I'm on full stock and need to unlock my phone for international use. I tried through ATT but apparently I can't since I'm under contract. I've never had to do this before, but I thought I remember reading this is, or can be, part of the S-off or root or something. Can this be done?
If your phone is updated to Lollipop, no.
If your phone is older software, the following should still work: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2708572
However the above mod requires s-off, and the only method to s-off is sunshine, which costs $25.
You may be better off just using a paid SIM unlock service (find a reputable seller on eBay or other online source) which often cost less than $10, and a more straightforward process (just obtain the SIM unlock code and enter it).
redpoint73 said:
If your phone is updated to Lollipop, no.
If your phone is older software, the following should still work: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2708572
However the above mod requires s-off, and the only method to s-off is sunshine, which costs $25.
You may be better off just using a paid SIM unlock service (find a reputable seller on eBay or other online source) which often cost less than $10, and a more straightforward process (just obtain the SIM unlock code and enter it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you mind elaborating further on this process? I'm on Lollipop, latest update. You're saying I can pay someone to provide me a sim unlock code and all I have to do is enter it? Legal? Can it cause any issues to my phone? I don't care about my ATT warranty, phone is over a year old anyway.
cgibsong002 said:
You're saying I can pay someone to provide me a sim unlock code and all I have to do is enter it? Legal? Can it cause any issues to my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never actually done it myself. But I've seen plenty of folks on XDA do it. You give the vendor your IMEI and they get the SIM unlock code from the same database the carrier does. It shouldn't cause any issues, since I believe they are generating the code the same way AT&T does, just they are willing to do it for a fee when AT&T won't. At least that is my understanding.
Once you insert a non-AT&T SIM into the phone, it will ask you for the code and you enter it. That should be it. Note that you can't enter the code unless you have a non-AT&T SIM (that goes the same if you got the code from AT&T). So maybe borrow a SIM from someone who is on T-Mob, to make sure it works before your trip.
I just did a search for "M8 SIM unlock" on eBay and got results for around $3. Use your discretion of course; and select a vendor with a good rating. I've seen some instances where they can't find the IMEI in their database. But most of the vendors won't charge if that is the case (but I'd verify that is the policy before giving them your money).
Also in the past, I've read several folks on XDA recommend cellunlocker.net. But again I haven't used them personally; just passing on second-hand knowledge.
Related
I understand there are two ways to unlock your HTC aria.
One is to buy the unlock codes on some website.
The second, free way is to call AT&T after three months and they will unlock it for free.
However, I have called AT&T twice and they don't have the unlock code available even after giving them my IMEI number. I'm puzzled by this. Is anyone else having the same problem? They said the computer or database don't have the Aria unlock code in the system. What's going on here?
Big brother just tricked you. They are tracking you now. Throw the phone away. Use cash only. Don't use your real name.
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
AT&T doesn't have to give you the unlock code for the Aria until the exclusivity for that device has expired. Your only choice for now is to unlock it using a third party website.
Get the unlock code through a website like the most of us did, its just $15 or $20 bucks and they send you an email with the code almost instantly..
fmac said:
Get the unlock code through a website like the most of us did, its just $15 or $20 bucks and they send you an email with the code almost instantly..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
be sure to search ebay first. i found an unlock code for my backflip for only 2 dollars, the same for a few other phones I've had!
!
You know...I'd be interested to find out how these unlock codes are generated...seems like people are robbing people of their money when they are selling these things...it probably isn't the easiest thing in the world to figure the algorithm out (if that's how they do it) but i can only imagine that once you do figure it out, it's a short process thereafter to generate unlock codes for people based on whatever information they need...
zervic said:
You know...I'd be interested to find out how these unlock codes are generated...seems like people are robbing people of their money when they are selling these things...it probably isn't the easiest thing in the world to figure the algorithm out (if that's how they do it) but i can only imagine that once you do figure it out, it's a short process thereafter to generate unlock codes for people based on whatever information they need...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is software that does this. unfortunately i think they require a USB Dongle to run the s/w and it is expensive.... until the Russians crack it anyway. LOL
anyone suggest a reliable unlocking site?? there are so many scams out there taking money and not producing a usable code.
Most of the unlock website I found are reliable as far as give me money back when they can't get it. ATT and quite a few inexpensive website can't unlock my Aria. Some on top of refund, give me free unlock code for future. I end up found someone said "doing it manually". Took him 3 day and $25 later, he gave me the code.
