Related
Hi,
I've always been a Samsung guy but the LG G5 has sparked my interest since it has a removable battery and SD slot. I see that some versions of the G4 have an unlocked bootloader. I was wondering if there was any information on the G5 having an unlocked bootloader for the US version? I've tried looking around but couldn't find anything about it. If they haven't announced anything yet are they likely to have it unlocked? Having root is crucial for me but being able to use different ROMs is even better. Thanks!
It's not going to be unlocked out of the box, so no one will know until they come out and people start to get them. Looking at the past, going from the G2 > G3 > G4, the ability to unlock and root has gone down hill, especially with carrier versions. I've seen significantly less dev support for each phone, and I'd expect the G5 to be even more locked down.
W1nks said:
Hi,
I've always been a Samsung guy but the LG G5 has sparked my interest since it has a removable battery and SD slot. I see that some versions of the G4 have an unlocked bootloader. I was wondering if there was any information on the G5 having an unlocked bootloader for the US version? I've tried looking around but couldn't find anything about it. If they haven't announced anything yet are they likely to have it unlocked? Having root is crucial for me but being able to use different ROMs is even better. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Out of the box" there are no devices that come with the bootloader unlocked (any more). You need to go through steps to unlock. LG has been no different.
In terms of US BL unlockable, the only carrier quick to offer this has always been T-Mo. G2,3 & 4. That said, we won't know prior to release
TonyStark said:
"Out of the box" there are no devices that come with the bootloader unlocked (any more). You need to go through steps to unlock. LG has been no different.
In terms of US BL unlockable, the only carrier quick to offer this has always been T-Mo. G2,3 & 4. That said, we won't know prior to release
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. Tmo generally DGAF about bootloaders being unlocked, so hopefully that continues here. I'm interested in this device but no Root would suck.
I also hope this device will have an unlocked bootloader. It seems like a pretty sick little phone. I am still on a S4 with AT&T, which was my first phone with a locked bootloader. I know you can load other ROMS on it via SafeStrap, but that just seems like such a gimpy way to go. My previous S2 (international version) was unlocked, and I loaded all sorts of ROMS. I hate the concept of a manufacturer locking down a phone you purchase.
Have the previous LG G phones been unlocked, or at least rooted? I know I could do the research, but I am feeling a bit lazy right now.
Thanks
G2 and G3 where unlockable. G4 was rootable but not unlockable. V10 was sealed up tight.
I want the G5 but if I can't at least root it on Verizon it's a no go for me. I'll give up new phones like the G5 and S7 and stick with my totally unlocked Moto X Pure until another manufacture makes something with a sd card and a unlockable bootloader with CDMA bands.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
That's so frustrating. I'd be furious if any computer I purchased was like that. I want to do what I want to the **** I own. Maybe I will just have to rethink my hesitations about the 6P's size.
yugotprblms said:
That's so frustrating. I'd be furious if any computer I purchased was like that. I want to do what I want to the **** I own. Maybe I will just have to rethink my hesitations about the 6P's size.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 6 p is the best phone I've ever owned. Had most samsung HTC and lg phones. I have a g4 that I gave to my son because the lack of unlock on the Sprint version. If there's a version of the g5 which is unlock able with Sprint radio capability I'll try one out. Looks really cool.
Mahapederdon said:
The 6 p is the best phone I've ever owned. Had most samsung HTC and lg phones. I have a g4 that I gave to my son because the lack of unlock on the Sprint version. If there's a version of the g5 which is unlock able with Sprint radio capability I'll try one out. Looks really cool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really do want the 6p, but it is just such a large phone. That is my only hang up, and it is such a bummer.
I hope there will be a way around it. And being on Verizon doesn't help. I might have to skip it and go for something along the lines of joshw0000.
joshw0000 said:
G2 and G3 where unlockable. G4 was rootable but not unlockable. V10 was sealed up tight.
I want the G5 but if I can't at least root it on Verizon it's a no go for me. I'll give up new phones like the G5 and S7 and stick with my totally unlocked Moto D Pure until another manufacture makes something with a sd card and a unlockable bootloader with CDMA bands.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The V10 bootloader is fully unlockable - not sure what you are talking about.
