I purchased this phone through Craigslist. The guy stated it was unlocked so I thought great! Let's seal the deal. I popped my T-Mobile SIM in and like magic, it worked like a charm. Next day, invalid sim. I called Sprint, they said the phone is unlocked but no help. I called TMobile, they said it's not us it's Sprint. Popped the sim into my unlocked Pixel XL, boom! It worked. Popped it back into my Essential Phone and invalid sim, network locked. What gives? I call the guy back, straight to voicemail. I text him, it's been 10hrs nothing. Is it something going on with these phones that scammers are burning people with them?
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
I purchased this phone through Craigslist. The guy stated it was unlocked so I thought great! Let's seal the deal. I popped my T-Mobile SIM in and like magic, it worked like a charm. Next day, invalid sim. I called Sprint, they said the phone is unlocked but no help. I called TMobile, they said it's not us it's Sprint. Popped the sim into my unlocked Pixel XL, boom! It worked. Popped it back into my Essential Phone and invalid sim, network locked. What gives? I call the guy back, straight to voicemail. I text him, it's been 10hrs nothing. Is it something going on with these phones that scammers are burning people with them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same thing happened to me until i updated the software. worked fine after that.
Did you get the latest update today? Because that's the build that I I'm having invalid sim on.
ceelos218 said:
same thing happened to me until i updated the software. worked fine after that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Did you get the latest update today? Because that's the build that I I'm having invalid sim on.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ohh ok i see what your saying... when i first got my phone i was on Nougat and my sim wasnt recognized so i updated it to the Aug build and then i was able to use my Verizon sim again. right now i just updated to the Sep build and i cant use it any longer. im also wondering if theres a fix.
ceelos218 said:
ohh ok i see what your saying... when i first got my phone i was on Nougat and my sim wasnt recognized so i updated it to the Aug build and then i was able to use my Verizon sim again. right now i just updated to the Sep build and i cant use it any longer. im also wondering if theres a fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! So, it's not just me? Sad to here that my friend. I contacted Essential Phone via Twitter hours ago. Still no word.
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Wow! So, it's not just me? Sad to here that my friend. I contacted Essential Phone via Twitter hours ago. Still no word.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah and I don't have time to mess around with it. Now I'm stuck without data
ceelos218 said:
Yeah and I don't have time to mess around with it. Now I'm stuck without data
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here! Are you able to make calls?
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Same here! Are you able to make calls?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried it with a Sprint SIM card and it works perfectly fine.
Good to know. I just checked Twitter and now there are many of people complaining about this very issue.
ceelos218 said:
I just tried it with a Sprint SIM card and it works perfectly fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
I purchased this phone through Craigslist. The guy stated it was unlocked so I thought great! Let's seal the deal. I popped my T-Mobile SIM in and like magic, it worked like a charm. Next day, invalid sim. I called Sprint, they said the phone is unlocked but no help. I called TMobile, they said it's not us it's Sprint. Popped the sim into my unlocked Pixel XL, boom! It worked. Popped it back into my Essential Phone and invalid sim, network locked. What gives? I call the guy back, straight to voicemail. I text him, it's been 10hrs nothing. Is it something going on with these phones that scammers are burning people with them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on the same situation last week but mines network locked while I flashing firmwares to get T-Mobile wifi calling working the Sprint Essential Variant. I tried everything including flashing the Nougat builds and then Oreo builds and all kinds of combinations but no luck. I was lucky because the guy I bought it from was honest seller and called Sprint and Essential himself negate Sprint kept saying it was unlocked. He ended up giving me his old SIM card since he had called his service. I inserted into my phone and let it sit for an hour while connected to WiFi. I restarted my phone I was able to go to mobile settings and changed to Global and it's been unlocked since last Thursday.
If you go to the Sprint website and dig around you'll see the only way for Sprint to unlock an Android phone is to have a Sprint Sim in the phone. Maybe you can get a Sprint Sim card just so it can connect to the servers and get it unlocked.
Good Luck
https://forum.xda-developers.com/es...print-version-unlocked-t-mobile-wifi-t3830989
mexicandroid said:
I was on the same situation last week but mines network locked while I flashing firmwares to get T-Mobile wifi calling working the Sprint Essential Variant. I tried everything including flashing the Nougat builds and then Oreo builds and all kinds of combinations but no luck. I was lucky because the guy I bought it from was honest seller and called Sprint and Essential himself negate Sprint kept saying it was unlocked. He ended up giving me his old SIM card since he had called his service. I inserted into my phone and let it sit for an hour while connected to WiFi. I restarted my phone I was able to go to mobile settings and changed to Global and it's been unlocked since last Thursday.
If you go to the Sprint website and dig around you'll see the only way for Sprint to unlock an Android phone is to have a Sprint Sim in the phone. Maybe you can get a Sprint Sim card just so it can connect to the servers and get it unlocked.
