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[Q] How to unlock phone to use abroad?

Hi.
I'm going abroad on Jan 1 for 12 months and want to get the GSM version Moto X to bring it with me, but I don't know if this can be done.
The options are AT&T and T-Mobile. AT&T requires 6 months usage before they unlock, and T-Mobile requires 40 days, of which the last 7 must be in the US. So these are not options.
I then read about various "unlock" services online, but don't know how reliable these are. What are the odds they can unlock my phone, either AT&T or T-Mobile? This link: http: //www .technobuffalo.com/2013/11/14/att-unlock-changes-putting-resellers-out-of-business/ for example claims that there was a change just 1-2 months ago so that it's virtually impossible to unlock AT&T for 3rd parties now. If I buy this phone, I need to be almost 100% certain it's possible to unlock it, or it's not worth taking the risk.
Finally, would it be possible to unlock the phone by rooting it? I understand the bootloader for the T-Mobile version can be unlocked, but have no idea if, and if so how, this helps me.
Thanks in advance.

mxx2 said:
Hi.
I'm going abroad on Jan 1 for 12 months and want to get the GSM version Moto X to bring it with me, but I don't know if this can be done.
The options are AT&T and T-Mobile. AT&T requires 6 months usage before they unlock, and T-Mobile requires 40 days, of which the last 7 must be in the US. So these are not options.
I then read about various "unlock" services online, but don't know how reliable these are. What are the odds they can unlock my phone, either AT&T or T-Mobile? This link: http: //www .technobuffalo.com/2013/11/14/att-unlock-changes-putting-resellers-out-of-business/ for example claims that there was a change just 1-2 months ago so that it's virtually impossible to unlock AT&T for 3rd parties now. If I buy this phone, I need to be almost 100% certain it's possible to unlock it, or it's not worth taking the risk.
Finally, would it be possible to unlock the phone by rooting it? I understand the bootloader for the T-Mobile version can be unlocked, but have no idea if, and if so how, this helps me.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many including me have unlocked their phones. I myself had the AT&T model. Sites such as cellunlocker, unlockcode247 get you the code within a couple of days 99% of the time. The 6 months/ 40 days usage only applies if you talk to the carrier CS for the code.
If you dont want to go that route, you could always get the T-Mobile version. Comes SIM unlocked OOTB. So does the DEV Ed.
Rooting does not unlock your phone. Unlocking the BL comes handy if you do a lot of flashing.

I know this doesn't answer your question (since the post above mine does) but the Nexus 5 and Moto G are two nice smartphones that come unlocked. N5 will run you 349, Moto G 179. No contract, unlocked. I prefer the Moto X, but if you want a 100% guarantee, buy an unlocked phone.

anirudh412 said:
Many including me have unlocked their phones. I myself had the AT&T model. Sites such as cellunlocker, unlockcode247 get you the code within a couple of days 99% of the time. The 6 months/ 40 days usage only applies if you talk to the carrier CS for the code.
If you dont want to go that route, you could always get the T-Mobile version. Comes SIM unlocked OOTB. So does the DEV Ed.
Rooting does not unlock your phone. Unlocking the BL comes handy if you do a lot of flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks anirudh!
Are you saying that the T-Mobile Moto X without contract is NOT SIM locked to T-Mobile? It would be fantastic if that's the case. Is there an official source? I checked with Motorola a few days ago, and they told me that whatever phone I buy will be SIM locked to the operator, but they might be incorrect?
(Also, when did you unlock your AT&T phone? The article I linked says it became considerably more difficult/impossible just last month, which made me worried.)

