[Q] Newbie - Understanding unlocking - Windows Phone 8 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi All, (I just tried to pot this but this site crashed after a three minute wait, so hope this is not a duplicate)
I have been a developer of window applications for many years and have finally decided to see about working with winphone. Sorry for the really basic questions but I am totally out of my depth here. Once I get started with the phone, the programming will not be such an issue as I have looked at some source code for winphone apps and it is all pretty straight forward stuff. I have installed the SDK and so far, so good.
I have owned a smart phone for two weeks so be gentle, please.
I have been given a Nokia 520 AT&T GoPhone as a test bed. It is of course locked to AT&T pre-paid. I would like to use the TMo SIM from my
current phone but the GoPhone spits on it with "unknown network."
I need to understand exactly what unlocking means. If I follow the process for a new ROM here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2515453
Will the phone still be tied to the AT&T network or will the TMo SIM now work?
I have seen a section on the msoft site for dev-unlocking, I have paid the $19 fee to join the low-level devs and now wondering if that unlocking process will allow the use of the TMo SIM or must I buy an unlocked 520 or something else.
I'd really appreciate some guidance here.
Thanks

GSM radio firmware is usually what controls the SIM lock, and is usually completely separate from the OS firmware. I do not believe Nokia Care Suite can SIM-unlock (or change the SIM lock) for you, although I have not personally tried.
Please do NOT continue starting new threads instead of discussing these topics on the existing threads where they belong! In addition, the question about dev-unlock vs. SIM-unlock has been asked (and answered) many times before. Rule #1 of this forum: Search Before Posting! (No, dev unlock has absolutely zilch to do with SIM lock and it won't help you there.)

Related

HOW TO UNLOCK MY G1 for free (operator orange)

hi everyone ,is there any way to unlock my G1 orange frensh operator for free??????
need your help
I'm not sure if this will work, but I'm in the process of trying it myself.
The android dev phone is sim-unlocked by nature from my understanding. I'm planning to install the dev phone ROM on my phone, then try switching it back to a non-dev and hoping the sim-unlock sticks.
If you're a T-mo customer, just ask them for the unlock code and they will give it for free.
If you got your phone online from somewhere else (like me) they should give it to you, but I was on the phone with T-Mo last night. I escalated to two supervisors before I tired of them telling me to just 'contact HTC' for the hundredth time.
Either way, unless you pony up some cash it looks like this is going to be annoyingly drawn out.
as far as i'm aware, the ONLY way to sim-unlock your phone atm is to ask T-Mobile (or your current network) for an unlock code. They wont always give you it though. There are ways of doing it cheap, like though various unlocking websites, but no free ways i don't think.
After spending much of the last 24 hours troubleshooting various sequential errors in the process of getting my phone to dev state for the sim unlock, I'm all but giving up for the night.
I'll have to try again tomorrow.
Celestial_torpor said:
After spending much of the last 24 hours troubleshooting various sequential errors in the process of getting my phone to dev state for the sim unlock, I'm all but giving up for the night.
I'll have to try again tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't sim unlock your phone by flashing a rom. It is based on your phone's IMEI number (which is why you can't use other people's unlock codes and vice versa). HTC unlocks the dev phones when they are made which is why they come unlocked

[Q] Unlock T-Mobile Dell Streak 7

Has anyone had any luck unlocking the T-Mobile Dell Streak 7?
If so please tell me/us how to do it.
Thanks.
Yes, I've read all the other threads about this subject, so I am aware of the various pay for service web sites, Rebel Sim II, etc....
ccannan said:
Has anyone had any luck unlocking the T-Mobile Dell Streak 7?
If so please tell me/us how to do it.
Thanks.
Yes, I've read all the other threads about this subject, so I am aware of the various pay for service web sites, Rebel Sim II, etc....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you read them you would know you only have two choices...
First call Dell and or TMobile and see if they'll be nice enough to give you the code
Secondly pay the $80 for the code
Those are your only 2 options
I really worked well.
http://www.unlock-network.com/unlocking-Dell.php
only $56.99
A me funsiono bien.
http://www.wirelessunlocking.com 8.99
Success: Step Two
Your details have been successfully submitted and our system shows your Dell can be unlocked immediately.
Your IMEI: #################
unlocking
i contacted tmobile and told them i was going out of the country on business and needed an unlock to be able to drop diffent sim due to cost. With in one day they sent an email with the unlock
Actually, there are four options.
