So a friend of mine found a S5 laying in the grass, the phone was in spanish and we were unable to find the owner. So he offered to sell it to me for a reallly cheap price.
Now i have questions abou this, If I reset the phone to factory I can just put the sim card in and it should be good togo, however I am assuming since they lost the phone and most likely its on a payment plan that tmobile will block the imei.
Now my questions are, Can i take an IMEI from a Galaxy S2 (no longer in use) and use the software to put that imei on this so tmobile wont block the phone? That would be ideal
If that wont work, would i be able to use the IMEI from my current galaxy S5 (that I currently use). Since it is the same phone? (well not exactly the same, mine is black the one that we found was white).
Would that screw up my current Galaxy S5 if i put the same imei on the new phone? And both being used under the same family plan?
If I use the phone as it is with the same IMEI that it has, and they wind up blocking it, would i still be able to change the IMEI after it is blocked? (I rather just change it right away to avoid it being blocked in the first place.)
So what do u guys think? Could I use the IMEI from a S2, if not could i use the IMEI from an S5 that i currently use? (IDK if they could tell if 2 IMEI is on the same network at the same time and it will block both which would really suck because I am still paying my S5 off.
Thanks
piffdaddy420 said:
So a friend of mine found a S5 laying in the grass, the phone was in spanish and we were unable to find the owner. So he offered to sell it to me for a reallly cheap price.
Now i have questions abou this, If I reset the phone to factory I can just put the sim card in and it should be good togo, however I am assuming since they lost the phone and most likely its on a payment plan that tmobile will block the imei.
Now my questions are, Can i take an IMEI from a Galaxy S2 (no longer in use) and use the software to put that imei on this so tmobile wont block the phone? That would be ideal
If that wont work, would i be able to use the IMEI from my current galaxy S5 (that I currently use). Since it is the same phone? (well not exactly the same, mine is black the one that we found was white).
Would that screw up my current Galaxy S5 if i put the same imei on the new phone? And both being used under the same family plan?
If I use the phone as it is with the same IMEI that it has, and they wind up blocking it, would i still be able to change the IMEI after it is blocked? (I rather just change it right away to avoid it being blocked in the first place.)
So what do u guys think? Could I use the IMEI from a S2, if not could i use the IMEI from an S5 that i currently use? (IDK if they could tell if 2 IMEI is on the same network at the same time and it will block both which would really suck because I am still paying my S5 off.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was further researching and i am hearing that changing the imei is illegal, and if this is the case i do not want to do it. i am not trying to break the law for a phone lmao. it is not worth it.
i looked up the number and it is infact blocked, so i guess he has nothing but a useless paperweight. I wish we were able to find the damn owner, at the very least could score some karma points.
Related
I already asked this in another forum but don't seem to be getting replies so I thought I'd ask in my 'home' forum as I have a S3!
Admins, if i've inadvertently broken any rules, please delete the other post.
There is a long-standing discussion amongst me and my friends that never seems to get anywhere!
Is it safe in the UK, to give someone your IMEI number when you're trying to sell a phone. Personally, I always thought that it would be really useful because you could check to see if it's been stolen / lost etc but others say that it could be cloned and land you in a lot of trouble with huge network charges etc.
Surely the sim card is the thing that you need to protect as you can use it in any phone with any IMEI..
Can someone offer any expert advice?
I know in Australia any time you make a phone call the carrier registers the phone number, sim number and your IMEI. This is how a phone can be blacklisted as any time this IMEI is sent it is blocked from completing the call. Most theives tend to discard your simcard and use another prepaid one or sell the phone onto an unsuspecting buyer who would be suspicious if a sim card was provided....
Yes, providing an IMEI is good to check but can also be stolen if you list it. I cringe when I see this on ebay...
