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?
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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.
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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
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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.
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Thanks Arudis!
Might need more time.
mac231us said:
Thanks Arudis!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
Related
Just bought the Verizon moto e at best buy and have it working on t mobile but want to install custom roms.
Sadly it does not. Just bought mine today as a secondary device.
I am just hoping that someone can do something to unlock that bootloader (could the stagefright vulnerability be used to do some things since it does have some root capabilities?) or at least get the device loki'd.
Christopher876 said:
Sadly it does not. Just bought mine today as a secondary device.
I am just hoping that someone can do something to unlock that bootloader (could the stagefright vulnerability be used to do some things since it does have some root capabilities?) or at least get the device loki'd.
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i bought it for the same reason at best buy to uses as a backup for myself or a friend of family member. Just like you i was curious about rooting and custom roms for it. Sadly i found out by trying to follow the tutorial to unlock the bootloader and when i went to Motorola website for the unlock code it said my device couldn't be unlocked :crying:
Before i picked up the Moto e i seen on XDA the Verizon variant could be used on any service so i didn't even think twice to see if it was unlock-able before trying.
Just now wile typing this it actually got me thinking and the thought of the Verizon variant being able to be used on. got me wondering.
Under the hood of the Verizon Moto e is the hardware exactly the same as the other variants or are there more radios for the Verizon network? I ask this because if its the same would there be someway to install the international variant bootloader on the Verizon variant and then unlock it?
if that sounds very stupid im sorry lol. I don't know very much about unlocking devices besides how to follow tutorials of how to unlock a device. But i do know how to flash and install things im kind of a flashaholic thats one reason i looked to unlock this device right away
Verizon as is already annoys me by how there devices have locked bootlaoders thankfully someone found a workaround for the G3, but seeing how this is a prepaid device that customers pay in full for i don't see why they have to lock it down...
$9.99 from bestbuy, it's the best budget phone. I made it work under t-mobile.
clapper66 said:
i bought it for the same reason at best buy to uses as a backup for myself or a friend of family member. Just like you i was curious about rooting and custom roms for it. Sadly i found out by trying to follow the tutorial to unlock the bootloader and when i went to Motorola website for the unlock code it said my device couldn't be unlocked :crying:
Before i picked up the Moto e i seen on XDA the Verizon variant could be used on any service so i didn't even think twice to see if it was unlock-able before trying.
Just now wile typing this it actually got me thinking and the thought of the Verizon variant being able to be used on. got me wondering.
Under the hood of the Verizon Moto e is the hardware exactly the same as the other variants or are there more radios for the Verizon network? I ask this because if its the same would there be someway to install the international variant bootloader on the Verizon variant and then unlock it?
if that sounds very stupid im sorry lol. I don't know very much about unlocking devices besides how to follow tutorials of how to unlock a device. But i do know how to flash and install things im kind of a flashaholic thats one reason i looked to unlock this device right away
Verizon as is already annoys me by how there devices have locked bootlaoders thankfully someone found a workaround for the G3, but seeing how this is a prepaid device that customers pay in full for i don't see why they have to lock it down...
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Can't overwrite the bootloader since it is locked, the partition is locked to read. However, I was thinking, since it has that 5.1 update, it must've written to the system partition and which case I wonder if a fake update of some kind be used. Kingoroot also somehow can mount and write to the system partition through their rooting process, if someone can figure how it does that, there is hope for this version.
There is also the possibility of someone developing loki for this phone too, which would bring at least some custom action to this.
Verizon does some weird things, both it and AT&T, I just don't understand them. AT&T locks down the device and sometimes they even get updates that were released for the phone. Verizon declines other phones which people want. Anyways, we only paid $10 for phone, couldn't say no to that, right? Unlocked SIM and if they do find a workaround, just cherry on top of the icing.
litan1106 said:
$9.99 from bestbuy, it's the best budget phone. I made it work under t-mobile.
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+1 - cant beat the price.
With so many of these out there now, I think its only a matter of time until someone figures out the bootloader and rom questions.
wogeboy said:
+1 - cant beat the price.