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your testimony. Wow! This is madness for an unlocked device. It almost seems as though Sprint is in on the scam themselves??? But thank you so much for your help friend. I'll check back in to let you guys know what happens??? I'm contacting Essential as we speak via support email... we'll see?
mexicandroid said:
I was on the same situation last week but mines network locked while I flashing firmwares to get T-Mobile wifi calling working the Sprint Essential Variant. I tried everything including flashing the Nougat builds and then Oreo builds and all kinds of combinations but no luck. I was lucky because the guy I bought it from was honest seller and called Sprint and Essential himself negate Sprint kept saying it was unlocked. He ended up giving me his old SIM card since he had called his service. I inserted into my phone and let it sit for an hour while connected to WiFi. I restarted my phone I was able to go to mobile settings and changed to Global and it's been unlocked since last Thursday.
If you go to the Sprint website and dig around you'll see the only way for Sprint to unlock an Android phone is to have a Sprint Sim in the phone. Maybe you can get a Sprint Sim card just so it can connect to the servers and get it unlocked.
Good Luck
https://forum.xda-developers.com/es...print-version-unlocked-t-mobile-wifi-t3830989
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was the sim he gave you to insert into your Essential, activated?
I have the same problem but im not in America, I'm in Australia and have no contact to a Sprint SIM Card....I've tried fastboot and flashing but still nothing. Any help would be great right now
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Was the sim he gave you to insert into your Essential, activated?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It had his old number programmed into it but it didn't hey any service. Sprint's setup is different than T-Mobile because of the CDMA technology they use. It's not like T-Mobile that you just pop the Sim into another phone.
I honestly don't know if you can use any Sprint SIM card but you will definitely need one from my experience. The good news for you seems to be that it is most likely paid off if Sprint says it's unlocked.
---------- Post added at 11:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:37 AM ----------
rainer217 said:
I have the same problem but im not in America, I'm in Australia and have no contact to a Sprint SIM Card....I've tried fastboot and flashing but still nothing. Any help would be great right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After the first time it Sim locked the phone I was able to unlock it ONCE by fishing different builds but I was trying to get TMobile WiFi calling working so I kept flashing thinking it was going to stay unlocked after but sure enough it locked again and I after that I could not get it unlocked. I tried flashing so many firmwares and then updates through OTA download through the app and side loading. See if maybe you can order one online from Sprint or maybe on eBay.
mexicandroid said:
See if maybe you can order one online from Sprint or maybe on eBay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I originally got it from eBay and just emailed the guy, hopefully he knows what to do. I was told by my carrier (Optus Australia) that they could do some shifty stuff with the OS to trick it to enable it then once an update happens it changes it back to locked. However don't think that is the case due to it being a wide spread case according to the people on twitter.
rainer217 said:
I originally got it from eBay and just emailed the guy, hopefully he knows what to do. I was told by my carrier (Optus Australia) that they could do some shifty stuff with the OS to trick it to enable it then once an update happens it changes it back to locked. However don't think that is the case due to it being a wide spread case according to the people on twitter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my experience the issue is with Sprint, Essential can't really do anything about it because of the Variant
mexicandroid said:
From my experience the issue is with Sprint, Essential can't really do anything about it because of the Variant
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great point. But I was thinking more along the side of Essential Phone, contacting Sprint, letting them know that it's a wide spread issue.
LOVE ME PLEASE said:
Great point. But I was thinking more along the side of Essential Phone, contacting Sprint, letting them know that it's a wide spread issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint knows by know, if you read around the web it's been going on for months. Seems the just expect you to have a Sprint Sim laying around to unlock it lol. After my unmoving experience I don't think I would ever get Sprint service lol
rainer217 said:
I originally got it from eBay and just emailed the guy, hopefully he knows what to do. I was told by my carrier (Optus Australia) that they could do some shifty stuff with the OS to trick it to enable it then once an update happens it changes it back to locked. However don't think that is the case due to it being a wide spread case according to the people on twitter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha!
Do you have a feeling that Sprint will fix this issue since it's widespread? I'm starting to think that Sprint was in on it. Or am I just an upset customer??? It's not happening to Sprint customers on there network, just people who are not on their network but have a Sprint variant. I have a strong feeling that Sprint locked us out of a unlocked phone intentionally. You?
mexicandroid said:
Sprint knows by know, if you read around the web it's been going on for months. Seems the just expect you to have a Sprint Sim laying around to unlock it lol. After my unmoving experience I don't think I would ever get Sprint service lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. This is crazy, months??? Still no software fix??? I'm starting to believe it's a network fix only. They need to officially make an open statement regarding the situation, on how to resolve the matter. I think it's time to beat down Sprints Twitter page for a resolution.
Related
Hey,
I think we all knew this was possible, but I am confirming that my Nexus 6 that was purchased directly from Motorola is not white listed for activation on Sprint.
I am trying to work with Sprint for a solution, and I will update if I find anything new.
FYI, the device is a Cloud White 32gb.
decke003 said:
Hey,
I think we all knew this was possible, but I am confirming that my Nexus 6 that was purchased directly from Motorola is not white listed for activation on Sprint.
I am trying to work with Sprint for a solution, and I will update if I find anything new.
FYI, the device is a Cloud White 32gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, we already know that sprint white listed the phones and only activates one from GPS and their, but seeing that motorola its a manufacturer and not a carrier they should let you activate it. Keep us informed, hopefully they let you.
I received my 64GB blue version this morning from Moto. Ran into the same thing, even took it to a Sprint Corporate store. They told me I have to call motorola, I'm on the phone with Moto now.
