Related
So I just purchased an open box 128gb tab s3 for $515 from Best Buy. Whenever I set it up and restarted everything I noticed after I entered my PIN code when it was booting I would see a paddle lock opening and I thought that was just the encryption being decoded with my pen number. But after checking the Knox status it told me that the warranty was voided I think because the bootloader was unlocked. Also when I try to use the secure folder it would not work and when I turned on developer settings I noticed OEM unlock was already checked.
I'm wondering if I did not noticed that would my warranty still be good if I tried to send it in and they said the bootloader was unlocked I guess I can pretend they sold it to me like that.
I guess someone on here that bought a tab S3 unlock the bootloader and then returned it LOL
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-tab-s3-9-7-128gb-black/6004600.p?skuId=6004600
They're special order from Best Buy only
XDA do not support potentially unethical activity. Closed.
Just purchased one but not eligible to unlock yet. So I need to find alternative way.......thanks guys!!
I've used https://www.unlockscope.com/ to unlock two ATT note 8's. I've also tried samsungsimunlock.com but those guys are a scam. They have you download some bogus malware to "permanently unlock" your phone. The first one was fast and worked with no hassle. I'm still waiting on the latter to give me back my "100% money back guarantee."
Does anyone here know if the T-Mobile variant has a locked bootloader? And if so, is there any way to unlock it?
I'm wondering the same thing...I'll be going to look at it later today. Also I noticed the wifi model has the phone dialer installed so I'm wondering if the LTE T-Mobile model has phone function with the right sim installed?
I went to the T-Mobile store to look at the tab...They had no idea if the bootloader is locked or not. I'm sure it probably is but haven't seen anything about whether it can be unlocked yet. They also told me that the phone and SMS/MMS might work for a few days until the system detects it is a tablet, then those functions will be disabled. Make no sense to me why we can't have those functions on a tablet here in the US...And why even put the software on the tab if it can't be used? I told them to keep it and I'll get the WiFi tablet and just use the hotspot on my phone when I'm out and about. At least I'll get quicker updates (Maybe because Samsung) and I won't have the tons of their bloatware on the thing.
Any feedback?
coilbio said:
Any feedback?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can go into store and view the tablet go into settings and enable developer options by tapping on the build. Then go into developer options and see if there is a switch to unlock the boot loader. I just bought the wifi model from Best Buy and the boot loader can be unlocked. I have already installed TWRP and Magisk. I think maybe the LTE version may require a 7 day wait not sure.
rsktkr1 said:
If you can go into store and view the tablet go into settings and enable developer options by tapping on the build. Then go into developer options and see if there is a switch to unlock the boot loader. I just bought the wifi model from Best Buy and the boot loader can be unlocked. I have already installed TWRP and Magisk. I think maybe the LTE version may require a 7 day wait not sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from almost a year back-wondering was your wifi device branded like Tmobile or Verizon? sad to see no continuity in the thread-was hoping for someone to check out the lte device in Tmobile to see if it could be unlocked or if the option was there-not many resources on internet. Does Tmobile even carry this thing anymore? thanks
mac231us said:
from almost a year back-wondering was your wifi device branded like Tmobile or Verizon? sad to see no continuity in the thread-was hoping for someone to check out the lte device in Tmobile to see if it could be unlocked or if the option was there-not many resources on internet. Does Tmobile even carry this thing anymore? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the t-mobile variant from samsung directly. I'm about to find out. Give me a day or 2.
Arudis said:
I bought the t-mobile variant from samsung directly. I'm about to find out. Give me a day or 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Arudis!
Might need more time.
mac231us said:
Thanks Arudis!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I think I'm being held back by the whole 7-day oem-unlock hide thing. And all the ways around it have apparently been patched by samsung. So this time next week, I'll know for sure. As of right now, I believe it can be unlocked, but I don't know for sure.
