TL;DR: Don’t use a remote unlock service if you want to still be able to unlock your bootloader.
DISCLAIMER: I don’t recommend or endorse any of the vendors or tools mentioned in this post. I’m simply mentioning them in the interest of full transparency.
I recently bought a refurbished T-Mobile-locked Motorola Moto One 5G Ace (model XT2113-2). When I first received the device, I successfully unlocked the bootloader by following the instructions on Motorola’s website.
I was mistakenly under the impression that since the phone was paid off I could get it unlocked by T-Mobile directly. However, using the built-in tool to request a “Permanent Unlock” repeatedly failed with error code 255.
I spoke with one chat agent, two phone agents, and one T-Force agent (@TMobileHelp on Twitter) but couldn’t get anywhere with any of them. The T-Force agent ended up telling me that the original owner of the phone would have to request the unlock. Since I purchased it from a reseller on eBay, I have no idea who the original owner is. The eBay seller was likewise unable to help.
I decided to do some research and came to the conclusion that the only working way to unlock an XT2113-2 besides directly through the carrier is to use a remote unlocking service. Further research indicated that eBay is the best and safest place to purchase these types of unlocking services. Finally, I landed on only two vendors on eBay that advertise a remote unlocking service for this model: “quick_unlock89” and “thejmf2011”.
In the process, I also came across a single vendor on eBay (“gfix99”) advertising a T-Mobile unlock eligibility checker service that supposedly queries T-Mobile’s database directly. I have no idea if this service is legitimate or not or what less-than-legal means they have of accessing T-Mobile’s database. However, it was cheap at only $1.65, so I figured I’d order it to see what it said. Sure enough, it showed my device as being locked to T-Mobile.
From what I could tell, there was no appreciable difference between the two unlock vendors, so I went for the cheaper of the two (“quick_unlock89”). For the uninitiated, the way these remote unlocking services work is by connecting to your computer via TeamViewer or some other remote access software. Then, they copy over and run a software called USB Redirector (you can find it by Googling that plus “Incentives Pro”). This redirects your phone’s USB connection to your computer over the internet to the person on the other end. After that, they ask you to boot the phone into the bootloader by holding volume-down and power at the same time. Once you plug in the phone, they take it from there.
I created a Windows VM and used a VPN to have this procedure done on my phone, and I screen recorded the whole session. There’s not much to see, sadly. However, after the process was done, the phone indeed showed that it was unlocked in the Settings app. Also, I paid for a second report from “gfix99”, and the phone is now showing as unlocked in T-Mobile’s database as well, assuming the report is accurate.
However, as soon as they were done with the unlock, I noticed that my bootloader had re-locked. When I tried to unlock it again, I was unable to. Using the fastboot oem get_unlock_data command fails with this error: “Failed to get unlock data.” Attempting to run the fastboot oem unlock command with the unlock code I received from Motorola when I first bought the phone gives this error: “Code validation failure”.
My next step was to try Motorola’s Rescue and Smart Assistant (LMSA) tool, but even after repairing the phone with it, the bootloader unlock still failed with the same errors. Notably, the phone did still show as network unlocked after repairing it with Motorola’s tool.
I did some more digging and was finally able to find some Spanish-language forum posts talking about a program called Moto-Key Tool that is used for remote unlocking the XT2113-2 along with several other models. From what I can tell, this seems to be the tool that these two eBay vendors are using to do these remote unlocks. You can find it with a Google search if you’re so inclined (basically just add “.com” after “moto-key”). It requires the purchase of credits that seem to roughly equate to $1 USD per credit, with the entire unlock procedure requiring 25 credits.
The basic sequence of events that this software uses seems to be as follows:
From the bootloader, it enables “Factory Mode” on the phone and then boots it up into that mode.
Once in Factory Mode, it wipes the IMEI from the phone, runs some other command, and then re-writes the original IMEI back to the phone.
It reboots the phone back to the bootloader and does a factory reset.
It boots the phone back up into the normal Android OS at which point the process is finished.
I attempted to decompile some of the DLLs included with the software to see if I could figure out exactly what it’s doing, but I’m no developer, and I certainly can’t read assembly language. I have some theories as to how it’s accomplishing the unlock, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter for the sake of this post.
It’s important to note that neither of the eBay vendors offering this service say anything in their listings about this being a possible outcome. Personally, I never would have purchased the service had I known that. I use a T-Mobile MVNO, so the network unlock was really a “nice-to-have” for me in case I ever get to travel abroad again. The bootloader unlock is far more important to me.
