Well,
Sort of a noob question, but since I dont know how easy or hard could it be.
If I buy a SGS-II with a service plan in UK (Orange, Voda etc), then can it be unlocked to be used in other countries or other operators.
I know maybe it has got something to do with the gaining the root access to the handset or even a root access achieve the desired.
Thanks for suggestions.
HyperEscape said:
Well,
Sort of a noob question, but since I dont know how easy or hard could it be.
If I buy a SGS-II with a service plan in UK (Orange, Voda etc), then can it be unlocked to be used in other countries or other operators.
I know maybe it has got something to do with the gaining the root access to the handset or even a root access achieve the desired.
Thanks for suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's got nothing to do with root and everything to do with the carrier, some will deliver locked phones, some unlocked.. most usually contract phones are unlocked and PAYG phones are locked
I'm on O2 contract and the phones I've had have always been unlocked, but I've heard Orange do network lock their phone
Orange do always lock their phones but if you get it from an independent seller like the Carphone Warehouse or Phones4u the chances are it'll be unlocked.
Most networks will unlock your phone for a small fee (I think I paid £25 on Orange) but it's only a matter of time before sellers on eBay popup that will sell you an unlock code based on your IMEI.
You're right that you could unlock handsets with root access but that involved flashing another radio. Since no locked SGS2's have been released yet you're safe buying now and the phone hasn't been rooted so you may be waiting a while for that option if you get a locked handset in the future.
You could always use a Rebel SimCard. Its not the perfect solution but it works.
So we just have to wait basically. O2 are offering it for 399£ apparently on payg. It would be awesome to get it for that price and then unlock it.
bcam117 said:
So we just have to wait basically. O2 are offering it for 399£ apparently on payg. It would be awesome to get it for that price and then unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last year, o2 were selling the SGS1 on PAYG. I think the handsets were supposed to be locked but they weren't. If you're in luck then maybe same is true for SGS2. I've pulled the trigger on the SGS2 with contract from o2 as total cost works out cheaper that any PAYG or sim free offer currently available.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Does orange still exist over there?
Three took over Orange over here in Australia years ago
On three if you call them up they give you the unlock code for free
I asked a popular online unlocking firm what the likelihood of the SGS2 being unlocked was and this was his reply:
Hi Aaron,
This should be no problem at all. That's because there's one main database for all European Samsung Android handsets. We have unlocked the Samsung Galaxy S from all 6 main UK networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you going to use them to unlock? When can they do it? & who are they?
AaronUK said:
I asked a popular online unlocking firm what the likelihood of the SGS2 being unlocked was and this was his reply:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will ask them to unlock if my SGS2 arrives locked. I found them doing a quick google search. I am not sure I am allowed to post links so mods please remove if that is the case. http://www.mobileunlocked.co.uk/
There are many more if you do a google search.
Related
Hello I have an HTC Hero on Orange UK and it is locked to Orange. I'm trying to get it to get it unlocked so that I can give it to my brother who is on T Mobile UK.
At first I though it would be as simple as loading a new ROM but after rooting it and installing both Villian and a Taiwanese ROM I still couldn't use the T Mobile SIM.
I am aware that the unlocking codes could be brought from Orange but I was wondering if there was a way of unlocking it with out purchasing the unlocking codes.
I have had a look online and on here for various methods but i couldn't find anything of any use. I am aware that this may not be the first time this has been asked so if you have any solutions please link me or explain...
Finally I am pretty tech able am able to do most things.
cheers
Tim
Short answer: Pay for a code
Long answer: Don't pay orange £20 for a code, go look on eBay for one. Mine cost £6.99.
Also, this does not belong in "Android development"
hey man, there is no other way then buying 6-7 pounds.. so, save your time by stop searching free sim unlock
timothy,
Orange and T-Mobile are now the same company (can't remember who bought who) so your brother should be able to use the hero straight away.
If it doesn't work then Orange should now unlock it to T-Mobile without question, considering that they are one and the same.
Minimad said:
timothy,
Orange and T-Mobile are now the same company (can't remember who bought who) so your brother should be able to use the hero straight away.
If it doesn't work then Orange should now unlock it to T-Mobile without question, considering that they are one and the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please disregard this misinformed statement!
Orange and T-Mobile merged, neither bought either, and their "parent company" Everything Everywhere (lame name) was created.
They do network share, so customers can opt in to use the masts from the other network, but by no means are they the same network now.