Wow, how awful!
According to my dealing with customer service, Google Play devices and those purchased directly through Sprint are the only ones that will be eligible for activation.
I really try to stick up for Sprint most of the time.... but this is just brain dead stupid.
are you guys serious?? wow that means Verizon is going to give hell to activate these nexus 6. im on verizon.. still trying to order a 64gb from Moto.
Ok, so I have someone at Moto that is going to be reaching out to Sprint, he'll call me when he gets any updates.
seezar said:
Ok, so I have someone at Moto that is going to be reaching out to Sprint, he'll call me when he gets any updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crap. This BS needs to stop. I'm wondering how on Earth it can even be legal.
I remember last year it took a while for sprint to add the GPS 32gb nexus 5 IMEIs to their system. This might be a similar issue
Skripka said:
Crap. This BS needs to stop. I'm wondering how on Earth it can even be legal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because corporations run our country.
Luxferro said:
Because corporations run our country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If Motorola doesn't get Sprint to about face on this fast, I'm demanding that they cancel my order whether they claim to be able to or not.
Claiming their phone can be purchased through them and activated anywhere only for it not to be is false advertising.
Yeah it is very frustrating. But I did finally speak to someone at Moto that understood so I'm hopeful it'll get straightened out. Though it sucks that it really in Sprint's hands to get resolved and I hope they don't take very long.
edd247 said:
I remember last year it took a while for sprint to add the GPS 32gb nexus 5 IMEIs to their system. This might be a similar issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. This is hopefully the same issue. If this was a big restriction then I'm not sure why they were willing to send all of us SIM cards for the device.
decke003 said:
Hey,
I think we all knew this was possible, but I am confirming that my Nexus 6 that was purchased directly from Motorola is not white listed for activation on Sprint.
I am trying to work with Sprint for a solution, and I will update if I find anything new.
FYI, the device is a Cloud White 32gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you trying to activate the phone with new service on Sprint or are you just not getting your current SIM to work?
With the Nexus 7 LTE, this happened last year at Verizon if you tried to add a new line. They didn't have the IMEIs in their system. But if you just slapped in a Verizon SIM, it worked just fine.
decke003 said:
According to my dealing with customer service, Google Play devices and those purchased directly through Sprint are the only ones that will be eligible for activation.
I really try to stick up for Sprint most of the time.... but this is just brain dead stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried contacting moto?
kellex said:
Are you trying to activate the phone with new service on Sprint or are you just not getting your current SIM to work?
With the Nexus 7 LTE, this happened last year at Verizon if you tried to add a new line. They didn't have the IMEIs in their system. But if you just slapped in a Verizon SIM, it worked just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is an existing line, but a new SIM (Old phone took a Micro SIM). It is my understanding that Sprint's system does not work that way, but I could be wrong.
seezar said:
Have you tried contacting moto?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not, though I will do so shortly.
So it sounds like the same problem we saw last year at Verizon. Sprint doesn't have the IMEIs yet. I bet if you chopped down your micro to a nano SIM size, stuck it in, it would work.
there is a VZW customer that recieved his order from Moto today and it worked... so VZW customers are okay it seems.
Skripka said:
If Motorola doesn't get Sprint to about face on this fast, I'm demanding that they cancel my order whether they claim to be able to or not.
Claiming their phone can be purchased through them and activated anywhere only for it not to be is false advertising.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
um, what? this is a crappy carrier issue, not a manufacturer issue. it's not false advertising, it's Sprint being a sh*tty company. if anything, you should look at cancelling your sprint service.
decke003 said:
It is an existing line, but a new SIM (Old phone took a Micro SIM). It is my understanding that Sprint's system does not work that way, but I could be wrong.
I have not, though I will do so shortly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it sounds like the same problem we saw last year at Verizon. Sprint doesn't have the IMEIs yet so they can't activate the phone with a new SIM. I bet if you chopped down your micro to a nano SIM size, stuck it in, it would work. Might be worth a try since you are going to lose that SIM anyway.
So I purchased my phone from Sprint and would like to do the domestic unlock. I have read around that if you insert another carriers sim card before turning the phone on initially it will be unlocked. I unfortunately did not do this.
My question is, if I were to re-flash the stock firmware (whenever that releases) would I be able to insert another carrier's sim card and reproduce the initial out of the box unlock process?
Just take it to Sprint and have them unlock it for all carpets. As I understand it, they are required by law to do so if asked.
mrcooter said:
Just take it to Sprint and have them unlock it for all carpets. As I understand it, they are required by law to do so if asked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that I got the phone on the sprint lease and i'm paying it but would like to use it on a different carrier.
Droidz said:
The problem is that I got the phone on the sprint lease and i'm paying it but would like to use it on a different carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That shouldn't matter as long as you don't cancel your Sprint service, otherwise then of course they would bill you for the remainder of the phone. If you look on your about phone settings, there is an option for UICC unlock where you would update the PRL etc. They put in a code which then allows other SIMs and activations, but you could switch back and forth after that even. Leased or not they should unlock this for you no questions asked if requested.
mrcooter said:
That shouldn't matter as long as you don't cancel your Sprint service, otherwise then of course they would bill you for the remainder of the phone. If you look on your about phone settings, there is an option for UICC unlock where you would update the PRL etc. They put in a code which then allows other SIMs and activations, but you could switch back and forth after that even. Leased or not they should unlock this for you no questions asked if requested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where is the UICC option? I remember seeing it when I was playing around with the phone but now I don't see it anymore?
