[Q] Problems with Sim Card Unlocking - Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I would like to sell my Atrix and I know I would get a better price if it was carrier unlocked. The only problem is, I can't seem to do it. I've gotten the unlock code from AT&T, but they tell me I need a foreign sim card to trigger it. I've never dealt with other sims before, so it's probably just me.
I bought an H20 sim starter kit from Amazon which runs on the AT&T network. After I installed the sim (right out of the box), the phone just comes up normally, showing no service, it doesn't ask me to input an unlock code. This is where I'm stuck. So it's possible that:
1. I need to activate the sim card for service before it recognizes it?
2. I've read that I can hold the asterisk key down to bring up the unlock dialogue, but that's not working. Is there a special area I need to do that in?
3. It's rooted, unlocked, and running Atrix-MROM (GB). Maybe that's affecting it?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

You were told you need a foreign SIM and so you bought ANOTHER one on AT&T? Where is the sense in that? You were told right, you need a *foreign* SIM.

ravilov said:
You were told you need a foreign SIM and so you bought ANOTHER one on AT&T? Where is the sense in that? You were told right, you need a *foreign* SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, I've never dealt with other sims before. I kind of figured foreign meant NOT AT&T, I didn't know it applied to another carrier (H2O) using their networks.
Can you kindly point me in the direction of a cheap sim card I should be using to unlock it?

biohaz86 said:
Like I said, I've never dealt with other sims before. I kind of figured foreign meant NOT AT&T, I didn't know it applied to another carrier (H2O) using their networks.
Can you kindly point me in the direction of a cheap sim card I should be using to unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used a SIM from T-Mobile and it worked like a charm.
エイトリックス から 送ります

thesummoner101 said:
I used a SIM from T-Mobile and it worked like a charm.
エイトリックス から 送ります
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will try a prepaid T-Mobile sim from Amazon. Does anyone know if I can save myself a few bucks and use an unactivated one?

biohaz86 said:
Thanks, I will try a prepaid T-Mobile sim from Amazon. Does anyone know if I can save myself a few bucks and use an unactivated one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one I used was unactivated. It was from a brand new T-Mobile SIM activation kit. I have, in the past, used SIM cards from other countries that don't even provide service here.
エイトリックス から 送ります

biohaz86 said:
Does anyone know if I can save myself a few bucks and use an unactivated one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't matter if the SIM is active or not, so long as it is encoded to a different carrier.

Related

[Q] Is it possible to remove network lock without an unlock code?

