Please recommend a legitimate carrier unlock service for At&t Galaxy S7 - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S7 Questions & Answers

I recently purchased an at&t samsung galaxy s7 for a friend for a great price. The imei is clean but the phone is still locked to at&t service. My friend wants to use it on another carrier and the seller offered to unlock it for 50 USD but I suspect it can be unlocked for less, if not for free. I've searched around a bit and have seen a number of online services but I figured I'd consult the knowledge folks here for the best course.
Thanks in advance

efaustus9 said:
I recently purchased an at&t samsung galaxy s7 for a friend for a great price. The imei is clean but the phone is still locked to at&t service. My friend wants to use it on another carrier and the seller offered to unlock it for 50 USD but I suspect it can be unlocked for less, if not for free. I've searched around a bit and have seen a number of online services but I figured I'd consult the knowledge folks here for the best course.
Thanks in advance
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Click to collapse
AT&T unlocks then for free if the phone is paid on full. I can't remember the website but i did it to my s5

Thanks dirty, but I was under the impression you had to be an at&t customer in order to have at&t unlock it. On their webpage I was having that problem, it was asking for account information I couldn't provide since I do not have an account with at&t.

efaustus9 said:
Thanks dirty, but I was under the impression you had to be an at&t customer in order to have at&t unlock it. On their webpage I was having that problem, it was asking for account information I couldn't provide since I do not have an account with at&t.
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Click to collapse
You could call them (not your local dealer) and see if there is anything that they can get off the phone (serial number) to verify that the phone is paid on full, if so then they should unlock it. Also keep in mind that i don't believe it will work on Verizon or sprint since they use cdma, AT&T and T mobile use gsm.

I used unlockscope.com . Was 25$ and took less than 12 hours
Mine is an att version. Traded my 6 plus for it.

Related

usings aria on tmobile

I'm very interested in the HTC Aria because of its small size, but I have tmobile service. I'm not getting a data plan (I've got wifi everywhere I go) and I'm fine with buying it retail. My only question is how to unlock it to use tmobile's network. I heard I can call ATT and get an unlock code. I also heard there were online service that could generate an unlock code. Well, at this point I'm really nervous to buy this phone because I don't want to purchase this device and not be able to use it on my network. This is going to be my first android phone and I'm eager to get into the whole rooting and custom ROM business. Please help!
Thanks,
dm
EDIT: My grandma has had service with ATT for about a year now. I've heard that tmobile with give the unlock codes for free if you've had service with them for 90 days. I'm curious if ATT does the same.
2x EDIT: Sorry for the typo in the title.
there are plenty of unlock services via the web, just find a site and after you pay the usual $20 they will email you directions on how to unlock the device so that you are able to run it on tmobile.
Thanks for the quick response! I'm scared that's what I may have to resort to, but I just assume the potential for getting scammed is pretty high. Are there any reputable ones that you know of that unlock the Aria? I know it's pretty new...
I did some searching and the only ones that I can find are:
www(dot)iunlockit(dot)com/htc-aria-unlock-code-p-58064.html
www(dot)unlockallcellular(dot)com/aria-unlock-code-p-58064.html?osCsid=brnitand0jq564to0v7tirhnk7
Like I said, this looks fishy because it appears to be the same site with different domain names. Are these reputable sites? I still haven't bought my Aria because I want to be certain that I can unlock it fairly easily.
I paid $2 to unlock my LG VU on eBay...
Worked perfectly. They said they'd do it for all AT&T phones
if i unlock this phone to use on tmobile will i still be able to use 3g and all of the other features on this phone?
no 3g (but if you don't want data it won't matter) all other features should be just peachy afaik
I never thought about ebay; great idea.
and, no, I'm not going to be using a data plan, seeing as I rarely use data and I've got wifi everywhere I'm at (work, school, home, etc.)
Thanks a lot guys. I'll leave an update once I get the phone. Hopefully within the next week.
i was going to do the same (to get out of the data) but
free phone+2 years of data=360
just the phone=380
we'll see what att's policies are like in 2 years though
So I bought the Aria and I love it. However, I can't find anyway to unlock it. I bought one of those ebay unlock services, seeing as it advertised an unlock code in 2 hours or less. Well, that was two days ago. I also looked up on those sites that I mentioned previously and they are scams. So I've got this awesome phone that I can't use as a phone. What are my options now? I love this phone!
donald =/
I have tried this a couple of AT&T phones and it worked for me.
Call up AT&T and tell them you have to leave country for work and would not like to spend money on roaming. They asked for IMEI number and handed me the code instantly.
ayush20m said:
I have tried this a couple of AT&T phones and it worked for me.
Call up AT&T and tell them you have to leave country for work and would not like to spend money on roaming. They asked for IMEI number and handed me the code instantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this with every single one of my AT&T phones and they never gave me trouble. For me it was the true since I travel to Hong Kong every year to visit my parents.
ayush20m said:
I have tried this a couple of AT&T phones and it worked for me.
Call up AT&T and tell them you have to leave country for work and would not like to spend money on roaming. They asked for IMEI number and handed me the code instantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done this as well....
dmellenbruch said:
So I bought the Aria and I love it. However, I can't find anyway to unlock it. I bought one of those ebay unlock services, seeing as it advertised an unlock code in 2 hours or less. Well, that was two days ago. I also looked up on those sites that I mentioned previously and they are scams. So I've got this awesome phone that I can't use as a phone. What are my options now? I love this phone!
donald =/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there, did you find a way to unlock the phone?
I'm wondering on the details about calling AT&T to get the code. I bought my Aria through ebay and presently have the phone at Mexico. Do AT&T ask for phone number (registered with AT&T), ssn or any other personal details regarding the phone? or just by calling them with IMEI # they will provide the code?
I don't have AT&T for obvious reasons.
Unlock
tongas said:
Hi there, did you find a way to unlock the phone?
I'm wondering on the details about calling AT&T to get the code. I bought my Aria through ebay and presently have the phone at Mexico. Do AT&T ask for phone number (registered with AT&T), ssn or any other personal details regarding the phone? or just by calling them with IMEI # they will provide the code?
I don't have AT&T for obvious reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
I try maybe all store in Ebay and nothing, only get my code here:www.freeyourhtc.com/
I hope this help.
Thanks Rafa, but just bought a code from the ebay seller... will let everybody know if it worked or not.
Ebay Unlock code for HTC Aria actually worked!
I finally got to say that the ebay deal really worked for me!!! Couldn't be more happy!
Please refer to this post for more info:
How sketchy are the ebay unlockers?
Was a little skeptical about it but just got the code on the email minutes ago and worked right away!!!
Cost me 9.95 because the price was reduced and paid with PayPal. Bought it in the morning and got the code 5-6 hours later.
Thanks again to breakeven and xda-developers forum!!!
Can I unlock my phone if im in a two year contract?
I used http://www.cellunlock.net/ to unlock my gf's MyTouch 3G. They took 1 day and I got the code.
It seems they usually take less time, but they had some problems.
$10 if you use the code crackb50 on checkout.
And no, I don't work for them.
kevina90 said:
Can I unlock my phone if im in a two year contract?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Course you can!
If you have at&t, then I would suggest you try the call them and get the code for free method first. If that's doesn't work, then just buy a code.
The reason why me and many others went through ebay, it's because most of the unlockers out there with web site presence, and being the aria a relative new phone, they do not carry yet codes or access to them. I tried first 1 of this unlockers and wrote email to 2 of them and none of the 3 had access to codes yet, finally the ebay thing worked for me and take only about 7 hours to get the code.
You should know that unlocking the phone will no release you of the contract but just give you the ability of changing gsm provider. Unlocking the phone it is only intended for that. If what you want is to remove some crappy apps installed by default, then what you might need is to have root access to phone instead unlocking. Rooting the phone is quite easy with the aria and is free; you just need some further reading about.
Sent using XDA app