ShermCraig said:
The V10 bootloader is fully unlockable - not sure what you are talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not Verizon. XDA for the Verizon V10 is almost empty.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
Not Verizon. XDA for the Verizon V10 is almost empty.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People still get phones from telcos? Never do that. Its a loss loss loss, no matter where you look at it from.
devsk said:
People still get phones from telcos? Never do that. Its a loss loss loss, no matter where you look at it from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know anything about Verizon? Or phones in general? I'll give you a hint. Google "CDMA".
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
Do you know anything about Verizon? Or phones in general? I'll give you a hint. Google "CDMA".
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL...there are a plenty good phones which work with CDMA. I can vouch for MXPE. Try it. Always buy unlocked outright, man!
PS: G4 unlocked works with CDMA. You can buy it from B&H. I can get you a link if you want. BTW, welcome to 2016....
devsk said:
LOL...there are a plenty good phones which work with CDMA. I can vouch for MXPE. Try it. Always buy unlocked outright, man!
PS: G4 unlocked works with CDMA. You can buy it from B&H. I can get you a link if you want. BTW, welcome to 2016....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, look at my signature. I'm on a MXPE. That's basically the newest unlockable bootloader phone that can be used on Verizon. I had a VZW M9 that I sent to a developer to be unlocked but got bored with it. The VZW G4 doesn't have an unlockable bootloader and an "unlocked" G4 will not work on Verizon. With exception to the Nexus line, that's it but I have to have an sd card. I've used the N6, N5X, and N6P. They're not for me.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
devsk said:
LOL...there are a plenty good phones which work with CDMA. I can vouch for MXPE. Try it. Always buy unlocked outright, man!
PS: G4 unlocked works with CDMA. You can buy it from B&H. I can get you a link if you want. BTW, welcome to 2016....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, 2016 is the year of locked down carrier restrictions. Unless you are on T-Mobile or AT&T, it's difficult to do what you're saying. I am considering jumping off Verizon when my contract ends in June so I can get something global.
xocomaox said:
Yes, 2016 is the year of locked down carrier restrictions. Unless you are on T-Mobile or AT&T, it's difficult to do what you're saying. I am considering jumping off Verizon when my contract ends in June so I can get something global.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My father has verizon and I have talked with multiple verizon reps and it seems like most of then are pushy any not really intereted in the devices themselves. The latest rep I spoke with said that the s7 didn't have a good camera which seems to be completely off since the s7 has an amazing camera (tested it in stores as well as reputable reviews). I agree with you and was going to switch to Verizon but might not anymore, because of their restrictions and other limited information,
Let's quickly set the record straight on the G4: NONE of the carrier variants allowed for bootloader unlocking--only the H815 "international" model had this as an officially supported option (which btw, is not the model sold by t mobile--that was h815t and isn't the same). I agree with others here that NOT buying the carrier versions is always the best option. They're carrier unlocked out of the box and provide the greatest flexibility if you travel between countries. They also typically provide a few more cellular frequencies. However, while they may be compatible with AT&T's network, that doesn't mean they have all of the frequencies that AT&T uses (as was the case for the G4). Also for those who may be confused, carrier unlocked has no relation to bootloader unlocking.
Anyway, I would also like to know if there will be a G5 variant with official bootloader unlock support. I wish they would announce this soon!
devsk said:
People still get phones from telcos? Never do that. Its a loss loss loss, no matter where you look at it from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question: what about carrier-specific features like T-Mobile's Wi-Fi calling? The MXPE didn't support that, but the Nexus 6P and 5X do. Could an unlocked/unbranded LG G5 hypothetically do the same?
(I would use Unlocked version on Tmobile) No bloat with Unlocked version and T mobile folks said tether will work fine etc. i.e. Tmobile software not needed. Looking for suggestions for either phone. Thx in advance.
the b&h version doesnt come out until may 11th just fyi.
svengalis said:
the b&h version doesnt come out until may 11th just fyi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B&H site now says May 1st. I called LG but was unable to get any scoop.
It would be great to get feedback from the forum on whether it would make sense to wait for the unlocked version or just get the T mobile verison now.
Thx
The RS988 would work just fine on T-Mobile. It will most likely receive less updates than the T-Mobile variant. For example the US991 Unbranded G4 that B&H sells still doesn't have Marshmallow. I'd assume the trend to continue.
