I know there are many threads on this, but after spending hours looking through them and info on other forums, and then attempting a buy a code, I'm still unclear as to whether my SGSIII running 4.3 can by networked unlocked, and if so how?
The phone is locked to EE in the UK. I think this is a custom ROM, but very close to stock:
Baseband: I9300XXUGNA8
Kernel: 3.0.31-2429075
[email protected] #1#Wed Apr 30 18:49:01 KST 2014
Build number: Android Revolution HD 52.0 by mike 1986
Rooted by Chainfire SuperSU v1
I purchased a code online, but received an email 24hrs later saying
"Unfortunately we have been unable to calculate your unique unlock code at this time. This could have been down to a number of factors from the age of the handset to the code simply not being in our unlock code database or partners database.
You will be refunded in full."
Using the manual options, I've got as far as finding the service menu using the info here:
https://community.ee.co.uk/t5/Android-Forum/Samsung-Galaxy-S3-won-t-unlock/td-p/167059
But there is no PERSO SHA256 menu.
This has been reported by other users, but I'm unclear how to proceed from here, or if indeed this is a dead end and there's nothing else I can do?
If it's out of contract ee can unlock it for free. It's the law.
If its payg then you can pay ee or a local phone repair shop to do it. Repair shop will be cheapest at about 15 British pesos.
I wish I stole my HTC M9.
shivadow said:
If it's out of contract ee can unlock it for free. It's the law.
If its payg then you can pay ee or a local phone repair shop to do it. Repair shop will be cheapest at about 15 British pesos.
I wish I stole my HTC M9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or if it has the 4.1.1 bootloader, then simply downgrade to 4.1.1 and use the same steps as in the guide I posted in the i9305 subforum. I succesfully unlocked an i9305 locked on Orange and am currently using it on Digi.Mobil.
Thanks for your reply's.
It's 18 months out of contract with EE, but they still wanted £8.99 to do it, and it will take three weeks! I'm off to Africa after Christmas and wanted to give this to a friend out there.
In the first thread I linked to from the EE site, it seems that if you have the wrong firmware/bootloader, the codes they give don't work.
How can I tell which bootloader I have? I suspect its the newer one as the Service Menu options don't work.
I've checked my bootloader with the Phone Info app:
I9300XXUGNB5
and the CSC:
I9300OXAEMC2
Any help?
I've called by carrier (EE) and they still want to charge me £8.99 and it will take 10 days. From the first thread I linked to in the original post, it sounds like this might not even work, so I'd like to explore other options first. Can the bootloader be re flashed?
Its an nvram issue. It is encrypted now.
As i said, carrier or phone repair shop. If there was any other way I'd tell you.
I wish I stole my HTC M9.
Ok, thanks.
I've been into a repair shop and the guy there is aware of the 4.3/bootloader issues and didn't think it could be done at all, even with an unlock code. I'll request one anyway, but it sounds like its a lost cause.
Related
I have just got myself a new HTC 7 Mozart and it is locked to O2 UK
I tried various locations including eBay to get an unlock code for it and none seem to be able to get a code for my IMEI.
I got myself a Rebel Sim II with the programmer and programmed the sim to the 1.3 beta and still no joy, just won't come up with service, just has the circle with the line through it in top left.
Any ideas how I can get this phone unlocked as I want to use it with my Virgin mobile sim.
where did you purchase the handset from? contract..
https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?qid=1&q1=2&route=unlocking&case=Handset Unlocking Form
It is brand new on a contract with O2.
Ill try that link and see what they say.
Thanks
I recently purchase HTC Mozart on Pay n Go and filled the form for unlocking. when did you hear about unlocking after sumbitting that form?
I got my reply from O2 and they unlocked it without any problems.
Got my code after 5 days of submitting the form.
Thanks chetzy
Apparently for people with a contract on O2 they will do it for free, just as long as you honour your contract term.
Pay and go customers they may only do it after 1 year after you have registered the phone or it may possibly cost £15 which they will take from your credit which you will need to have available on your sim. If you didn't buy the phone direct from O2 they may not do it.