Sent from my HTC Liberty using XDA App
I have a noobish question. Does rooting unlock the phone?
nope. rooting does not unlock the phone.
powerchess said:
I have a noobish question. Does rooting unlock the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting just gives you the "ultimate-true-genuine" etc rights to modify the phone the way you want it
to unlock the phone it's a different story. You will only need to unlock it if you're traveling outside the US
Or to switch to T-mobile.
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
Travel outside the US
profipix said:
rooting just gives you the "ultimate-true-genuine" etc rights to modify the phone the way you want it
to unlock the phone it's a different story. You will only need to unlock it if you're traveling outside the US
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last sentence not quite correct; a clarification. You don't need to unlock if you travel outside the US. The Aria works just fine in other countries; you will incur additional costs as a result because you are roaming on foreign networks but AT&T has plans you can buy ahead of time and terminate when you get back home. Now the clarification part: if you do have an unlocked phone you can use a SIM card from other providers in other countries (which you will have to purchase or borrow from someone that lives there). Unlocking simply allows you to use another SIM cards, fore example, like Tmobile (a GSM network) in the US. If you don't unlock, your are limited to AT&T SIM cards. Unlocking is really not necessary unless you want to run on different networks in the US and outside the US.
Don't worry i will help you...You can get the Unlock code better from Online site,Basically network provider ask you to wait to get the code from them,they will give the code,it's available in Data base,So if you need Code immediately means you can get the unlock code from here www.Superunlockcodes.com and get the free unlocking instructions from here Mobileunlockguide.com and unlock it step by step.
Monkeyfeng said:
I understand there are two ways to unlock your HTC aria.
One is to buy the unlock codes on some website.
The second, free way is to call AT&T after three months and they will unlock it for free.
However, I have called AT&T twice and they don't have the unlock code available even after giving them my IMEI number. I'm puzzled by this. Is anyone else having the same problem? They said the computer or database don't have the Aria unlock code in the system. What's going on here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I travel quite a lot through Europe and since AT&T's roaming charges are quite high, I had to unlock my Aria so that I can use local GSM carriers over there. I used www.cellunlocker.net last year. Their "regular" service for $4.99 was not able to produce the code for my Aria and they gave me a refund. I then purchased their "advanced" service for $19.99 and had the unlock code in 3 hours.
One more note about the benefit of unlocking: Once your phone is unlocked, it stays unlocked. So you need to purchase and use the unlock code only once.
it's a maybe
i think you gain s-off you can unlock it ..
lateral18 said:
i think you gain s-off you can unlock it ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
if anyone knows of a site that will sell unlock codes online please comment. I live outside the US and want to buy this phone online but will need an unlock code.
I have already contacted some sites but they don't have an idea yet if/when they will get them
EDIT: supposedly swiftunlock.net and gsmliberty.net work, but no proof yet rather than words from users.
EDIT: pictures of atrix running under Bell operator unlocked
EDIT: most users report that cellunlock.net work, 40$ but with a 50% discount using the android50 code.
To find your IMEI, type *#06#
search“Atrix unlock" on google
Im also interested in unlock codes but please serious sites.
Hi Guys, I believe the Atrix will come unlocked. It is a world phone which I think means you will be able to insert a SIM card from over seas and it will work. Also I have heard that if you buy the phone and call ATT and tell them you are going over seas to use it they will give you the unlock code. But then again these are things that I have heard and wont be able to verify until I get my Atrix in the mail.
no phone from a carrier sells unlocked. i already tried att twitter account to get an unlock code but got a friendly no. maybe if i buy it a month later i could call att from venezuela with gmail to try and score an unlock code.
i have seen lots of sites:
mobileunlocked.co.uk supposedly sells it at 15$
unlockitnow.com supposedly has it too.
gsmliberty.net at 10$.
globalunlock.com seems serious and admitted they don't have it.
For the over seas thing to work with att you needed to have been in contract with them on that phone for 6 months or something
franciscojavierleon said:
no phone from a carrier sells unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In central europe 95% of the cariers only give you unlocked phones .
And on top of that you can use almosst every phone with every carrier.
Pommes_Schranke said:
In central europe 95% of the cariers only give you unlocked phones .
And on top of that you can use almosst every phone with every carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, meant to say US carriers
If anyones used one of these unlocking service please respond back.
I'm curious if i'll be able to unlock right away.
Berserk87 said:
If anyones used one of these unlocking service please respond back.
I'm curious if i'll be able to unlock right away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mobileunlocked.co.uk told me that all motorola codes are either 8 or 16 numbers and just rely on the IMEI and not the specific model.
find it on ebay
I'd also love to see this baby unlocked. I traveling to the US in 1 month and expect to buy one.......I'm crossing my fingers until then hoping for someone that guarantees to have an unlocked atrix
kidqian said:
find it on ebay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
748$ on ebay, no thanks. And sadly, with my venezuelan credit card i need to buy the phone on a site that allows me to ship to a different address than on my credit card's billing address.