BaconDrips said:
the Nexus 5 and Moto G are two nice smartphones that come unlocked. N5 will run you 349, Moto G 179. No contract, unlocked. I prefer the Moto X, but if you want a 100% guarantee, buy an unlocked phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Bacon. Yeah, I'll fall back to the Nexus 5 if the Moto X doesn't work out.

mxx2 said:
Thanks anirudh!
Are you saying that the T-Mobile Moto X without contract is NOT SIM locked to T-Mobile? It would be fantastic if that's the case. Is there an official source? I checked with Motorola a few days ago, and they told me that whatever phone I buy will be SIM locked to the operator, but they might be incorrect?
(Also, when did you unlock your AT&T phone? The article I linked says it became considerably more difficult/impossible just last month, which made me worried.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mxx2 said:
Thanks Bacon. Yeah, I'll fall back to the Nexus 5 if the Moto X doesn't work out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moto X WILL work out. Even though the N5 is a great phone, I hate the 'bigger is better' race we have going on today. Phones like watches are tools. They go everywhere you do. The X is so much more handy than the N5. Removing the Nav Bar and using LMT makes it even better. This is EXACTLY the phone I was looking to get for so many years.
As for unlocking, I got mine unlocked a week ago. So did plenty of others. There are several threads in the Q&A/ General section on this. If however, you dont want to go that route, get the Dev Edition which comes unlocked. Also the T-Mobile edition. And dont base your decision based on what the CS says. There dont know squat about the X. They told me theres no way T-Mobile BL can be unlocked.

mxx2 said:
Thanks anirudh!
Are you saying that the T-Mobile Moto X without contract is NOT SIM locked to T-Mobile? It would be fantastic if that's the case. Is there an official source? I checked with Motorola a few days ago, and they told me that whatever phone I buy will be SIM locked to the operator, but they might be incorrect?
(Also, when did you unlock your AT&T phone? The article I linked says it became considerably more difficult/impossible just last month, which made me worried.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, the Verizon and T-Mobile versions are SIM unlocked. The system version for the T-Mobile version is ghost_row.retail (not ghost_att.ATT or ghost_verizon.Verizon), so there's actually no carrier in the the system version. So, the T-Mobile variant is just a retail version of the phone that has all of the available US GSM bands unlocked. Obviously, some carrier specific LTE bands may not be available, like Verizon's upper 700MHz band 13. It does support AT&T's lower 700MHz band 17 LTE, and of course T-Mobile, Verizon's AWS band 4 LTE though.

Unlocked Moto X question

I am in the market to get either the nexus 5 or moto x. Finally switching off of Verizon and thinking of going to AT&T.
I want to MotoMake my own Moto with the unlocked (T Mobile) option, if i do so, is there bloatware or carrier logo?
And if no, then my next question would be if I used it on AT&T, do I lose LTE? I was told mixed things, that I would and I may not have AT&T 4G LTE.
Because then I may just get the Nexus 5.
~The agnostic, dyslexic, insomniac stayed up all night wondering if there really was a dog~

justinisloco said:
I am in the market to get either the nexus 5 or moto x. Finally switching off of Verizon and thinking of going to AT&T.
I want to MotoMake my own Moto with the unlocked (T Mobile) option, if i do so, is there bloatware or carrier logo? ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no carrier branding or bloatware on the T-Mobile version (XT1053).

scottjb said:
There is no carrier branding or bloatware on the T-Mobile version (XT1053).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, would you be able to answer the second question as well?
~The agnostic, dyslexic, insomniac stayed up all night wondering if there really was a dog~

You don't lose LTE. You may have to call up AT&T to make sure AT&T lists it as a LTE device, as a few people here have done.
Sent from my Moto X

I'm using the T-Mobile variant on straight talk and I pick up LTE off of at&ts towers
Sent from my XT1053 using xda premium

So !y last question would be updating/rooting. So would I get a upgrade close to the date of when Motorola releases it? Or when AT&T approves it, even though its carrier unlocked?
And would the bootloader come unlocked?
~The agnostic, dyslexic, insomniac stayed up all night wondering if there really was a dog~

justinisloco said:
So !y last question would be updating/rooting. So would I get a upgrade close to the date of when Motorola releases it? Or when AT&T approves it, even though its carrier unlocked?
And would the bootloader come unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which upgrade are you taking about? If you mean the 4.4 KitKat, then you'll probably see it soon after you turn on the phone unless it ships with it already. Any subsequent updates you should see soon after T-Mobile releases it no matter the carrier.
If you're talking the two year upgrade for a new phone, then it's two years from the date you sign the contact. Although that doesn't matter if you're buying your device outright.
For the last question, the only devices that have a safely unlockable bootloader are the dev devices, not the MotoMaker ones. You can unlock the bootloader on the T-Mobile phone, but in doing so you will void your warranty. Unlocking the bootloader on Dev device will not void the warranty
Sent from my XT1053 using xda premium
Edit: clarifying my train of thought after just waking up.