Arudis said:
Unfortunately, I think I'm being held back by the whole 7-day oem-unlock hide thing. And all the ways around it have apparently been patched by samsung. So this time next week, I'll know for sure. As of right now, I believe it can be unlocked, but I don't know for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you so much-well I will be receiving my device tomorrow. So let the race begin-ha ha kidding will see and compare. I did not know Samsung has this 7 day wait period (like Xiaomi has a 2 week period). Oh well, time will tell Thanks for keeping me posted and do let me know what you find. I did see a post somewhere on xda for the tab s6 where the poster said he could unlock the carrier device (think it was Tmobile) but he wanted to find out if he could root it. I will find the post (again it was an old one and of course, my response (recently) has not got any response. In fact, like many, he did not follow up with any posts thereafter (several months back).
edit
This is the thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...m-weta-1-0-t4002353/post83956193#post83956193
see post 21 - mertkan said he could unlock (so assume he was able to but was looking for doing other modifications)
Arudis said:
I bought the t-mobile variant from samsung directly. I'm about to find out. Give me a day or 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Arudis I got a used Tmobile variant. But I do not see any OEM unlock option in developer settings (a prerequisite before anything can be done for unlocking b/l). Which software version is yours having? (maybe it is different because you bought directly from Samsung but does not make sense if it is branded Tmobile). Could be that you have an older version of Android-appreciate if you could let me know which software version, CSC etc yours has. I might end up returning mine if there is no progress. Thanks.!
EDIT: Returned it. Great price and condition. Just too bad-did not want to take chances with it. Good luck-seems that you should be able to unlock it per that other post I sent.
mac231us said:
Hello Arudis I got a used Tmobile variant. But I do not see any OEM unlock option in developer settings (a prerequisite before anything can be done for unlocking b/l). Which software version is yours having? (maybe it is different because you bought directly from Samsung but does not make sense if it is branded Tmobile). Could be that you have an older version of Android-appreciate if you could let me know which software version, CSC etc yours has. I might end up returning mine if there is no progress. Thanks.!
EDIT: Returned it. Great price and condition. Just too bad-did not want to take chances with it. Good luck-seems that you should be able to unlock it per that other post I sent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well. I'm struggling w/ it. CSC was TMB btw. This whole ordeal has been a mess of mistakes on my part. If i can't get this unlocked in the next day or 2 then i'll be returning it myself. I'd rather have a weaker tablet w/ root and a custom rom than a great tablet that i have to run stock.
Current software version is T867USQU3BTJ1 / T867UOYN3BTJ1 / T867USQU3BTJ1.
First thing I needed to know was whether or not I could unlock the tablet for other networks and in order to do that, I inserted a sim and logged into the tablet w/ my google account. I think this is where I made my first mistake as I have a sinking suspicion that inserting the sim somehow got rid of my oem unlock toggle. I know I had seen it before I started trying 2 unlock the sim because its always the first thing I do when I get a new device. But between the sim and the unlock process I ended up rebooting too many times and it auto-updated itself to the latest firmware. Since the latest firmware, I haven't seen that toggle at all. When I try to flash twrp w/ Odin, it fails.
@ this point I've decided that I will never buy another samsung device ever. I've had all manner of fun rooting every other device i've ever owned that wasn't a samsung device, however every samsung device has always been a supreme pain in the butt because I can't just do what i want w/ adb and fastboot.
Arudis said:
Well. I'm struggling w/ it. CSC was TMB btw. This whole ordeal has been a mess of mistakes on my part. If i can't get this unlocked in the next day or 2 then i'll be returning it myself. I'd rather have a weaker tablet w/ root and a custom rom than a great tablet that i have to run stock.
Current software version is T867USQU3BTJ1 / T867UOYN3BTJ1 / T867USQU3BTJ1.
First thing I needed to know was whether or not I could unlock the tablet for other networks and in order to do that, I inserted a sim and logged into the tablet w/ my google account. I think this is where I made my first mistake as I have a sinking suspicion that inserting the sim somehow got rid of my oem unlock toggle. I know I had seen it before I started trying 2 unlock the sim because its always the first thing I do when I get a new device. But between the sim and the unlock process I ended up rebooting too many times and it auto-updated itself to the latest firmware. Since the latest firmware, I haven't seen that toggle at all. When I try to flash twrp w/ Odin, it fails.