1. Send email to [email protected] with IMEI number which for me yielded a big fat:
Dear Customer,
The below device is a retail piece. Please contact carrier with proof of payment in order to procure the code also do let the carriers know that the below device is a retail piece.
Mobility Unlock code Team
2. Call T-Mobile and plead your case, which yielded me heartburn.
3. Use a 3rd party chip/service and pay money.
4. Call Dell's mobility team toll free number (can be found on this forum or on Dell.com) and plead your case, which yielded me a code.
rickleasa said:
http://www.wirelessunlocking.com 8.99
Success: Step Two
Your details have been successfully submitted and our system shows your Dell can be unlocked immediately.
Your IMEI: #################
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried that unlocker, waited 24 hours, got this:
Dear Customer
Thank you for you recent order. Please find your updated order details below.
Unlock Status:
We have been unable to obtain an unlock code for your phone using the imei number supplied. Although this model is generally un-lockable, there are instances where codes cannot be generated. This is due to unique phone variables and cannot be predicted in our preliminary report.
I called Dell and waited for day. They gave me unlock code on the phone within 5 minutes. No sweat. Make sure you're still with TMO before unlocking. That's it.
I've finally got my Dell Streak 7 Unlock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, after three long frustrating months of head aces, and many many hours on the phone chewing out T-mobile and Dell, fist off id like to say if you buy a Dell streak 7 and want it unlock PLEASE PLEASE buy it from Dell- NOT T-mobile, this will save you and the reps at T-mobile lots of time, anyhow here is what i had to deal with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After getting my Dell Streak 7, i ran Gingerbreak.apk, great root tool, rooting in a few clicks right from Tablet.... then i started to call around about the Sim Unlock code......only to find out the if you bought it stright threw Dell they would unlock in in less then 24 hours.......but if you bought it threw Tmobile OMG your in for a treat......
I had to sign up for a pre-paid plane, plane had to be active for two months, after which you had to have $10 dollar credit on your account, about 40 bucks what i had in it total not to to bad, when there are places asking about 60-90 bucks to unlock it, but could have dealt with not having to call Tmoble every day to find all this out in the first month, so now a month in trying to get the code im on my way closer to unlocking it.. i wait my 60 more days with the proper limitations that they said to have the tablet unlock ( account for 60 days and $10 on account)......... when my 60 days was up i was calling right back to get the unlock code.......
This was my trouble for three day about 4 hours each day on the phone with T-mobile, T-mobile was saying that Dell has the Code, and Dell was saying T-mobile does, well we all know that T-mobile has it!! its a SIM Lock its there SIM wtf....... so so so mad......grrrrrr... days of this...... i called and called and called demanding the Code, Saying someone put it on there i want it off !!!!
If not your taking this Tablet back and im buying one from dell, they even came to a point trying to tell me that it cant be *unlock* that they dont have the software to unlock it, that i would have to buy a internal tablet, i was like wtf...... thats a bunch of BULL SH*T......
so i called again.......... most the responces back are threw emails saying something ( some kid of excuse ) on why they wont give you your unlock code...... so fillany getting Dell and T-mobile to do a conferance call and each of them saying they had the code to each other, and me causing one big azz stink.... saying they either taking the Tmobile tab back and sending a unlocked dell not stamped with the t-mobile logo, or im calling a Lawyer yes i say it..........Lawyer ;-p
and Bam
my unlock Code was sent in less then 24 hours in the 6th email with my code....... the 5 email before were some excuse why they woulnt give me my code......
if you have T-mobile i feel for you, they have the worst customer support ever.......
all but one Girl that i got, her name was Kris, she helped out alot in the end........
thank you bunches
Kris.........
so if you have account with them for 60 and its prepaid, you can get it unlocked
ive even GingerBroke (rooted it) with Gingerbreak.apk
and ive NVFlashed android 3.2 on to it as well, running 3G from T-mobile.... guess the 3.2 doesn't have 4G yet on the ROM but all works g..... rumor has it its Dells coming out with 3.2 update Oct.7th so we will see, im not getting my panties in a bunch though.....
runs great i love the 3.2 on it, it runs so much better
however i have Boost Mobile, and i threw my Boost SIM in it and it was for the unlock code, put that in it was good, it unlock, then i ran the code on the Sim threw the settings and it was good, got me into the PUK code which at the time i didnt have and it locked up my boost sim
but now i have the boost sim unlock and still nothing working on the tablet.......
soon to try out a rebel sim and see if that works or maybe even go with ATT gophone plan....... 50 buck unlimited..... and it will work on ATT
if anyone has any questions about the DELL STREAK 7 and needs some help hit me up i would be glade to share what i have learned in the past few months..........