I reached out to the eBay seller to express my dissatisfaction and request a refund. I’ve copied and pasted the conversation below for transparency. If the mods need me to provide proof I’m happy to do so. I just want any potential customers such as myself to be aware of the type of individuals they’ll be dealing with when they purchase these unlock services.
OP: “Hello, I had unlocked my bootloader before having you do the network unlock. Right after you finished I noticed my bootloader was relocked. I've been trying over and over to unlock it again, but I can't even get fastboot to pull the oem unlock data anymore. It just gives an error message stating "Failed to get unlock data". From what I can find online, it sounds like either the unlock data block has gone missing or is corrupt. Do you have a fix for this?”
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quick_unlock89: “Sorry we don't support bootloader unlocking. May be factory unlock have brought your phone to initial state.”
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OP: “I need my bootloader unlocked, and since this network unlock has now rendered me unable to re-unlock the bootloader I'll have to sell this phone and buy another one. Your ad doesn't say anything about this. I never would have purchased the network unlock from you if I would have known this would happen. That's unacceptable to me. Respectfully, I request a refund.”
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quick_unlock89: “Sorry we don't refund for any software modifications. Can refund if you have any problem in Unlock service. It's factory unlock service so as mentioned in item description. Bootloader unlocking any how voids warranty. If I will force server for refund due to this reason so it will any how blacklist IMEI World wide after refund so I think it's not worth it.”
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OP: “So let me make sure I'm understanding you. You're threatening that if I request a refund you will blacklist my IMEI in retaliation. Is that correct?”
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quick_unlock89: “Not me friend. Server will do so if I will ask refund for such an issue which is not related to unlock service because we never faced this kind of issue ever. I can provide you a discount on your next purchase just as a good gesture. I think it will be a win win situation for both of us.”
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OP: “I'm not asking you to request a refund on your end and reverse the network unlock. I'm asking you directly as the service provider for a refund. It sounds like in this case that means you'll need to write the cost off on your end in order to refund my money and not get my IMEI blacklisted.”
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quick_unlock89: “Sorry I will have to request refund from server on my end too because I have complete paid for the service too and we don't take any responsibility of software modifications like bootloader unlocking and rooting of devices as these process are already prohibited by companies and void warranties, Owners always do these things on there own risk. If you think it's worth the risk of IMEI blacklisting than I will take my refund and issue you refund too. Thanks”
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OP: “I guess you must not understand the basics of running a business. If a customer is dissatisfied with your service and requests a refund, you as the business owner are responsible for refunding your customer's money. Then you write it off and take the loss. That's just part of running a business. It sucks, but it is what it is. Again, your listing makes absolutely no mention of not supporting unlocked bootloaders. It makes no mention that if you use your network unlocking service your bootloader will be irreversibly locked forever. It is completely unprofessional and unacceptable as a business owner to tell your customer "too bad" and then threaten to blacklist their IMEI when it is your fault for not disclosing this issue ahead of time in your listing. Obviously you know this is a problem. Also, for your information, bootloader unlocking is not prohibited by Motorola. They themselves provide an official support page that walks you through the process.”
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quick_unlock89: “Ok, provide me a day time. Let me check if I can do something for you. We are not even sure that is issue is related to Unlock service as we never have any complain regarding this issue ever with any of our client till now. I will offer you a partial refund of 50% payment. Please don't put all the loss on me when there is nothing wrong with the service and your phone is factory unlock now. You have a issue which is very unusual one. If there was any issue related to service than we have 100% refund warranty. Are you okay with it ? I will offer you 50% refund and provide you relock warranty for you IMEI. Done ?”
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OP: “No, I won't accept that. I feel you've been purposely misleading to me throughout our interaction. First, you don't warn your potential customers in your listing that if they have unlocked bootloaders the network unlock service you provide will cause their bootloaders to be irreversibly re-locked. Second, you told me that unlocking the bootloader is prohibited by Motorola when that is not true at all. Third, you first told me no refunds would be given before then telling me that you would give me a refund but that my IMEI would be blacklisted. And now you're telling me that you'll give me a 50% refund with a "relock warranty" for my IMEI, whatever that means. This is not good business. I shouldn't have to argue with you to get you to offer even a 50% refund, and frankly, I don't put any trust in whatever "warranty" you might offer me. At this point, this device is rendered useless to me. I need it to be both bootloader unlocked and network unlocked, not just one or the other. Now I have to purchase another phone to replace it. Again, I respectfully request a 100% refund from you directly without doing anything that will get the IMEI blacklisted.”
