Unlocking Moto E Bootloader Question - E 2015 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi All,
I bought a new phone (that supposedly was unlocked, but apparently isn't) that has a lot of bloatware on it. I'd like to remove all that and start fresh. It's a Motorola Moto E (2nd Generation) 4G LTE. I've been using this XDA video for help. At about minute 2:40, the video's author suggests going to Motorola's website in order to see if the device can be unlocked. I went to that website, put in my phone's code, and then got a message that says your device does not qualify for bootloader unlocking. I got to the bottom of the page, click that I would like to receive an unlock code by pressing "accept," but no blue button appears, so I cannot get that unlock code that is used later in the video tutorial. (I've tried with different browsers, checked spam, and so forth).
Can anybody point me to directions on how to get an unlock code without using the Motorola website? Thanks so much for reading and considering this. It's really appreciated.
Mark

Sounds like you have a branded phone. You can't unlock the bootloader on those phones. Does the phone have an AT&T emblem on the back? When you turn it on, does it show an AT&T screen during the boot process? (Or other carrier, mine is AT&T I don't know what other carriers have this).
You can also check the cid value - https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/MOTO-G...ader-Unlock-Help-Please-post-here/m-p/3024663
Use the command fastboot getvar all and see what cid value is returned. There is a table at the link above that details which cid values are unlockable and which ones are not.
Like you, I also got a Moto E and was told it was factory unlocked. Only to see that it was an apparent AT&T GoPhone when I got it, and I can't unlock it either.

If your phone is Verizon, AT&T, GoPhone, or Cricket branded, you cannot unlock the bootloader. No way around it.

evotz said:
Sounds like you have a branded phone. You can't unlock the bootloader on those phones. Does the phone have an AT&T emblem on the back? When you turn it on, does it show an AT&T screen during the boot process? (Or other carrier, mine is AT&T I don't know what other carriers have this).
You can also check the cid value -
Use the command fastboot getvar all and see what cid value is returned. There is a table at the link above that details which cid values are unlockable and which ones are not.
Like you, I also got a Moto E and was told it was factory unlocked. Only to see that it was an apparent AT&T GoPhone when I got it, and I can't unlock it either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, evotz. I used the command prompt and it looks like the bootloader is simply locked. It does have the AT&T logo on the back. Probably like you, I only bought this phone because it was listed as unlocked, so it really stinks to have this happen. Anyhow, thank you very much for saving me a lot more trouble. Appreciated.

xtermmin said:
If your phone is Verizon, AT&T, GoPhone, or Cricket branded, you cannot unlock the bootloader. No way around it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it's AT&T branded. Thanks for the info.

Related

Unlock For Use In Spain

Hello, I am currently in Spain for 6 weeks for work. I contacted T-Mobile for an unlock code for my phone prior to leaving. I got a sim card today, popped it in and booted up, but my unlock code doesn't work. Does flashing roms have any effect on the unlock code working or not? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Its not easy being here without a phone.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
What's happening exactly after you boot?
Because I'm also trying to use a Vibrant in Europe and I don't even get to an unlock code... it just boots as if no SIM is in, and doesn't do anything with it (it shows it's in there, but I can't choose operators, join networks etc.).
dikime said:
What's happening exactly after you boot?
Because I'm also trying to use a Vibrant in Europe and I don't even get to an unlock code... it just boots as if no SIM is in, and doesn't do anything with it (it shows it's in there, but I can't choose operators, join networks etc.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SIM you have probably has different bands than what the phone can support. Check GSM Arena for what bands the Vibrant supports. If you are sure its supported, it's probably that the phone can't read the SIM. If it can read it, it will ask for an unlock code.
@ OP: ROM flashing does NOT affect whether a phone is locked or unlocked. The code you were given is wrong then. It could be possible that you wrote it wrong since they spell it over the phone usually. I would contact T-Mobile AGAIN and be a bit upset over getting the wrong code.
Alternatively you can use an app called Galaxy S Unlocker to unlock the phone. But try calling T-Mobile first. It's faster and easier.
}{Alienz}{ said:
@ OP: ROM flashing does NOT affect whether a phone is locked or unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does then (exc. from finding an unlock code)?
Cause I'm stuck, GSM Arena says it's a Quad-Band phone and supports the European frequencies.
Once unlocked, nothing should affect the phone's unlocked status.
I beleive carriers and manufacturers can lock it again but I'm not sure of the procedure. For your issue, GET the correct unlock code and you are good to go.
I was going in circles with T-Mobile. Ended up buying sgs unlock off the market and was unlocked in less than a minute. The T-Mobile support staff are useless.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