RS988 comes SIM unlocked out of the box.. while the T-Mobile version does not but depending on if you buy it outright or are in good standing sometimes T-Mobile will unlock the SIM.
Bootloader on the RS988 will be locked. I'd expect T-Mobiles version to have a better shot at bootloader unlock... but maybe not. RS988 certainly has no edge over the T-Mobile version here tho. Both are locked at the moment. T-Mobil's may eventually get unlocked officially from T-Mobil update in the future... RS988 has no shot at that and it will take a bootloader exploit to unlock.
You can't really lose either way in my opinion... though you get more free perks with the T-Mobile version. Free 360 camera for those who buy tmo model until April 5th (tomorrow).. on top of the battery.
autoprime said:
The RS988 would work just fine on T-Mobile. It will most likely receive less updates than the T-Mobile variant. For example the US991 Unbranded G4 that B&H sells still doesn't have Marshmallow. I'd assume the trend to continue.
RS988 comes SIM unlocked out of the box.. while the T-Mobile version does not but depending on if you buy it outright or are in good standing sometimes T-Mobile will unlock the SIM.
Bootloader on the RS988 will be locked. I'd expect T-Mobiles version to have a better shot at bootloader unlock... but maybe not. RS988 certainly has no edge over the T-Mobile version here tho. Both are locked at the moment. T-Mobil's may eventually get unlocked officially from T-Mobil update in the future... RS988 has no shot at that and it will take a bootloader exploit to unlock.
You can't really lose either way in my opinion... though you get more free perks with the T-Mobile version. Free 360 camera for those who buy tmo model until April 5th (tomorrow).. on top of the battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, just the feedback I was looking for. I'll grab the T-mobile version and report back. Don't laugh...I'm transitioning from WebOs. I look forward to educating myself about the G5 and Android with the help of this site. Thanks again!
autoprime said:
The RS988 would work just fine on T-Mobile. It will most likely receive less updates than the T-Mobile variant. For example the US991 Unbranded G4 that B&H sells still doesn't have Marshmallow. I'd assume the trend to continue.
RS988 comes SIM unlocked out of the box.. while the T-Mobile version does not but depending on if you buy it outright or are in good standing sometimes T-Mobile will unlock the SIM.
Bootloader on the RS988 will be locked. I'd expect T-Mobiles version to have a better shot at bootloader unlock... but maybe not. RS988 certainly has no edge over the T-Mobile version here tho. Both are locked at the moment. T-Mobil's may eventually get unlocked officially from T-Mobil update in the future... RS988 has no shot at that and it will take a bootloader exploit to unlock.
You can't really lose either way in my opinion... though you get more free perks with the T-Mobile version. Free 360 camera for those who buy tmo model until April 5th (tomorrow).. on top of the battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well damn that sucks. i want the unlocked version cause im not sure which carrier i want to choose.
B&H Photo email about bootloader
svengalis said:
well damn that sucks. i want the unlocked version cause im not sure which carrier i want to choose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say this is reliable yet as B&H model isn't actually available yet but I emailed them last week about this , tech support guy named Adam emailed back this week saying the bootloader is unlocked, I emailed back asking if he knew the difference between sims unlocked and bootloader unlocked, he said yes and confirmed bootloader also unlocked- I am a skeptic until I see it but, imho I do think it would give them an edge in sales and they have no vested interest in the carriers so I'm waiting to see (I also want it now but...) I also wonder if software will have less bloat. I'm thinking that all US models will all be locked but LG will give the unlock codes out for international models as they are claiming to be friendly to developers, and B&H has a good chance to be in that same boat. Still have hope for this
Only one bloat app on tmobile are T mobile acct app....evrythig else you can delete
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Another thing that has me scratching my head, is how come they're the only ones that are selling this model?
I tried looking elsewhere online and don't see any major retailer selling it.
B&H model thoughts
I am still waiting to see what B&H model looks like (mostly because the money is short this month) but after reading more on this thread, I am leaning more towards the T-Mobile version, mainly because I would probably get better product support should the phone have problems in the beginning, also willing to wait for unlock when/if it comes. mail orders are risky and no one knows what this variant will be like until they get one and then they would probably have to deal with LG for problems after 30 days - while B&H doesn't have a vested interest in carriers, they also don't have an interest in getting the bootloader unlocked (if locked, and this sounds likely despite what I was told).