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quick_unlock89: “It's already a risky process. Source Motorola official site. If Motorola offers bootloader unlocking than get it unlock with them. Contact them if it's not unlocking. You could cause permanent/physical damage to your device. Unlocking your bootloader will not change your device subsidy lock status It's all mentioned on Motorola official site. We don't know it happened because you modified your device. Sorry I can not refund for this kind of fishy issue. Only can refund 50% as a good gesture if you want. If you Opened Fake claims, Bad Feed backs etc. When your device is 100% factory unlock than IMEI will be black listed world wide. You have only yourself to blame. Unless you have a Developer Edition device, once you get the unlock code, your device is no longer covered by the Motorola warranty; in other words, please don't blame us if things go wrong, even if they appear unrelated to unlocking the bootloader. I am not misleading. Every thing is mentioned on Motorola official site.”
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OP: “So again, just to be 100% clear as to what you're saying. You're threatening me that if I try to get my money back you will purposely blacklist my IMEI worldwide. Is that correct?”
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quick_unlock89: “We are not responsible for any 3rd party issue on phone specially when you have done a very risky process on phone. If you have any issue regarding Network unlock I am here to answer you. Also if you say Motorola offers bootloader unlock than contact them regarding it. Yes your phone is 100% factory unlock now if you will make fake claims we will blacklist IMEI world wide and it's not a threat it's as per rule already mentioned in our item description regarding fake claims.”
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OP: “Respectfully, it's not a fake claim to say that you irreversibly damaged my phone during your service and that I'm not satisfied with the results and want my money back. I shouldn't be held hostage by your unprofessional and probably illegal threat to purposely blacklist my IMEI if I complain to eBay. Whatever exploit your "Moto-Key Tool" used to network unlock my phone corrupted the unlock data block, and now the bootloader can't be unlocked again because the OEM unlock data is literally missing from the phone. Motorola openly publishes on their support website how to unlock the bootloader for this device, but now I literally cannot do it because of your tool corrupting that portion of the phone's EEPROM. This is 100% your fault and not mine. I wouldn't even be mad about it if you were up front about this in your listing, but you don't say one word about it. As I mentioned before, I never would have purchased this from you if you had been honest in your listing and stated that this was a risk. Therefore, I feel that I am entitled to a 100% refund from you, and I don't feel that you should be threatening to blacklist my IMEI for requesting it. Yet again, I respectfully request that you refund me 100% of what I paid without doing anything to blacklist the IMEI of this phone.”
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quick_unlock89: “Ok bro I will any how refund you. We never wish to spoil our relationship with clients but I will hope you reconsider and pay us 50% back because your phone is factory unlock now. And it is not a justified decision to put all claim and blame on us when you yourself know that bootloader unlocking is a risky procedure itself which does void warranty too.”
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To their credit, they did issue a full refund. I don’t have much faith that they won’t go ahead and purposely blacklist the IMEI anyway. At the very least, I want this information out there for anyone else considering this type of service so it’s not a total loss and the community can benefit.
If you’ve read this far, congratulations! Long story short, if you want an unlocked phone, just buy it unlocked direct from the manufacturer. Dealing with the carriers or these gray-market unlock services isn’t worth the headache.
Thank **** Canada mandates that all devices have to be sold unlocked since like 2017. And they provide free unlock codes for older phones so you're covered for sure.
I bought a moto g 5g on Amazon, because it was cheaper than the one 5g ace. It's unlocked and it's gonna stay unlocked lmao.
Related
hello, i have a huawei 8652 (u8652) i was originally using it with consumercellular.(not at&t)
now i am no longer with that service provider. they sent me two unlock codes at my request but neither one works.
phone is asking for two codes. 1) sim service provider unlock pin. 2) unlock sim service provider block.
i was wondering if the phone could be rooted and unlocked that way.
can someone recommend a way to get this phone unlocked. the online services dont seem to have positive reviews.
shark week said:
hello, i have a huawei 8652 (u8652) i was originally using it with consumercellular.(not at&t)
now i am no longer with that service provider. they sent me two unlock codes at my request but neither one works.
phone is asking for two codes. 1) sim service provider unlock pin. 2) unlock sim service provider block.
i was wondering if the phone could be rooted and unlocked that way.
can someone recommend a way to get this phone unlocked. the online services dont seem to have positive reviews.