I purchased multiple SIMs through T-Mobile (whiile trouble shooting). How can I find out if the last SIM is locked (or not)?
If I am willing to buy a new SIM from AT&T ($12) do I care if I have an unlock code?
StreakNuBee said:
I purchased multiple SIMs through T-Mobile (whiile trouble shooting). How can I find out if the last SIM is locked (or not)?
If I am willing to buy a new SIM from AT&T ($12) do I care if I have an unlock code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you not read thr posts above? The.SIM is not locked the Streak is. Pay your money or call Dell and get a code.
cdzo72 said:
call Dell and get a code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this a 'senior moment'? Call Dell? Didn't you red my post, I'm (sorrowfully) with T-Mobile.
I get it; the Streak is locked. I've inserted 3 T-Mobile SIMs and never been asked for an unlock code. (I'd ask where to put an unlock code, but I doubt the answer would something physically possible)
Your first question was about the sim itself and second question was about the device itself correct?
If you know for a fact your device is either unlocked or willing to accept that carrier, just pop the sim in and see what happens.
If it's unlocked it might work, but it depends on how the carrier sets up sims for tabs and phones (they make it intentionally complicated)
If the device accepts the sim but the sim is locked there's bound to be an input box somewhere to enter the PUK off the larger sim card it came from.
Noone really ever bothers with sim locking though as it's not really relevent/useful (to my knowledge), it's mainly device locking.
If the s7 is locked a tmo sim wouldnt prompt for an unlock code though as it's either locked to tmo or not locked at all.
If you need to unlock the device either ask tmo or dell like previously mentioned.
StreakNuBee said:
Is this a 'senior moment'? Call Dell? Didn't you red my post, I'm (sorrowfully) with T-Mobile.
I get it; the Streak is locked. I've inserted 3 T-Mobile SIMs and never been asked for an unlock code. (I'd ask where to put an unlock code, but I doubt the answer would something physically possible)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well first of putting a T-Mobile SIM card in a T-Mobile device like the Streak7 will not cause the Unlock screen to come up , because it is a native SIM card ... To get the unlock window to come up you have to put in a foreign SIM card .. If this is a TMO S7 Most likely it is locked ...
---------- Post added at 01:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:04 AM ----------
TheManii said:
Your first question was about the sim itself and second question was about the device itself correct?
If you know for a fact your device is either unlocked or willing to accept that carrier, just pop the sim in and see what happens.
If it's unlocked it might work, but it depends on how the carrier sets up sims for tabs and phones (they make it intentionally complicated)
If the device accepts the sim but the sim is locked there's bound to be an input box somewhere to enter the PUK off the larger sim card it came from.
Noone really ever bothers with sim locking though as it's not really relevent/useful (to my knowledge), it's mainly device locking.
If the s7 is locked a tmo sim wouldnt prompt for an unlock code though as it's either locked to tmo or not locked at all.
If you need to unlock the device either ask tmo or dell like previously mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah , what he said ... did not see this post before I posted ...
If I want to root my 4G, does it matter if it's locked or unlocked? I am currently buying a month at a time, and plan to continue doing so for the near future at least. But want to make sure I don't do something that invalidates my month halfway through.
I presume if I were to root it would then be possible to delete the Dell Stage software? Any of the other add-ons I can get rid of - or perhaps more importantly ones I need to make sure to keep?
EwanG said:
If I want to root my 4G, does it matter if it's locked or unlocked? I am currently buying a month at a time, and plan to continue doing so for the near future at least. But want to make sure I don't do something that invalidates my month halfway through.
I presume if I were to root it would then be possible to delete the Dell Stage software? Any of the other add-ons I can get rid of - or perhaps more importantly ones I need to make sure to keep?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does not matter, Locked or Unlocked , you can still root .... Sounds like what you want to do , you may investigate a custom ROM that has that stuff already removed ...
tcboo said:
Does not matter, Locked or Unlocked , you can still root .... Sounds like what you want to do , you may investigate a custom ROM that has that stuff already removed ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Recommendations? Via PM if necessary
'ey forgive me I'm a noob.