I have reviewed similar threads for a few days but have not found any answers. The simple question I have is in the title:
Can you unlock the ATT Atrix without an unlock code.
However the situation is a bit more complicated and ill explain.
I have been traveling the past few months and was in Costa Rica for a month. I decided to purchase a local SIM so I could use my phone without paying ridiculous ATT roaming charges. I inserted the SIM and it was locked, unaware of the network lock I inserted my personal code thinking that may be it. No luck and returned to my old ATT SIM. At this point it still worked but a few days passed and I tried again, still no avail so I contacted ATT. It just so happened the 6 month mark was coming up from the original purchase date of my phone so they would provide the unlock code in 4 days time. I waited and finally received, after inserting the code it did not work and I contacted ATT back to assure they provided the proper code as they had to send me a replacement phone a few months prior due to my original Atrix crapping out. They checked it out and determined it was correct but it never worked. I finally inserted my original ATT SIM back into the phone and it also requested network unlock code. Now I am back in the states and even with the original ATT SIM it still requests for the network unlock code. I tried unlocking and flashing with CM7 beta and STILL requests unlock code. So basically the phone is useless for network data but will work fine as a mini tablet i suppose connected to WIFI.
So with that explanation does anyone have any idea on bypassing this or removing this entirely, not even to use overseas but just on the ATT network!
Additionally
ATT provided me with another Atrix to alleviate my troubles so im not entirely phoneless. However I would like to sell one of these and possibly purchase the GS2 0_o
I have contacted 3 cell phone unlocking sites explaining the situation and only one has responded but not with any answers.
HELP!
if you got a new phone, is it still asking for a network unlock code?
No. Its working fine, but I still have this perfectly good working phone I would rather use and sell the brand new one. Unless I cant get rid of this unlock problem I suppose Ill sell it as is. Any takers?
Hi, I talk to att once when i want to unlock my atrix and they told me if the phone is more than six months old the give you the unlock code for free.
so for the atrix if that is your phone you can ask att for your code since august 21.
just call att customer support.
hope this help.
try a diff sim card with data plan and see if it still asks for code
or try flashing a custom rom
I suppose I was not clear in the OP. ATT DID provide this code for me. I did flash a custom rom already.
As far as using a different SIM card I tried to use a second SIM that ATT provided and still nothing.
I am assuming this is a very unique situation and probably wont find any answers unless someone has successfully unlocked the phone by flashing some special ROM.
Flashing a ROM of any kind will never sim-unlock your phone.... ever. period.
The only way to resolve this is through AT&T. The only way to sim-unlock is with the code it requests.... must have proper code. That is the only way. So, I would talk to AT&T about it, in person, at a local store.
I unlocked the inspire 4G simple by rooting and flashing a custom rom didnt ask for network password after that it worked on tmobile
With edge service no. 3g or 4g different bands between tmobile and att
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App
jussuh said:
I unlocked the inspire 4G simple by rooting and flashing a custom rom didnt ask for network password after that it worked on tmobile
With edge service no. 3g or 4g different bands between tmobile and att
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
highly doubt that....
when does it ask you for the network code? can u provide a screen capture?
jgc121 said:
Flashing a ROM of any kind will never sim-unlock your phone.... ever. period.
The only way to resolve this is through AT&T. The only way to sim-unlock is with the code it requests.... must have proper code. That is the only way. So, I would talk to AT&T about it, in person, at a local store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just the info I was looking for. Basically the phone is boned in that case. Spent a good with with ATT advanced tech support and motorola to no avail.
What I do want to know is WHERE this information is stored out of curiosity. It seems the modding community would have tinkered with some hacks to remove the sim lock at some point.
wyldkard said:
when does it ask you for the network code? can u provide a screen capture?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried to screen shot it but it wont allow in the screen. The request comes as soon as I turn the phone on. If I dismiss it I can use the phone I just wont have cellular access.
Ok so I am reposting and not editing as I feel this deserves a bump.
I got my new Atrix unlock code from ATT today and tried it on the new Atrix I received and that one ALSO will not unlock.
Is there ANY ATT Atrix sim unlocked and if so how did you go about doing it? I have only found one thread and no response via PM.
How to SIM unlock Atrix!
I have read both your post and I believe you used a ATT sim card that was not in use or a GO phone Sim card. Am I correct so far? To sim unlock you have to insert a non ATT sim card!! No go phone sim card or a non active att sim!
Call one of your friends and borrow a Verizon sim or Tmobile sim. You only have 5 tries to do this. So as for your first Atrix I believe it is already locked permanently to ATT. Dont ruin your second Atrix.
katinatez said:
I have read both your post and I believe you used a ATT sim card that was not in use or a GO phone Sim card. Am I correct so far? To sim unlock you have to insert a non ATT sim card!! No go phone sim card or a non active att sim!
Call one of your friends and borrow a Verizon sim or Tmobile sim. You only have 5 tries to do this. So as for your first Atrix I believe it is already locked permanently to ATT. Dont ruin your second Atrix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I found that if you push #073887* in the dialer it will actually prompt you for the unlock code. I tried this with NO sim in at first and that is when it said it was unsuccessful. However late last night I inserted my ATT SIM back in and tried again just for ****s. Entered in #073887* and typed the unlock code and viola, it worked. Interesting information for anyone who wants to unlock there Atrix WITHOUT another carriers SIM!
But back to my original issue. I wouldn't mind if the original atrix was locked to ATT, at least I would still be able to use it. The problem is that it wont work with ANY SIM. My thoughts is that it is a glitch and locked the phone to... nothing?
To make matters worse I emailed cellunlocker.net explained the issue and they said they thought if they requested a carrier unlock code it would work. Paid the 20 and 10 minutes later they sent me the same unlock code ATT had provided. Now the hassle of obtaining a refund.
are you selling the phone?
komakos96 said:
are you selling the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea. Both.
you have to use a *different* sim card than your regular carrier uses (ex - I'm on AT&T, so i used a Boost Mobile Sim to unlock my Atrix) You cannot use YOUR sim to sim-unlock.
jgc121 said:
you have to use a *different* sim card than your regular carrier uses (ex - I'm on AT&T, so i used a Boost Mobile Sim to unlock my Atrix) You cannot use YOUR sim to sim-unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can, by the method I explained in my previous post. It works!
There may be some confusion. The one im referring to (the original ATRIX) will not unlock with an ATT sim, a TMOB sim, a verizon SIM, or even a Costa Rican SIM. NO matter WHAT the SIM is in the "original" phone it always prompts me for a SIM unlock password. Like I said I believe it to be a glitch, intending to lock it to the ATT SIM but in reality it locked it to NO SIM.
So to restate.
YES you can unlock an ATT Atrix with only an ATT SIM in the phone using the method I explained. ( I did it with the phone in my hand right now)
and
NO my original Atrix will not unlock regardless of SIM installed or method.
i will send you a p.m with my offer
Just out of curiousity did you ever set up the sim card lock feature in the location and security settings. It will ask you for the unlock code every time you turn your phone on...shot in the dark here....
Sent from my MB200 using XDA App