The brands are due to remain seperate, and lets be fair
1) why would they believe that it was going to be on T-Mob, surely if they'd unlock for free without question everyone would just say that
2) they're wanting to make £25 quid out of you, and they will do for as long as its legally possible.
Once again, short answer: buy a code on ebay.
Buy a code off ebay then you have to downgrade your rom to an early modaco one cant remember which one i used , enter the code to unlock it then reflash an up to date rom.
Thats the only way to unlock a orange hero just had to do 3 off emm mate.
thanks for all suggestions i feel i will have to buy the codes cheers anyway
chrisjaggeruk said:
Buy a code off ebay then you have to downgrade your rom to an early modaco one cant remember which one i used , enter the code to unlock it then reflash an up to date rom.
Thats the only way to unlock a orange hero just had to do 3 off emm mate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
one last thing who do you buy them from on ebay (seller name/link) and is it always for htc hero on orange
Is Modaco 2.9 ROM still the only method to unlock Orange UK? Currently running RCMix and rooted. Better still, how one did recently.
Cheers.
Yes think it was that one mate... it was one of the very early modaco custom roms anyway.
don't worry,use this which give different countries and provider,with unlocking code of reliable cost.
you can use that & unlock mobile mobile to T mobile .
Hello guys i'm from toronto i recently came from new york and purchased a vibrant when returning I am unable to use it. I called t mobile and they told me i need to find my recite or a person with a t mobile account to get the unlock code for me. Unfortunatly my recite is left in some garbage in new york somewhere. Can anyone here help me? I have my Imei number
ireiricky said:
Hello guys i'm from toronto i recently came from new york and purchased a vibrant when returning I am unable to use it. I called t mobile and they told me i need to find my recite or a person with a t mobile account to get the unlock code for me. Unfortunatly my recite is left in some garbage in new york somewhere. Can anyone here help me? I have my Imei number
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no reason for it to be locked other than its a stolen phone
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
ireiricky said:
Hello guys i'm from toronto i recently came from new york and purchased a vibrant when returning I am unable to use it. I called t mobile and they told me i need to find my recite or a person with a t mobile account to get the unlock code for me. Unfortunatly my recite is left in some garbage in new york somewhere. Can anyone here help me? I have my Imei number
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A, total bs, you really did not think of the fact that a phone from the states would not work in canada? Bull**** you just want someone to get the unlock code for you because you bought the phone not knowing it would not work and are screwed now.
Yes i know stupid mistaek
I bought the american version because the canadian version could not work on my carrier Mobilicity. Most mobilicity phones come unlocked and i thought that because they used the same frequencies that T mobile would too. Yes i know stupid mistake should have done it in america. And it's not stolen
itsjusttim said:
There is no reason for it to be locked other than its a stolen phone
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ionic7 said:
A, total bs, you really did not think of the fact that a phone from the states would not work in canada? Bull**** you just want someone to get the unlock code for you because you bought the phone not knowing it would not work and are screwed now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously you two should NOT give answers if you do not know wtf you are talking about. ALL t-mobile Vibrants are sim locked ie you cannot use it in any other country (ie with other carriers, even tmobile outside the US) but the united states and even here you cannot use it with any other carrier except t-mobile. I am about to call tmobile and have mine unlocked too so I can use it in Canada and Europe.
I usually buy t-mobile sim cards in Europe but I need my phone unlocked to be able to do that. But I will admit, since the Vibrant is pretty much the same as all the other Galaxy S phones, I also thought it could be used everywhere Tmobile was available (sans the simlock).
To the OP, go to Ebay if tmobile cannot help you, there are many companies that will unlock your phone for you for a fee. Or you can use the unlock generator from this site (but there have been mixed results with that). But even with the phone unlocked, does not mean it will get all the ranges oversees as it does here. Tmobile uses different Hz oversees than they do in the states so you may not get 3G (not sure, just using my experiences from other phones), so you may wanna check on that before going through all the effort of unlocking etc etc. You may be better off with a i9000 in Canada if thats your primary residence.
kponti said:
Seriously you two should NOT give answers if you do not know wtf you are talking about. ALL t-mobile Vibrants are sim locked ie you cannot use it in any other country (ie with other carriers, even tmobile outside the US) but the united states and even here you cannot use it with any other carrier except t-mobile. I am about to call tmobile and have mine unlocked too so I can use it in Canada and Europe.