T-Mobile also has EVS out of the box
Another reason to consider the T-Mobile version is it has Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) enabled out of the box where as the unlocked version may never get it. Might not be a big deal but if your on T-Mobile already, why not go with it.
PDXG5 said:
Awesome, just the feedback I was looking for. I'll grab the T-mobile version and report back. Don't laugh...I'm transitioning from WebOs. I look forward to educating myself about the G5 and Android with the help of this site. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My wife's G4 was purchased from B&H four months ago and received the marshmallow update two weeks after we got it.
update on B&H vs T-Mobile version bands
I just found a post here at xda forums about the variant lg g5 models - what I've been waiting for to make a decision on T-Mobile vs B&H choice. this may or may not matter to everyone. I notice a slight difference in the bands among variants, might be important to allow full range of carriers before deciding. I would look at this link to see if the missing bands are important (T-Mobile is not very good in my area so having more available bands in the B&H model would be important to me if these stats are accurate.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/how-to/info-autos-g5-thread-t3350648
here is another link on variant LTE bands:
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Chea...on-T-Mobile-and-Sprint-use-in-the-USA_id77933
Just wondering is there any method to unlock the Sprint LG V30+ for GSM domestic use without going thru Sprint?
kjack3410 said:
Just wondering is there any method to unlock the Sprint LG V30+ for GSM domestic use without going thru Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All answered here.
LG V30 Sim Unlock Code
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3665928
That whole thread is basically about Sprint phones. The answer is, not without doing things that are either illegal or forbidden by XDA to discuss.
Don't mess with problematic Sprint phones, unless you're a Sprint customer. And even then "bad ESN" Sprint phones won't be released by Sprint to Sprint customers.
There's better options. For instance, the U.S.Cellular model US998 is already SIM card unlocked. Or the open market LG US998.
Posted via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
I can unlock look for me on eBay martinez. Digital
I can unlock look for me on eBay martinez. Digital
I dont find you
Franky Martinez said:
I can unlock look for me on eBay martinez. Digital
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont find you
Email?
I've been searching or Sim Unlock Solution for an LG V30+ I got from eBay. Anyone that has overcome this challenge.
should help.
Don't update to Oreo on Sprint if you need to edit apns. I can't add apns anymore..
I have the same problem. Yesterday the Oreo update hit and as a result wiped out my carrier unlock status and now network APN is grayed out. Sprint is unwilling to help and AT&T acts clueless on how to resolve the issue. Seems like my options is either send the phone to LG or sell it to someone.
StraderDynamics said:
I have the same problem. Yesterday the Oreo update hit and as a result wiped out my carrier unlock status and now network APN is grayed out. Sprint is unwilling to help and AT&T acts clueless on how to resolve the issue. Seems like my options is either send the phone to LG or sell it to someone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not an AT&T phone.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
It's not an AT&T phone.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I know. That's why I'm not bugging AT&T about it as I think their resources would be limited since the device is issued by Sprint. I went ahead and gave that LG Sim Unlock site a try so we'll see if that works. For $13 bucks I have nothing to lose. If not then I'll have to make a trip back to the Sprint store and find a way to get the device to talk to their network long enough to reestablish the unlock status from their server. I guess what upsets me the most is the fact that I specifically asked them about this scenario and I was assured that it was not going to be an issue and yet here I am. :/
I went back over to the Sprint store where I originally established service and they put me in touch with their International dept. The rep told me that according to my IMEI number that my phone was still considered to be carrier unlocked and they told me that I have to take the issue up with AT&T. I'm not sure what AT&T can do if they can't access the Mobile APN network settings but I'll bite and try them but I think it's going to come down to being it's not an AT&T problem.
I sure hope that Sim Unlock site comes through or I'll have an $800+ paperweight.
Sorry to hear man. I'm having the same issues. Asked the same questions as well before unlocking. It was unlocked on nougat but relocked after Oreo update. Before the update, they told me the unlock is permanent and that a factory reset or firmware update wouldn't change it. I called, they said "your device is unlocked" which is bs. I'm still trying to get this issue resolved. Thought I was the only one having this issue. Sprint shenanigans...
