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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Related
I will be in the US for vacation in about six weeks and planning to buy The One.
Can you please help me with some questions:
1. Assuming that by then stock would be plenty and they don't refuse off contract sales. My question is: will A&TT or T-Mobile sell me the phone without me getting any phone service. I have my SIM with international roaming and do not need any kind of US phone service. I just need the Hardware. Is it possible?
2. Because I would be paying the phone without any contract or subsidy (full price). Can you confirm it will be unlocked to use with a SIM from any operator? Is it something automatically or I have to request it in the store?
3. I'm ok if they can only be unlocked. But have to ask if The One bough from operators can also be customized with other ROMS.
3. Which carrier is prefered to do this (if can be done) AT&T or T-Mobile.
Thanks you!
Antiflash said:
I will be in the US for vacation in about six weeks and planning to buy The One.
Can you please help me with some questions:
1. Assuming that by then stock would be plenty and they don't refuse off contract sales. My question is: will A&TT or T-Mobile sell me the phone without me getting any phone service. I have my SIM with international roaming and do not need any kind of US phone service. I just need the Hardware. Is it possible?
2. Because I would be paying the phone without any contract or subsidy (full price). Can you confirm it will be unlocked to use with a SIM from any operator? Is it something automatically or I have to request it in the store?
3. I'm ok if they can only be unlocked. But have to ask if The One bough from operators can also be customized with other ROMS.
3. Which carrier is prefered to do this (if can be done) AT&T or T-Mobile.
Thanks you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably want to buy the unlocked version. It is cheaper, unlocked, and will be able to use custom roms after unlocking the bootloader http://shopamerica.htc.com/brands/HTC-mobile/homebrands/index.htm
If not to answer those questions
1. Yes you can buy off contract
2. It will not be unlocked. You probably can unlock it easily with something like cellular unlocker service
3. Right now the bootloader is unlockable. We do not know if they will lock in the future
3(again). AT&T has earlier release but it doesnt really matter
joshuadjohnson22 said:
You probably want to buy the unlocked version. It is cheaper, unlocked, and will be able to use custom roms after unlocking the bootloader http://shopamerica.htc.com/brands/HTC-mobile/homebrands/index.htm
If not to answer those questions
1. Yes you can buy off contract
2. It will not be unlocked. You probably can unlock it easily with something like cellular unlocker service
3. Right now the bootloader is unlockable. We do not know if they will lock in the future
3(again). AT&T has earlier release but it doesnt really matter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the prompt response. I would like to buy it from HTC directly but what I planning is a road trip and won't be staying more than a couple of days in any place. It is difficult to time processing and delivery times from HTC and I don't know how strict they are with billing address differing from shipping address.
Bummer they would not unlocked it even after paying it in full. What "unlocker" services do you recommend. I have never used one.
Antiflash said:
Thanks for the prompt response. I would like to buy it from HTC directly but what I planning is a road trip and won't be staying more than a couple of days in any place. It is difficult to time processing and delivery times from HTC and I don't know how strict they are with billing address differing from shipping address.
Bummer they would not unlocked it even after paying it in full. What "unlocker" services do you recommend. I have never used one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a lot out there like http://www.cellunlocker.net/ they will just send you a code that you can enter after putting a none AT&T sim in it. Now a disclaimer from me. I have heard of a lot of phones being unlocked by them but the HTC One has not been unlocked on AT&T yet as far as I know.
I just bought one from a employee on craigslist and trying to get it unlocked
Sent from my HTC One
If any carrier sells you a phone for off contract pricing you're eligible/entitled to have it unlocked when you walk out the door. Just call them.
Can anyone explain why AT&T won’t allow Motorola to unlock the bootloader for the Moto E? I just picked one up for $50 from Walmart (it’s branded for Cricket - had it sim unlocked for $2.68). Thought I’d have a nice, cheap toy to play with but since the bootloader can’t be unlocked I can’t do much to it.
Any insight is appreciated.
mn1968 said:
Can anyone explain why AT&T won’t allow Motorola to unlock the bootloader for the Moto E? I just picked one up for $50 from Walmart (it’s branded for Cricket - had it sim unlocked for $2.68). Thought I’d have a nice, cheap toy to play with but since the bootloader can’t be unlocked I can’t do much to it.