I bought one off of craigslist, sprint "locked" I took a gamble thinking it would be able to be used on a different network. Unfortunately, I am unable to make it work with AT&T.
Anyone with ideas on how to unlock a sprint phone (clean IMEI) for AT&T?
PlasticsDoc said:
Where is the UICC option? I remember seeing it when I was playing around with the phone but now I don't see it anymore?
I bought one off of craigslist, sprint "locked" I took a gamble thinking it would be able to be used on a different network. Unfortunately, I am unable to make it work with AT&T.
Anyone with ideas on how to unlock a sprint phone (clean IMEI) for AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About phone / OMADM updates / UICC unlock
Sprint will either need to put in the code for you, or they will give you the code. Haven't looked into it much since I'm staying with Sprint. Even if they aren't your carrier, probably would still do it when asked. Just go to local store front and try.
mrcooter said:
About phone / OMADM updates / UICC unlock
Sprint will either need to put in the code for you, or they will give you the code. Haven't looked into it much since I'm staying with Sprint. Even if they aren't your carrier, probably would still do it when asked. Just go to local store front and try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank for your reply. Unfortunately, they won't unlock it. CSR said its common that people make fake accounts to get free phones and sell them. Is there any other possibilities?
PlasticsDoc said:
Thank for your reply. Unfortunately, they won't unlock it. CSR said its common that people make fake accounts to get free phones and sell them. Is there any other possibilities?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully someone else will know and comment. If it were me, I'd use the excuse of you travel and Sprint coverage isn't supported everywhere therefore you need to be able to swap SIMs. If it were me, I'd research the law requiring them to unlock it and see the best way getting this done, maybe a second tier rep over the phone would be another option to try, sometimes people in the store just say things thinking they know best. You could try a factory reset and put in the other SIM before 1st boot but not seeing that actually work in my opinion.
The only way I see working is flashing stock firmware and inserting another sim card at that point. A regular wipe wont work.
Also the international unlock doesn't allow it to work domestically, like with T-Mobile or Verizon.
Droidz said:
The only way I see working is flashing stock firmware and inserting another sim card at that point. A regular wipe wont work.
Also the international unlock doesn't allow it to work domestically, like with T-Mobile or Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still no way to flash stock firmware is there?
So if you purchase a phone direct from essential but put the Sprint sim in it the phone will be locked to Sprint?
Final-Mac said:
So if you purchase a phone direct from essential but put the Sprint sim in it the phone will be locked to Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doubt it.
Sprint locks the batch of phones they lease out. Just like anything you lease, it's not yours until you pay for it.
PlasticsDoc said:
Still no way to flash stock firmware is there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, that's what I've been waiting for as well.
Droidz said:
nope, that's what I've been waiting for as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just flashed stock firmware (NMJ20D) over my sprint locked phone, still locked...
Only way Sprint will unlock the devices is after 50 days and it's paid off.
---------- Post added at 04:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:35 AM ----------
Sprint.com/unlock
There has to be a way to unlock the phone through software. If they come unlocked out of the box before being activated, then it must be some sort of software switch.
This means that there must be a way to get the phone back to its out of the box state and have it unlock.
If there is anybody who can chime in on this and let me know otherwise it would be very much appreciated.
networx2002 said:
Only way Sprint will unlock the devices is after 90 days and it's paid off.
---------- Post added at 04:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:35 AM ----------
Sprint.com/unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, it's 50 days. The device needs to be active on the Sprint network for 50 days and also fully paid off. You can then request the unlock.
So if you got in on the Sprint flex lease deal and ended up with a Sprint locked phone, your options are:
1) Sell it as a Sprint locked device
2) Use it on Sprint for 50 days, then request the unlock
3) Keep haggling Sprint CS to try and get it unlocked before 50 days (some users have had success with this)
Sprint customer support says hell no. I spent all day trying. All DAY. I talked to over 12 reps with no solution
I originally have att... Went and signed up with Sprint to take advantage of their price... Paid my phone off... And got them to unlock it a day later... You do NOT need to have the phone on 50 day service to get it unlocked...
What I think may be happening with the different outcomes is how people talk to the support... I don't think it helps if you're aggressive or not friendly.... Or course, this is just my weak guess.... The support gave me no issues getting it unlocked but did ask if I was keeping the service still... Which I said yes, but to be honest, Sprint LTE is slow.... So now I dunno if I want to keep the service...
joewoo said:
I originally have att... Went and signed up with Sprint to take advantage of their price... Paid my phone off... And got them to unlock it a day later... You do NOT need to have the phone on 50 day service to get it unlocked...
What I think may be happening with the different outcomes is how people talk to the support... I don't think it helps if you're aggressive or not friendly.... Or course, this is just my weak guess.... The support gave me no issues getting it unlocked but did ask if I was keeping the service still... Which I said yes, but to be honest, Sprint LTE is slow.... So now I dunno if I want to keep the service...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't have issues either. I had it unlocked within 12 hours of receiving the phone. I'm assertive and speak like I know the rules, because I do. But I ALWAYS say yes sir or no sir, please, thank you, and talk to them like they're actual human beings. I almost never have issues with customer service.
