm using it with a T-mobile sim now. I noticed that the UICC menu is gone with my T-mobile sim in the phone. Do you know if the phone can be relocked for international sims even if it doesn't have a Sprint sim in the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine was paid in full and was unlocked both domestically and internationally. I was not 50 days with Sprint. Since I had to travel abroad I asked for the International unlock which they granted as I had already paid for the phone. I started using the phone in South America and around one month later I got the Invalid SimCard message. When I called they said that the UUIC international unlock is temporary so I need to call Sprint and request it again. The domestic unlock is permanent not the same for the international (It made no sense) I called again yesterday to get info on their policies again and now I got different info the phone was supposedly unlocked according to their systems.
Besides this I've got info from trusted sources saying that even devices purchased Unlocked from essential are being locked by sprint when inserting sprint sim cards so stay away from those sim cards.
unlocked then relocked
My phone was unlocked by Sprint shortly after I paid it off, about two days after I received it. I was able to insert a Vietnamese SIM card and download all the Essential security updates.
Then somehow it got relocked. called Sprint to asked them to unlock it internationally, as I actually do travel internationally for work quite a bit. They responded with an email refusing to unlock it until it had been on the network for 50 days.
I have had the last three phones on Sprint unlocked internationally with less trouble than this one.
I guess I'll try again when the 50 days are up.
Jahdiel2011 said:
Mine was paid in full and was unlocked both domestically and internationally. I was not 50 days with Sprint. Since I had to travel abroad I asked for the International unlock which they granted as I had already paid for the phone. I started using the phone in South America and around one month later I got the Invalid SimCard message. When I called they said that the UUIC international unlock is temporary so I need to call Sprint and request it again. The domestic unlock is permanent not the same for the international (It made no sense) I called again yesterday to get info on their policies again and now I got different info the phone was supposedly unlocked according to their systems.
Besides this I've got info from trusted sources saying that even devices purchased Unlocked from essential are being locked by sprint when inserting sprint sim cards so stay away from those sim cards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that information. When you were in South America and got the invalid sim card message, were you on a non-US sim? Did you put the Sprint sim back in at any time before you got that message? I'm trying to figure out if they can relock the device without the Sprint sim card in it, because if so I'm not keeping this phone. I requested the international unlock on my phone as well, but they told me I had to wait until the phone was active for 50 days. They wouldn't budge on that at all. Maybe the 50 day policy is why yours got relocked?
huzordaddy said:
My phone was unlocked by Sprint shortly after I paid it off, about two days after I received it. I was able to insert a Vietnamese SIM card and download all the Essential security updates.
Then somehow it got relocked. called Sprint to asked them to unlock it internationally, as I actually do travel internationally for work quite a bit. They responded with an email refusing to unlock it until it had been on the network for 50 days.
I have had the last three phones on Sprint unlocked internationally with less trouble than this one.
I guess I'll try again when the 50 days are up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone was unlocked for domestic sims 48 hours after the lease was closed. US sims work in it now, but I put a European sim in it and it asked for an unlock code. Did your phone get relocked while it had the Vietnamese sim in it, or were you swapping between that and the Sprint sim?
Once my 50 days are up and I cancel Sprint, I really don't want to have a phone that can be randomly locked by a company that I no longer have any business with. If that's the case I'm going to get rid of this phone and go with another brand.
DrvLikHell said:
Thanks for that information. When you were in South America and got the invalid sim card message, were you on a non-US sim? Did you put the Sprint sim back in at any time before you got that message? I'm trying to figure out if they can relock the device without the Sprint sim card in it, because if so I'm not keeping this phone. I requested the international unlock on my phone as well, but they told me I had to wait until the phone was active for 50 days. They wouldn't budge on that at all. Maybe the 50 day policy is why yours got relocked?
My phone was unlocked for domestic sims 48 hours after the lease was closed. US sims work in it now, but I put a European sim in it and it asked for an unlock code. Did your phone get relocked while it had the Vietnamese sim in it, or were you swapping between that and the Sprint sim?
Once my 50 days are up and I cancel Sprint, I really don't want to have a phone that can be randomly locked by a company that I no longer have any business with. If that's the case I'm going to get rid of this phone and go with another brand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not even bring the Sprint Sim on my trip so I'd say Yes. They can relock it even with other sim card. I was using non US sims the whole time. I'm not sure if the issue is the 50 days policy but I did not want to have a phone I paid in full and cannot own as I should.
How can they lock the phone if it's not on their Network? Sounds like some funny business with firmware updates.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
I got a Essential from an ebay reseller, I checked the IMEI before buying it , said it was clean... and thought that's all that mattered :/
It's locked to someone's sprint account or something, i can't use it on sprint even if I wanted! I have no way of contacting that owner... what can I do?