Thanks for the update. I bought it from O2 store and the store people assured me that it will be unlocked within 28 days and £15 will be deducted from your pay go balance. so let's see. thanks again.
none of the posts in this forum are related to unlocking the phone - it is just a bunch of paid links for a "maybe" working unlock service
where are the applications to do the actual unlocking - why no one is giving proper unlocking tips ?
Please post here only if it is actually working unlock software or guide - NONE OF THE PAID CRAP PLEASE!
smile_nik said:
none of the posts in this forum are related to unlocking the phone - it is just a bunch of paid links for a "maybe" working unlock service
where are the applications to do the actual unlocking - why no one is giving proper unlocking tips ?
Please post here only if it is actually working unlock software or guide - NONE OF THE PAID CRAP PLEASE!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the other threads. The only way to get an unlock code for an AT&T Lumia 920 is if you are an AT&T customer and push the customer support really hard. There might be some other requirements such as being on a business account too. I am on a business account with AT&T and was able to get a 920 unlocked after spending an hour with the customer support.
Any site claiming to be able to unlock an AT&T Lumia 920 is a scam, plain and simple. Third parties MAY be able to after May 9th.
not a AT&T customer - T-Mobile UK
problem is that here on this site was always the place you can find the tools to free you phone but for Nokia Lumia 920 there no useful posts for SIM unlock.
smile_nik said:
not a AT&T customer - T-Mobile UK
problem is that here on this site was always the place you can find the tools to free you phone but for Nokia Lumia 920 there no useful posts for SIM unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no problem, there just is not any unlock codes for the Lumia right now. Unless you are an ATT customer and no longer under contract you will not be able to unlock your phone. Your best bet is to get a Rogers version which is already unlocked as stock.
As you said all the sites for the 920 are scams and those claiming they have done it are working for or being paid by those same sites.
Solarenemy68 said:
There is no problem, there just is not any unlock codes for the Lumia right now. Unless you are an ATT customer and no longer under contract you will not be able to unlock your phone. Your best bet is to get a Rogers version which is already unlocked as stock.
As you said all the sites for the 920 are scams and those claiming they have done it are working for or being paid by those same sites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the point here has nothing to do with carriers, but software plug in to generate code from phone directly.
Vangink said:
I believe the point here has nothing to do with carriers, but software plug in to generate code from phone directly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing exists yet. Only carriers / Nokia has the codes at this point.
flash new firmware
So
Just to get things clear
say I have a locked Lumia 920 (EE carrier UK)
if I will flash a new firmware with NaviFirm+ 1.7 and Nokia Care suite
Like RM-821 GLOBAL WHITE SWAP (059Q5C7)
wouldn't it unlock the sim lock?
:cyclops:
sabichos said:
So
Just to get things clear
say I have a locked Lumia 920 (EE carrier UK)
if I will flash a new firmware with NaviFirm+ 1.7 and Nokia Care suite
Like RM-821 GLOBAL WHITE SWAP (059Q5C7)
wouldn't it unlock the sim lock?
:cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firmware has no affect on the SIM. The SIM controls what carrier you connect to as it is the SIM that you actually are paying for in your contract. So in answer to your question, you can flash till your heart goes poof, it will make no difference. The phone will still be locked to what ever carrier the SIM was programmed for.
yes - flashing it not going to remove the SIM lock -already try few times
I wonder how many of you have heard of JTAG.
Too bad most people dont seem to know how to use it (or can afford that kind of equipment).
I would try to find a "unlocker" who you can actually talk too (face to face). I personally would use an online unlocker too BUT, it just seems weird having asian people try to convinve you they are american citizens, selling %100 authentic unlock codes. I also see bad reviews.
My Advice:
Look for some guy (or girl) who works at a phone carrier station store (one that sells multiple brands of phones). Perhaps they can JTAG Unlock or Factory Unlock your phone.