With so many of these out there now, I think its only a matter of time until someone figures out the bootloader and rom questions.
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I hope so, would really suck to stay on 5.1 and miss out on any security updates, etc.
But from the looks of scanning through part of the forum, no seems to be taking on the task of figuring out a way to do so. The one guy that was trying had school that took over his time and then there are no other threads about it.
Yeah, I hope that you are right that all these new devices out there will spark something.
Hey guys, I'm wondering if anyone can help me out. I can receive calls, but can't make them. I've tried both wifi and cellular.
The weird thing is I called T-mobile for help and they were saying based on the IMEI I wasn't using a T-mo version and that I should get it unlocked. But it's definitely a T-mobile phone and it was working perfectly fine until today. If it was locked to some other carrier, it wouldn't have been working all this time, right?
Thanks for any help.
Where did you get your Galaxy Note 8? Did you get it from T-Mobile?
If you got it from somewhere like Ebay, then that device maybe flashed for T-Mobile, but actually came from another carrier. Check XDA on how to fix (flash) your device's cellular radio firmware to fully work with T-Mobile (that is if the IMIE number is not locked, due to previous owner's fault, like not fully paying for the Note 8, theft, etc).
If you got this device from T-Mobile, then do a manufacture warranty exchange with T-Mobile. You can request this over a phone call to T-Mobile support. Then they will send the replacement device to a T-Mobile store near you for you to do the exchange.
Always better to get your device from a trustworthy place, like your carrier's store/website/customer support phone call.
When getting a "smartphone" device from places like Ebay, you need to ask yourself why are they doing this. Why are they getting rid of a flagship like the Galaxy Note 8 so early on? If I was going for another flagship right now I would still keep the Note 8 for its unique features. So I would be suspicious of somebody giving rid of this device (Note 8) so early on. Why are they selling it for such low price right now? These are my thoughts on someone selling Note 8 right now (at this point in time) for low price: Good likelihood they messed it up by trying to root/flash ROM/flash carrier modem radio firmware, they don't want to fully pay the device off (so the device is no use to them), or they stolen the device.
Human beings are not dishonest all the time, but it does beg these questions to be asked and answered. Be so very careful in trusting people like this. Personally I wouldn't trust someone in this situation, but that is just me. Remember that they are not doing this because they are amateurs. They are very good in winning your trust.
Just saying!
JaguarXT said:
Where did you get your Galaxy Note 8? Did you get it from T-Mobile?
If you got it from somewhere like Ebay, then that device maybe flashed for T-Mobile, but actually came from another carrier. Check XDA on how to fix (flash) your device's cellular radio firmware to fully work with T-Mobile (that is if the IMIE number is not locked, due to previous owner's fault, like not fully paying for the Note 8, theft, etc).
If you got this device from T-Mobile, then do a manufacture warranty exchange with T-Mobile. You can request this over a phone call to T-Mobile support. Then they will send the replacement device to a T-Mobile store near you for you to do the exchange.
Always better to get your device from a trustworthy place, like your carrier's store/website/customer support phone call.
When getting a "smartphone" device from places like Ebay, you need to ask yourself why are they doing this. Why are they getting rid of a flagship like the Galaxy Note 8 so early on? If I was going for another flagship right now I would still keep the Note 8 for its unique features. So I would be suspicious of somebody giving rid of this device (Note 8) so early on. Why are they selling it for such low price right now? These are my thoughts on someone selling Note 8 right now (at this point in time) for low price: Good likelihood they messed it up by trying to root/flash ROM/flash carrier modem radio firmware, they don't want to fully pay the device off (so the device is no use to them), or they stolen the device.
Human beings are not dishonest all the time, but it does beg these questions to be asked and answered. Be so very careful in trusting people like this. Personally I wouldn't trust someone in this situation, but that is just me. Remember that they are not doing this because they are amateurs. They are very good in winning your trust.
Just saying!
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I bought it from someone on Swappa. He sent me the receipt with it. It was purchased from Samsung.com. The box it came in had the T-mobile logo and everything so it's weird that the IMEI isn't registered with them.