I usually buy t-mobile sim cards in Europe but I need my phone unlocked to be able to do that. But I will admit, since the Vibrant is pretty much the same as all the other Galaxy S phones, I also thought it could be used everywhere Tmobile was available (sans the simlock).
To the OP, go to Ebay if tmobile cannot help you, there are many companies that will unlock your phone for you for a fee. Or you can use the unlock generator from this site (but there have been mixed results with that). But even with the phone unlocked, does not mean it will get all the ranges oversees as it does here. Tmobile uses different Hz oversees than they do in the states so you may not get 3G (not sure, just using my experiences from other phones), so you may wanna check on that before going through all the effort of unlocking etc etc. You may be better off with a i9000 in Canada if thats your primary residence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help o will look into both those methods you stated
go to Market, and look for SGS Unlock, if the free version can not generate the unlock code, go for the Pro version.. or you could do it yourself for free by following instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=822008
kponti said:
Seriously you two should NOT give answers if you do not know wtf you are talking about. ALL t-mobile Vibrants are sim locked ie you cannot use it in any other country (ie with other carriers, even tmobile outside the US) but the united states and even here you cannot use it with any other carrier except t-mobile. I am about to call tmobile and have mine unlocked too so I can use it in Canada and Europe.
I usually buy t-mobile sim cards in Europe but I need my phone unlocked to be able to do that. But I will admit, since the Vibrant is pretty much the same as all the other Galaxy S phones, I also thought it could be used everywhere Tmobile was available (sans the simlock).
To the OP, go to Ebay if tmobile cannot help you, there are many companies that will unlock your phone for you for a fee. Or you can use the unlock generator from this site (but there have been mixed results with that). But even with the phone unlocked, does not mean it will get all the ranges oversees as it does here. Tmobile uses different Hz oversees than they do in the states so you may not get 3G (not sure, just using my experiences from other phones), so you may wanna check on that before going through all the effort of unlocking etc etc. You may be better off with a i9000 in Canada if thats your primary residence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know all american vibrants are locked thats why it is stupid for him to buy one to take back to canada with out an unlock code ready...
ionic7 said:
I know all american vibrants are locked thats why it is stupid for him to buy one to take back to canada with out an unlock code ready...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe he didn't know? Maybe he forgot? Don't call people stupid for THINGS everyone does wrong everyday.
How / Where / Who can Unlock the SGII from networks like O2 etc in UK ?
O2 will unlock after 12 months otherwise you have to wait until unlocking is worked out after the phone has been launched .
jje
eddie21 said:
How / Where / Who can Unlock the SGII from networks like O2 etc in UK ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I work for o2 and as long as it is a contract phone and not pay as you go, you can unlock it anytime by either completing the online form (google o2 'unlockmyiphone') or by calling customer services and requesting them to fill out the form for you. It can take up to 14days for you to receive the code.
Failing that, there are numerous IMEI unlocking websites online who will send the code within 24hours for a small fee.
Regards.
lynxboy said:
I work for o2 and as long as it is a contract phone and not pay as you go, you can unlock it anytime by either completing the online form (google o2 'unlockmyiphone') or by calling customer services and requesting them to fill out the form for you. It can take up to 14days for you to receive the code.
Failing that, there are numerous IMEI unlocking websites online who will send the code within 24hours for a small fee.
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am presuming that it will not need unlocking to use a Giffgaff network sim as its part of O2 .
Three O2 shops today no stock and no idea if they will receive stock for launch 1st may .
jje
You could use a Rebel Simcard. It's not the best solution but it definately does the job. I used one on my Dell Streak when they were exclusive to O2.
I take it you're getting it as an upgrade direct from O2?
If not open a contract with O2 through Phones4U and you'll get an unlocked device
steve228uk said:
I take it you're getting it as an upgrade direct from O2?
If not open a contract with O2 through Phones4U and you'll get an unlocked device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is £399 with O2 but will probably be locked
I also asked a popular online unlocking firm what the chances are of unlocking this handset and this was their reply:
This should be no problem at all. That's because there's one main database for all European Samsung Android handsets. We have unlocked the Samsung Galaxy S from all 6 main UK networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if the database will work for SGS II. Anyone know?