OR
Go to your phone carrier (not the one locked to the phone) In person, and explain how you have this locked phone but would LOVE to use it on their service. If they refuse, just keep asking "why not?". Try to justify your use on their service (meaning, tell them that they are supposed to be obligated to unlock).
OR
If you are really bent on getting a carrier unlock, go to the locked carrier and then tell them you accidentally purchased the phone second hand, thinking it would work with your network. If they refuse to unlock (under any terms or licence) then ask for a refund. If they refuse, then get mad. They just ripped you off.
OR
Contact customer support of the manufacter of the phone. Explain that both your, and the phone's locked carrier refuse to unlock, and you feel that their brand (the phone's) is really dissapointing to you. Most companies used to give free stuff to sad or rageing customers for free - perhaps you can get an unlock.
In the end: The truth will set you free. Unlocking should be free, but as time goes on, codes become more complex.
Good luck getting a free unlock. Im not saying its impossible, but it is all about time, money, branding, and customer satisfaction. And believe it or not, that all costs money. They (the locked carrier) lose money everytime someone hacks, exploits, or JTAGs their devices, which is why they usually come priced by duration of service or fixed fees.
Hope this helps. My texting hands are tired!
Sent from my SGH-S730M
FINALLY!!!
Well, on my 4th call to ATT customer service I managed to get the rep to open a case, he gave me a case number and said I should be receiving an email within a week with my unlock code because I purchased the phone outright and it is not tied to my contract!!! you see, I dont have att service but my in-laws do, for a long time now....So, I called about 4 days ago and said I had a new phone that my children (impersonating a 60 yr old woman) bought for me because they knew how much I hated my current phone, so I registered it on my account and what not, then I explained to the rep that I was traveling to europe and that I needed to use my phone there with a local carrier because I did not want to incur any extra expenses with att, they then proceeded to ask for my IMEI and then to tell me that my phone was not eligible to be unlocked because there was an agreement between Nokia and att, I asked what should I do, that I couldnt believe that I had to purchase a phone in europe, that I was with att because of their 'easy ways' etc......I was transferred to another rep who just explained in detail why the phone could not be unlocked and told me that I should try to "rent a phone"......I initially stated that I was staying in europe for about one week and I was very very nice!, well, they would not help me. TODAY I called with a NOT SO NICE ATTITUDE, i stated that I was traveling to europe and would be staying for maybe 5 months, that I had called previously and was told that I could not be helped but that a friend of the family which was in my same circumstance, had his phone unlocked, so I was calling back because of this, because I had been with att for about 10 yrs and I needed to be able to use my phone, blah blah blah.... well the lady rep told me that my phone was not eligible to be unlocked (after i provided my imei), that I had not met the requirements for this, which were to have the phone for at least 1 year, etc.... I told her that the phone was purchased outright from my children who knew how much I hated the phone THAT WAS TIED TO MY CONTRACT, well, the rep started to get nasty and i did as well, I told her to transfer me to a superior which she did, then, I got a male rep on the phone who was very nice and basically explained to me in depth what this other lady said, I then said that I did not understand how other people that have not been with att for so long have been able to get the unlock code when traveling abroad, and I am not being helped, etc etc.... he then said that because there is an exclusivity agreement and the phone is tied to a contract that I could not have it unlocked, then I explained that the phone that I purchased on the contract was my older one, that the lumia was given to me by my children and that they paid around 500 dlls for it, that to please escalate this to the unlock team who sent my 'friend' an email unlocking his device, then the rep said that he was going to open a case to see if they could help me since i purchased the phone 'outright'!!
......SO, now I just have to wait!! hopefully it works out!!!!
SORRY FOR THE LONG POST BUT ALL OF THIS POINTS TO:
1) Find a friend or family member that is in good standing with att and ask them if you can impersonate them
2) KEEP CALLING THEM!!! You'll get there in the end..... It only took me 4 phone calls!
I will let you know if it works!!! :fingers-crossed:
p.s I just could not wait until May 9th, blame it on my ADHD!!!!!
Hello XDA,
I have been here a lot of times, but didn't remember my essential info to log on as before.