That leaves only amazon i think, but i may be wrong. If people know of other sites i would like to hear about them
unlockitnow.com just answered my email saying that they are selling the unlock codes right now. don't know if they are trustworthy
drock212 said:
Hi Guys, I believe the Atrix will come unlocked. It is a world phone which I think means you will be able to insert a SIM card from over seas and it will work. Also I have heard that if you buy the phone and call ATT and tell them you are going over seas to use it they will give you the unlock code. But then again these are things that I have heard and wont be able to verify until I get my Atrix in the mail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is completely incorrect. An AT&T world phone merely allows you to use the phone with an AT&T SIM outside the country at exorbitant rates.
Please don't post your guesses or misinformation, it only confuses people who are in need of help & then gets parroted elsewhere to other sites.
Ok, starting to freak out a bit here as a friend will buy the phone and bring it back to Germany for me this week; is there a risk that there might not be a way to remove the sim lock from the phone? I mean, all phones are eventually unlocked, aren't they? Even a guy at one AT&T shop I called on Saturday said that it shouldn't be a problem, just to go one of all the companies that are providing unlock keys on the web.
Don't want to be stuck with an unusable 400-500 $ brick..
according to the info i am handling motorola's phones are one of the easiest to unlock. if you are that desperate try the links i have posted and write to them.
i have posted a link on the pricing thread that lists the phone at 550$ unlocked over at mobilecityonline.com
http://www.mobilecityonline.com/wir...ganic&utm_term=AtrixATTU&utm_campaign=froogle
perdurabo2 said:
This is completely incorrect. An AT&T world phone merely allows you to use the phone with an AT&T SIM outside the country at exorbitant rates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well...that's not quite right. Because AT&T uses GSM tech, if you can unlock the phone, you absolutely can take out the AT&T SIM and swap it for a local one. I do it all the time when I travel: I buy a (local to where I happen to be) rechargeable SIM and I pay local rates rather than getting gouged by AT&T.
You must unlock the phone to do that, though.
i use theunlockr.com.
graemegb said:
i use theunlockr.com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that site sucks. they don't have a link on the home page to buy unlocked codes, i had to go to "unlocking 101" under "wireless 101" and from there visit the "unlock for free" which tells you to call your provider after 3 months and at the end says "we sell them too", i tried the link: http://theunlockr.com/store/unlock-my-phone/ and it doesn't even load.
Bought two Gear S' from some lady who didn't care for them. Want to unlock it to use it for ATT. They are both financed and they will be cut off due to nonpayment at any given time so T-Mobile will probably not provide the unlock code. Any reliable and cheap unlockers out there?
meccanikal said:
Bought two Gear S' from some lady who didn't care for them. Want to unlock it to use it for ATT. They are both financed and they will be cut off due to nonpayment at any given time so T-Mobile will probably not provide the unlock code. Any reliable and cheap unlockers out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure it is locked in the first place? For example, my Canadian version of the Gear S came unlocked out of the box. If you do need to unlock, I always use cellunlocker.net, although there are other options out there too.
100% sure it's locked: i put an ATT SIM card in it and asks for the network unlock code. Cellunlocker wants $25 for the unlock. That's $50 for both of them. Above my pay grade.
Is there anyway to unlock this phone without having an unlock code? I went thru direct unlock and its been about two weeks now. I remember the days where we could unlock out phones
Yes there is. I've unlocked note 8 and s8 thru software. S9+ requires modem file to be flashed and then use software.
mrgwap03 said:
Is there anyway to unlock this phone without having an unlock code? I went thru direct unlock and its been about two weeks now. I remember the days where we could unlock out phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier/Network Unlocking this phone does not use a code (we use an UICC unlock) so it's a bit different. If your getting an unlock code prompt it most likely is a different kind of lock that is on the phone.
For UICC (Carrier/network) unlock there are 3rd party companies that do work, I used one without issue and my phone is carrier unlocked. I also would advise against these extremely cheap unlock places (usually it ends up costing more), if they claim they give you a code to unlock the phone, or require you to install an app and enter a code.. I would avoid those places.
The one I used I paid over 180 dollars for it, but it's a lot cheaper now (a hair under 40 USD now). They had to connect to the phone, obtain some information from it and reconnect to it a few days later to send some information to it. After that it worked perfectly on GSM networks.