You shouldn't, never ever, give your phone's IMEI number to anyone. Listen to your friends which said that it can be cloned to another (stolen) device. In this case Samsung (or carrier) will block regionally or globally this number. It's device dependent number and it's more important for proper working than your SIM card. You can change or replace your SIM (different carrier, same carrier but different card) but you can't change your phone's IMEI.
i9.0.1.3k galaxy imperator
Homey said:
Is it safe in the UK, to give someone your IMEI number when you're trying to sell a phone. Personally, I always thought that it would be really useful because you could check to see if it's been stolen / lost etc but others say that it could be cloned and land you in a lot of trouble with huge network charges etc.
Well yes it could be cloned but if you sell a product you can offer to let them check the IMEI after the sale . But it would be unwise to advertise phone and IMEI .
Surely the sim card is the thing that you need to protect as you can use it in any phone with any IMEI..
You can throw a sim card away get a replacement sim card different network etc . Its independent of the phone .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I bought a L9 T-Mobile last Saturday to use it with simple mobile but always get no service, I go several places that repair phones and all say was a bad sim so I bought a new one and same thing happend. I go to another place and say that my IMEI can be blacklisted and when he check says is blocked and reason is STL. I check here at home and says unlock... Im asking is there anything I can do to use this phone? I read that changing roms cmay also change the imei but I'm on 10g so means I can't root it yet.
Slackys said:
So I bought a L9 T-Mobile last Saturday to use it with simple mobile but always get no service, I go several places that repair phones and all say was a bad sim so I bought a new one and same thing happend. I go to another place and say that my IMEI can be blacklisted and when he check says is blocked and reason is STL. I check here at home and says unlock... Im asking is there anything I can do to use this phone? I read that changing roms cmay also change the imei but I'm on 10g so means I can't root it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing the IMEI on U.S. soil will land you in Federal Prison for a long, long, long time.
On a good note, I don't believe that T-Mobile has implemented IMEI blocking yet. Are you sure the device is for T-Mobile? Does it say T-Mobile on the top right corner of the glass? If so, try your sim in another device. If it works you may have a bad device.
What is the Firmware version and Baseband version?
You can try doing a factory reset.
Here are instructions on doing this: http://www.resettoo.com/hard-reset-lg-optimus-l9-p769-to-restore-factory-settings. Good luck.
Yes have the T-Mobile logo. I bought it from the girl next door on my vacation on Florida. She say she bought a Galaxy 3 so didnt need this phone anymore and give it to me for $150 and since I have a mytouch 3g slide I obviously accept but use mini sim and wait till I got back and bought a mini sim just to find that dont work.
Android
4.0.4
Baseband Version
L6260_MODEM_SIC_01.1233.00
Software Version
P76910g
Slackys said:
Yes have the T-Mobile logo. I bought it from the girl next door on my vacation on Florida. She say she bought a Galaxy 3 so didnt need this phone anymore and give it to me for $150 and since I have a mytouch 3g slide I obviously accept but use mini sim and wait till I got back and bought a mini sim just to find that dont work.
Android
4.0.4
Baseband Version
L6260_MODEM_SIC_01.1233.00
Software Version
P76910g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have my L9 handy. Maybe someone with 10g can confirm the same baseband. If it is different, that may be the issue.
Would you be able to have someone with a T-Mobile sim try it in your phone?
Not yet, thinking on going to T-Mobile and check, if works then transfer my number to them. Would suck change $40 to $50...
Symptoms of an IMEI Blocked Device
CANNOT:
Dial 611 to reach T-Mobile customer care
Make/Receive Calls
Text Messaging
Data/Internet
Use any tools or menus such as calendars, contacts, etc.
This is taken direct from T-Mobile.
I can verify for you whether or not its blocked if you like.
I PM you the IMEI, hope is not blacklisted... Is a good phone and I dont wanna use like an MP3/Video.
Also I check and I can open the tools like contacts, calendar, etc.
Wow! I was not aware that T-Mobile is already blocking IMEI. Thank You for the info.
Worst case scenario is you may be able to use one of those sim unlock services on Ebay to unlock it for AT&T.
The phone supports the 1900Mhz 3G band for that network.
There are plenty of pre-paid carriers that use the AT&T network. Net10 is one of them, and they have unlimited everything for a good price. Good luck.