chrstndsgnr said:
Which upgrade are you taking about? If you mean the 4.4 KitKat, then you'll probably see it soon after you turn on the phone unless it ships with it already. Any subsequent updates you should see soon after T-Mobile releases it no matter the carrier.
If you're talking the two year upgrade for a new phone, then it's two years from the date you sign the contact. Although that doesn't matter if you're buying your device outright.
For the last question, the only devices that have a safely unlockable bootloader are the dev devices, not the MotoMaker ones. You can unlock the bootloader on the T-Mobile phone, but in doing so you will void your warranty. Unlocking the bootloader on Dev device will not void the warranty
Sent from my XT1053 using xda premium
Edit: clarifying my train of thought after just waking up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, yes I meant the kit Kat, but I'm thinking future updates (like 4.4.1) would I get it when AT&T gets it or when TMo gets it, although I'll be on AT&T.
~The agnostic, dyslexic, insomniac stayed up all night wondering if there really was a dog~

justinisloco said:
Thanks, yes I meant the kit Kat, but I'm thinking future updates (like 4.4.1) would I get it when AT&T gets it or when TMo gets it, although I'll be on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll get it when T-Mobile releases it. I've never been on their service and I got the notification for kitkat about 10 minutes after I inserted my straight talk sim card that's using at&ts towers
Sent from my XT1053 using xda premium

Can't get straight answers!....HELP if you please
I've been doing research and making a lot of calls to both AT&T and to motorola regarding the GSM unlocked(Tmo) version of the MOTO X on the ATT network. Specifically, I have asked ATT about the 850 Mhz LTE band (which is not supported on the GCM unlocked X) and how, If at all, would my service be affected by the lack of this freq. NO one at ATT seems to know anything. I asked moto(numerous times) before I ordered and was told it's the "same phone" or that it "will work". No one seems to be able to tell me specifically if not having this band will adversely effect my ability to get service as I travel the country(US). The phone arrives wed and I'll post again with the results. After I update the APN settings(if needed) we'll see what happens. The only reason I opted for the GSM unlocked version is to be able to use PDA NET + to tether and use another carrier if I desire. (grandfathered unlimited data).
Another question:
Will I need to root the phone to use PDA net, or can u I just use native tethering on the GSM unlocked on the ATT network. ?? Thanks in advance.

justinisloco said:
And would the bootloader come unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you have to get an unlock code from Motorola and it voids your warranty.
Why not just get the GSM Dev Ed and keep your warranty after you unlock it?

I bought the Dev edition and inside there's this piece of paper that says that after requesting the unlock code, it'll void the warranty, weird
Sent from my LG-D958 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Zcam said:
I've been doing research and making a lot of calls to both AT&T and to motorola regarding the GSM unlocked(Tmo) version of the MOTO X on the ATT network. Specifically, I have asked ATT about the 850 Mhz LTE band (which is not supported on the GCM unlocked X) and how, If at all, would my service be affected by the lack of this freq. NO one at ATT seems to know anything. I asked moto(numerous times) before I ordered and was told it's the "same phone" or that it "will work". No one seems to be able to tell me specifically if not having this band will adversely effect my ability to get service as I travel the country(US). The phone arrives wed and I'll post again with the results. After I update the APN settings(if needed) we'll see what happens. The only reason I opted for the GSM unlocked version is to be able to use PDA NET + to tether and use another carrier if I desire. (grandfathered unlimited data).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, the 850MHz band is only used for 2G/3G, which is usable by the unlocked X. From my research, I don't see anyone with any plans to use LTE on that frequency.
Short answer: If AT&T or one of their roaming partners has service, you should be fine.
Another question:
Will I need to root the phone to use PDA net, or can u I just use native tethering on the GSM unlocked on the ATT network. ?? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would not be able to use native tethering unless you pay for the tethering service to the best of my knowledge.
From what I remember of PDA.net from years ago was that it did not need root to function.
Sent from my XT1053 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 05:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:56 AM ----------
Thraxzzz said:
I bought the Dev edition and inside there's this piece of paper that says that after requesting the unlock code, it'll void the warranty, weird
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was/is the original stance by Motorola. They got a bit of backlash and reversed the decision for the Dev devices only.
Sent from my XT1053 using xda premium

Thraxzzz said:
I bought the Dev edition and inside there's this piece of paper that says that after requesting the unlock code, it'll void the warranty, weird
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was their old policy. Motorola has reversed themselves on that policy.