I was in USA recently and someone stole my backpack. I went to t mobile, to buy a phone. And I specified, I need it to be unlocked because in a month I am flying back home. I paid the device normal price 350 dollars for an S3 and got it or 300 dollars don't remember. I am now home and the device doesn't work. And I want to unlock it and remove the T mobile firmware.
is it possible?
Regards
Mario
Mazzerstruck said:
Hello XDA,
I have been here a lot of times, but didn't remember my essential info to log on as before.
I was in USA recently and someone stole my backpack. I went to t mobile, to buy a phone. And I specified, I need it to be unlocked because in a month I am flying back home. I paid the device normal price 350 dollars for an S3 and got it or 300 dollars don't remember. I am now home and the device doesn't work. And I want to unlock it and remove the T mobile firmware.
is it possible?
Regards
Mario
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure where the lie is...? They don't sell the phones unlocked, even when purchased out right. If you were told that, most likely the CSR just didn't know what they were talking(common) about rather than actively lying to you. You should be able to contact their customer service to obtain an unlock code though if you have proof of purchase. Other than that, if it isn't updated (not likely) past 4.1.2 you can unlock it yourself via hidden menu. If you are on 4.3, this method no longer works that I have seen and you'll need to purchase an unlock code from a reputable source if T-Mobile refuses to help or you are unable to provide them with the necessary details for them to give you the code.
es0tericcha0s said:
Not sure where the lie is...? They don't sell the phones unlocked, even when purchased out right. If you were told that, most likely the CSR just didn't know what they were talking(common) about rather than actively lying to you. You should be able to contact their customer service to obtain an unlock code though if you have proof of purchase. Other than that, if it isn't updated (not likely) past 4.1.2 you can unlock it yourself via hidden menu. If you are on 4.3, this method no longer works that I have seen and you'll need to purchase an unlock code from a reputable source if T-Mobile refuses to help or you are unable to provide them with the necessary details for them to give you the code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked her like 4 times. Will it work in my country? The answer was yes, and the last time was, are you going to ask me again sir?
Can someone direct me to the secret menu? I am in my country now. Will it unlock?
I am on odin and I cant flash back the 4.1.1. why is that. If I flash it back I will be able to use the secret code
So, you got it from the US, and not you are home (can I as where?) and it doesn't accept your sim card?
Do you have an authentic receipt with the full price, and/or proof of purchase?
if so you can contact an authorized Samsung dealer in your area and describe the issue, and they will give you the unlock codes.
Something similar happened to me: I bought a brand new Galaxy S3 from Europe and sent it as a gift to the Middle east, where it didn't work, but with the receipt and some patience (a week/10 days), Samsung sent us the unlock codes.
Mazzerstruck said:
I am on odin and I cant flash back the 4.1.1. why is that. If I flash it back I will be able to use the secret code
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, once you update to latest version (4.3) with its modem, you can't use old unlock codes (unless you backed up your EFS), but I guess your only hope is Samsung, try them first.
Please can someone point me in the right direction. Before anyone fries me I have searched this forum and google and not come up with anything satisfactory.
My father gave me his old S3 GT-i9300 which is locked to O2 in the UK.
It is running Jellybean 4.3 (Baseband vs. i9300XXUGNA8)
I have rooted it in preparation of trying to unlock it so I can use it on the EE network but haven't got any further.
Everything I have looked at has told me to use the service menu and dial in *#197328640# but this is not an option on 4.3
I have Odin and have flashed Roms before but need advice on what I need to do to get this phone up and running.
I don't want to lose my IMEI number obviously!
Thanks,
Tom
Buy an unlock code, there is no other way.
boomboomer said:
Buy an unlock code, there is no other way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep this. Locked down as of 4.3. It should only cost a tenner at a phone repair shop. Smartclips are expensive for a reason..
Always buy from a retailer that has unlocked devices. Carphone warehouse and asda are such retailers.
Sent from a stolen phone!