JWnSC said:
Sorry to hear man. I'm having the same issues. Asked the same questions as well before unlocking. It was unlocked on nougat but relocked after Oreo update. Before the update, they told me the unlock is permanent and that a factory reset or firmware update wouldn't change it. I called, they said "your device is unlocked" which is bs. I'm still trying to get this issue resolved. Thought I was the only one having this issue. Sprint shenanigans...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah... Well, I got my unlock code from LG Sim Unlock and i'm still in the same boat with a disabled Mobile networks section. It was worth a try for $13.
I think what I am going to do is go back to the Sprint store and get a prepaid 30 days and use that as a method of allowing the phone to communicate back to Sprint's internal servers for UICC unlock if I'm understanding the underlying technology correctly. Once the phone has communicated with their servers then I'll try to switch back to my AT&T sim and see if I can modify the Mobile network settings.
SD
I tried another Sprint SIM, multiple factory resets and even used the APN reset code provided to me by Sprint which is ##72786#
So far no go. At this point I am now climbing the executive branches on AT&T, LG, and Sprint to get a resolution. My phone worked Sunday. Someone pushed the update and that organization is responsible for the downfall of the device and it is that company's responsibility to fix it. if I don't receive adequate resolution from any party then I will just hire a lawyer to deal with it but we're not at that point yet. AT&T has yet to respond at all which is disturbing since I am a current and very long running customer (going back to the PacBell days). Maybe AT&T just doesn't care anymore. Hard to say. As far as Sprint goes they have at least been willing to respond and at least try to diagnose the issue in attempt of a resolution. So while their voice/data platform sucks I have to give them credit on the customer service side even though some of their staff are uneducated in knowledge regarding the equipment at which they deal with and manage. At this time this is what Sprint speculates the issue to be:
From what I am showing, not all carriers have launched the Oreo update on their LG V30 devices. Which is mostly likely the reason you have mobile network options with a Sprint SIM in the device. You will need to contact LG to see if they can give you additional information on how to get the previous software on the device, or contact your current carrier to verify any information on Oreo update. -YF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I am now awaiting to hear anything from AT&T and or LG.
Another thought I had is that since I now have a AT&T branded Samsung S9+, I was going to use it for personal and the V30+ for IT/Work. I guess I could just get a subscription on Sprint and just be done with it all. The company I work for is reimbursing me for the bill so perhaps I should just forget it and just go that route. It would be much cheaper route to go for sure. As I think more about the possible mismatch of the update between carriers the more it kinda makes sense as AT&T has always been very slow to adopting to newer ROM upgrades. I used to get irritated over the fact that everybody else got updates way before I ever did and the bottleneck was on the side of AT&T. I'll just consider it to be a $800 work phone. Yeah..... Trying to find my Zen.
SD
is the unlock from Sprint or another service provider?
datrmon said:
is the unlock from Sprint or another service provider?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The carrier unlock is done on the Sprint network side according to their support people. I guess that's why they were having me put my old Sprint SIM card and resetting the APN settings.
SD
Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
DAmn!
I should have read here first.
i was unlocked on Nougat no longer unlocked on 8.0.0.
I have put in a few calls to Our friends at Sprint International to see if they can resend the Unlock from their side.
Okay...I need a third-party that can unlock my ls998 for me.
JWnSC said:
Sorry to hear man. I'm having the same issues. Asked the same questions as well before unlocking. It was unlocked on nougat but relocked after Oreo update. Before the update, they told me the unlock is permanent and that a factory reset or firmware update wouldn't change it. I called, they said "your device is unlocked" which is bs. I'm still trying to get this issue resolved. Thought I was the only one having this issue. Sprint shenanigans...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAve you had any luck?
I have two tickets in on this same issue.,they keep making me wait.
---------- Post added at 08:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:33 PM ----------
datrmon said:
Okay...I need a third-party that can unlock my ls998 for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i used LG SIMunlock..
others on XDA had good results it did not work for me.