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as for root http://theunlockr.com/2012/12/01/how-to-root-the-huawei-u8652/
as for unlocking it there looks like tons of ways to unlock it, just google it.
huawei 8652 (u8652) unlocking or rooting
as for the root method it says this "This tool only grant root access and does not unlock simlock"
as far as there being tons of ways to unlock it, as i said, many ads but can they actually unlock your phone.
according to reviews. money is spent but phone is still not unlocked. that is what i am trying to avoid.
im not looking for the definition of phone unlocking, i want to unlock my phone.
maybe someone can recommend a "specific" unlocking service that they have actually
used before. or one that is known by multiple members of this site to be legitimate.
thank you.
shark week said:
as for the root method it says this "This tool only grant root access and does not unlock simlock"
as far as there being tons of ways to unlock it, as i said, many ads but can they actually unlock your phone.
according to reviews. money is spent but phone is still not unlocked. that is what i am trying to avoid.
im not looking for the definition of phone unlocking, i want to unlock my phone.
maybe someone can recommend a "specific" unlocking service that they have actually
used before. or one that is known by multiple members of this site to be legitimate.
thank you.
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if your saying i dont know what unlocking is, i do in fact know what it means, i myself didnt look at the websites but all i did was google huawei u8652 unlock and it looked like there was many trusted websites within the list, there was also some you-tube videos, i myself have not used a youtube video to unlock my phones but maybe they are terrible? im not sure.
huawei 8652 (u8652) unlocking or rooting
im saying that a web search only gives you the possibility that one of those results "might" help you unlock the phone.
without any kind of verification or specific reference you might be throwing your money away. it would be good to know
which one is actually legitimate.
i have been to several independant phone stores, they want 30$ to 50$ dollars to unlock it. its not a high end phone, i dont really want to spend that much.
you tube videos show how to unlock the phone once you already have the codes. the codes i got from the phone company didn't work.
edit= to be more specific. the phone company sent me two sets of codes.
the first thing my phone asks for is "sim service provider unlock pin" i am successfully able to perform this function.
the second thing my phone asks for is "unlock sim service provider block" i have tried both the first and second set of codes for this and cant get any further, it wont successfully unblock.
shark week said:
im saying that a web search only gives you the possibility that one of those results "might" help you unlock the phone.
without any kind of verification or specific reference you might be throwing your money away. it would be good to know
which one is actually legitimate.
i have been to several independant phone stores, they want 30$ to 50$ dollars to unlock it. its not a high end phone, i dont really want to spend that much.
you tube videos show how to unlock the phone once you already have the codes. the codes i got from the phone company didn't work.
edit= to be more specific. the phone company sent me two sets of codes.
the first thing my phone asks for is "sim service provider unlock pin" i am successfully able to perform this function.
the second thing my phone asks for is "unlock sim service provider block" i have tried both the first and second set of codes for this and cant get any further, it wont successfully unblock.
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im sorry then, i dont think i can help anymore since we are stuck, try calling the company again.
I preemptively apologize if someone already posted on this.
This is ludicrously bad. If only Samsung cared so little about the bootloader ...
https://www.nowsecure.com/blog/2015/06/16/remote-code-execution-as-system-user-on-samsung-phones/
The only workaround requires--you guessed it--rooting the phone. We should really write Verizon and Samsung a scathing group appeal. Needless to say, I'm done with Verizon after the contract is up.
blair.sadewitz said:
I preemptively apologize if someone already posted on this.
This is ludicrously bad. If only Samsung cared so little about the bootloader ...
https://www.nowsecure.com/blog/2015/06/16/remote-code-execution-as-system-user-on-samsung-phones/
The only workaround requires--you guessed it--rooting the phone. We should really write Verizon and Samsung a scathing group appeal. Needless to say, I'm done with Verizon after the contract is up.
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The carriers (Samsung's customer) control the locked bootloader, not Samsung. Samsung would not shoot themselves in the foot and refuse to build the phone to the customers' specifications. And since Verizon and AT&T went for the corporate and military sales, plus the 99.5% who never heard of XDA or could care less about a locked bootloader purchasing what they heard is the most secure phone...our please would make the same wave as dropping a pebble in the ocean. The best that could be done is what you said..choose your next device and carrier based on what you have learned. A lot of us deal with the crappier coverage that Sprint and T-Mobile have to avoid being locked down.