I recently bought this amazing phone on ebay, and I'm trying to sim unlock it, the phone is not blacklisted, or financed, but It cannot be unlocked since its not in T-mobile database(even when it is branded tmobile phone with all the tmobile bloated apps), since T-mobile or LG cannot unlock it I was looking for a Root-unlocking solution for this since I dont want to start the process of returning the phone at this time of the year and I already paid for my country customs fees to get the phone here.
Is there any way to sim unlock the LG h901 using root mods?
Thanks, I will appreciate your answers
As per this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-lg-v10/general/unlocking-sim-tmobile-t3241032, it seems the only unofficial way to sim unlock may be to pay $44.90 here: https://www.unlockbase.com/phone-unlocking-service/tmobile-device-unlock-app-official-unlock/. Someone said it worked for them anyway..
YrrchSebor said:
As per this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-lg-v10/general/unlocking-sim-tmobile-t3241032, it seems the only unofficial way to sim unlock may be to pay $44.90 here: https://www.unlockbase.com/phone-unlocking-service/tmobile-device-unlock-app-official-unlock/. Someone said it worked for them anyway..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already tried that, and I got a refund from them, and two more unlocking service sellers (one seller on ebay and from releasemycode.com) the last one told me they all use the same server provider for the tmobile device app unlock, so it is useless to go to other unlock service. Thats why I open this thread to seenif there is any other way to sim unlock this phone
@yael20
Here's two options :
1. Ask your friend that have tmo service to call tmo and register your phone IMEI with their number and call tmo to unlocked it using device unlock app... since your phone not blacklisted or No financed.....[Worked for me].
2. Unlocked the BL... Install twrp... Root it and flash custom Rom ....install SuperSU and install regionlockaway.apk by @Chainfire same the creator of SuperSU and maybe it would unlock the SIM card. It worked for me in the past.... With Samsung ...htc phone....not sure LG phone.
*Swyped from T3DROID V10*
Let me know if what ted77usa worked pls
ted77usa said:
@yael20
Here's two options :
1. Ask your friend that have tmo service to call tmo and register your phone IMEI with their number and call tmo to unlocked it using device unlock app... since your phone not blacklisted or No financed.....[Worked for me].
2. Unlocked the BL... Install twrp... Root it and flash custom Rom ....install SuperSU and install regionlockaway.apk by @Chainfire same the creator of SuperSU and maybe it would unlock the SIM card. It worked for me in the past.... With Samsung ...htc phone....not sure LG phone.
*Swyped from T3DROID V10*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already unlocked BL and root, I will install regionlockaway.apk later during lunch time, Thanks!!!
I got this when trying regionlockaway:
YrrchSebor said:
I got this when trying regionlockaway:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing here
Looks like we will have to change our phones's CSC
To make it work, that raise a few questions:
1 - Can we change our CSC like it is done on Samsung Galaxy phones?
2 - can we flash the International, verizon, or ATT rom's CSC on our phone so we can get it unlocked or make it unlockable?
3- can I change my phone's imei to and old phone's imei that I have at home from the carrier where I want to use the phone with?
I'm not an expert and some of this questions may dont make any sense, but I'm just looking for some options to make this work...
successful non-TMobile SIM unlock
Bought mine SIM locked outright from T-Mobile with no activation, contract, or account. Paid $49.99 to Cellunlocker.net. it took 2 days. They were able to add my IMEI to the list so that the T-Mobile Unlock app saw mine as eligible for unlock. I selected permanent unlock & it worked without hiccup. I use mine on cricket now w/ no problems. I do not work for them or care to promote- just letting you know what I did that worked.
yael20 said:
Looks like we will have to change our phones's CSC
To make it work, that raise a few questions:
1 - Can we change our CSC like it is done on Samsung Galaxy phones?
2 - can we flash the International, verizon, or ATT rom's CSC on our phone so we can get it unlocked or make it unlockable?
3- can I change my phone's imei to and old phone's imei that I have at home from the carrier where I want to use the phone with?