Oh I didnt knew I can have 3G outside T-Mobile network. I might have to try that. Will keep update on what happend.
Slackys said:
Yes have the T-Mobile logo. I bought it from the girl next door on my vacation on Florida. She say she bought a Galaxy 3 so didnt need this phone anymore and give it to me for $150 and since I have a mytouch 3g slide I obviously accept but use mini sim and wait till I got back and bought a mini sim just to find that dont work.
Android
4.0.4
Baseband Version
L6260_MODEM_SIC_01.1233.00
Software Version
P76910g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heres my bb
Sent from my LG-P769 using xda app-developers app
Yup we got the same data... also as Jrkoffjonson PM me is marked as blocked.
(My prior comment was not meant to upset the OP. Just some personal opinion. Removing them now.).
To summarize: proceed with caution as you already guessed what might have happened with your new phone.
nsfgp said:
T-Mobile was selling this for $199 with free $50 refill twice in the last 2 months.
I don't think "the girl next door" is giving you a good deal at all. Probably something "HOT" she was trying to unload quick. No ebay fee/trace left behind for the authority now that it is your problem.
Good luck ... proceed with caution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love when people do this kind of advices...
My final guess is she sell it to me, she report it stolen, bought a S3 with the money and im with a L9 that I use as a tablet...
Slackys said:
Yes have the T-Mobile logo. I bought it from the girl next door on my vacation on Florida. She say she bought a Galaxy 3 so didnt need this phone anymore and give it to me for $150 and since I have a mytouch 3g slide I obviously accept but use mini sim and wait till I got back and bought a mini sim just to find that dont work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These days mobile service providers have joined together and sharing centralized IMEI data for any possible criminal activities happening over the phone. Just dont buy any phone from anyone you dont know well. Even if you have bought it from relative may put you in legal issues. Always ask for bill (invoice), warranty card and box, even if warranty is over.
Just imagine that "girl next door" also does not know that the phone is used for illegal activities (drugs/terrorism) and may be thats the reason the phone IMEI might have been blocked and is still traced by International Investigation Agencies, then what? You might have saved some dollars at the cost of your fortune. So beware. Dont do this again. These days we are all wired and easily traceable.
Jrkoffjonson said:
Symptoms of an IMEI Blocked Device
CANNOT:
Dial 611 to reach T-Mobile customer care
Make/Receive Calls
Text Messaging
Data/Internet
Use any tools or menus such as calendars, contacts, etc.
This is taken direct from T-Mobile.
I can verify for you whether or not its blocked if you like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slackys said:
Yup we got the same data... also as Jrkoffjonson PM me is marked as blocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Jrkoffjonson, Which site you checked for blocked IMEI?
I was looking into straight talk but dont know if is also a t-mobile network. I unlock the phone for $8 so Im happy.
My friend bought a samsung galaxy s3 i9300 from a thief. After he reached home and checked that phone he come to know that this phone is actually a display phone which is just like a normal i9300 but only cannot be used for GSM purposes becz the imei number of that phone is some thing like 00XXXXXXXXX0000/01 otherwise it works like a charm. i think if only its imei is changed than it can work for GSM purpose. Is there any way to change its imei number with only its data cable. without using any other Z3X like products??
Sorry for my bad english....
Changing the IMEI number is usually, in many countries illegal. Also illegal is buying/handling stolen goods/merchandise
mmannanmasood said:
My friend bought a samsung galaxy s3 i9300 from a thief. After he reached home and checked that phone he come to know that this phone is actually a display phone which is just like a normal i9300 but only cannot be used for GSM purposes becz the imei number of that phone is some thing like 00XXXXXXXXX0000/01 otherwise it works like a charm. i think if only its imei is changed than it can work for GSM purpose. Is there any way to change its imei number with only its data cable. without using any other Z3X like products??
Sorry for my bad english....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't expect a lot of help with this here.
Firstly, you mentioned the phone was bought from a thief; I've never had a phone stolen, but I have friends who have, and anybody involved is the lowest of the low.