I purchased one from local craiglist for about $350, plan to use it with Sprint free one year program.
I tried it with my T-mobile sim card. It does work without problem. So, my phone is unlocked.
The original owner claimed that he has friend working in the company and bought for him at discount price, he is not used to Android.
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible.
I had a few brand new, never used Sprint Sim cards, they are all not working when I called Sprint. I called several local Sprint stores,
they all said that they do not have sim cards for Essential phone. I went to BestBuy bought one, call back Sprint, still does not work.
Now, my question is if my Essential phone is sold from Sprint or now. If it's original sold from Sprint, then I activate
on Sprint, will that be locked to Sprint ? Is there a simple way to check ?
Why Sprint is so annoying to have different sim card for different phones ? It's unnecessary make things complicated.
No wonder their business is in trouble.
According to the developer page, build NMI81C is for Sprint/Tellus, while NMJ32F is for all other carriers. Now I'm also trying to figure out if there'anything that will stop me from flashing NMJ32F over NMI81C.
lchen5 said:
I purchased one from local craiglist for about $350, plan to use it with Sprint free one year program.
I tried it with my T-mobile sim card. It does work without problem. So, my phone is unlocked.
The original owner claimed that he has friend working in the company and bought for him at discount price, he is not used to Android.
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible.
I had a few brand new, never used Sprint Sim cards, they are all not working when I called Sprint. I called several local Sprint stores,
they all said that they do not have sim cards for Essential phone. I went to BestBuy bought one, call back Sprint, still does not work.
Now, my question is if my Essential phone is sold from Sprint or now. If it's original sold from Sprint, then I activate
on Sprint, will that be locked to Sprint ? Is there a simple way to check ?
Why Sprint is so annoying to have different sim card for different phones ? It's unnecessary make things complicated.
Now wonder their business is in trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the "easiest" way to tell if it was an original Sprint phone.
1. power off the phone
2. press the volume down button and the power button at the same time until the fastboot menu appears
you will see a screen that has Variant on it
What is written after Variant? usually it says sprint or OPENUS (openus being from essential directly or through a seller like best buy/amazon)
---------- Post added at 07:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:09 PM ----------
felipemendes said:
According to the developer page, build NMI81C is for Sprint/Tellus, while NMJ32F is for all other carriers. Now I'm also trying to figure out if there'anything that will stop me from flashing NMJ32F over NMI81C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't a difference between the NMI81C and the NMJ32F (other than the 32F being a newer updated version with additional patches and security updates.). The only reason there are 2 of them, is that Sprint hasn't "certified" anything past the NMI81C version. (this is what I read, but I cannot be 100% sure of this, but I am 99% sure it is correct.).
If you have an unlocked Sprint phone, and put in a different carriers SIM, it will find the other firmware images available to be downloaded. You can also just follow the instructions to flash the 32F on your phone by overwriting the phones partition. It works on Sprint, and I have tested it. (I have installed the Orea beta, the 81C and the 32F, no issues.)
felipemendes said:
According to the developer page, build NMI81C is for Sprint/Tellus, while NMJ32F is for all other carriers. Now I'm also trying to figure out if there'anything that will stop me from flashing NMJ32F over NMI81C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.
I turned on the phone in the way that you described. Its variant says is OPENUS.
kbonnel said:
Here is the "easiest" way to tell if it was an original Sprint phone.
1. power off the phone
2. press the volume down button and the power button at the same time until the fastboot menu appears
you will see a screen that has Variant on it
What is written after Variant? usually it says sprint or OPENUS (openus being from essential directly or through a seller like best buy/amazon)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info.
I turned on the phone in the way that you described. Its variant says is OPENUS.
lchen5 said:
Thanks for the info.
I turned on the phone in the way that you described. Its variant says is OPENUS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on that, your phone came from essential, or something like a bestbuy/amazon reseller. (e.g. not Sprint)
Does anyone know why VARIANT filed on my Essential could be empty? No OPENUS or SRPINT on it
tero2012 said:
Does anyone know why VARIANT filed on my Essential could be empty? No OPENUS or SRPINT on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a demo model.....had one like that and thats what essential said
Tech_Savvy said:
Thats a demo model.....had one like that and thats what essential said
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Yeah, I contacted essential for another thing and when they asked for my serial number they told me it was a demo model. I hope this empty field doors not break anything in future updates. Until now everything works and I am receiving OTA update. But, I read that yesterday's update did lock down some Sprint models that were previously unlocked.
Who knows...
lchen5 said:
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint sims are device specific. Not sure where you got your sprint sims, or what type they are, but you need SIMOLW416Q
tero2012 said:
Thanks. Yeah, I contacted essential for another thing and when they asked for my serial number they told me it was a demo model. I hope this empty field doors not break anything in future updates. Until now everything works and I am receiving OTA update. But, I read that yesterday's update did lock down some Sprint models that were previously unlocked.
Who knows...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same VARIANT with u. So have u successfully update the September update?