SM-G935T tryng to sim unlocked

i bought this Tmobile s7 edge from eBay and i have traveled outside Europe, when i tried to unlock using the TMobile device unlock, it says "unlocked failed: device is not eligible for unlock"
i checked the Imei number through Tmobile, it says This device has an outstanding balance that must be paid or it may not be able to be used on T-Mobile network.
For more information or assistance, please call Customer Care at 1-877-453-1304.
Please what do you suggest i do to unlock it? thanks
unlock using
cellunlocker or any similar site
Okijaamaka said:
i bought this Tmobile s7 edge from eBay and i have traveled outside Europe, when i tried to unlock using the TMobile device unlock, it says "unlocked failed: device is not eligible for unlock"
i checked the Imei number through Tmobile, it says This device has an outstanding balance that must be paid or it may not be able to be used on T-Mobile network.
For more information or assistance, please call Customer Care at 1-877-453-1304.
Please what do you suggest i do to unlock it? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently the only way is directly thru tmobile using the app. all oem servers are down globally (at the time of writing this) at least AFAIK. Good luck
Araltd said:
Currently the only way is directly thru tmobile using the app. all oem servers are down globally (at the time of writing this) at least AFAIK. Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the person i asked said $95 which is very high
Okijaamaka said:
the person i asked said $95 which is very high
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate to sound rude - but, server unlocking isn't free, and usually isn't cheap - ESPECIALLY for T-mobile models... $95 ISN'T VERY HIGH.
$95 is extremely high, even for app locked devices. I have unlocked several high end Tmobile phones in the past year (S7, S7 Edge, Note 7) and have paid anywhere between $5 and $44.
Even now the price for unlocking the S7 Edge is $23 on the website I use. It is however unavailable at this time anywhere as far as i know.
I need to check the cheapest Unlocking service too(and I'm afraid to be scammed) because I also have the same problem with my SM-G935T. It is a gift from my Mom which is in the US though it has an outstanding balance and evidently I will need to get a third party unlock this. I have check options on Flashing the phone instead but completely flashing it won't be an option because of the Chipset discrepancy. I'm from the Philippines(South East Asia).
Asfalioth said:
$95 is extremely high, even for app locked devices. I have unlocked several high end Tmobile phones in the past year (S7, S7 Edge, Note 7) and have paid anywhere between $5 and $44.
Even now the price for unlocking the S7 Edge is $23 on the website I use. It is however unavailable at this time anywhere as far as i know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is apparent that XDA has a huge amount of carrier plants in here. I see and use Ebay unlocking sellers and they are not expensive.
update
I did not know about the device unlock app. I have AT&T. There IS a site that will do the unlock for less than what is being talked about on here.