KennyG123 said:
The carriers (Samsung's customer) control the locked bootloader, not Samsung. Samsung would not shoot themselves in the foot and refuse to build the phone to the customers' specifications. And since Verizon and AT&T went for the corporate and military sales, plus the 99.5% who never heard of XDA or could care less about a locked bootloader purchasing what they heard is the most secure phone...our please would make the same wave as dropping a pebble in the ocean. The best that could be done is what you said..choose your next device and carrier based on what you have learned. A lot of us deal with the crappier coverage that Sprint and T-Mobile have to avoid being locked down.
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Yeah, I suspect you're right. Nevertheless:
http://www.androidcentral.com/it-wi...mericas-top-carriers-heres-what-you-need-know
These guidelines could be [broadly or narrowly] adapted for bootloader unlocking as well. As it stands, I don't even have the option to unlock the bootloader at any time in the future. Do I _never_ own the phone outright, even after I've fulfilled my contractual obligations? This is the frontier beyond which all of the arguments in favor of the practice cannot be sustained.
blair.sadewitz said:
Yeah, I suspect you're right. Nevertheless:
http://www.androidcentral.com/it-wi...mericas-top-carriers-heres-what-you-need-know
These guidelines could be [broadly or narrowly] adapted for bootloader unlocking as well. As it stands, I don't even have the option to unlock the bootloader at any time in the future. Do I _never_ own the phone outright, even after I've fulfilled my contractual obligations? This is the frontier beyond which all of the arguments in favor of the practice cannot be sustained.
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That article is regarding unlocking a phone to use on another carrier...SIM unlocking basically...not bootloader. The security put on the phone is the business of the carriers requesting from the manufacturer..including Verizon blocking access to HTCDev to unlock HTC devices. Owning a phone outright does not give you rights to having the security software removed. But of course if you figure out how to do it, kudos...no one can stop you. Just because you buy and own a satellite box does not give you rights to have it unlocked to give you free PPV or programming. The fact that you can sell the phone to another person proves you own it. But you have more knowledge now when you choose your next phone and carrier.
KennyG123 said:
That article is regarding unlocking a phone to use on another carrier...SIM unlocking basically...not bootloader. The security put on the phone is the business of the carriers requesting from the manufacturer..including Verizon blocking access to HTCDev to unlock HTC devices. Owning a phone outright does not give you rights to having the security software removed. But of course if you figure out how to do it, kudos...no one can stop you. Just because you buy and own a satellite box does not give you rights to have it unlocked to give you free PPV or programming. The fact that you can sell the phone to another person proves you own it.
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Oops, I had two different articles open in different tabs and somehow melded them together. That sure isn't helping my buzz.
You do have the right to unlock the cable box or dispose of it in any way you wish. It is a basic property right. You do not have the right to employ it to "steal" service, though. Similarly, they cannot stop you if you figure it out because it is your property, and as such your property rights trump their desires--such is my layman's understanding, anyway, heh.
blair.sadewitz said:
Oops, I had two different articles open in different tabs and somehow melded them together. That sure isn't helping my buzz.
You do have the right to unlock the cable box or dispose of it in any way you wish. It is a basic property right. You do not have the right to employ it to "steal" service, though. Similarly, they cannot stop you if you figure it out because it is your property, and as such your property rights trump their desires--such is my layman's understanding, anyway, heh.
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Yup...just as you are free to figure out how to unlock the bootloader on your phone...and collect that bounty!!!! $$$$$
I'd like to get the T-Mobile variant so I can root and install a custom recovery (curse AT&T). I'm just curious if anybody has done this yet without any drawbacks before I pull the trigger (good LTE speeds?).
kareeem said:
I'd like to get the T-Mobile variant so I can root and install a custom recovery (curse AT&T). I'm just curious if anybody has done this yet without any drawbacks before I pull the trigger (good LTE speeds?).