X-Beta said:
I have the same VARIANT with u. So have u successfully update the September update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it did. No issues at all thru OTA
tero2012 said:
Yes it did. No issues at all thru OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated mine to september update and it locked , now i can't unlock it , Sprint said it's not locked to them .
does anyone has this isssue ..??
OPENUS VARIANT
Mine says Variant - Openam
Can someone tell me if this is a Sprint model or what?
I wanna know.
xCasasx said:
Mine says Variant - Openam
Can someone tell me if this is a Sprint model or what?
I wanna know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a sprint version that is what i can see in bootloader. Can you upload your modems1/2 partitions @Rwin01 can try on his phone if yours is working fine on October release
arjunv said:
I have a sprint version that is what i can see in bootloader. Can you upload your modems1/2 partitions @Rwin01 can try on his phone if yours is working fine on October release
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that's why my cellular signal sux here in Mexico
Pd. I don't know how to do that, I'm stock, locked bootloader and I don't want to change that.
xCasasx said:
Mine says Variant - Openam
Can someone tell me if this is a Sprint model or what?
I wanna know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats an amazon model. do you have the halo grey model? if so that one is amazon exclusive.
---------- Post added at 09:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:14 AM ----------
lchen5 said:
I purchased one from local craiglist for about $350, plan to use it with Sprint free one year program.
I tried it with my T-mobile sim card. It does work without problem. So, my phone is unlocked.
The original owner claimed that he has friend working in the company and bought for him at discount price, he is not used to Android.
Now I have problem with all type of sim cards that I tried. I called Sprint. The kept telling me that Sim card is not compatible.
I had a few brand new, never used Sprint Sim cards, they are all not working when I called Sprint. I called several local Sprint stores,
they all said that they do not have sim cards for Essential phone. I went to BestBuy bought one, call back Sprint, still does not work.
Now, my question is if my Essential phone is sold from Sprint or now. If it's original sold from Sprint, then I activate
on Sprint, will that be locked to Sprint ? Is there a simple way to check ?
Why Sprint is so annoying to have different sim card for different phones ? It's unnecessary make things complicated.
No wonder their business is in trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Halo Grey amazon model, funny enough I also moved from T-mobile and had the same issue, the tmobile sim worked but no sprint sims would work.
I am on the free year with sprint and my phone did lock to sprint.
from what I understand this is a hit or miss problem, not everyones phone gets locked to sprint but when it does happen it can be a pain to unlock.
you are basically at the mercy of sprint to unlock it again.
generally they will unlock it for you but oddly make you wait the same period as someone who bought a phone from them and then you have to get someone who knows what they are doing to unlock it.
I havent tried myself since I still have about 6 months left.
the sim card is not only specific to the device but the one year free plan apparently has a specific sim as well.
I ended up having to call sprint and they located a store near me that had the right one.
normally when you sign up online they will ship you a sim but when I did it they were out of stock online and I had to get them locally.
I also activated a Moto G and a Moto X and they used a different sim than the essential (though they did use the same sim as eachother)
hopefully this helps.
Mine says
"Variant - (blank) "
Nickdroid86 said:
Mine says
"Variant - (blank) "
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's a demo model
Yay. (Sarcasm)
So, now past my 50 days on Sprint, I asked Sprint to carrier unlock it. They called and said they did, but said I need to reset the device.
So, I tried just rebooting, and have tried both on network and Wi-Fi, but I get a message about being carrier locked.
So I need to reset the device, relock the bootloader, and then do it?
I didn't really want to deal with backing up and resetting and all with no SD to backup to.
Quantumrabbit said:
So, now part my 50 days on Sprint, I asked then you carrier unlock it. They called and said they did, but I need to reset the device.
So, I tried just rebooting, and have tried both on network and Wi-Fi, but I get a message about being carrier locked.
So I need to reset the device, relock the bootloader, and then do it?
I didn't really want to deal with backing up and resetting and all with no SD to backup to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After 24 hours from requesting the unlock, updating the prl and profile worked for me.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
freshlysqueezed said:
After 24 hours from requesting the unlock, updating the prl and profile worked for me.
Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tomorrow is day 51 for me.
I just did the calculation.
We'll see how long it takes to unlock.
-->>> Update.
I called and they issued the unlock.
Checked status, showed 50 days active, paid off, no balance.
They said 24-48 hours.
We'll see.
freshlysqueezed said:
After 24 hours from requesting the unlock, updating the prl and profile worked for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I did both, then hit be UICC unlock again and get the same message. Is that message just wrong, and I should just try a sim for another network?
freshlysqueezed said:
After 24 hours from requesting the unlock, updating the prl and profile worked for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has not worked for me.
More than 48 hours after unlock request, nothing.
Calling tomorrow to scream.
tech_head said:
Has not worked for me.
More than 48 hours after unlock request, nothing.
Calling tomorrow to scream.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called/requested last Monday after 50 days ended and was told on Wednesday that both of my phones were unlocked... Nope!
Called again Friday, the rep confirmed they were successful unlocked for domestic and international... Today is Monday a week later... They are still LOCKED to Sprint!!!
My first phone was unlocked 2 weeks ago without issues. It was unlocked even before I got the confirmation email from Sprint.
What's going on with Sprint???
Same issue with my family's phones - all stuck on UICC locked.