Galaxy S7 Free Unlock Code Through Samsung Canada Chat

How to unlock Galaxy S7 for Free Credits to: RedFlagDeals
Go to Samsung Canada website > Contact Us http://www.samsung.com/ca/info/contactus.html
Start Live Chat
Tell the rep that you would like to unlock your Galaxy S7
Rep will ask a few questions including your IMEI number and the carrier your S7 (only mention carrier if they ask) is currently locked to.
Within a few days, you will receive an email from Samsung with the unlock code.
Done!
Important Details
Note your Phone Model Number & IMEI before going in chat
Prepare the address of your Samsung Experience Store
Mention you got the phone on Samsung Experience Store or Costo in full
DO NOT mention you are in contract with a carrier.
Example message: (It worked for me)
I bought this phone Samsung S7 G930W8 from Samsung Experience Store at [insert address here, google location near you] few months ago. I'm flying in few days and I want to use my phone abroad while on Vacation. I just want to unlock this phone, that way I can use it for my travel. My IMEI is [insert IMEI here].
There are online during Canada - Pacific Time
Can confirm that this works. I've done it few months ago and again few days for a different phone.
My fiance traveled to Europe and her phone wasn't working with a local sim. She didn't know and input a few wrong codes, I think she tried twice so there was one attempt left. I attempted to contact Samsung and I gave them the Imei and told them it's from Costco.
The agent provided me with the code and my finance tried it once but it didn't work and now it says it requires a master code instead of a network code. The phone still works but network doesn't.
The Samsung agent said he will get me the master code but it'll take 3-5 days. Does anyone know how I can get this faster? I don't want her to be without a phone for that long.
This works perfectly! I've successfully unlocked 2 phones using this method.
Many thanks!
Would this work if my S7 is on AT&T? Wouldn't the Samsung Canada chat people say that they can't help US folks? I can't pretend that the phone is on a Canadian network as the model is GM-930A, correct?
agaurav said:
Would this work if my S7 is on AT&T? Wouldn't the Samsung Canada chat people say that they can't help US folks? I can't pretend that the phone is on a Canadian network as the model is GM-930A, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Samsung rep world know right away that it's a USA phone when they enter the IMEI into their system.
You could try it since it's free to chat with them.
audit13 said:
The Samsung rep world know right away that it's a USA phone when they enter the IMEI into their system.
You could try it since it's free to chat with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried just now and they said they help only with Canadian devices. US support directs me to AT&T who say that the phone is locked to the previous owner. I bought it on Craigslist knowing it was locked. I used on AT&T but now want to switch away from AT&T so was trying to unlock. Guess I am stuck for now. Thanks.
agaurav said:
I tried just now and they said they help only with Canadian devices. US support directs me to AT&T who say that the phone is locked to the previous owner. I bought it on Craigslist knowing it was locked. I used on AT&T but now want to switch away from AT&T so was trying to unlock. Guess I am stuck for now. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you can buy an unlock code from eBay?
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/AT-T-ATT-UN...755573?hash=item4b071af9b5:g:Dx4AAOSwzQFZ70Y0
Thanks. I bought it for $0.99. Not sure if that would work as most charge $25. I have a feeling that this seller will just try to use the AT&T unlock service and get the code and forward that. I know AT&T will not unlock my phone so not hopeful but no worries on losing a buck.
Or you can just call your provider and get it unlocked on the spot. It's no longer legal in Canada for carriers to charge you for this
homeslixe said:
Or you can just call your provider and get it unlocked on the spot. It's no longer legal in Canada for carriers to charge you for this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There-in lies the issue. I didn't buy/lease it from AT&T directly. I bought it for $300 off Craiglist a year back and now want to use on T-mobile. However, when I called AT&T they said that the phone is still on someone's account and so they can't unlock it. I have no way of communicating with the seller as that was a Craigslist email address and I have no info and AT&T will not tell me the name/address of the seller (obviously and correctly so).
Did not work for me. They said that my IMEI is not in their system. Well, I didn't buy it there actually, but that was not explicitly stated as a prerequisite in this thread.

can I get my USA Moto to work in the UK?

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

Unlock Sprint Version

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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

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