@ this point I've decided that I will never buy another samsung device ever. I've had all manner of fun rooting every other device i've ever owned that wasn't a samsung device, however every samsung device has always been a supreme pain in the butt because I can't just do what i want w/ adb and fastboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree but this has more to do with (if not entirely) to U.S carriers playing games with dual devices for marketing-only here does this go on, where the carriers since time immemorial have blocked calls and texts on tablets (7 and above inches) giving some bs reasons (there was a time they had this tablet "plan" and phone "plans"-those have at least merged at least for Tmobile-otherwise their servers would detect a tablet and switch you automatically to a tablet plan for your 'convenience' and maybe even 'safety' lol)....so as long as they do this, Samsung (even Apple which does the same thing worldwide anyway) have tablets that do not have phone-like functions (Samsung has this call and text pairing with other Samsung phones a.k.a buy two of our devices please AND have two plans (so both Samsung and carriers win)...) on their U.S devices (Samsung at least to their credit have this :"unlocked" cellular variants in rest of the world, Apple does not even have that-yes, I know there is Google talk and all kinds of wifi-based workarounds but that is a different topic.
EDIT-if you compare the older devices like say tab S and tab s2 (the carrier variants and the international variants you will find out that even the speaker arrangements are different. I delved deep into this and found that even the boards were different-the lengths they went to do this to keep the versions distinct is amazing!) folks here on xda etc kept thinking for a while that they could simply flash the international ROMs (never mind the b/l block or hurdles) but the partitions were not even the same let alone the modems, and the actual hardware itself!
So blame the carriers-I do. So I never get these carrier devices (first time I tried my hand at it-no more)
Having to perform a soft boot tonight I noticed an "unlock bootloader command" in the softboot menu along with "cache clear" along with the always present "factory reset". Which I have to perform anyway because network mode locked to 3G only and no option to change it back so it has major conectivity issues. I'm thinking I may try the unlock bootloader command.
P.S. Mine is the tmo version
rigrunner said:
Having to perform a soft boot tonight I noticed an "unlock bootloader command" in the softboot menu along with "cache clear" along with the always present "factory reset". Which I have to perform anyway because network mode locked to 3G only and no option to change it back so it has major conectivity issues. I'm thinking I may try the unlock bootloader command.
P.S. Mine is the tmo version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity which model number is your tmobile tab s6 lte? I have the verizon sm-t867v model which i re-flashed to the tmobile sm-t867u model using modified Odin 3.14. Unfortunately the bootloader remained locked down with no way to unlock it. Also what is this softboot menu your speaking of? I know samsung like the back of my hand and I've never heard of a softboot menu. Curious if this is something new im not aware of since I've been stuck with verizon brands the last 3 samsung devices I've owned...
Yes and Yes!
Can someone clarify something on the Tmobile Variant of the Tab S6?
This T867U definitely comes with the HARDWARE to text because i got it to work but it stopped.
So could this just be a matter of getting it 'Carrier Unlocked" so TMO cant decide what we do with our tab s6 since its payed for???
Make calls and send messages from your Galaxy tablet
With Call & text on other devices, you can receive calls and send messages on your Galaxy tablet that is logged in to the same Samsung account as your phone.
www.samsung.com
I have the same problem, I bought the device from eBay and now in Egypt, the device is locked to the T-Mobile network, and I don't know a way to unlock it. I cannot contact the seller to ask him about the T-Mobile subscription details, and after communicating with T-Mobile, they did not reply
I bought a Pixel 6 specifically to run GrapheneOS, and also because I figured it would have top tier ROM and hacking support in general. I didn't realize T-Mobile carrier locked their phones (this is my 2nd smart-phone, and it's been 9 years since I got my 1st one), so I bought a carrier locked Pixel 6. They say they can unlock it after it's been on the network for 40 days and it's paid off. I am trying to figure out if I should return it, and find one that is factory unlocked.
If I wait it out and get it unlocked, will there be any drawbacks compared to a factory unlocked phone?
Is there any risk that the phone somehow won't be able to be unlocked?
Thanks
co_60 said:
I bought a Pixel 6 specifically to run GrapheneOS, and also because I figured it would have top tier ROM and hacking support in general. I didn't realize T-Mobile carrier locked their phones (this is my 2nd smart-phone, and it's been 9 years since I got my 1st one), so I bought a carrier locked Pixel 6. They say they can unlock it after it's been on the network for 40 days and it's paid off. I am trying to figure out if I should return it, and find one that is factory unlocked.
If I wait it out and get it unlocked, will there be any drawbacks compared to a factory unlocked phone?
Is there any risk that the phone somehow won't be able to be unlocked?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a TMobile customer with carrier sim unlocked and the bootloader can be unlocked once the sim is unlocked. You can try to chat with a TMobile rep and request to have sim unlocked. Just be courteous, but persistent.
co_60 said:
If I wait it out and get it unlocked, will there be any drawbacks compared to a factory unlocked phone?