I'm not an expert and some of this questions may dont make any sense, but I'm just looking for some options to make this work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dumbquestion said:
Bought mine SIM locked outright from T-Mobile with no activation, contract, or account. Paid $49.99 to Cellunlocker.net. it took 2 days. They were able to add my IMEI to the list so that the T-Mobile Unlock app saw mine as eligible for unlock. I selected permanent unlock & it worked without hiccup. I use mine on cricket now w/ no problems. I do not work for them or care to promote- just letting you know what I did that worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'm going to try that, but guys from unlockbase.com told me they all use the same server for unlocks, is that true?
Not sure, but I paid last Saturday and was notified that they were done Monday. No code or anything, no refund or apologies. I used the tmo unlock & it worked. That's all I know.
I'm in the same situation, bought it in eBay
I've tried:
Cellunlocker.net
Unlockriver
Unlockpanda
Releasemycode
... Now waiting response from onlineunlocks.com
But if they all use the same server as you said, so it's going to fall. =/
Buying from t-mobile outright is different story i guess. But my case the eBay seller said it was bought in bulk from LG, and not from t-mobile, maybe that's why cannot be unlocked. Sadly, I'm going to return it tomorrow.
I'm wondering what people's IMEI will show here: http://www.t-mobile.com/verifyIMEI.aspx
I imagine that the phone has to show as valid there to be unlockable by these services?
My seller said kind of same thing too, he said he "used to work fot T-mobile" and got it as a gift directly from LG , so when I check the Imei in tmobile database it doesnt show as blacklisted or financed, but it is like it doesnt exist in their database. The seller says it has to be activated and used for at least 30 days in T-mobile's network to get registered in their database.
I'm not as lucky as you, my seller is open for a return and refund me, BUT I paid 18% of the phone selling price (500+) in customs ( since I bought it from outside of United States) and I cant get a refund on that, I choose to wait for now....
Nevermind, dumb question haha. Sorry
bsilvino said:
I'm in the same situation, bought it in eBay
I've tried:
Cellunlocker.net
Unlockriver
Unlockpanda
Releasemycode
... Now waiting response from onlineunlocks.com
But if they all use the same server as you said, so it's going to fall. =/
Buying from t-mobile outright is different story i guess. But my case the eBay seller said it was bought in bulk from LG, and not from t-mobile, maybe that's why cannot be unlocked. Sadly, I'm going to return it tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also tried cellunlocker and swiftunlocks and was refunded. So what I did since the seller on swappa wouldn't refund was I called tmobiel and bought a north american roaming package which is $50 usd per month and I'm at least able to use the phone. Basically we need to have it in use for 40 days and they will unlock it for us.
markbencze said:
I also tried cellunlocker and swiftunlocks and was refunded. So what I did since the seller on swappa wouldn't refund was I called tmobiel and bought a north american roaming package which is $50 usd per month and I'm at least able to use the phone. Basically we need to have it in use for 40 days and they will unlock it for us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how did you get the sin card tho? They shipped it to you?
bsilvino said:
So how did you get the sin card tho? They shipped it to you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phone came with a tmo sim card. If yours was bnib it also should have. You should check the box. I'm actually considering staying with tmo since their prices for the roaming plan is better than what bell can offer in a regular plan and they have better features. Ie free visual voicemail.
But if you don't have a sim in the box you should call tmo and order one. I think that this is the only route for some of us to take.
bsilvino said:
So how did you get the sin card tho? They shipped it to you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in a similar boat - I bought the phone from Ebay and it was T Mobile (brand new sealed). No service was able to unlock it for me so I called T Mobile and opened an Pre-Paid account. I put $10 on and used this while in the States to show it registered on T Mobile system.
I called to ask if it was registered on their network and they said yes. When I contacted T Mobile today, they said they can unlock it today if I put alteast $100 in refills. So once I did that, and called back - they then told me they still could not unlock it as my IMEI number was not registered in their system and my phone was not showing as a T Mobile phone!
I escalated the issue to the Support team and hopefully hear a response in the next two days. I told them that I did all they asked me to do including calling several times to verify the phone was with T Mobile so they either unlock my phone or refund me the $100 I paid.