I have no previous contract, so just buy o2 payg £399 & unlock £15? (Total=£414)
Why would anyone pay £499 unlocked ?
eddie21 said:
I have no previous contract, so just buy o2 payg £399 & unlock £15? (Total=£414)
Why would anyone pay £499 unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because at this stage, nobody is really sure that the 'unlock £15' part of the process will indeed work You could end up with a phone that will not currently work on the sim you may have ( I do understand you have no contract, so if you are happy with O2 payg, fill yer boots).
eddie21 said:
I have no previous contract, so just buy o2 payg £399 & unlock £15? (Total=£414)
Why would anyone pay £499 unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Vodafone HD2 came unlocked - that wasn't the problem. The killer was that because it was a Vodafone phone, it could only take updates from Vodafone, and their updates came months after the unbranded ones. Once the Devs got HSPL all sorted out then it wasn't so much of a problem, but that didn't happen overnight.
So be aware - it's not just the network locking that's an issue when you buy a phone from a network.
Moandal said:
My Vodafone HD2 came unlocked - that wasn't the problem. The killer was that because it was a Vodafone phone, it could only take updates from Vodafone, and their updates came months after the unbranded ones. Once the Devs got HSPL all sorted out then it wasn't so much of a problem, but that didn't happen overnight.
So be aware - it's not just the network locking that's an issue when you buy a phone from a network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up. I think O2 don't mess around with their handsets. Only Orange, T-Mobile & Vodafone.
AaronUK said:
Thanks for the heads up. I think O2 don't mess around with their handsets. Only Orange, T-Mobile & Vodafone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was the same with the first batch of O2 HD2's only accepting O2 specific updates which they changed after the second batch went out as were getting too many complaints. Hopefully they've learned from this and will allow standard manufacturer updates from the start. This wasn't due to particular messing around it was due to the serial numbers being registered with the manufacturer as not being generic therefore updates were refused by them. I doubt Samsung are quite as good as HTC with the regular updates but always good to know you can update when it's available.
AaronUK said:
I don't know if the database will work for SGS II. Anyone know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a response I received from a query I made of an eBay seller in relation to unlocking the SGS2...
"This is GUARANTEE TO WORK because this code is directly from Samsung and it is permanent. After you unlocked it, you can do software update or anything you like and it will still be unlocked."
Sounds promising...
It does but would like to know for sure before buying.
lynxboy said:
I work for o2 and as long as it is a contract phone and not pay as you go, you can unlock it anytime by either completing the online form (google o2 'unlockmyiphone') or by calling customer services and requesting them to fill out the form for you. It can take up to 14days for you to receive the code.
Failing that, there are numerous IMEI unlocking websites online who will send the code within 24hours for a small fee.
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you say it can take 14 days for the code to arrive...is that normal or is it usually quicker?
Successful unlock?
Did anyone hear about any successful SGS2 unlock?
I also read in some places that when you buy PNG from O2 it is SIM free. This was the case when I bought an iPhone 4 when it came out. It was SIM free out of the box.
just either get CPW to price match which they are supposedly doing at £399, or waith two weeks as they are goint to that price soon.
This is very stupid from me but as with the SGS, would it be possible to retrieve the bml3.bak file and unlock?
I'm just assuming samsung is using the same method of hiding the Network Control Key.. maybe they're lazy..
entropia said:
Did anyone hear about any successful SGS2 unlock?
I also read in some places that when you buy PNG from O2 it is SIM free. This was the case when I bought an iPhone 4 when it came out. It was SIM free out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u got iphone 4 from o2 and was sim-free?>
Hi
I'm looking at picking up a sgs2 phone from the three (3) store on a payg deal. I wanted to quickly check, I should be able to sim unlock this no problems right?
Also are there issues with debranding three versions?
Thanks
Sent from my HTC Magic using XDA App
Think so
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1064978
mine came unlocked. what i'm more interested in is if we can have the original three firmware from someone, so that we can slap unbranded one onto the phone and then revert back if we need to (like bringing it back to three in case of a fault or something like that).
If you can sim unlock the SGSII which others have managed via that thread, then why wouldnt you buy the o2 payg for 399 rather than the 3 version for 499.
(At least those were the prices 2wks ago)
My bad, Ive seen theyve taken it off PAYG
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Thanks All - I ended up getting one from Phones4U.
Turns out they have completely unlocked stock samsung devices without any bloatware. I thought this better than de-branding & unlocking etc.
Cost was the same, £499 but as it was stock I avoided the costs of unlocking etc.
ohmz55: Would like to have done this, but O2 stopped the deal.