I think they're just blocking all Essential phones from getting unlocked even if you met their 50 day policy. Since their system shows my phones are unlocked and no $ is owed, they say there is nothing else they can do.
That really stinks. I paid my phone off after having it for a week and 2 days later it was unlocked in the uicc settings and a FreedomPop Sim works in it ever since. It's been over a month.
I assume an international Sim won't work in it but don't plan to ever check.
Maybe Sprint is just keeping them all locked now to keep everyone from taking it to another network. That really blows.
NaterTots said:
That really stinks. I paid my phone off after having it for a week and 2 days later it was unlocked in the uicc settings and a FreedomPop Sim works in it ever since. It's been over a month.
I assume an international Sim won't work in it but don't plan to ever check.
Maybe Sprint is just keeping them all locked now to keep everyone from taking it to another network. That really blows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I talked to them via chat and they claimed my phone request had been received and it was unlocked. Nope!
I then got a call from Sprint and she said it could take 5-7 business days. SMFH.
They are now holding people hostage because you can't leave until the phone is unlocked.
7 days puts me in the next billing cycle.
Now I know why people HATE Sprint!
tech_head said:
I talked to them via chat and they claimed my phone request had been received and it was unlocked. Nope!
I then got a call from Sprint and she said it could take 5-7 business days. SMFH.
They are now holding people hostage because you can't leave until the phone is unlocked.
7 days puts me in the next billing cycle.
Now I know why people HATE Sprint!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called and canceled my service last week then I was transferred to the supervisor and she tried to talk me out but I insisted... At the end, she gave $50 credit to my account so I took it just until my phone unlocked.
Edit:
Finally, both of my phones are UNLOCKED today after numerous phone calls and emails back and forth!!!
I just want to be done. I want them to uphold their part and unlock my phone. I don’t want another month of service.
Just got off the phone with Sprint. I asked her to verify the IMEI number and it appears they messed it up!!!
She said that she escalated my case and hopefully it will be unlocked within a week!
Caltinpla said:
Just got off the phone with Sprint. I asked her to verify the IMEI number and it appears they messed it up!!!
She said that she escalated my case and hopefully it will be unlocked within a week!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verified my MEID. Claims my phone should be unlocked.
Now rolling back firmware to an older version to make sure firmware is not the issue.
She claimed it shouldn't be.
We'll see.
Going completely stock.
No root, TWRP, Magisk, etc.
tech_head said:
Verified my MEID. Claims my phone should be unlocked.
Now rolling back firmware to an older version to make sure firmware is not the issue.
She claimed it shouldn't be.
We'll see.
Going completely stock.
No root, TWRP, Magisk, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both of my phones are stock and unrooted. One is still on stock Nougat and the other is on OB3 so I don't think firmware is really matters.
Caltinpla said:
Both of my phones are stock and unrooted. One is still on stock Nougat and the other is on OB3 so I don't think firmware is really matters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are they currently unlocked or are you waiting?
tech_head said:
Are they currently unlocked or are you waiting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are waiting to be unlocked since last Monday.
Caltinpla said:
They are waiting to be unlocked since last Monday.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm more than pissed.
Not automatically unlocked.
I wiped the phone and did a reset back to completely stock.
There can't be any issue from my side.
tech_head said:
Yeah, I'm more than pissed.
Not automatically unlocked.
I wiped the phone and did a reset back to completely stock.
There can't be any issue from my side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear you... I factory reset my phones a couple of times in hopes the magical happens but nothing!!!
It must be Sprint doing something else to delay the unlock process because my first phone was unlocked 2 weeks ago within 48hr without issues (I bought 3 phones)
Caltinpla said:
I hear you... I factory reset my phones a couple of times in hopes the magical happens but nothing!!!
It must be Sprint doing something else to delay the unlock process because my first phone was unlocked 2 weeks ago within 48hr without issues (I bought 3 phones)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wiped the phone and installed 7.1.1 fresh and went through the whole setup since I had 8.0 B3 on the phone.
Still nothing.
The problem is deeper in the phone then flashing rom is,
It says sprint variant .
No matter which rom you flash,
I am also sitting here with a sim locked ph1 in Germany.
Tried to get the phone unlocked but they don’t do it.
The phone can be used via WiFi or used as an expensive MP3 player.
IMO we the people need to find a way to unlock it ourselves because sprint won’t help anybody.
I asked essential phone for help. They don’t help me.
I asked sprint for help. They will not help me.
The person who sold me the phone as “unlocked” tried to convince sprint to unlock it. They don’t do it.
It’s a catch 22 situation.
So we maybe should find a way to help ourselves.
They betray us. How many people are we?
I got an S10+ as a gift. I asked T-Mobile support to unlock it and they said no problem and that it would take 72 hours.
Well it's been over a week and I've been back and forth with support trying everything up to and including a factory reset all with no luck. They're now saying that they've "exhausted their efforts" and that *some phones can't be unlocked".
I've never experienced this with support before and am not sure what to do next. I'm pretty sure Samsung is just going to refer me back to the carrier if I try them. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
Mikesmith2738 said:
I got an S10+ as a gift. I asked T-Mobile support to unlock it and they said no problem and that it would take 72 hours.