To update my situation, I tried starting in safe mode and was able to make calls so I'm told it's a third party app causing the problem. Not sure which it is since I haven't installed anything new in a while.
First do a "Factory data reset". See if that gets rid of the problem. Hopefully that would get rid the the app that is causing the issue. I just remembered that substratum (including sungstratum - Samsung addon) did weird things like this to my Galaxy Note 8. I had to do a "Factory data reset". Then install all the apps one by one, since both Google and Samsung backups had substratum within it. So I couldn't use either backups. For that reason I stay away from substratum stuff.
It is not abnormal for Samsung direct bought devices to have IMIE number not registered with carrier. Usually not a problem with T-Mobile.
If problem still exists then have the seller contact Samsung to let them know that he gave the device to you. He can say it was a gift to you. Remember to tell him to give your information to Samsung. Once that is done, then you can can get support from Samsung.
Again, if you got the device from T-Mobile this problem would have been solved so much easier and quicker. Next time think about getting the device directly from the carrier.
Hello Pixel-ers! Just wanted to throw this out there to see where we end up (forgive me, mods, if I have sinned).
I just received my Pixel 3 from Sprint, and, unsurprisingly, the option to OEM Unlock is greyed out. I mostly expected this so I'm not super worried about it, but I was reading other forums and some users suggested that unlocking the SIM through Sprint might allow the bootloader to unlock as well. (I'm admittedly confused by this as I don't understand fully the relationship between the SIM and bootloader, but I digress...)
I contacted Sprint advanced tech support to see if they had any insight. They seemed to end up where I did, presuming that the bootloader can be unlocked if the SIM is unlocked. But I'm left with a couple of questions.
1) Has anyone already purchased the phone outright from Sprint and able to confirm if SIM unlocking allows bootloader unlocking?
2) Anyone tried the previous for unlocking the bootloader, like those for the OG Pixels (deleting the android phone apk?) or similar?
Thanks in advance!
natenins said:
Hello Pixel-ers! Just wanted to throw this out there to see where we end up (forgive me, mods, if I have sinned).
I just received my Pixel 3 from Sprint, and, unsurprisingly, the option to OEM Unlock is greyed out. I mostly expected this so I'm not super worried about it, but I was reading other forums and some users suggested that unlocking the SIM through Sprint might allow the bootloader to unlock as well. (I'm admittedly confused by this as I don't understand fully the relationship between the SIM and bootloader, but I digress...)
I contacted Sprint advanced tech support to see if they had any insight. They seemed to end up where I did, presuming that the bootloader can be unlocked if the SIM is unlocked. But I'm left with a couple of questions.
1) Has anyone already purchased the phone outright from Sprint and able to confirm if SIM unlocking allows bootloader unlocking?
2) Anyone tried the previous for unlocking the bootloader, like those for the OG Pixels (deleting the android phone apk?) or similar?
Thanks in advance!
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Click to collapse
Damn that sucks, guess that's the price of going carrier. I fell victim of unlockable bootloader when I sent in my pixel 2 and got back a refurbished one. I tried the old tricks and nothing worked. I sent it in as rma. The 2nd rma still could not be unlocked. Only options are to return it, deal with it, or sell it and buy one directly from Google or other route.
Sure there maybe a way down the line but it's not likely going to be soon.
Pretty certain it just requires a unlock from Sprint first. Knowing the Verizon variant has a locked bootloader and looking on Google's own factory flashable image site we can see there are only 2 different images to download, the stock unlockable image and a separate Verizon labeled image which is obviously separate since it has a locked bootloader in the image. So the Sprint model has to be using the same os as the straight from Google model but the unlock option is still greyed out, leaving the only other possible lock being the sim/carrier lock put in place u til the device is paid for.
It's also the same situation for my Nexus 6 I financed from Sprint on release, running Crdroid and the system images on Google's site list a stock release and a separate Verizon release as well as a T-Mobile release but the only difference being the T-Mobile image contains a different radio img. I cannot think of any cross carrier device that is unlockable on one model while the Sprint model being locked, Sprint being the smallest of the major carriers they tend not to go out of their way to restrict customers, been a customer for over 10 years, they may have incompetent, poorly speaking, slow phone reps but they still allow 1000x more compared to Verizon lol. I use around 800gb - 1tb a month for years and they just laugh when I talk to them, try that with Verizon lol.