The only catch was once unlocked it doesn't seem to work with CDMA anymore (guess the site I had used updated the description of the service to confirm this to be the case).
I have seen on eBay, USB Unlocking services for the S23 Ultra for around $200. What are these services doing? Surely its some sort of flash or hack that we could replicate? I bought what I thought was an unlocked S23 Ultra. I actually Traded my M1 Mac for it. It works a few minutes with a SIM, but then the signal goes away and it says invalid sim, this phone is locked to verizon. And when they say Verizon, it seems that they mean it. I tried a Verizon MVNO, US Mobile, and it treated it like a forbidden carrier. I was hoping maybe someone here could help me get this thing unlocked without paying $200 to some eBay guy to do what obviously anyone with the right knowledge could do.
Most likely a scam or just putting malware on your device
There really is no way anyone here can help you with a SIM Unlock. If the carrier cannot/will not unlock it for whatever reason, then you are stuck. Unfortunately, most of the Unlocking Services out there are scams. The few legit ones that are out there (no, I don't know of any), could not unlock your device untilt he Primary IMIE Shared Database is updated with S23 IMEI's and Unlock Codes. In the past, it takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months after a new device is released to get these into the database and for those that pay to access it, to be able to unlock your device.
This is because it takes a combination of Samsung and Carriers to update/release these.
There are several reasons an IMIE won't appear in the Unlock Database:
Phone is still financed
Phone has been reported Stolen (IMIE Blacklist)
Phone was never meant to be retail released (Test/Demo phones)
... and many other reasons
Sorry about this, but this is just the way it is.
jpolster2012 said:
I have seen on eBay, USB Unlocking services for the S23 Ultra for around $200. What are these services doing? Surely its some sort of flash or hack that we could replicate? I bought what I thought was an unlocked S23 Ultra. I actually Traded my M1 Mac for it. It works a few minutes with a SIM, but then the signal goes away and it says invalid sim, this phone is locked to verizon. And when they say Verizon, it seems that they mean it. I tried a Verizon MVNO, US Mobile, and it treated it like a forbidden carrier. I was hoping maybe someone here could help me get this thing unlocked without paying $200 to some eBay guy to do what obviously anyone with the right knowledge could do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does your phone boot up Verizon and have all the Verizon apps?
it did until I installed the U1 ROM
jpolster2012 said:
it did until I installed the U1 ROM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone will never unlock unless it has the Verizon software on it. Even if Verizon sends out the unlock signal, it will never process on the device unless you have the U package flashed.
Adding to that not only the Verizon Rom but you have to activate it with a Verizon Sim and it will unlock after 60 days automatically
I guess I don't understand. it works with a mint sim for like 5 min then says locked to Verizon. this has to be a software thing right? and if its software we should be able to just modify something
jpolster2012 said:
I guess I don't understand. it works with a mint sim for like 5 min then says locked to Verizon. this has to be a software thing right? and if its software we should be able to just modify something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not just software. On the server side of things whenever a phone connects to a network the phone sends the sim info and imei and that network verifies if it's an unlocked phone or not.
Nm
jpolster2012 said:
I guess I don't understand. it works with a mint sim for like 5 min then says locked to Verizon. this has to be a software thing right? and if its software we should be able to just modify something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
call Verizon and tell them you are travelling and need to unlock it so you can install a temporary sim card while you are travelling. This may or may not work for you.
spart0n said:
It's not just software. On the server side of things whenever a phone connects to a network the phone sends the sim info and imei and that network verifies if it's an unlocked phone or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought only iPhone did this, during its activation process. I was under the impression that SIM locks on android devices were all contained in the software and hardware of the device itself; hence the ability of the eBay sellers to use USB redirection to hack your device and unlock it.
jpolster2012 said:
I thought only iPhone did this, during its activation process. I was under the impression that SIM locks on android devices were all contained in the software and hardware of the device itself; hence the ability of the eBay sellers to use USB redirection to hack your device and unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that even works, most if not all of those services are scams to steal your money or install Spyware or malware. But no all phones and all networks in the US do this
Try calling Verizon as another poster said and telling them you are traveling internationally and need to use another sim temporarily. That is the only way you will ever get it unlocked. I have gone through this before and that is the only solution other than fulfilling the unlock requirements from Verizon.
It is best to buy unlocked phone. There is a reason locked phones are cheaper. Because the carrier makes up the cost in monthly charges.
Your options are limited.
1) Sell it as a locked phone on Swappa/ebay or other. Buy another unlocked s23 ultra.
Return it to Verizon.
Use Verizon.