Any insight is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup after my xt1022 smashed,I picked up this toy.?.I think sunshine app can help us.but it is pretty expensive.
no
ashwin007 said:
Yup after my xt1022 smashed,I picked up this toy..I think sunshine app can help us.but it is pretty expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sunshine does not work on cricket xt1021 from Walmart, at the present time. I just tried. Maybe later.
Also discussed here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-e/help/help-moto-e-xt1021-cricket-unlock-t2942093
mn1968 said:
Thought I’d have a nice, cheap toy to play with but since the bootloader can’t be unlocked I can’t do much to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that's the reason it's locked.
The only way it can sell for $50 (or $10 on Cyber Monday for the Tracfone XT830C variant) is if the carrier subsidizes it--at those prices, they're selling at a loss. So they need a way to discourage people from buying it with no intention of actually using it on their service. And one way to do that is to lock down the bootloader. You can get it with no carrier SIM lock and no bootloader lock if you buy from Motorola, but you'll be paying the full price, without the benefit of the carrier's subsidy.
@ code65536
I understand the point you are trying to make but I disagree. The locked bootloader only prevents me from rooting it. I got the phone sim unlocked for $2 and my wife is using it on a different network. Hence, they took a loss selling it for $50 AND now they don’t even get my monthly business. The locked bootloader does not keep me on their network. If that is their reason, it is flawed logic and not doing what they intended. At this point, why prevent me (us) from unlocking the bootloader.
mn1968 said:
@ code65536
I understand the point you are trying to make but I disagree. The locked bootloader only prevents me from rooting it. I got the phone sim unlocked for $2 and my wife is using it on a different network. Hence, they took a loss selling it for $50 AND now they don’t even get my monthly business. The locked bootloader does not keep me on their network. If that is their reason, it is flawed logic and not doing what they intended. At this point, why prevent me (us) from unlocking the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I said a locked bootloader was only one of the means. Carrier SIM locking discourages use on another carrier (the Motos are easy to unlock but many other phones are harder), and bootloader locking discourages people who have no intention of using it on any carrier and just want a device for the hardware.
Obviously these are imperfect since I bought a XT830C with no intention of using it as a phone at all, but limited deterrent is better than zero deterrent for them. For example, Consumer Cellular offers a 2nd gen Moto G for a substantial discount from the vanilla XT1064. With an easy to defeat SIM and an unlocked bootloader, it's easy for people to just convert it to a regular XT1064, and everyone at SlickDeals who buys it is not planning to use it on CC. People would still do that if they can't remove CC's customizations, but not as many.
Also, bootloader locking protects Cricket's “features” like their crippled tethering. Again, not perfect since you can use a non-Cricket phone for that...
Anyway, I am not saying that I agree with this practice (I was hoping to do more with my XT830C, but can't). Just offering the “insight” that the first post asked for.
SIM unlocked
mn1968 said:
@ code65536
I understand the point you are trying to make but I disagree. The locked bootloader only prevents me from rooting it. I got the phone sim unlocked for $2 and my wife is using it on a different network. Hence, they took a loss selling it for $50 AND now they don’t even get my monthly business. The locked bootloader does not keep me on their network. If that is their reason, it is flawed logic and not doing what they intended. At this point, why prevent me (us) from unlocking the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me, where did you unlock it for 2 dollars?
code65536 said:
And that's the reason it's locked.
The only way it can sell for $50 (or $10 on Cyber Monday for the Tracfone XT830C variant) is if the carrier subsidizes it--at those prices, they're selling at a loss. So they need a way to discourage people from buying it with no intention of actually using it on their service. And one way to do that is to lock down the bootloader. You can get it with no carrier SIM lock and no bootloader lock if you buy from Motorola, but you'll be paying the full price, without the benefit of the carrier's subsidy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That has nothing to do with it. Bootloader unlocking isn't sim unlocking, so I don't see your point. In fact, they've failed (based on what you said), since I AM using it on a different carrier other than Cricket, since I was able to sim unlock it.
ATT is just making sure most of their phones get locked now. They likely want to force people to use their worthless software and preventing bricking phones. The only recent one that hasn't been shut down is the HTC m8 as far as I know.
edit: saw you're second post " bootloader locking discourages people who have no intention of using it on any carrier and just want a device for the hardware."
Still, bootloader locking only discourages small niche of people. You don't need to root to make this a useful $50 small tablet. I can't imagine that is the main thought that goes through their heads when they decide to lock it.
lolwatpear said:
That has nothing to do with it. Bootloader unlocking isn't sim unlocking, so I don't see your point. In fact, they've failed (based on what you said), since I AM using it on a different carrier other than Cricket, since I was able to sim unlock it.