Can I put some other firmware on it or is there some unlocking service I can opt for?
When I contacted sprint they said the phone is clean/not stolen... so yeah... very frustrating.
Please help/advise.
Edwii said:
I got a Essential from an ebay reseller, I checked the IMEI before buying it , said it was clean... and thought that's all that mattered :/
It's locked to someone's sprint account or something, i can't use it on sprint even if I wanted! I have no way of contacting that owner... what can I do?
Can I put some other firmware on it or is there some unlocking service I can opt for?
When I contacted sprint they said the phone is clean/not stolen... so yeah... very frustrating.
Please help/advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's locked to someone elses Sprint account, and it's not sim unlocked so you can't use it on a GSM service, the only option you have is to return it to the eBay seller. If the seller said it was unlocked or otherwise ready to be activated, that was incorrect and you can do an "Item not as described" type of return, stating that it is not able to be used and you'll get your money back. eBay offers very good protection for this sort of thing.
avd said:
How can they lock the phone if it's not on their Network? Sounds like some funny business with firmware updates.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to know the same thing. From what I've learned the sim lock is a single bit somewhere that's nearly impossible to change without an unlock code. And I've never heard of a phone relocking. I don't know how they're doing it with the Essential. The interesting thing is that when you put in a non-sprint sim, the phone will then update to a newer firmware because sprint is behind on theirs, but it can still relock with the newer firmware. Also, with a non-sprint sim the UICC menu disappears, but then it comes back when you put a sprint sim back in. I don't know what its deal is.
Just the fact that it's possible for sprint to relock a phone remotely is enough to steer me away from this phone. I can't be in a situation where I'm relying on my phone for communication in another country and then, oops, sprint decided to relock my phone and now I can't contact anyone. I've been in situations where that could be very dangerous. If I stay with the PH1, I'll sell my sprint phones and get one directly from the company. Otherwise, I'm already looking at other phones.
Edwii said:
I got a Essential from an ebay reseller, I checked the IMEI before buying it , said it was clean... and thought that's all that mattered :/
It's locked to someone's sprint account or something, i can't use it on sprint even if I wanted! I have no way of contacting that owner... what can I do?
Can I put some other firmware on it or is there some unlocking service I can opt for?
When I contacted sprint they said the phone is clean/not stolen... so yeah... very frustrating.
Please help/advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
File a claim.
Device different than specified.
So Far the PH-1 is a great option only if you buy it directly from essential and Never EVER put a Sprint Sim Card on it.
Edwii said:
I got a Essential from an ebay reseller, I checked the IMEI before buying it , said it was clean... and thought that's all that mattered :/
It's locked to someone's sprint account or something, i can't use it on sprint even if I wanted! I have no way of contacting that owner... what can I do?
Can I put some other firmware on it or is there some unlocking service I can opt for?
When I contacted sprint they said the phone is clean/not stolen... so yeah... very frustrating.
Please help/advise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
File a claim with eBay, they'll get your money back!
I have found that a lot of eBay sellers just put "Check IMEI" in their listing, with no other claim to being locked/unlocked, etc. So that it then becomes the buyer's responsibility to throughly check it before they buy. I checked the IMEI on Ting's website and they said it was good to go (vs. a phone that I have with a Bad ESN that they knew about and would understandably not accept - and no this is not a post about Bad ESN so back off wolfdroids!) I didn't bother filing a claim though because it makes an excellent WiFi Smartphone.
Still, I hate Sprint. No nonsense "Account Number and PIN" or we're not going to help you. I wanted to see about paying off the lease myself. Nope! They don't want my money.
atrac88 said:
I have found that a lot of eBay sellers just put "Check IMEI" in their listing, with no other claim to being locked/unlocked, etc. So that it then becomes the buyer's responsibility to throughly check it before they buy. I checked the IMEI on Ting's website and they said it was good to go (vs. a phone that I have with a Bad ESN that they knew about and would understandably not accept - and no this is not a post about Bad ESN so back off wolfdroids!) I didn't bother filing a claim though because it makes an excellent WiFi Smartphone.
Still, I hate Sprint. No nonsense "Account Number and PIN" or we're not going to help you. I wanted to see about paying off the lease myself. Nope! They don't want my money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Find someone that has a Sprint account and see if they can add it on so you can pay it off and use it. It's too good of a phone to be stuck at home being used as a mini-tablet
@Jahdiel2011 About how long did your international sim unlock last before it relocked on you?
30 days or so