Secondly, IMEI changing might be legal where you are (I'm not sure which country you're in), but it's highly illegal in many countries, including the one which hosts this site. Helping you do this could get this site an its operators in a lot of trouble.
If your friend thought he was buying a stolen phone, and got scammed with a non-working display model, I'd say he's had a valuable learning opportunity...
mmannanmasood said:
My friend bought a samsung galaxy s3 i9300 from a thief. After he reached home and checked that phone he come to know that this phone is actually a display phone which is just like a normal i9300 but only cannot be used for GSM purposes becz the imei number of that phone is some thing like 00XXXXXXXXX0000/01 otherwise it works like a charm. i think if only its imei is changed than it can work for GSM purpose. Is there any way to change its imei number with only its data cable. without using any other Z3X like products??
Sorry for my bad english....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If any buddy can help plz email me on my id... [email protected] . i just wanted to make it use able for me. . I owned a s3 which was water damaged... i want to use the imei of my damaged set over that phone.
display phones don't even have the GSM phone or antenna, there is absolutely nothing you can do. Oh, and you're breaking the law, too
mmannanmasood said:
If any buddy can help plz email me on my id... [email protected] . i just wanted to make it use able for me. . I owned a s3 which was water damaged... i want to use the imei of my damaged set over that phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cannot be done its illegal do not post such questions .
jje
JJEgan said:
Cannot be done its illegal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and impossible
Changing the IMEI is illegal in most countries so discussion of it is not allowed on XDA.
Thread closed.
Hi, I have a Galaxy S4 i9505 running on 4.4.2. I have two phone numbers. One for me and one for my husband. I want to contract the Galaxy S5 and give my husband the S4. This means swapping the sim cards. My provider says I have to cash out the S4 which is expensive. The phone is only 4 months into a one year warranty. I don't want to void the warranty either. One solution is to unlock both phones and to relock if there is a problem and I need to bring the phone to the dealer. Can I do this?
nusantara said:
Hi, I have a Galaxy S4 i9505 running on 4.4.2. I have two phone numbers. One for me and one for my husband. I want to contract the Galaxy S5 and give my husband the S4. This means swapping the sim cards. My provider says I have to cash out the S4 which is expensive. The phone is only 4 months into a one year warranty. I don't want to void the warranty either. One solution is to unlock both phones and to relock if there is a problem and I need to bring the phone to the dealer. Can I do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't get the point, If I understood well you have a device 'connected' with the sim brand, so why unlock a device when -in your case- it would be better only change the apn for it?
gidannifico said:
Don't get the point, If I understood well you have a device 'connected' with the sim brand, so why unlock a device when -in your case- it would be better only change the apn for it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I don't know what an apn is. The problem is I want to use the Galaxy S5. The Galaxy S4 that I already have is locked to my sim. This means that I can't put my husband's sim in the phone. I can't contract for the S5 under my phone number since I already have it tied to the s4. I would have to contract the phone to his sim. Please explain more about the apn and how that will help me solve this problem.
Many thanks,
Lisa
nusantara said:
Hi, I don't know what an apn is. The problem is I want to use the Galaxy S5. The Galaxy S4 that I already have is locked to my sim. This means that I can't put my husband's sim in the phone. I can't contract for the S5 under my phone number since I already have it tied to the s4. I would have to contract the phone to his sim. Please explain more about the apn and how that will help me solve this problem.
Many thanks,
Lisa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-I'm not an expert, but I'll try to be understandable- APN is a sort of 'code' wich is used in order to 'recognise' the sim in a certain country (it changes from a country to another) and allow you to call,receive, sending messages, etc.
I knew it also worked to change the sim in cases like yours (branded phones), but can't say more cause I don't own the same device and so can't help you further.
You can try asking your phone seller or wait for someone else to help you, I wouldn't advise you to try by yourself searching in the settings.
Ps: it's not my business, but the technical characteristics of S5 are kinda the same of the S4.