Seriously, this is an old device and there's not one available freeware method of obtaining the lock-code? I have two of 'em, purchased to resell.
Both are tmobile devices right now, I'm wanting to unlock them for any AT&T sim card. I'm currently ordering chargers for them, so I'm not too clear on which ROM they're operating on currently, I just know they're locked to Tmobile because they guy who sold them to me.
Options I've seen are to use dell or tmobile support-neither will work this isn't a retail piece, it was purchased from ebay, ebay seller doesn't know the original owner, no clue where any of that info is.
I don't want to pay for the fee, kinda negates the purpose of my purchase.
I've unlocked other tmobile devices via ROM's, managed to get a select few on the proper networks with AT&T...
Is there any option available for these two tablets?
I'd prefer full functionality (3g 4g)but if the only available means are limited, then so be it.
Heck, is there a way for me to just find my own unlock code in the device once I manage to get the chargers?
I'm just surprised this is such an old device, there's not a simple/available free solution to this????
gimmie a compass, I already have a bit of a map... (My search results have all popped up with forums from last april or so, and an abundance of them to the point I don't have time to dedicate crawling through them all. :/)
Okay, I'm a total newbster / newbsterino and probably even suggesting something that is frowned upon.... maybe LOL, but here's what I was thinking...
There is currently a list of IMEI and unlock codes available but it's a very short list. Couldn't you "Temporarily and for testing purposes only" change your IMEI number on your DS7 to one on the list and use the code on the list to unlock, then rewrite your IMEI to your original one. Just a thought if that may work.
sim card error
i really appreciate your work helping and providing the android updates that dell wont even do.
i installed honey and it kept turning off.( i think i found the repair)
so
i upgraded to cm10.1 (and am very happy with it/ i don't want to go back)
the cm 10.1 isn't finding my sim card.
sim toolkit will not update or find the card (all the number about size are zero and when i insert and remove their is no "signal" that its noticed)
i will be happy if i have to revert to honey3.2 but i want to keep jellybean!
thank you for reading.

[q] unlock code for galaxy s4 active at&t

Really need a way to unlock my galaxy s4 active from at&t, just bought off ebay and rooted it but haven't found a way to unlock the network yet so I can use 4g with solavei.
I tried using the *#0011# method but couldn't past the initial screen.
Please any help would be appreciated.
GenZarnik said:
Really need a way to unlock my galaxy s4 active from at&t, just bought off ebay and rooted it but haven't found a way to unlock the network yet so I can use 4g with solavei.
I tried using the *#0011# method but couldn't past the initial screen.
Please any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I did was call 611 and told them that I was leaving the country and I need it for business. However they have records that my previous phones have been unlocked for travels as well as me buying phone from them. You could always try and test your luck though. I've read a thread somewhere that someone got their S4A unlocked similar to how I got mine unlocked but they didn't specify whether or not they got it through AT&T or not. Oh and if it doesn't work with one rep, try calling again later with another rep. Supposedly some reps care and look into your records to see if you qualify and others don't give a crap. Good luck!
I have at&t and called them to try to get my phone unlocked. they told me it wasn't possible since I just purchased the phone back in August, even though I've had an account with them for the last decade and have had many unlocked phones with them.
I was told that this policy was changed within the last 2 weeks, not sure if that's a BS line they fed me or not, but have tried calling different reps and have had no luck.
Also, when I enter my number in online to the online request form, it automatically tells me my phone cannot be unlocked. Apparently new policy states that any phone that is still under contract will not be unlocked my AT&T.
where are all the helpful replies?
Im in the same boat. There has to b a way. Why cant we roll back the jellybean build to a version that has access to the unlock panel?
Why is unlocking not possible using a root method of some type??? Is this build truely not unlockable without a custom code? MOD Edit: This is a development site. Please do not ask for illegal unlocking methods here
post some links to helpful blogs etc please
This is the leading site for answers but mod says look elsewhere with no helpful redirection..... WTF?
Where should we go now then?
pinyata said:
I have at&t and called them to try to get my phone unlocked. they told me it wasn't possible since I just purchased the phone back in August, even though I've had an account with them for the last decade and have had many unlocked phones with them.
I was told that this policy was changed within the last 2 weeks, not sure if that's a BS line they fed me or not, but have tried calling different reps and have had no luck.