Where can I buy a sim card for a Photon

I just purchased a used Photon 4G. The phone works great but it did not come with the sim card. I would like to be able to use it overseas so I need the sim card. I went to my Sprint store and they told me they do not sell the sim cards.... I talked to Motorola and they told me to talk to Sprint... There are sim cards on the Internet, but I have no idea if they will work with the Photon. So.... Where can I buy the OE sim card for my Photon?
It's an unlocked sim port, so any provider sim will work, but keep in mind that at&t & t-mobile frequencies are blocked from being seen by the radio. Hopefully a dev will be able to rewrite the radio to pick them up.
So this one will work?
blakkheartt12 said:
It's an unlocked sim port, so any provider sim will work, but keep in mind that at&t & t-mobile frequencies are blocked from being seen by the radio. Hopefully a dev will be able to rewrite the radio to pick them up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sprint-GLOB...140599083921?pt=SIM_Cards&hash=item20bc5bc391
So would this card work if, (when), I take my phone out of the country?
What are you trying to do? If you want to use the phone out of the USA for voice/data or mixed for inexpensive..Then purchase a pay as you go number and Sim in the country. If you want to use your USA number for very expensive then use that card.
Very simple.
DetroitFlyer said:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sprint-GLOB...140599083921?pt=SIM_Cards&hash=item20bc5bc391
So would this card work if, (when), I take my phone out of the country?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would def work but imo you are better off getting a prepaid sim from the country your going to. Costs would be A LOT lower
Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk

SIM Unlock for US networks

I don't really know a lot about SIM related stuff, so I apologize...
Can the Rezound be SIM unlocked for US networks? The only thread I've found on another site says no but I think the repliers were referring to bootloader unlocking, not SIM. I am S-Off if that matters..just don't want to spend money on those sites that use IMEI to unlock, then get nowhere.
awenthol said:
I don't really know a lot about SIM related stuff, so I apologize...
Can the Rezound be SIM unlocked for US networks? The only thread I've found on another site says no but I think the repliers were referring to bootloader unlocking, not SIM. I am S-Off if that matters..just don't want to spend money on those sites that use IMEI to unlock, then get nowhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to SIM unlock it. Just put a different SIM in it and it'll work.
In the US? Because I've tried and never gotten anywhere...
awenthol said:
In the US? Because I've tried and never gotten anywhere...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you're on the newest firmware and radio then itll work as it adds the global capablities to it.just pop a regular sized sim in it and itll work,
tested with a t-mobile sim and it works.
paul_viado said:
if you're on the newest firmware and radio then itll work as it adds the global capablities to it.just pop a regular sized sim in it and itll work,
tested with a t-mobile sim and it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read elsewhere that the sim had to be activated on a prepaid phone first. Not sure of that is correct but something to look into.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
merlin66676 said:
I read elsewhere that the sim had to be activated on a prepaid phone first. Not sure of that is correct but something to look into.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can't comment on that but the sim from t-mobile i used was already active on a family members account so i dont know if it matters..but i know for a fact it does work on the t-mo network. voice and data.
paul_viado said:
can't comment on that but the sim from t-mobile i used was already active on a family members account so i dont know if it matters..but i know for a fact it does work on the t-mo network. voice and data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to be sure about the specifics.
HTC rezound on the leaked 4.03.605.2 ruu
You put in a T-Mobile sim card in the rezound
And you had voice calling, texting, mms, and data working?
You didn't need to modify anything in the phone, change settings, add a T-Mobile apn, root, or Rom the phone?
It will be nice if you will write a short "how to" for moving a rezound onto USA T-Mobile.
Also were there any frequency mode restrictions?
Data speed was good?
Thanks,
Howard
Thanks guys...will keep messing with it.
Verizon would not give me an unlock code because according to them the phone isn't capable yet.
Rezound is globally capable and works on other US carriers
awenthol said:
I don't really know a lot about SIM related stuff, so I apologize...
Can the Rezound be SIM unlocked for US networks? The only thread I've found on another site says no but I think the repliers were referring to bootloader unlocking, not SIM. I am S-Off if that matters..just don't want to spend money on those sites that use IMEI to unlock, then get nowhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The FCC ruling that Verizon is responding to by making the Rezound, Razr, Droid 4, etc. globally capable also opens the phones up for use by other carriers. This was "Big Red's" initial impetus for not unlocking the phones native features. So yes, you can use this phone on Tmobile's network.
sephir0n said:
The FCC ruling that Verizon is responding to by making the Rezound, Razr, Droid 4, etc. globally capable also opens the phones up for use by other carriers. This was "Big Red's" initial impetus for not unlocking the phones native features. So yes, you can use this phone on Tmobile's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried to enter T-Mobile's APN?
It won't save and show in the list.
It appears Verizon locked it to only use Verizon's APN?
when booted into the bootloader there is a simlock item on the menu.
if one has s-off and an appropriate config.dat file on the removable microSD card it is supposed to SIMM unlock, so one doesn't get that sim locked picture on the phone after inserting another vendor's SIMM card.
this information is from reading, not from doing it.
I'm running T-Mobile US (EDGE) just fine. 100%
Did nothing but put the simcard in the phone and flashed a GSM ROM (Downtown).
I did flash the latest radio and firmware with S-OFF but everything was working before hand.
I activated the Prepaid Simcard on T-Mobiles website and used the Rezounds IMEI without problems just added the right APN for MMS and DATA.
Tachi91 said:
I'm running T-Mobile US (EDGE) just fine. 100%
Did nothing but put the simcard in the phone and flashed a GSM ROM (Downtown).
I did flash the latest radio and firmware with S-OFF but everything was working before hand.
I activated the Prepaid Simcard on T-Mobiles website and used the Rezounds IMEI without problems just added the right APN for MMS and DATA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you have no idea if it works with stock 4.93.605.2
You know it works with "downtown" rom
HowardZ said:
Sounds like you have no idea if it works with stock 4.93.605.2
You know it works with "downtown" rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock 605.2 ... Yes besides the annoying "invalid simcard" on the lockscreen it worked fine. Only reason I switched was because I'm not a fan of Sense 3.6
Tachi91 said:
Stock 605.2 ... Yes besides the annoying "invalid simcard" on the lockscreen it worked fine. Only reason I switched was because I'm not a fan of Sense 3.6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Tachi,
I plan to order a T-Mobile SIM card to play with on monday. it will have 10 minutes of talk time, but no data. I still have quite some time left on my Verizon contract before I switch to T-Mobile. This might also be a good option for my daughter.
First, I will see how this works on my stock rooted 4.03.605.2 system with htcdev unlock and s-off. If I get the SIM locked warning, I will try installing a hboot loadable SIM unlock config.dat file I got from a website - it has my IMEI inside it.
I don't know why, but I can not enter the T-Mobile apn in my system, even if I switch the phone into gsm mode.
Then I will try the downtown ROM, if it is ok to load it ontop of 4.03.605.2
thanks,
Howard