Well it's been over a week and I've been back and forth with support trying everything up to and including a factory reset all with no luck. They're now saying that they've "exhausted their efforts" and that “some phones can't be unlocked".
I've never experienced this with support before and am not sure what to do next. I'm pretty sure Samsung is just going to refer me back to the carrier if I try them. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*Bump*
How do you know it's still locked?
Do you have an account with T-Mobile? Contact their Twitter at TMobile help they are usually way more helpful then calling or chatting thru their website and I've personally unlocked dozens of phones like that, paid off or not.
Outbreak444 said:
How do you know it's still locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I go to Settings and click "Permanent Unlock" I get an error message *Your phone isn't elligible to be unlocked. Reason code: 999".
However, you're right that I haven't tried to put in a different SIM maybe it already unlocked?
Mikesmith2738 said:
When I go to Settings and click "Permanent Unlock" I get an error message *Your phone isn't elligible to be unlocked. Reason code: 999".
However, you're right that I haven't tried to put in a different SIM maybe it already unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is a Tmobile branded phone version then it is locked. Tmobile can unlock it as long as your account is 3+ month old and in good standing I think.
VICosPhi said:
If it is a Tmobile branded phone version then it is locked. Tmobile can unlock it as long as your account is 3+ month old and in good standing I think.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, their support said they entered it in the system to unlock and it's not working so I don't know what to do next. It's a weird position to be in.
It's my understanding that they used to unlock with an app, but that now it's built into the firmware? In any case, can't get it to work and they have literally said there's nothing else they can do which is really strange.
Mikesmith2738 said:
Again, their support said they entered it in the system to unlock and it's not working.so I don't know what to do next. It's a weird position to be in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the person that gifted it to you got it from T-mobile store then it would be quick, but if they got it from elsewhere, T-mobile always has trouble finding that order and IMEI and takes forever to actually unlock it.
Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk
VICosPhi said:
If the person that gifted it to you got it from T-mobile store then it would be quick, but if they got it from elsewhere, T-mobile always has trouble finding that order and IMEI and takes forever to actually unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's directly from T-Mobile, and I gave them a screen shot of the IMEI which they confirmed over and over.
If they can't unlock it, can a third party?
No one knows?
Mikesmith2738 said:
No one knows?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try with a non T-mobile SIM and if it is still locked, take it to the T-mobile store and have them call customer service to unlock. This way the store representative can let them know it is in fact locked.
Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk
Mikesmith2738 said:
No one knows?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bump
Having the same issue with TMobile always get my phones unlocked via Twitter s8, note8, s9, note 9, onplus 6t all on JOD one thing they all had in common was the unlock app with the new S10 they having build in into the system and I have spend 1 month trying to unlock it even have gotten the phone replaced thinking it was defective , T-Mobile chat has said multiple times they did a override to unlock and still nothing I feel like there is an issue with the new build in unlock process vs the unlock app
Do we know if we can use a code to unlock the phone with different firmware? Are we stuck using T-Mobile's unlock protocol/app?
HtcOnekid said:
Having the same issue with TMobile always get my phones unlocked via Twitter s8, note8, s9, note 9, onplus 6t all on JOD one thing they all had in common was the unlock app with the new S10 they having build in into the system and I have spend 1 month trying to unlock it even have gotten the phone replaced thinking it was defective , T-Mobile chat has said multiple times they did a override to unlock and still nothing I feel like there is an issue with the new build in unlock process vs the unlock app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's my experience too... there's no app and T-Mobile seems to have no solution.
So what do we do now?
Mikesmith2738 said:
That's my experience too... there's no app and T-Mobile seems to have no solution.
So what do we do now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I traded in the S10+ to the LG g8 just to make sure is the phone since the LG still has the unlock app I'll test and see
Edit: asked TMobile via Twitter for the unlock and when through the app , pressed permanent unlock and walla
I was able to successfully unlock my phone through T-Mobile on twitter. They just need your IMEI and will whitelist it. There is no unlock app anymore. I did have to chat with another rep however because the first rep that tried to help me did something wrong on their end and they tried to tell me to use the unlock app which the S10's don't have.
Locking a device with zero EIP balance should be illegal.
I went through this when I bought a 128GB S6 Edge outright. The phone was paid in full at the store yet they wanted me to wait 40 days to unlock it. I tried 3rd party unlockers and they said they couldn't unlock it. (all attempts with codes failed)
It was a real cluster-f.
I just buy my phones from ebay now. No carrier junk or branding and none of this nonsense either. Paypal is great if a seller tries to jerk you around. Fortunately I haven't had any problems.
djlee0314 said:
I was able to successfully unlock my phone through T-Mobile on twitter. They just need your IMEI and will whitelist it. There is no unlock app anymore. I did have to chat with another rep however because the first rep that tried to help me did something wrong on their end and they tried to tell me to use the unlock app which the S10's don't have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah their training is clearly a little behind, but I went through their escalations team and everything and they literally said the had "exhausted all efforts" and added that "some phones can't be unlocked". How crazy is that?
So my current question is... are there still third party unlocks possible?
cpufrost said:
Locking a device with zero EIP balance should be illegal.
I went through this when I bought a 128GB S6 Edge outright. The phone was paid in full at the store yet they wanted me to wait 40 days to unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mines similar, a promo free phone with no obligation.