Also, when I enter my number in online to the online request form, it automatically tells me my phone cannot be unlocked. Apparently new policy states that any phone that is still under contract will not be unlocked my AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's unfortunate. If it was me, I'd just keep trying to test my luck but I guess AT&T wised up a bit.
timjf said:
This is the leading site for answers but mod says look elsewhere with no helpful redirection..... WTF?
Where should we go now then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MOD kinda said they are a development site and don't partake in illegal methods. In case you didn't know, unlocking without carrier consent is illegal however rooting/flashing roms and etc aren't since they are just part of the opensource backbone of android. And to answer your question, google is a good place to start if you can't get answers here.
The reason the mods took issue with this is because the OP is not an AT$T customer, he bought a phone off eBay, and is now looking for someone to help him with his mistake. Carriers only unlock phones for customers as a courtesy, there is no requirement of them to do so. While XDA is all about modding phones, providing unlock codes for people who are not entitled to them is against their policy. Better that he bought one of the many unlocked phones for sale on eBay. I'm surprised the mods didn't also close this thread.
Look up Chainfires region lock away. Got a s4 active off eBay, rooted it with the activerootapp. Then used chainfires Regionlockaway. And popped in a tmobile sim card and enabled aws bands and now using HSPA+.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk
What are the rules on someone who buys the phone on ebay, but are still on at&t?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using Tapatalk
Yep got chainfires app on playstore and used irish sim card which worked. I am with at&t and not looking to move but I bought my phone on ebay and if I go to Ireland I feel entitled to use it freely.
laugh123 said:
Unlocking your Samsung Galaxy S4 can be done with the help of <<WHOEVER>> where unlock code and free unlocking instructions will be provided for affordable rates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:"Affordable rates" > $0.00 and are therefore not "free."
Invalid sim- solavei- samsung4 active- #supersu
Message ::
"There is no su binary installed and #SuperSU cant install it. There is a problem!!"
Does anyone know what I do next from here. I purchased this from a friend and would like to use my solavei micro sim card, but it states "invalid sim"
Samsung 4active

[Q] Questions about Sprint Unlocking

So I see there is a thread about unlocking your phone in these forums but that says its a GSM unlock. I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to unlocking phones but I know I want to use my sprint M8 on Verizon since I'm switching services.
So my question is, is there any way to unlock my phone to work on the Verizon network? Is that unlocking method make it work on Verizon or just ATT?
Sorry but I am extremely ignorant on the subject and am looking for some info, rather not rebuy my one.
Knnox said:
So I see there is a thread about unlocking your phone in these forums but that says its a GSM unlock. I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to unlocking phones but I know I want to use my sprint M8 on Verizon since I'm switching services.
So my question is, is there any way to unlock my phone to work on the Verizon network? Is that unlocking method make it work on Verizon or just ATT?
Sorry but I am extremely ignorant on the subject and am looking for some info, rather not rebuy my one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, extremely sorry that no one took the time to respond to this sooner. I believe there is 2 methods to do this, one being a SIM unlock and another being the GSM unlock you mentioned above. To my knowledge GSM unlock is what you want but sadly I don't think there is any 'free' way of doing this. I've never personally GSM unlocked one of my own phones but I have helped a friend do so. Anyways in order to GSM unlock a phone you need a special 'generated' (i think generated) code to input in your phone which will unlock it and allow it to use other carriers besides the one it was made for.
Here is a presumably valid tutorial on how to do this on an HTC One M8.
I would recommend trying freeunlocks.com first, only because I have a coupon from there which i'll gladly give you if you plan on using it. Only reason I have one and or am giving it away is because previously I bought one from there and they didn't have a code at the time so they refunded me and gave me a coupon code to enter if I ever purchased from them again which I most likely won't as I have no need for GSM unlocking, i.e why i'm giving it away. If by some chance freeunlocks does not work then you can try the one in the video or you can look for others.
If you would like to try this and want the coupon for freeunlocks.com then just say so in your response and I'll PM you it. I think its for either a discount or a free code, I don't really remember as this was quite a while ago when I was given it. (around a year)
Goodluck!
I'm just not sure if this would work because I'm trying to go from sprint to verizon, both being CDMA. If I did this would it mean I have to go to ATT?