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Yes, there are many Note5 owners using at&t who purchased from T-Mobile (model SM-N920T), got it unlocked and using on at&t without issue. getting it unlocked is the painful part; T-Mobile uses an app embedded in its ROM to SIM unlock their phones. 3rd-party unlocking sites won't work. T-Mobile unlock prerequisites (summarized from website and my conversations with customer reps): (a) paid full price for phone, (b) phone is used on T-Mobile w/post paid account for 30-40 days or (c) open a prepaid account, deposit $100, use phone on T-Mobile for at least 3-days (so it shows up in their system). some of us have been lucky enough to get the SM-N920T SIM unlocked without meeting criteria (b) or (c). a coworker purchased the T-Mo Note5 and used a post-paid account for 1 week, called in to cancel service and the rep got his device permanently unlocked. search this forum for more details. i requested and received a temporary unlock approval within 48 hours of getting the phone, but for some reason it wouldn't work. 4 days later i called in to complain, got connected to a tech rep who couldn't get it to work and finally got a manager to authorize a permanent unlock (vs. the approved temporary unlock granted). Good luck!
cortez.i said:
Yes, there are many Note5 owners using at&t who purchased from T-Mobile (model SM-N920T), got it unlocked and using on at&t without issue. getting it unlocked is the painful part; T-Mobile uses an app embedded in its ROM to SIM unlock their phones. 3rd-party unlocking sites won't work. T-Mobile unlock prerequisites (summarized from website and my conversations with customer reps): (a) paid full price for phone, (b) phone is used on T-Mobile w/post paid account for 30-40 days or (c) open a prepaid account, deposit $100, use phone on T-Mobile for at least 3-days (so it shows up in their system). some of us have been lucky enough to get the SM-N920T SIM unlocked without meeting criteria (b) or (c). a coworker purchased the T-Mo Note5 and used a post-paid account for 1 week, called in to cancel service and the rep got his device permanently unlocked. search this forum for more details. i requested and received a temporary unlock approval within 48 hours of getting the phone, but for some reason it wouldn't work. 4 days later i called in to complain, got connected to a tech rep who couldn't get it to work and finally got a manager to authorize a permanent unlock (vs. the approved temporary unlock granted). Good luck!
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Oh wow, thank you for that informative response. I had no idea third party sites wouldn't work. I just came back from purchasing my T-Mobile Note 5. I purchased it from Craigslist and the seller showed me their Costco receipt. I have a friend who works for T-Mobile, but I doubt he'll be able to assist since he works in the actual store (sales rep). Do you think I have a chance at getting b and c bypassed? Not sure what kind of excuse to use.
Thanks again for your input.
Edit: I'm guessing you got the T-Mobile variant for the same reasons I did?
kareeem said:
Oh wow, thank you for that informative response. I had no idea third party sites wouldn't work. I just came back from purchasing my T-Mobile Note 5. I purchased it from Craigslist and the seller showed me their Costco receipt. I have a friend who works for T-Mobile, but I doubt he'll be able to assist since he works in the actual store (sales rep). Do you think I have a chance at getting b and c bypassed? Not sure what kind of excuse to use.
Thanks again for your input.
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Yes, i always get the T-Mobile version for use on at&t so i can root and enjoy!
did the seller pay full price for the phone? personally, i'd ask the seller for a receipt. best way to find out if it can be unlocked is to call t-mobile and tell them you'd like to unlock for overseas use. the fact that you don't have service may help get it unlocked. they should ask for the IMEI (to confirm it's T-Mobile and that the phone is not blacklisted) and then submit an unlock request. if you're lucky, maybe they can unlock over the phone. good luck!
cortez.i said:
Yes, i always get the T-Mobile version for use on at&t so i can root and enjoy!
did the seller pay full price for the phone? personally, i'd ask the seller for a receipt. best way to find out if it can be unlocked is to call t-mobile and tell them you'd like to unlock for overseas use. the fact that you don't have service may help get it unlocked. they should ask for the IMEI (to confirm it's T-Mobile and that the phone is not blacklisted) and then submit an unlock request. if you're lucky, maybe they can unlock over the phone. good luck!
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Haha, I don't blame you.
Well, it looks like they used the Jump! service. They gave me the service agreement sheet (I took a picture of it) where it displays the IMEI, plan, store location, etc. Should I refrain from mentioning I'm an AT&T customer? I don't think I'll be able to say I need it for international use because I don't have a T-Mobile account for them to look up.
kareeem said:
Haha, I don't blame you.
Well, it looks like they used the Jump! service. They gave me the service agreement sheet (I took a picture of it) where it displays the IMEI, plan, store location, etc. Should I refrain from mentioning I'm an AT&T customer? I don't think I'll be able to say I need it for international use because I don't have a T-Mobile account for them to look up.