LaGgY_42o said:
Pretty certain it just requires a unlock from Sprint first. Knowing the Verizon variant has a locked bootloader and looking on Google's own factory flashable image site we can see there are only 2 different images to download, the stock unlockable image and a separate Verizon labeled image which is obviously separate since it has a locked bootloader in the image. So the Sprint model has to be using the same os as the straight from Google model but the unlock option is still greyed out, leaving the only other possible lock being the sim/carrier lock put in place u til the device is paid for.
It's also the same situation for my Nexus 6 I financed from Sprint on release, running Crdroid and the system images on Google's site list a stock release and a separate Verizon release as well as a T-Mobile release but the only difference being the T-Mobile image contains a different radio img. I cannot think of any cross carrier device that is unlockable on one model while the Sprint model being locked, Sprint being the smallest of the major carriers they tend not to go out of their way to restrict customers, been a customer for over 10 years, they may have incompetent, poorly speaking, slow phone reps but they still allow 1000x more compared to Verizon lol. I use around 800gb - 1tb a month for years and they just laugh when I talk to them, try that with Verizon lol.
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Click to collapse
Right?! I've been with sprint for like 10 years too and they are absolutely incompetent when it comes to pretty much anything and have been since day 1. I usually have to walk them through most things I've asked them to do, but they have been pretty chill about lots of stuff. Anyway, I guess my biggest worry was that I'd pay off the device and it still wouldn't be OEM unlockable, but this at least gives me hope that my pain and suffering with them won't be for nothing. Thanks for the insight!
LaGgY_42o said:
Pretty certain it just requires a unlock from Sprint first. Knowing the Verizon variant has a locked bootloader and looking on Google's own factory flashable image site we can see there are only 2 different images to download, the stock unlockable image and a separate Verizon labeled image which is obviously separate since it has a locked bootloader in the image.
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Click to collapse
The two images will merge into one in the next month or so and the only difference is radio and network. That has been what has happened with all of the Pixels on release. There is no difference in the image that locks it, they all run exactly the same software. The Google ones ship locked and only unlock when they are connected and phone home for permission to unlock.
That said, I agree that Sprint will be able to unlock them. That is exactly what EE in Europe does. They come SIM and bootloader locked. As soon as you fulfill your contract they flip the switch and you are SIM and bootloader unlocked.
So we know Google has a system set up for this, and that it works. The only question is will Sprint participate in it. My gut says yes they will.
yep...got my Pixel 3xl today from Sprint, and low and behold its locked up...i was honestly shocked, whats worse is my current phone is a Essential....from sprint...thats been unlocked since first boot....FML
I think what is happening is that Google has now declared the Pixel 3 line and above (the a series) enterprise ready. Meaning security and thus being able to keep the bootloader locked thus no root. That will allow businesses to purchase a Sprint, Verizon or TM device plan and make sure the bootloader remains locked no matter who pays off what. They tested it with Verizon the past 2 years and they now have it down. At some point in the near future, IMO, all bootloaders will be locked except the Google (or Fi) bought device.
I also believe the refurbishment channel on Google store replacement devices will be as Pixel 2. I had a unlocked Google store Project Fi that when device was exchanged through store four times were not unlockable. Finally gave up and received credit. From a restocking point of view lock, unlock is important to us, but the previous statement on business needs makes sense.
Can someone with a non Sprint version check this in Mobile network>advanced. I think this is how it knows to be greyed out for oem unlock.
Double post
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?
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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
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
I have seen on eBay, USB Unlocking services for the S23 Ultra for around $200. What are these services doing? Surely its some sort of flash or hack that we could replicate? I bought what I thought was an unlocked S23 Ultra. I actually Traded my M1 Mac for it. It works a few minutes with a SIM, but then the signal goes away and it says invalid sim, this phone is locked to verizon. And when they say Verizon, it seems that they mean it. I tried a Verizon MVNO, US Mobile, and it treated it like a forbidden carrier. I was hoping maybe someone here could help me get this thing unlocked without paying $200 to some eBay guy to do what obviously anyone with the right knowledge could do.