ATT is just making sure most of their phones get locked now. They likely want to force people to use their worthless software and preventing bricking phones. The only recent one that hasn't been shut down is the HTC m8 as far as I know.
edit: saw you're second post " bootloader locking discourages people who have no intention of using it on any carrier and just want a device for the hardware."
Still, bootloader locking only discourages small niche of people. You don't need to root to make this a useful $50 small tablet. I can't imagine that is the main thought that goes through their heads when they decide to lock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
also no lollipop update until now, criket raped us, i hate them.
unlock bootloader
Has anyone found a workaround for this yet? Have a Moto E XT1021 for Cricket and am not able to root because of this ... help!
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.
Hello,
Hoping someone can help me, full disclosure, I haven't done any research yet, just looking for a quick yes/no answer. I currently have a P2XL, going to be upgrading to the pixel 6 soon. I know when I got my current phone in 2017, in order to root it, it had to come from Google and not Verizon. I'm going to be switching to Xfinity when I get my new phone, as far as rooting goes does it matter who I buy it from?
Appreciate the help,
Dan
I would highly recommend getting an unlocked phone but I would also highly recommend you get it from Amazon instead of Google. The customer service from Google is horrible if anything goes wrong. You can get an unlocked phone from Amazon the next day in many cases.
rrrrrrredbelly said:
Hello,
Hoping someone can help me, full disclosure, I haven't done any research yet, just looking for a quick yes/no answer. I currently have a P2XL, going to be upgrading to the pixel 6 soon. I know when I got my current phone in 2017, in order to root it, it had to come from Google and not Verizon. I'm going to be switching to Xfinity when I get my new phone, as far as rooting goes does it matter who I buy it from?
Appreciate the help,
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came from a 2XL. The same restrictions that applied to the 2XL apply with the 6, i.e. do NOT purchase from Verizon or Best Buy. Both only sell units with locked bootloaders, leaving you high and dry.
Stick with Amazon or Google and you should be fine. However, you do want to make sure the device you buy from Amazon is not a Verizon model.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I came from a 2XL. The same restrictions that applied to the 2XL apply with the 6, i.e. do NOT purchase from Verizon or Best Buy. Both only sell units with locked bootloaders, leaving you high and dry.
Stick with Amazon or Google and you should be fine. However, you do want to make sure the device you buy from Amazon is not a Verizon model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, appreciate both responses. Google is appealing because of monthly payments, but I'll definitely check out prices from Amazon.
Thanks for the help.
Made an account just to say YES! Xfinity is very similar to Verizon in the way that every phone you buy from them is locked and is difficult to unlock. Amazon or google store is what I'd recommend.
Phones are illegal lock to network carriers now, at least in Uk, but im sure its global
boe323 said:
Phones are illegal lock to network carriers now, at least in Uk, but im sure its global
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but we are not talking about carrier locking, but bootloader locking. The two are mutually exclusive: carrier locks (which are legal in the US) aren't predicated on a bootloader lock (also legal in the US).
We tell people to stay away from Verizon and AT&T-branded devices because the bootloaders cannot be unlocked. Verizon and AT&T will remove the carrier lock after 90 days of service have elapsed, but they flat out refuse to ever unlock the bootloader.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Yes, but we are not talking about carrier locking, but bootloader locking. The two are mutually exclusive: carrier locks (which are legal in the US) aren't predicated on a bootloader lock (also legal in the US).
We tell people to stay away from Verizon and AT&T-branded devices because the bootloaders cannot be unlocked. Verizon and AT&T will remove the carrier lock after 90 days of service have elapsed, but they flat out refuse to ever unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier branded phones have one benefit and that's you can roll the cost into your monthly plan and not be subject to either another credit check or large one time bill. However, it's playing with fire as you mentioned. Carrier unlock yes, but being allowed to bootloader unlock is quite another. Verizon is completely locked down not 100% on ATT. But one other reason to buy from Google if you can afford it is that if something goes wrong with the device they will replace it (refurb natch) on a cross ship. Meaning once you get the replacement you have 30 days to send back the old one so you're never out a phone. I've availed myself of that option numerous times. It only took one time for me to get caught out on that to vow never again.
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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.