I ended up reactivating my old Sprint account so I won't have an expensive paper weight. The lgsimunlock did not change anything on the device as the APN was still grayed out upon installation of the AT&T SIM. Sprint keeps telling me that my phone is unlocked. Sprint speculates the issue to with the service policy on AT&T network not being Oreo ready and while it sounds plausible I have no evidence either way. Right now I'm going to try to satisfy the 50 day service requirement again and see if anything magically changes. I still have to go to the AT&T store to see if there is anything more they can do as I had to buy a new phone to get passed this issue and not be offline since I'm on call 24/7. My new Samsung S9+ is AT&T to ensure that I won't have this issue moving forward. If AT&T would stop snubbing us IT guys with weak devices then I wouldn't have gone to Sprint for the 128G internal storage that the V30+ offered. A few days ago I read about someone buying the unlocked V30+ direct from LG and yet they are having trouble getting it to work on Sprint's network which makes me a tad concerned when it comes to device/carrier compatibility.
SD
I got my sprint lg v30+ carrier unlocked yesterday and now working with cricket
lzambrano87 said:
I got my sprint lg v30+ carrier unlocked yesterday and now working with cricket
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which service did you use to unlock your phone. Mine is still Locked
If I buy a G power that's locked to say, Tracfone, US Cellular, or Straight Talk, how would I get it unlocked so I can use it on TMobile?
Is this one of those deals where I can call Motorola and they give me the magic codes?
What if the ESN is locked? Is it hopeless? Is it only locked by a given carrier? How would I check that?
Quantumstate said:
If I buy a G power that's locked to say, Tracfone, US Cellular, or Straight Talk, how would I get it unlocked so I can use it on TMobile?
Is this one of those deals where I can call Motorola and they give me the magic codes?
What if the ESN is locked? Is it hopeless? Is it only locked by a given carrier? How would I check that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually on US carriers, you can't unlock the phones. I know buying it on Verizon or AT&T definitely locks it. I'd talk to your specific carrier to find out if they lock it or not. If they do lock it, as far as I know you're SoL. Buy unlocked if you plan on switching carriers or installing a custom ROM.
Quantumstate said:
If I buy a G power that's locked to say, Tracfone, US Cellular, or Straight Talk, how would I get it unlocked so I can use it on TMobile?
Is this one of those deals where I can call Motorola and they give me the magic codes?
What if the ESN is locked? Is it hopeless? Is it only locked by a given carrier? How would I check that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd probably have to contact the original provider for an unlock code. I know AT&T will give you the unlock code for your device after 60 days of purchase, but I can't comment on any others.
Thanks, just bought one after I confirmed it has a compass.
Does anyone have wifi calling working on this phone?
Quantumstate said:
Thanks, just bought one after I confirmed it has a compass.
Does anyone have wifi calling working on this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlocked variant has WiFi calling on T-Mobile. I can't comment on other models.
If I may be allowed to piggyback off of this question, my Straight Talk variant should be allowed to be network unlocked after a year in service, which is great and I've been with Straight Talk for probably close to 10 years, but what I really need is the bootloader unlocked.
I'm grown accustomed to BYOP using an unlocked HTC Inspire phone, then an unlocked Nexus 5, then a Oneplus 3 Always doing a little bit in the way of unlocking and occasionally installing custom Roms. My Oneplus 3 was seeming a little unstable. Kept it up to date with a custom rom after it stopped receiving official updates (Although I had been quite happy with stock Rom up until then). Battery wasn't holding up. Being a new home owner, I sought out a value buy and thought I did my homework. I saw bootloader unlock instructions for the Moto G Power and did not read through them. Presuming that since there is a guide for unlocking the bootloader, I presumed I could unlock my bootloader no problem.
Now that I've brought my phone home and its now quite a bit past the 2 week return window, I now see that Bootloader unlocking requires a code that my phone is not likely to be eligible for. My question is, will this phone ever be allowed to have its bootloader unlocked? Will it be eligible for a bootloader unlock once Straight Talk has allowed me to do the Network unlock? Its hard to believe I just tossed $150 into the toilet for a phone I don't get to own. My phone is currently holding my Wifi Hotspot functionality hostage because Straight Talk deems it a feature I'm not entitled to (I am because its a hardware feature and I supposedly own the hardware but until there is a legal precedent I don't have a say in the matter). That is an absolute requirement of mine because I had to work 2 days at home on hotspot when my ISP fubar'd my home connection for 2 days. I lived off of that hotspot and got through.