Thanks
JohnBoy
andrej.marinic said:
mine came unlocked. what i'm more interested in is if we can have the original three firmware from someone, so that we can slap unbranded one onto the phone and then revert back if we need to (like bringing it back to three in case of a fault or something like that).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you post the product code and the firmware details (pda, csc, modem) I can try to get it.
johnboy00 said:
Thanks All - I ended up getting one from Phones4U.
Turns out they have completely unlocked stock samsung devices without any bloatware. I thought this better than de-branding & unlocking etc.
Cost was the same, £499 but as it was stock I avoided the costs of unlocking etc.
ohmz55: Would like to have done this, but O2 stopped the deal.
Thanks
JohnBoy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O2 no longer offer it online, I was able to get one for £399 from O2 store just yesterday however. The guy in the shop did say he wasn't allowed to sell it on pay as you go but that he was just going to ignore that!
I will be in the US for vacation in about six weeks and planning to buy The One.
Can you please help me with some questions:
1. Assuming that by then stock would be plenty and they don't refuse off contract sales. My question is: will A&TT or T-Mobile sell me the phone without me getting any phone service. I have my SIM with international roaming and do not need any kind of US phone service. I just need the Hardware. Is it possible?
2. Because I would be paying the phone without any contract or subsidy (full price). Can you confirm it will be unlocked to use with a SIM from any operator? Is it something automatically or I have to request it in the store?
3. I'm ok if they can only be unlocked. But have to ask if The One bough from operators can also be customized with other ROMS.
3. Which carrier is prefered to do this (if can be done) AT&T or T-Mobile.
Thanks you!
Antiflash said:
I will be in the US for vacation in about six weeks and planning to buy The One.
Can you please help me with some questions:
1. Assuming that by then stock would be plenty and they don't refuse off contract sales. My question is: will A&TT or T-Mobile sell me the phone without me getting any phone service. I have my SIM with international roaming and do not need any kind of US phone service. I just need the Hardware. Is it possible?
2. Because I would be paying the phone without any contract or subsidy (full price). Can you confirm it will be unlocked to use with a SIM from any operator? Is it something automatically or I have to request it in the store?
3. I'm ok if they can only be unlocked. But have to ask if The One bough from operators can also be customized with other ROMS.
3. Which carrier is prefered to do this (if can be done) AT&T or T-Mobile.
Thanks you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably want to buy the unlocked version. It is cheaper, unlocked, and will be able to use custom roms after unlocking the bootloader http://shopamerica.htc.com/brands/HTC-mobile/homebrands/index.htm
If not to answer those questions
1. Yes you can buy off contract
2. It will not be unlocked. You probably can unlock it easily with something like cellular unlocker service
3. Right now the bootloader is unlockable. We do not know if they will lock in the future
3(again). AT&T has earlier release but it doesnt really matter
joshuadjohnson22 said:
You probably want to buy the unlocked version. It is cheaper, unlocked, and will be able to use custom roms after unlocking the bootloader http://shopamerica.htc.com/brands/HTC-mobile/homebrands/index.htm
If not to answer those questions
1. Yes you can buy off contract
2. It will not be unlocked. You probably can unlock it easily with something like cellular unlocker service
3. Right now the bootloader is unlockable. We do not know if they will lock in the future
3(again). AT&T has earlier release but it doesnt really matter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the prompt response. I would like to buy it from HTC directly but what I planning is a road trip and won't be staying more than a couple of days in any place. It is difficult to time processing and delivery times from HTC and I don't know how strict they are with billing address differing from shipping address.
Bummer they would not unlocked it even after paying it in full. What "unlocker" services do you recommend. I have never used one.
Antiflash said:
Thanks for the prompt response. I would like to buy it from HTC directly but what I planning is a road trip and won't be staying more than a couple of days in any place. It is difficult to time processing and delivery times from HTC and I don't know how strict they are with billing address differing from shipping address.
Bummer they would not unlocked it even after paying it in full. What "unlocker" services do you recommend. I have never used one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a lot out there like http://www.cellunlocker.net/ they will just send you a code that you can enter after putting a none AT&T sim in it. Now a disclaimer from me. I have heard of a lot of phones being unlocked by them but the HTC One has not been unlocked on AT&T yet as far as I know.
I just bought one from a employee on craigslist and trying to get it unlocked
Sent from my HTC One
If any carrier sells you a phone for off contract pricing you're eligible/entitled to have it unlocked when you walk out the door. Just call them.