Most likely a scam or just putting malware on your device
There really is no way anyone here can help you with a SIM Unlock. If the carrier cannot/will not unlock it for whatever reason, then you are stuck. Unfortunately, most of the Unlocking Services out there are scams. The few legit ones that are out there (no, I don't know of any), could not unlock your device untilt he Primary IMIE Shared Database is updated with S23 IMEI's and Unlock Codes. In the past, it takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months after a new device is released to get these into the database and for those that pay to access it, to be able to unlock your device.
This is because it takes a combination of Samsung and Carriers to update/release these.
There are several reasons an IMIE won't appear in the Unlock Database:
Phone is still financed
Phone has been reported Stolen (IMIE Blacklist)
Phone was never meant to be retail released (Test/Demo phones)
... and many other reasons
Sorry about this, but this is just the way it is.
jpolster2012 said:
I have seen on eBay, USB Unlocking services for the S23 Ultra for around $200. What are these services doing? Surely its some sort of flash or hack that we could replicate? I bought what I thought was an unlocked S23 Ultra. I actually Traded my M1 Mac for it. It works a few minutes with a SIM, but then the signal goes away and it says invalid sim, this phone is locked to verizon. And when they say Verizon, it seems that they mean it. I tried a Verizon MVNO, US Mobile, and it treated it like a forbidden carrier. I was hoping maybe someone here could help me get this thing unlocked without paying $200 to some eBay guy to do what obviously anyone with the right knowledge could do.
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Does your phone boot up Verizon and have all the Verizon apps?
it did until I installed the U1 ROM
jpolster2012 said:
it did until I installed the U1 ROM
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The phone will never unlock unless it has the Verizon software on it. Even if Verizon sends out the unlock signal, it will never process on the device unless you have the U package flashed.
Adding to that not only the Verizon Rom but you have to activate it with a Verizon Sim and it will unlock after 60 days automatically
I guess I don't understand. it works with a mint sim for like 5 min then says locked to Verizon. this has to be a software thing right? and if its software we should be able to just modify something
jpolster2012 said:
I guess I don't understand. it works with a mint sim for like 5 min then says locked to Verizon. this has to be a software thing right? and if its software we should be able to just modify something
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It's not just software. On the server side of things whenever a phone connects to a network the phone sends the sim info and imei and that network verifies if it's an unlocked phone or not.
Nm
jpolster2012 said:
I guess I don't understand. it works with a mint sim for like 5 min then says locked to Verizon. this has to be a software thing right? and if its software we should be able to just modify something
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call Verizon and tell them you are travelling and need to unlock it so you can install a temporary sim card while you are travelling. This may or may not work for you.
spart0n said:
It's not just software. On the server side of things whenever a phone connects to a network the phone sends the sim info and imei and that network verifies if it's an unlocked phone or not.
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I thought only iPhone did this, during its activation process. I was under the impression that SIM locks on android devices were all contained in the software and hardware of the device itself; hence the ability of the eBay sellers to use USB redirection to hack your device and unlock it.
jpolster2012 said:
I thought only iPhone did this, during its activation process. I was under the impression that SIM locks on android devices were all contained in the software and hardware of the device itself; hence the ability of the eBay sellers to use USB redirection to hack your device and unlock it.
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If that even works, most if not all of those services are scams to steal your money or install Spyware or malware. But no all phones and all networks in the US do this
Try calling Verizon as another poster said and telling them you are traveling internationally and need to use another sim temporarily. That is the only way you will ever get it unlocked. I have gone through this before and that is the only solution other than fulfilling the unlock requirements from Verizon.
It is best to buy unlocked phone. There is a reason locked phones are cheaper. Because the carrier makes up the cost in monthly charges.
Your options are limited.
1) Sell it as a locked phone on Swappa/ebay or other. Buy another unlocked s23 ultra.
Return it to Verizon.
Use Verizon.