Is my only hope to resell my Moto G Power, take a hit on whatever value I lost on resale, and go off and get an unlocked phone? I'm seriously considering popping the sim back into my Oneplus 3 and making it my daily driver again, but once again, the phone does show its age. It's about a 10% bump down in processing power and its heard to keep charged at this point. I really only need wifi hotspot and I'd be fine riding this phone for 2 years or so.
As a side note, will it matter if I activate the Sim that was preinstalled on the phone as far as accumulating time towards network unlock eligibility? I didn't want to risk being moved to a different Carrier so I just popped in my BYOP Sim.
tmsmith616 said:
If I may be allowed to piggyback off of this question, my Straight Talk variant should be allowed to be network unlocked after a year in service, which is great and I've been with Straight Talk for probably close to 10 years, but what I really need is the bootloader unlocked.
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Just out of curiosity did you try to unlock the bootloader? What does it say under? "about phone/software channel"?
On the 24th I bought one at Amazon for $219. On the 29th they went on sale for $174 on Amazon's deal of the day so I bought one again, got it yesterday and did the return thing at Amazon with no problem. I have until the 31st of January (extended return time on all items) to return it... So I'm using it now to test custom ROMs and I'll send it back in a month or so.
If you're serious about selling it maybe you should buy one from Amazon (current price $179) so you can unlock the bootloader and do your thing.
I bought a couple AT&T LG G8X's for my wife and myself to use on Cricket (AT&T MVNO) after we found out our current phones won't work on Cricket's network as of next February. Unfortunately I've discovered that these phones cannot do OTA updates (w/o the PITA process of getting an AT&T SIM). I'm just wondering if anyone has found a workaround for this. Specifically I'm wondering if I get the phones network unlocked from AT&T if that would then allow us to update direct from LG rather than AT&T. Anyone tried this?
Love the phones, but I've got to be able to update them.
I have a lg g8x from AT&T that has been paid off and unlocked by AT&T. What I was told is, to get the updates, I need to be using an AT&T sim and be on their network. I'm not in the US so getting that done is not even possible for me. So far I have not seen a way to get updates without using a AT&T sim.
Rushandidan said:
I have a lg g8x from AT&T that has been paid off and unlocked by AT&T. What I was told is, to get the updates, I need to be using an AT&T sim and be on their network. I'm not in the US so getting that done is not even possible for me. So far I have not seen a way to get updates without using a AT&T sim.
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I've done a little more research on this and found info that you can use a prepaid Tracfone SIM for AT&T to trigger AT&T to update the phone. I bought one for. 99 and am going to try it as soon as I get the SIM. I believe you have to purchase 1 month of service and the cheapest plan is $15. I'll report back if it works, but I don't know if that'd be an option for you.
conbak49 said:
I've done a little more research on this and found info that you can use a prepaid Tracfone SIM for AT&T to trigger AT&T to update the phone. I bought one for. 99 and am going to try it as soon as I get the SIM. I believe you have to purchase 1 month of service and the cheapest plan is $15. I'll report back if it works, but I don't know if that'd be an option for you.
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I have thought about it but with not knowing if that would actually work, I didn't want to try. I like the phone so I'm not willing to sell it so maybe one day I'll test to see if using a sim in a different country would actually work.
I can confirm that using an activated Tracfone SIM for AT&T works to trip the LG G8X to update. I'm updating from Pie to 10 now on one of the phones I bought and am going to try it on the other shortly. I had to factory reset the phone after activating the SIM and then it let me start downloading updates.
conbak49 said:
I can confirm that using an activated Tracfone SIM for AT&T works to trip the LG G8X to update. I'm updating from Pie to 10 now on one of the phones I bought and am going to try it on the other shortly. I had to factory reset the phone after activating the SIM and then it let me start downloading updates.
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I have the same model as you do. I bought it carrier unlocked and it didn't come with a SIM card. I went in the settings and did the system updates no problem, but I was using Wi-Fi.
Unfortunately mine was not unlocked or it probably would have updated like yours @Magichost. All's good now though. It's a shame LG is going out of the phone business. I've always liked the quirky phones they've come out with and that they kept SD card and headphone jacks.