Atrix 4G unlocking SIM

I'm getting a bit frustrated... I have unlocked and rooted the phone and now I"m trying to unlock the SIM so that I can give it to my wife to use with a European Sim Card. I've googled, read and read and so far I've done the following:
1. Placed the European SIM into the phone (that I used in my old TMobile phone to date)
2. Was presented with "Enter sim network unlock pin"
3. Called AT&T and obtained the "unlock code".
I tried that code 3 times so far. After spending a fair amount of time with ATT support on the phone they believe that the "pin" is different from the "code". Btw, the unlock number was confirmed to me by ATT support folks twice... I rechecked the IMEI number twice... and I"m stuck... what do I do? Is there a difference?
Btw, I tried it under CM7 and AOKP
Thanks
SIM vs Carrier Unlock
There is definitely a difference between Carrier unlocking and SIM unlocking. I was steered wrong by AT&T the first time I asked. Essentially, they gave me a code that would allow me to override being locked out of my SIM card (to access phone numbers, etc) as a result of entering the SIM password wrong. This was NOT what I wanted.
I called back, and specifically requested a Carrier Unlock (for using other companies' SIMs), and they then made good on this request. You will need an active SIM from another carrier to get the job done, but if you specify your request to them, hopefully they will get it together. Another option is to buy a code at the numerous online re-sellers, but like I said, AT&T gave me mine for no cost. Good luck to you!
tobnddl said:
There is definitely a difference between Carrier unlocking and SIM unlocking. I was steered wrong by AT&T the first time I asked. Essentially, they gave me a code that would allow me to override being locked out of my SIM card (to access phone numbers, etc) as a result of entering the SIM password wrong. This was NOT what I wanted.
I called back, and specifically requested a Carrier Unlock (for using other companies' SIMs), and they then made good on this request. You will need an active SIM from another carrier to get the job done, but if you specify your request to them, hopefully they will get it together. Another option is to buy a code at the numerous online re-sellers, but like I said, AT&T gave me mine for no cost. Good luck to you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, unfortunately they keep sticking by their guns and claiming that the code they're providing me with is the proper one.....
Don't try too many times, after maybe 5, not sure, you can permanently lock your phone. It is a security measure.
You nay already know, but hate for you to mess up your phone.
I'm still convinced that there's no way AT&T or anyone else would be able to tell you remotely what the code is.
When you buy new SIMs, they come inside a credit card-shaped piece of plastic. On that card itself (not the sim), there's two spots: one for a PIN and one for a PUK. The PIN is needed because the new SIM defaults to being locked as a security feature. Every time you turn off the phone, the SIM locks itself. Once unlocked, however, you can go into a phone's SIM settings and leave it unlocked permanently for any phone.
You need to find the card that originally came with the SIM.
Chrism suggested not to attempt the wrong pin too many times. It won't lock your phone, it will lock the sim and then require you to enter the PUK code.
I still wonder if it is the phone. When you enter the code, then you can use any sim card. He wants to unlock the phone to work with a different carriers sim I believe.
His problem is with the phone, not with the sim, is it?
Could be wrong.
tobnddl said:
There is definitely a difference between Carrier unlocking and SIM unlocking. I was steered wrong by AT&T the first time I asked. Essentially, they gave me a code that would allow me to override being locked out of my SIM card (to access phone numbers, etc) as a result of entering the SIM password wrong. This was NOT what I wanted.
I called back, and specifically requested a Carrier Unlock (for using other companies' SIMs), and they then made good on this request. You will need an active SIM from another carrier to get the job done, but if you specify your request to them, hopefully they will get it together. Another option is to buy a code at the numerous online re-sellers, but like I said, AT&T gave me mine for no cost. Good luck to you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe this is correct. Also, if you are entering the carrier code, and enter it wrong a specified number of times,i'm pretty sure it can lock your phone. I have unlocked well over a dozen, and have always been warned about it....
chrism.brunner said:
I still wonder if it is the phone. When you enter the code, then you can use any sim card. He wants to unlock the phone to work with a different carriers sim I believe.