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i'd open the "Device Unlock" app and if you're presented with 2 unlock buttons - one for Permanent and one for Temporary - then the phone is SIM Locked. if you open the app and a message says the device has been permanently unlocked, you're good to go. pop in the at&t SIM and you should get connected to at&t service.
if it's SIM Locked, when calling T-Mobile, i wouldn't say anything about at&t, maybe mention it was a gift. before calling T-Mobile, however, if the phone is a Jump! purchase then you/seller needs to confirm the phone has been paid for in full, e.g., there's no outstanding balance due. if there's an outstanding balance, you might not be able to get it unlocked. i'd ask the seller if the phone has been paid off.
I tried that, but it said "Unlock Failed" (for obvious reasons I guess).
I spoke to a T-Mobile rep and he said they would need the original owner's account information to verify everything, which I obviously don't have. I asked if a manager can override that and he said no. I searched Cell Unlocker and they gave me a quote surprisingly (http://www.cellunlocker.net/order-code-step-2.php). It's at $49.99, which isn't cheap, but I think it's my best option. If they're advertising it, then it should work, no?
Edit: added an attachment.
kareeem said:
I tried that, but it said "Unlock Failed" (for obvious reasons I guess).
I spoke to a T-Mobile rep and he said they would need the original owner's account information to verify everything, which I obviously don't have. I asked if a manager can override that and he said no. I searched Cell Unlocker and they gave me a quote surprisingly (http://www.cellunlocker.net/order-code-step-2.php). It's at $49.99, which isn't cheap, but I think it's my best option. If they're advertising it, then it should work, no?
Edit: added an attachment.
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i tried them as well and got a refund. don't think it will work. did you see this message on the website: WARNING: Your device must prompt for a network unlock pin after restarting with a non-accepted sim card. If your device does not prompt then you do not require our services. If your device has a Device Unlocking App installed (T-Mobile/Metro PCS) please.
i think your only option is to contact the seller and let him know the circumstances (you want to unlock for T-Mobile) and ask him to help you out. Good luck, bro...
Long story short I bought a Note 20 Ultra from the U.S. which the seller advertised as unlocked, but it was locked to T-Mobile when I received it and I'm not able to return the phone. T-Mobile won't help cause the phone isn't paid off.
I tried to click "Permanent unlock" in the menu and it said not eligible, reason code 8. Then I tried temporary unlock and it unlocked the phone for a month.
My question is, is there a way to prevent my phone from being locked again?
If I flash the unlocked Samsung firmware on this, would that prevent it? If not, why? What exactly makes the phone locked again?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
kukumaka said:
Long story short I bought a Note 20 Ultra from the U.S. which the seller advertised as unlocked, but it was locked to T-Mobile when I received it and I'm not able to return the phone. T-Mobile won't help cause the phone isn't paid off.
I tried to click "Permanent unlock" in the menu and it said not eligible, reason code 8. Then I tried temporary unlock and it unlocked the phone for a month.
My question is, is there a way to prevent my phone from being locked again?
If I flash the unlocked Samsung firmware on this, would that prevent it? If not, why? What exactly makes the phone locked again?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
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Flashing different firmware will have no effect on your SIM Locked status.
You're options are limited :
1) Pay the balance owed to T-Mobile.
2) Find a SIM Unlocking service that can SIM Unlock your phone. (If you go this route, be sure it's specific to the T-Mobile model).
3) Plead your case again to T-Mobile. They may allow for SIM Unlocking after a period of time, when they eventually write-off the debt owed on the phone.
Otherwise, you're stuck w/using it on T-Mobile or, the MVNOs that use their network.
KOLIOSIS said:
Flashing different firmware will have no effect on your SIM Locked status.
You're options are limited :
1) Pay the balance owed to T-Mobile.
2) Find a SIM Unlocking service that can SIM Unlock your phone. (If you go this route, be sure it's specific to the T-Mobile model).
3) Plead your case again to T-Mobile. They may allow for SIM Unlocking after a period of time, when they eventually write-off the debt owed on the phone.
Otherwise, you're stuck w/using it on T-Mobile or, the MVNOs that use their network.
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Click to collapse
Thanks. I've tried contacting T-Mobile and said I would pay any sort of fee to get it unlocked, and they keep telling me the original account holder has to call in and I can't do anything about it.
In terms of unlocking it with someone else, I talked to a few people yesterday and they all said the "server is offline".
I did talk to 1 person and they told me "one option by imei is 68 usd in 1-30 days"
I don't understand by imei means... I'm assuming he's saying to change the imei number?
kukumaka said:
Thanks. I've tried contacting T-Mobile and said I would pay any sort of fee to get it unlocked, and they keep telling me the original account holder has to call in and I can't do anything about it.