Knnox said:
I'm just not sure if this would work because I'm trying to go from sprint to verizon, both being CDMA. If I did this would it mean I have to go to ATT?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so, according to this it should have all the proper bands to support both Sprint & Verizon. On the off hand there is always the chance that this link I just sent is ONLY for the International model and I am wrong which I very well could be. I've had trouble truly understanding if all versions of phones have support for the same bands or if they don't. I'd recommend researching this a bit or waiting until someone else comes along with the proper knowledge to assist you in your question on the radio bands comes along.
Anyways LS;DR, It should work but I may be wrong so do your own research or wait for someone else with the proper knowledge to assist you to come along.

[Q] Unlocking Rogers Lumia 635 Impossible?

Hi there! Please let me know if this is the wrong section to post this question.
I recently purchased 2 Rogers Nokia Lumia 635 phones for my parents as their old phones were near death. I figured Windows Phone would be a good environment for them as they both have Windows 8.1 computers, and the UI is pretty straight forward. They don't need a ton of power, just something to make calls, text family, and sometimes look up a website. The 635 filled all these rolls and when they played with one in a store they seemed to understand and like it. Fast forward to today, I've tried 3 different unlock sites, I can list if needed, and none have been able to get a code for me saying one doesn't exist for the IMEIs. I called Rogers to see about their unlocking policy and they told me that to unlock the phones they would need to be active on their network for 3 months and then I'd have to pay $50 CAD to get the code. I'll be damned if I'll give them $80 CAD total per phone to unlock them in 3 months time. My parents wanted them so they could use them on vacation in Jamaica using local sim cards, and when they got back to put it on their PC Mobile accounts (pay as you go). We're now 3 days from when they leave and it seems like there 0 chance I can get it unlocked.
After that blob of context I have a few questions:
Has anyone managed to unlock the Lumia 635 on Rogers without going through Rogers?
Is this something that is common?
Why wouldn't the phone be unlockable?
If anyone could help answer these questions I would be extremely grateful as I'm completely stumped and confused as to what the core issue is. In the mean time I guess I'll try and return the phones and see if I can get the AT&T variant as those seem to be unlockable.
firrae said:
Hi there! Please let me know if this is the wrong section to post this question.
I recently purchased 2 Rogers Nokia Lumia 635 phones for my parents as their old phones were near death. I figured Windows Phone would be a good environment for them as they both have Windows 8.1 computers, and the UI is pretty straight forward. They don't need a ton of power, just something to make calls, text family, and sometimes look up a website. The 635 filled all these rolls and when they played with one in a store they seemed to understand and like it. Fast forward to today, I've tried 3 different unlock sites, I can list if needed, and none have been able to get a code for me saying one doesn't exist for the IMEIs. I called Rogers to see about their unlocking policy and they told me that to unlock the phones they would need to be active on their network for 3 months and then I'd have to pay $50 CAD to get the code. I'll be damned if I'll give them $80 CAD total per phone to unlock them in 3 months time. My parents wanted them so they could use them on vacation in Jamaica using local sim cards, and when they got back to put it on their PC Mobile accounts (pay as you go). We're now 3 days from when they leave and it seems like there 0 chance I can get it unlocked.
After that blob of context I have a few questions:
Has anyone managed to unlock the Lumia 635 on Rogers without going through Rogers?
Is this something that is common?
Why wouldn't the phone be unlockable?
If anyone could help answer these questions I would be extremely grateful as I'm completely stumped and confused as to what the core issue is. In the mean time I guess I'll try and return the phones and see if I can get the AT&T variant as those seem to be unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlock sides are normally people who work at a phone store or repair center , they have access to a db where the codes are stored ( every IMEI has its own unlock code)
there is a possibility that Rogers has a separate section on the db , and the unlock sides don't have access to that part.
it could be that later in time a few unlock sides can unlock them.
firrae said:
Hi there! Please let me know if this is the wrong section to post this question.
I recently purchased 2 Rogers Nokia Lumia 635 phones for my parents as their old phones were near death. I figured Windows Phone would be a good environment for them as they both have Windows 8.1 computers, and the UI is pretty straight forward. They don't need a ton of power, just something to make calls, text family, and sometimes look up a website. The 635 filled all these rolls and when they played with one in a store they seemed to understand and like it. Fast forward to today, I've tried 3 different unlock sites, I can list if needed, and none have been able to get a code for me saying one doesn't exist for the IMEIs. I called Rogers to see about their unlocking policy and they told me that to unlock the phones they would need to be active on their network for 3 months and then I'd have to pay $50 CAD to get the code. I'll be damned if I'll give them $80 CAD total per phone to unlock them in 3 months time. My parents wanted them so they could use them on vacation in Jamaica using local sim cards, and when they got back to put it on their PC Mobile accounts (pay as you go). We're now 3 days from when they leave and it seems like there 0 chance I can get it unlocked.