His problem is with the phone, not with the sim, is it?
Could be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reread the OP. The phone is already unlocked and rooted. That means that technically yes, he can use any sim card on his phone.
However, not all sims are sold unlocked. As I mentioned before, it's not uncommon to buy a prepaid sim outside of the US (like the OP's Euro sim) and be asked to enter the sim pin upon start up.
If you reread the OP, you'll see that he's describing exactly what I'm talking about. I've had to do this a handful of times on a handful of unlocked phones.
Regarding locking the device, again, the OP phone is already unlocked so locking the actual phone due to entering the incorrect pin is impossible. It would be the sim that would be locked (since the phone is asking for the sim pin) and could only be restored by entering the PUK. I've had to do this a couple of times myself for people who had forgotten their sim pin but still had their original card info at home. Once you enter the PUK, it works again.
i would Spend the 20 or 30 buck online and get a diifferent code
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
Regarding post #8
I agree with post #9 as well.
Maybe so, not my experience though. He has unlocked the bootloader and rooted. He has not carrier unlocked. I don't think that they are the same, but you could very well be right. Thanks. At least we are all trying to help him out.
That sim seems to already be unlocked if he has been using it in a T-Mobile phone to date. His ATRIX is still network locked.
OP. Let us know please. Now I am curious.
Thanks.
chrism.brunner said:
He has unlocked the bootloader and rooted. He has not carrier unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still haven't read where the OP stated he unlocked the bootloader. Rooted, yes. When I read "unlocked," I take that as "Carrier unlocked" the way that googling "unlocked cell phone" would bring up unrestricted/debranded/etc. cell phones, not necessarily having anything to do with the status of the bootloader.
That said, the bit about him using the sim on his older tmobile phone made me assume one of two things: he either forgot the code he used for that phone or it's a bad sim.
Granted, not every carrier unlock code works but given that he was getting it directly from AT&T (and it was on their servers), it should work. My Atrix, for example, required a code off Motorola's servers and even then the first code worked perfectly.
Trust me, if the OP has gone through all this trouble and the only thing left is to try the SIM pin then... 1+1=?
With the ATRIX you usually unlock the bootloader first, but that would explain some confusion.
Hey, I'm not trying to argue or anything.
OP, what unlock did you perform?
This thread is seriously non reality based.
Neither rooting nor unlocking has anything to do with getting the subsidy unlock code that allows non-ATT sims to be used.
ATT can cerrtainly provide the vaild code, and has always done so for me (albeit after possibly a await time).
3rd parties MIGHT be able to provide the same code. YMWV.
There have been some reports (search) that with the wrong radio the unlock code does not take. So ithat might be a way to go.
Wow, we are going round and round. Good luck.
Use search!!
r.Huzar said:
I'm getting a bit frustrated... I have unlocked and rooted the phone and now I"m trying to unlock the SIM so that I can give it to my wife to use with a European Sim Card. I've googled, read and read and so far I've done the following:
1. Placed the European SIM into the phone (that I used in my old TMobile phone to date)
2. Was presented with "Enter sim network unlock pin"
3. Called AT&T and obtained the "unlock code".
I tried that code 3 times so far. After spending a fair amount of time with ATT support on the phone they believe that the "pin" is different from the "code". Btw, the unlock number was confirmed to me by ATT support folks twice... I rechecked the IMEI number twice... and I"m stuck... what do I do? Is there a difference?
Btw, I tried it under CM7 and AOKP
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try THIS Thread---->Solved: Sim Unlock Fails With Valid Code
Sorry for taking so long to reply but for whatever reason I missed the email saying that there are replies. Anyways, lets recap
Phone is rooted and unlocked. I can run any ROM that I want and bootloader is unlocked.
The sim cards I am testing on (yes, plural) are not locked (as in they do not require a code).
I am trying to use a non ATT sim card (specifically I am trying TMobile EU) so that when I go traveling to EU again I can use the ATRIX with my local number that I keep rather then the ancient HTC windows phone that I have used to date....
I have made 4 attempts at unlocking so that means I am down to last one.....