Is there any risk that the phone somehow won't be able to be unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No drawbacks, they will be the same.
T Mobile could change it's mind between now and then, but I really doubt that. The CEO has been very vocal that they support bootloader unlocking.
I don't really see any difference between the pixel 5 and 6 reception. They both are not great. I was hoping 5he January update would improve it some but it just fixed the complete disaster that was December update.
As far as mmwave it is not worth it. The reception on mmwave is so poor and it would cost so much money to deploy. Right now I think it is really only in sports stadiums and malls places where there's alot of people in a small area and also in areas where there is no Verizon FiOS access. Eventually it will grow but I think it's going to be years before it's good enough. They basically have to have a cell tower on every corner and that will take years. And sub 6 5g is basically LTE++
co_60 said:
I bought a Pixel 6 specifically to run GrapheneOS, and also because I figured it would have top tier ROM and hacking support in general. I didn't realize T-Mobile carrier locked their phones (this is my 2nd smart-phone, and it's been 9 years since I got my 1st one), so I bought a carrier locked Pixel 6. They say they can unlock it after it's been on the network for 40 days and it's paid off. I am trying to figure out if I should return it, and find one that is factory unlocked.
If I wait it out and get it unlocked, will there be any drawbacks compared to a factory unlocked phone?
Is there any risk that the phone somehow won't be able to be unlocked?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard some people have success by telling them that they had to travel outside the country and therefore needed their Sim unlocked.
Lughnasadh said:
I've heard some people have success by telling them that they had to travel outside the country and therefore needed their Sim unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They claimed they did the permanent unlock for me on the phone (twice), but it turns out they did a temporary (30 day) unlock. There is a T-Mobile unlock app which launches to a "check eligibility" button, which when pressed brings you to a screen with 2 buttons, "permanent unlock" and "temporary unlock". Before I called, both were grayed out saying "ineligible", but after, I was able to do the temp unlock.
However, this does not allow me to toggle "OEM unlock" in the developer menu, which is really what I need to do.
co_60 said:
They claimed they did the permanent unlock for me on the phone (twice), but it turns out they did a temporary (30 day) unlock. There is a T-Mobile unlock app which launches to a "check eligibility" button, which when pressed brings you to a screen with 2 buttons, "permanent unlock" and "temporary unlock". Before I called, both were grayed out saying "ineligible", but after, I was able to do the temp unlock.
However, this does not allow me to toggle "OEM unlock" in the developer menu, which is really what I need to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just return the device and be done with it. Get a Google device and never worry that some jackass support person doesn't like your tone of voice and permanently locks it. How much of a hit will you take money wise?
I'm in the same position as OP and it sucks. the whole reason I went back to pixel after a Galaxy s20 was for modding and development :/
bobby janow said:
Just return the device and be done with it. Get a Google device and never worry that some jackass support person doesn't like your tone of voice and permanently locks it. How much of a hit will you take money wise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Things like this is what scares me. Aren't U.S. carriers legally required to provide a way to unlock their phones? Is a permanent lock something that can happen?
As far as money, I would only be out $40 for a restock fee, but that isn't what deters me, it is the sheer hassle of returning the device, going somewhere else to get one, going back to my carrier to activate it, etc.
If waiting 40 days from purchase to unlock the phone is effectively the same as starting with an unlocked phone, then that is what I would prefer to do.
co_60 said:
Things like this is what scares me. Aren't U.S. carriers legally required to provide a way to unlock their phones? Is a permanent lock something that can happen?
As far as money, I would only be out $40 for a restock fee, but that isn't what deters me, it is the sheer hassle of returning the device, going somewhere else to get one, going back to my carrier to activate it, etc.
If waiting 40 days from purchase to unlock the phone is effectively the same as starting with an unlocked phone, then that is what I would prefer to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A couple of things here stand out. Yes, they are required to carrier unlock not necessarily allow bl unlock. But obviously they have found a loop hole if you say you're carrier locked for 40 days. As for activation, don't you just pop the SIM in and done? It should auto register your new IMEI. eSim is slightly different.
The thing about spending 40 bucks and an hour or so in travel and effort will pay off in spades should you encounter any issues. Even for piece of mind alone. But I have never bought a carrier device since the Pixel 3 and it took me a month for Verizon and Google to finally say this guy is making us crazy let's just give him what he wants. I'm talking an hour a day on the phone when support was live. I will not go down that road ever again. So now it's your call. Others can jump in and I do know there are some success stories. Good luck.