After that blob of context I have a few questions:
Has anyone managed to unlock the Lumia 635 on Rogers without going through Rogers?
Is this something that is common?
Why wouldn't the phone be unlockable?
If anyone could help answer these questions I would be extremely grateful as I'm completely stumped and confused as to what the core issue is. In the mean time I guess I'll try and return the phones and see if I can get the AT&T variant as those seem to be unlockable.
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Click to collapse
As a small consolation,have you tried putting a PC Mobile SIM card into one of the 635 phones. I think PC Mobile uses Rogers Network. As the previous poster noted,the IMEI database the unlockers use most likely doesn't have the Rogers 635 IMEI numbers.
ceesheim said:
unlock sides are normally people who work at a phone store or repair center , they have access to a db where the codes are stored ( every IMEI has its own unlock code)
there is a possibility that Rogers has a separate section on the db , and the unlock sides don't have access to that part.
it could be that later in time a few unlock sides can unlock them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's fair enough, we called cellunlocker (sorry if XDA doesn't want us mentioning names) and they said it may be because they are newer phones to Rogers and to try back in a couple weeks. We had to return them due to how long we had already had them for and we re-ordered more online at the same price to try again in a couple weeks. Maybe things will have changed, I'd rather buy the phone from a Canadian retailer than have to cross the border and do it.
flyjazz said:
As a small consolation,have to tried putting a PC Mobile SIM card into one of the 635 phones. I think PC Mobile uses Rogers Network. As the previous poster noted,the IMEI database the unlockers use most likely doesn't have the Rogers 635 IMEI numbers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly they are on Bell, so any Bell/PC Mobile locked phone works, but not Rogers or Telus. We tried it anyways and go the unlock code prompt which cemented that we needed the code.
Thanks to both of you though for trying and explaining, at least I have a better picture of how it works now.
Unlocking Rogers Nokia Lumia 635...
firrae said:
After that blob of context I have a few questions:
Has anyone managed to unlock the Lumia 635 on Rogers without going through Rogers?
Is this something that is common?
Why wouldn't the phone be unlockable?
If anyone could help answer these questions I would be extremely grateful as I'm completely stumped and confused as to what the core issue is. In the mean time I guess I'll try and return the phones and see if I can get the AT&T variant as those seem to be unlockable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
firrae,
Greetings.
I have been in the similar situation with my Rogers' PAYG kit of Nokia Lumia 635.
1. Yes... After months of searching and waiting, my unlocking source has finally found the 20-digit code and it is accepted by mine.
2. Yes... In my past experience with many Rogers' PAYG handsets, particularly Nokia brand, they are like being abandoned as is. My theory is that those stocks are originated from a clearing house which has got too many / overstock that other carriers in the US no longer want. Now, Nokia is gone with the Microsoft assimilation. Things could be even worse for record-keeping in transition. This is the administrative aspect of the issue. Even Rogers itself has a hard time to get the code, which would charge $50 plus tax after 90 days using it with an active account in good standing blah blah but ended up with code not found or invalid code. I have been there and I have to waste $$$ to top up the PAYG balance, for sufficient fund to unlock as well as keeping the account current for the sake of unlocking. But the balance snowballed without the issue being resolved. In the end, I asked the higher up at Rogers to do something: Transfer the balance to my home internet account. Technically, they credit me the same amount in my PAYG balance towards the home internet and told me to keep the PAYG account till it was lapsed in 30 days.
3. There is also a technical aspect of the issue... It is NOT "unlockable" but rather be DIFFICULT to get the code. In the past, Nokia use 15-digit unlock code which could still be possible to crack if the handsets could be JTAG for the protected memory. But another few more digits added, it will be like mining the Bitcoin! Again, it is just low priority for PAYG / low-tier handsets even now they are obligated to provide unlocking.
Anyway, I hope you have also got yours unlocked from your usual unlockers. However, if you still have not got it resolved, feel free to PM me for further details.
howipig said:
firrae,
Greetings.
I have been in the similar situation with my Rogers' PAYG kit of Nokia Lumia 635.