Sim unlock

Has anyone found a reliable way to sim unlock the sprint version of this phone yet? I been looking into the threads on XDA and google, doesn't seem like theres a way yet?
Also does anyone know if i'd be able to use this phone on gsm carriers in canada after unlocking?
Thanks for future replies!!
http://www.htcunlockingservice.com/htc-phone-unlock-network/CDMA-EVDO-REV-A--USA--htc-one-m9.htm.htm i found this site for cdma devices, has anyone tried this site b4?
So far none of the methods used for m7 and m8 work. Trying to gather info and see. Any old hand willing to lend some help?
I'm confused, I thought this was a global phone and thus I would be able to pop in a sim from another country and have it work automatically? Either that or be able to get an unlock code directly from sprint. Was I wrong by assuming this? : I'm going out of country in two weeks and more than likely am screwed if this is the case D:
Im not sure but I think this may work
http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...guide-sim-unlock-lollipop-htc-one-m8-t3074469
Just tell me every details you get
Even if you did find a way to simunlock it it wouldn't do you much good as the Sprint M9 lacks the radio frequencies required to work on most other domestic carriers:
http://s4gru.com/index.php?/blog/1/...rock-out-with-their-flagships-for-the-season/
Second, the One M9 was not tested, thus is not authorized for domestic GSM/W-CDMA bands. Rabid phone unlockers under the new Sprint domestic unlocking policy, consider yourselves forewarned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi guys...
any news for unlocking this device..? M9 Sprint.?
be free said:
Im not sure but I think this may work
http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...guide-sim-unlock-lollipop-htc-one-m8-t3074469
Just tell me every details you get
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Comfirm, not work this method. Nothing happen when I touch Start button
when i try to flash the files from the instructions twrp just restarts. anyone knows why this is happening? and how to fix it
I bought an HTC One M9 that was supposed to be unbranded and unlocked and turned out to be a Sprint locked phone.
The guy who sold it to me was able to get the unlock codes.. but I am outside the US and trying to unlock the phone requests an update (i assume from the carrier).
But as I am outside of the US i have no link to the carrier..
Is there anyway to force the sim unlock so i can enter the code?
When I put in the sim, it says SIMLock enabled contact customer service.
Sim Unlock Sprint HTC One M9 outside the US?!
Trying to sim unlock the Sprint HTC One M9 variant. I've managed to unlock the bootloader and root the device but now I'm stuck with the next step. I live outside the US so Sprint cant help me and the phone hasn't been activated on Sprint. I was hoping i could sim unlock this the same way I did with my M7 but no luck? Help anyone?
Okay, I have a question. I have a Sprint HTC One M9, and I want to go to the T-Mobile store tomorrow and get a T-Mobile SIM for it. I'm not allowed to post a link to the page I'm referencing (under 10 posts), but according to Sprint's page "FAQs about Unlocking Your Sprint Device":
Under the second bold question, where it says "Will Sprint notify me when my device is eligible to be unlocked/has been unlocked?": It says all DSU-capable devices are automatically unlocked. This means that I should be able to go to T-Mobile tomorrow and get the SIM card and just put it in the phone for it to work, correct?
Sorry for the noob question. Definitely appreciate any help.
import antigravity said:
Okay, I have a question. I have a Sprint HTC One M9, and I want to go to the T-Mobile store tomorrow and get a T-Mobile SIM for it. I'm not allowed to post a link to the page I'm referencing (under 10 posts), but according to Sprint's page "FAQs about Unlocking Your Sprint Device":
Under the second bold question, where it says "Will Sprint notify me when my device is eligible to be unlocked/has been unlocked?": It says all DSU-capable devices are automatically unlocked. This means that I should be able to go to T-Mobile tomorrow and get the SIM card and just put it in the phone for it to work, correct?
Sorry for the noob question. Definitely appreciate any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope it's still going to be locked. I bought my phone outright from HTC and spent hours trying to call Sprint (both regular and international support) and get it domestically unlocked, and all they give me is the run around and my MSL. They keep saying the new provider can use the MSL to reprogram the phone to make it work, which I believe is what happens when you flash to a prepaid CDMA carrier, not for GSM.
I kept arguing (with the call center manager) and went over the terms on the Sprint website to no avail. They'll unlock the SIM for international use no problem, but domestically, they will say it's impossible.
I've only heard of 1 other person from the Sprint forums getting the DSU unlock on the M9 and it was a pain for him as well. I pretty much gave up. Not worth the hassle. If you get yours domestically unlocked, please let me know and I may try again.
Please see this forSIM unlock http://forum.xda-developers.com/sprint-one-m9/general/sim-unlock-thanks-to-gcprokey-t3166761
Cphoneunlcoker.Com! got my phone unlocked for free. Glad I didn't have to pay moneyfor it.
what phone? or is this just spam?
mattgaitan said:
I'm confused, I thought this was a global phone and thus I would be able to pop in a sim from another country and have it work automatically? I'm going out of country in two weeks and more than likely am screwed if this is the case D:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as I know this is international unlock. so when you will arrive to your country you will need just local sim card and it will work well if the phone was unlocked correctly before

Can't use "unlocked" Xperia Z2 Tab with T-Mobile sim. Can't unlock bootloader either