Build number: TQ1A.221205.011
IMEI: 359379544449346
When attempting to unlock my carrier unlocked pixel in developer options the OEM Unlock setting is grayed out with a caption that says "Connect to the internet or contact your carrier". I purchased the phone unlocked and refurbished from Amazon. I have migrated my cell provider from ATT to Google FI on this same phone so I am confident it's carrier unlocked. I've already attempted a factory reset both from the settings and from the recovery neither attempt has been fruitful. Any ideas?
Lokiuy87 said:
The list of issues Pixel 6 and 6 Pro owners faced is too long, and something similar is playing out with the recently-launched Pixel 6A. Soon after it was released, users reported that the device was unlocked with any fingerprint. Whether or not the fingerprint was registered on the device, they were able to unlock the device easily.
This was a serious issue which was fixed in Android 13 Beta 4.1. Now, the Pixel 6A owners looking to customize their phones are dealing with the OEM unlocking problem. In this article, we’ll see the possible fixes to Pixel 6A cannot unlock bootloader or OEM Unlock grayed out problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you mean to link an article? I don't understand what it is you are trying to say.
HopelessPencil said:
Build number: TQ1A.221205.011
IMEI: 359379544449346
When attempting to unlock my carrier unlocked pixel in developer options the OEM Unlock setting is grayed out with a caption that says "Connect to the internet or contact your carrier". I purchased the phone unlocked and refurbished from Amazon. I have migrated my cell provider from ATT to Google FI on this same phone so I am confident it's carrier unlocked. I've already attempted a factory reset both from the settings and from the recovery neither attempt has been fruitful. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've now discovered by putting my IMEI number into https://store.google.com/repair that it is a "verizon" phone. I'm not sure how this is possible as I have never used verizon as my cell carrier.
I had my suspicions that you had purchased a Verizon device despite the advertising on Amazon saying otherwise. We had a user a couple of months ago with the same issue and the same end result.
Unfortunately, you have discovered why purchasing a refurbished Pixel device from Amazon is not a good idea. The previous purchaser either purchased a Verizon model (G9S9B) thinking he could unlock it or else put his Verizon sim into the device prior to trying to unlock it.
As to how you could possibly have a Verizon device despite never having used Verizon as a carrier, Verizon units have their own model number in Google's inventory. These units, unlike the unlocked device, have both sub-6 and mmWave 5G capabilities: the unlocked devices lack mmWave 5G. Unfortunately, to avoid getting burned you have to do a bit of research beforehand. Regardless of the circumstances that got you to this point, now your best option is to return the device and seek out the unlocked model (GB7N6).
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I had my suspicions that you had purchased a Verizon device despite the advertising on Amazon saying otherwise. We had a user a couple of months ago with the same issue and the same end result.
Unfortunately, you have discovered why purchasing a refurbished Pixel device from Amazon is not a good idea. The previous purchaser either purchased a Verizon model (G9S9B) thinking he could unlock it or else put his Verizon sim into the device prior to trying to unlock it.
As to how you could possibly have a Verizon device despite never having used Verizon as a carrier, Verizon units have their own model number in Google's inventory. These units, unlike the unlocked device, have both sub-6 and mmWave 5G capabilities: the unlocked devices lack mmWave 5G. Unfortunately, to avoid getting burned you have to do a bit of research beforehand. Regardless of the circumstances that got you to this point, now your best option is to return the device and seek out the unlocked model (GB7N6).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had it for a while so no ability to return, but it's not a massive deal I don't mind the stock rom. I'll buy a pixel 7 when they are cheaper on the used market. I'm just completely shocked that a carrier unlocked phone does not support oem unlocking.
Locked bootloaders for carrier devices are the norm in the US. Which is why people have to do their homework before risking a purchase from Amazon. Your reaction is a tell that you are not from the US.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Locked bootloaders for carrier devices are the norm in the US. Which is why people have to do their homework before risking a purchase from Amazon. Your reaction is a tell that you are not from the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually am from the US (I lived abroad most of my life though) I've just always bought unlocked phones from the OEM. I've never bought from a carrier and have never financed a phone. So I was not aware that there was such things as unlocked carrier phones on the used market.