Sprint Photon abroad on GSM

So i just picked up a used photon to use in Europe but have been reading some disturbing info. Some of it is rather old so just wanted to get updated info.
1. I want to use a local foreign sim. Can i just put one in and use it?
2. Do i need to call sprint to unlock it? I did put in an old Wind sim from italy while I am still here in the U.S. and it asked for a PIN. Is that a PIN I get from Wind or sprint?
3. I read somewhere about renaming two files to bypass the Sprint activation screen. Is that still recommended even though this phone is activated and i using it as my normal cellphone in the US? Pros and cons of doing this?
4. I read somewhere that I will not be able to use foreign sim data/internet? Is this still true. Is there any workaround for this?
Any recent real world experiences would be appreciated.
Thanks!!
superflysocal said:
So i just picked up a used photon to use in Europe but have been reading some disturbing info. Some of it is rather old so just wanted to get updated info.
1. I want to use a local foreign sim. Can i just put one in and use it?
2. Do i need to call sprint to unlock it? I did put in an old Wind sim from italy while I am still here in the U.S. and it asked for a PIN. Is that a PIN I get from Wind or sprint?
3. I read somewhere about renaming two files to bypass the Sprint activation screen. Is that still recommended even though this phone is activated and i using it as my normal cellphone in the US? Pros and cons of doing this?
4. I read somewhere that I will not be able to use foreign sim data/internet? Is this still true. Is there any workaround for this?
Any recent real world experiences would be appreciated.
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just pop in a foreign sim and you should be ready to go
superflysocal said:
So i just picked up a used photon to use in Europe but have been reading some disturbing info. Some of it is rather old so just wanted to get updated info.
1. I want to use a local foreign sim. Can i just put one in and use it?
2. Do i need to call sprint to unlock it? I did put in an old Wind sim from italy while I am still here in the U.S. and it asked for a PIN. Is that a PIN I get from Wind or sprint?
3. I read somewhere about renaming two files to bypass the Sprint activation screen. Is that still recommended even though this phone is activated and i using it as my normal cellphone in the US? Pros and cons of doing this?
4. I read somewhere that I will not be able to use foreign sim data/internet? Is this still true. Is there any workaround for this?
Any recent real world experiences would be appreciated.
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Yes. Depending on the carrier you may need to configure the APN's for data / internet. Orange UK was just plug and go for me. Vodafone Romania and Tigo Colombia needed APN's configured. If you buy the SIM at the office of the carrier they will help you configure it at that time. If you buy the Sim online, Tweakker or APN Global can help. Both are available on Google Play, or you could always go to the carrier's office.
2) No need to unlock. The PIN would be from the operator (Wind in your case). Normally the PIN is on the little card that the SIM card pops out of of.
3) I never did this. I think that was just for people who were not going to be able to activate the phone in the US. Since yours is already activated I would not worry about it.
4) You can use 3G data assuming APN's and your Sim / plan are current.
I had a few annoyances trying to get prepaid sim cards to work for both voice and data in Iceland and Germany, but I was eventually able to get them to work.

Changing carrier and phone not working with new SIM

I have been using ATT service on this i777, now going to China and will be using their carrier for a long time. I learnt I have to go to either China Mobile or China Unicom if I'm to stick with this device. However both carrier's SIMs resulted in "SIM card not provisioned" notice and it's not working.
I am wondering if calling ATT helps, or I need a SIM unlock code, or I have to install a custom ROM to somehow bypass the SIM check? Or even more? I love this phone so I don't want to buy a new one here in China.
Any help is greatly appreciated!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Your phone needs to be sim unlocked. If it is not unlocked already, then by far the easiest route is to call AT&T to get the unlock code.
oh I'm sorry, I think I already unlocked it (spent a few bucks and got the code on a website)
I put in China Mobile's SIM and entered the code in the prompt box. Do I still need an unlock code from ATT ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
creepyncrawly said:
Your phone needs to be sim unlocked. If it is not unlocked already, then by far the easiest route is to call AT&T to get the unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I replied you above but didn't quote.
If the phone is already sim unlocked, then you don't need to unlock it again.
I've never gone through the unlock process, or traveled over seas, so I'm not the best person to answer your questions. I think "not provisioned' indicates that the sim is not activated, or that the phone is not set up for the network, or something like that. You may need to input the correct apn for the network. Maybe you could go to the carrier's store and find someone who could help you?
Maybe someone with experience will jump in and help.
creepyncrawly said:
If the phone is already sim unlocked, then you don't need to unlock it again.
I've never gone through the unlock process, or traveled over seas, so I'm not the best person to answer your questions. I think "not provisioned' indicates that the sim is not activated, or that the phone is not set up for the network, or something like that. You may need to input the correct apn for the network. Maybe you could go to the carrier's store and find someone who could help you?
Maybe someone with experience will jump in and help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes I think you're right. I've been using dumbphone so I didn't reply you. Thank you!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app

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