1. Yes... After months of searching and waiting, my unlocking source has finally found the 20-digit code and it is accepted by mine.
2. Yes... In my past experience with many Rogers' PAYG handsets, particularly Nokia brand, they are like being abandoned as is. My theory is that those stocks are originated from a clearing house which has got too many / overstock that other carriers in the US no longer want. Now, Nokia is gone with the Microsoft assimilation. Things could be even worse for record-keeping in transition. This is the administrative aspect of the issue. Even Rogers itself has a hard time to get the code, which would charge $50 plus tax after 90 days using it with an active account in good standing blah blah but ended up with code not found or invalid code. I have been there and I have to waste $$$ to top up the PAYG balance, for sufficient fund to unlock as well as keeping the account current for the sake of unlocking. But the balance snowballed without the issue being resolved. In the end, I asked the higher up at Rogers to do something: Transfer the balance to my home internet account. Technically, they credit me the same amount in my PAYG balance towards the home internet and told me to keep the PAYG account till it was lapsed in 30 days.
3. There is also a technical aspect of the issue... It is NOT "unlockable" but rather be DIFFICULT to get the code. In the past, Nokia use 15-digit unlock code which could still be possible to crack if the handsets could be JTAG for the protected memory. But another few more digits added, it will be like mining the Bitcoin! Again, it is just low priority for PAYG / low-tier handsets even now they are obligated to provide unlocking.
Anyway, I hope you have also got yours unlocked from your usual unlockers. However, if you still have not got it resolved, feel free to PM me for further details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I managed to get a code for both the phones in the second batch I ordered and my parents are loving the phones so far, hopefully Rogers clears the Denim update at least, else I guess I'll have to read more into the ROM scene for WP.
howipig said:
firrae,
Greetings.
I have been in the similar situation with my Rogers' PAYG kit of Nokia Lumia 635.
1. Yes... After months of searching and waiting, my unlocking source has finally found the 20-digit code and it is accepted by mine.
2. Yes... In my past experience with many Rogers' PAYG handsets, particularly Nokia brand, they are like being abandoned as is. My theory is that those stocks are originated from a clearing house which has got too many / overstock that other carriers in the US no longer want. Now, Nokia is gone with the Microsoft assimilation. Things could be even worse for record-keeping in transition. This is the administrative aspect of the issue. Even Rogers itself has a hard time to get the code, which would charge $50 plus tax after 90 days using it with an active account in good standing blah blah but ended up with code not found or invalid code. I have been there and I have to waste $$$ to top up the PAYG balance, for sufficient fund to unlock as well as keeping the account current for the sake of unlocking. But the balance snowballed without the issue being resolved. In the end, I asked the higher up at Rogers to do something: Transfer the balance to my home internet account. Technically, they credit me the same amount in my PAYG balance towards the home internet and told me to keep the PAYG account till it was lapsed in 30 days.
3. There is also a technical aspect of the issue... It is NOT "unlockable" but rather be DIFFICULT to get the code. In the past, Nokia use 15-digit unlock code which could still be possible to crack if the handsets could be JTAG for the protected memory. But another few more digits added, it will be like mining the Bitcoin! Again, it is just low priority for PAYG / low-tier handsets even now they are obligated to provide unlocking.
Anyway, I hope you have also got yours unlocked from your usual unlockers. However, if you still have not got it resolved, feel free to PM me for further details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please help me unlock my Rogers lumia 635? Ive been trying several online sources with no luck. if you could offer any advice or recommend any unlocking services i would be very grateful! thanks for your time.
I bought a phone yesterday Rogers 635 had it unlocked in less then 2 hours.
send PM if you'd like the link.
It seems to be based on when the phone was shipped? Talking to some people behind the scenes at cellunlocker they told me that there's a delay from when the phone's code is generated and when they receive them. In my case if I had waited I probably could have gotten both unlocked. Seems like it just takes time for the codes to be released by someone.
firrae said:
It seems to be based on when the phone was shipped? Talking to some people behind the scenes at cellunlocker they told me that there's a delay from when the phone's code is generated and when they receive them. In my case if I had waited I probably could have gotten both unlocked. Seems like it just takes time for the codes to be released by someone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T variant can be unlocked for free from AT&T directly, you can find them on Amazon.com for $30-50 USD, after tax, shipping and fx convertion, we are looking at $50-70 CAD

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