Can't use "unlocked" Xperia Z2 Tab with T-Mobile sim. Can't unlock bootloader either
I bought a Xperia Tablet Z2 (SGP561) "unlocked" from a Groupon sale:
www dot groupon dot com/deals/gg-sony-xperia-z232gb-101-waterproof-tablet-verizon-and-gsm-unlocked
I found the file to flash it up to Android 5.1.1
I put a t-Mobile sim in it. It sees the sim and the upper right corner says it is connected to the 4GLTE but I can't get it online at all and there is a system warning that it isn't a Verizon Sim. Did flashing it up to 5.1.1 somehow re-lock it?
All my research so far leads me to think that maybe flashing it to Cyanogen will make it access the right bands or some such, but I can't unlock the damned bootloader. VZW is, of course, refusing to provide any support since I am not wanting to put it on their network.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
-DP
As an addendum... I contacted Groupon who was ZERO help.
So figured I would try Verizon again only on the phone this time. I called VZ and the woman on the phone said that all the 4GLTE systems are supposed to be unlocked as it is. She suggested that perhaps T-Mobile needed to authorize the tablet's IMEI or somesuch.
I don't know if she is right or blowing smoke but I will check with T-Mobile just in case.
-DP

SM-G965U1 Bootloader: locked or unlocked?

In a few days, my phone will be receiving an OEM unlock option. I tried checking whether my bootloader is locked or unlocked. I've only seen one Google result where someone said Samsung locks their bootloaders. So Samsung locks their bootloaders, right? And if so, is it a royal pain in the ass like an AT&T phone? I've been trying to install a ROM onto my AT&T Galaxy S4 and that has been.....lord have mercy.
This is my first unlocked phone (my S9+). I know 'unlocked' refers to the CARRIER and not the bootloader. But once root options are available, how hard is this going to be for an unlocked phone?
Also, when I look for ROMs, root methods or whatnot, do I have to search for kernels/ROMs/whatever for the Unlocked version or can I use an alternative (like a Verizon S9 and it will be the same).
OEM Unlock no way jose
Waited weeks now still not there
Enabling OEM unlock doesn't mean you will be able to unlock the bootloader.
brekstar said:
Waited weeks now still not there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
The USA G965 phones would have a locked bootloader regardless of if it came from a carrier or not. Searching seems to indicate that because the bootloader can't be unlocked yet then the OEM unlock won't appear (or it doesn't do anything at all).
.
As for unlocking the bootloader I imagine it is a real PITA. I would imagine that any sort of bootloader unlock would probably come around (or after) a root method is found. Now when that will happen is not certain
any progress toward unlocking the bootloader of the SM-G965U1 ? I bought this Samsung phone from Samsung,and would hope that developers are finding some way to cure the decisions that seem to be in place.
Even though it is supposed to be Unlocked, that probably meant only OEM unlocked, and even then I don't see it directly as an option in settings.
Infoport said:
any progress toward unlocking the bootloader of the SM-G965U1 ? I bought this Samsung phone from Samsung,and would hope that developers are finding some way to cure the decisions that seem to be in place.
Even though it is supposed to be Unlocked, that probably meant only OEM unlocked, and even then I don't see it directly as an option in settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Unlocked" in this context means SIM unlocked. It also means that it is free of carrier branding and apps. It cannot be rooted.
CrazyApe18 said:
"Unlocked" in this context means SIM unlocked. It also means that it is free of carrier branding and apps. It cannot be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does that mean that the SIM unlock in this version is ALWAYS present, or should the option show up or be triggered in some way?
It is a nice phone, but it is disappointing that root seems out of reach.
Additionally, I don't seem to get as good a signal as I did with the S5 with TMobile CSC and LineageOS, , in the same location in the middle of the city.
Infoport said:
does that mean that the SIM unlock in this version is ALWAYS present, or should the option show up or be triggered in some way?
It is a nice phone, but it is disappointing that root seems out of reach.
Additionaly, I don't seem to get as good a signal as I did with the S5 with TMobile CSC and LineageOS, , in the same location in the middle of the city.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It only means that the firmware is intended to be loaded on phones Samsung sells, which would be SIM unlocked (assuming you didn't buy a carrier version from Samsung). There is no "SIM unlock" option or anything like that. The phone is either SIM locked or it isn't, regardless of firmware.
In any case, none of that has to do with rooting the phone, which remains impossible.
Signal strength has been worse for me on S9+ (all firmwares I've tried) than the older S7 Edge I had. Different phones with different hardware. Not much firmware can do about that.

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