In terms of unlocking it with someone else, I talked to a few people yesterday and they all said the "server is offline".
I did talk to 1 person and they told me "one option by imei is 68 usd in 1-30 days"
I don't understand by imei means... I'm assuming he's saying to change the imei number?
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Click to collapse
No, that's probably not what the service you looked up meant.
There are some legit services out there that will SIM Unlock your phone, for a fee. They probably need the IMEI on your phone (use your phone's search function to find it) to permanently SIM Unlock your phone.
Changing the IMEI is illegal in a lot of countries & talk of it is expressly forbidden here on XDA.
Simply asking for services that change IMEI's here @ XDA will result in the thread being locked & possible banning of the OP on such threads if such actions do not immediately cease.
If you pursue IMEI changing here @ XDA, the mods will see it & PM you, if you're lucky, you'll get a warning before any bans are put in place.
KOLIOSIS said:
No, that's probably not what the service you looked up meant.
There are some legit services out there that will SIM Unlock your phone, for a fee. They probably need the IMEI on your phone (use your phone's search function to find it) to permanently SIM Unlock your phone.
Changing the IMEI is illegal in a lot of countries & talk of it is expressly forbidden here on XDA.
Simply asking for services that change IMEI's here @ XDA will result in the thread being locked & possible banning of the OP on such threads if such actions do not immediately cease.
If you pursue IMEI changing here @ XDA, the mods will see it & PM you, if you're lucky, you'll get a warning before any bans are put in place.
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Click to collapse
I'm not pursing an imei change, I was just saying I'm confused as to what he said option by imei.
Do you know how I can find legit services that will SIM unlock the phone? I saw some on eBay, also I think someone recommended unlockboot.com
kukumaka said:
I'm not pursing an imei change, I was just saying I'm confused as to what he said option by imei.
Do you know how I can find legit services that will SIM unlock the phone? I saw some on eBay, also I think someone recommended unlockboot.com
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I'd stay away from eBay for this....
Try this site, it appears to be legit :
T-Mobile Unlock App, Free IMEI Check - CellUnlocker.net
We unlock your T-Mobile phone, and you can use the T-Mobile unlock app. If you're T-Mobile device is locked, we can help. More at CellUnlocker.net
www.cellunlocker.net
If you're unsure of how to proceed, just reach out to their customer service department with your make/model/IMEI,& of course, make sure you specify that it's locked to T-Mobile.
KOLIOSIS said:
I'd stay away from eBay for this....
Try this site, it appears to be legit :
T-Mobile Unlock App, Free IMEI Check - CellUnlocker.net
We unlock your T-Mobile phone, and you can use the T-Mobile unlock app. If you're T-Mobile device is locked, we can help. More at CellUnlocker.net
www.cellunlocker.net
If you're unsure of how to proceed, just reach out to their customer service department with your make/model/IMEI,& of course, make sure you specify that it's locked to T-Mobile.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your attention and for your help, I appreciate it!
Sm-s908u I need to carrier unlock this device and remove the hardware that att has installed on device that will make my phone "factory unlocked" without paying. Please is there any options for wiping the device completely and installing everything for the specs and such
If the phone is eligible you can request it right on Att's Website. https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/
I'm having an issue getting mine unlocked via the carrier(boost) as well although I have met all the eligibility requirements and they keep telling me it is unlocked. It is not every sim/esim i tried confirms its carrier locked. Ill be following in case anyone knows of a way to get around this.
I can't get att to officially unlock hence why I'm trying to find a way around there locking software/ programming bs. I've hered the issue your up against is common within there consumers.
1loves22ultra said:
I can't get att to officially unlock hence why I'm trying to find a way around there locking software/ programming bs. I've hered the issue your up against is common within there consumers.
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Why not pay the device off, and get it unlocked honestly.
ATT will unlock it, if it is paid off and all clear. I've had ATT unlock many of devices, once I've paid them off.
Device needs to be paid off as C Kent stated. There are no free services for that. And if you do decide to do a paid service you might get an imei of an international device which will make the device unusable on At&t network. This happened to me on one of my devices I use to tinker with. Once they unlocked device the assigned a random imei that came back to a J7. Some my At&t Note 8 was registering with At&t as an International device...so yeah pay it off. Submit request to At&t and within minutes you get an unlock code