Hope it helps.
gidannifico said:
-I'm not an expert, but I'll try to be understandable- APN is a sort of 'code' wich is used in order to 'recognise' the sim in a certain country (it changes from a country to another) and allow you to call,receive, sending messages, etc.
I knew it also worked to change the sim in cases like yours (branded phones), but can't say more cause I don't own the same device and so can't help you further.
You can try asking your phone seller or wait for someone else to help you, I wouldn't advise you to try by yourself searching in the settings.
Ps: it's not my business, but the technical characteristics of S5 are kinda the same of the S4.
Hope it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I appreciate this fuller description. I think I will have to wait for someone else to come along with some hands on points. I have talked to my provider. Their solution is to have me cash out the S4 (with penalty) and to recon tract for the S5. Hence my need for a work around. Many thanks,
Lisa
I bought a Galaxy S5 (Tmobile) and Unlocked it, flash new ROM. if for some reasons, Tmobile blocked the IMEI, am I still able to use it because its unlocked?
Im asking this because I bought it off from Craiglists.
I am just curious why would t-mobile block the ime.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
i afraid they may in the future because of someone not making payment
If you didn't pay for the device and they blacklisted the IMEI, you will not likely be able to use it on either AT&T or T-Mobile as they have been said to share blacklist databases. You will likely only be able to use it internationally. Unlocking it doesn't matter, if it is blacklisted, it wont register on the network and you wont be able to use it.
risestar2 said:
If you didn't pay for the device and they blacklisted the IMEI, you will not likely be able to use it on either AT&T or T-Mobile as they have been said to share blacklist databases. You will likely only be able to use it internationally. Unlocking it doesn't matter, if it is blacklisted, it wont register on the network and you wont be able to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
of course you can use a blacklisted t-mobile phone on at&t network without any problems. just unlock it, insert your sim card and there. i have personally used them on at&t.
What Rom Did You Flash To Unlock SGS5 Tmobile?
T33H00 said:
I bought a Galaxy S5 (Tmobile) and Unlocked it, flash new ROM. if for some reasons, Tmobile blocked the IMEI, am I still able to use it because its unlocked?
Im asking this because I bought it off from Craiglists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Rom Did You Flash To Unlock SGS5 Tmobile?
I am loathe to help you because you are talking about a stolen or fraudulently sold phone. And whether you were scammed or complicit in the fraud, it remains that the phone is stolen and helping anyone use a stolen phone spurs an ongoing demand for stolen phones.
I'll just say that TMB blacklisting the IMEI ought to prevent you from using the phone on another carrier. However, TMB is well known for being erratic in sharing their blacklist with other carriers. So provided that your phone is not re-activation OR SIM locked, you can probably use the handset on another carrier. For the moment anyway.
TMB has been promising lately to clean up their act in this regard and start sharing their blacklist with other carriers. So while you might be able to use that stolen handset today, it will stop working in two months, four months or whatever date TMB actually starts sharing their blacklist with other carriers.
.
T33H00 said:
I bought a Galaxy S5 (Tmobile) and Unlocked it, flash new ROM. if for some reasons, Tmobile blocked the IMEI, am I still able to use it because its unlocked?
Im asking this because I bought it off from Craiglists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Short answer: No you cannot.
Long answer:
As I believe a T-Mobile and ATT "contract" (not really a contract, more so an agreement) established a more global blacklist.. well, list, prevents the use on other networks. This is a new policy that has been created.
I even recall an instance where a Verizon S4 (most of Verizon's phone have both CDMA and GSM hardware) would not be allowed on T-Mobile's network.
However, brighter side of things, you could try Swappa.com to sell it as a blocked IMEI phone (i believe they are still usable overseas)
Or, what I would do, part the phone out and sell each part, you will probably get more for it. Screen display's aren't cheap, especially the entire digitizer and LCD still glued together.
For future purchases over Craigslist, ensure the transaction happens inside a T-Mobile store. They can transfer the phone serial and such to your account leaving the previous account holder phoneless. This also ensures that the phone is truly paid off in full. If the phone gets reported lost/stolen, you have proof that it was legally sold to you and not stolen.