[Q] Getting ready to order two X's

I am getting ready to order a couple of X's for my wife and me. I have a couple of questions....
We are with at&t. Is there a difference between the at&t branded ones and the GSM dev models? I have Googled this, but I am still confused as to whether there are hardware differences which would make the dev model less useful on at&t and whether there is bloat on the at&t model....
We have a SG4 and an iPhone 5 which still under contract which we will keep as spares for the family. I assume that we can buy the X at&t branded through Moto Maker without a contract? and just stay on the plan?
Thank you. I have spent hours on this and I am still confused, probably because it keeps changing....

I would like to know to. I'm getting ready to buy a moto x also
Sent from my One X using Tapatalk

AlbertoM said:
I am getting ready to order a couple of X's for my wife and me. I have a couple of questions....
We are with at&t. Is there a difference between the at&t branded ones and the GSM dev models? I have Googled this, but I am still confused as to whether there are hardware differences which would make the dev model less useful on at&t and whether there is bloat on the at&t model....
We have a SG4 and an iPhone 5 which still under contract which we will keep as spares for the family. I assume that we can buy the X at&t branded through Moto Maker without a contract? and just stay on the plan?
Thank you. I have spent hours on this and I am still confused, probably because it keeps changing....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the developer edition are unlocked and u can unlock ur bootloader without losing ur warranty
being unlocked u can use with other carriers
if u buy at&t u can use only with at&t
if u want a phone that u can use with gsm carriers and with other carriers take or a developer edition or a unlockable one without contract

I got the T-Mobile unlockable (and unbranded!) version from Motomaker off-contract. Works great on AT&T and it beat paying the extra dough for a developer edition, since it's practically the same damn thing! (I also don't care about voiding warranty having unlocked my bootloader. I take care of my phone. If warranty is something you desire, then go dev edition or stick with your current carrier's version).

shkrmkr said:
I got the T-Mobile unlockable (and unbranded!) version from Motomaker off-contract. Works great on AT&T and it beat paying the extra dough for a developer edition, since it's practically the same damn thing! (I also don't care about voiding warranty having unlocked my bootloader. I take care of my phone. If warranty is something you desire, then go dev edition or stick with your current carrier's version).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure the developer edition is the same price as the moto maker version so it won't cost any "extra dough." And it doesn't matter how well you care for your phone. That's not what a warranty is for. It covers failures NOT caused by the user. You could wrap your phone in bubble wrap, never flash a third party app, and only use it under tightly controlled environmental conditions, insuring the phone is never exposed to any abuse, and a part could still fail, thus necessitating the use of the warranty. Which you voided by unlocking the boot loader on a non-developer edition.

You can pick either the AT&T branded one, the T-Mobile variant, or the unlocked. The T-mobile is actually unbranded, SIM unlocked and has no carrier apps.
I'm in the same boat still in contract with AT&T and purchased the T-Mobile one to leave my options open to switch to T-Mobile later and be able to purchase SIM cards for use abroad without having to fight the death star to get an unlock code.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
I'm pretty sure the developer edition is the same price as the moto maker version so it won't cost any "extra dough." And it doesn't matter how well you care for your phone. That's not what a warranty is for. It covers failures NOT caused by the user. You could wrap your phone in bubble wrap, never flash a third party app, and only use it under tightly controlled environmental conditions, insuring the phone is never exposed to any abuse, and a part could still fail, thus necessitating the use of the warranty. Which you voided by unlocking the boot loader on a non-developer edition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I could've bought the developer version easily I certainly would have.
But to me...I'll risk the 400 bucks to unlock..root..etc. I have on every device I've owned. LOL. I need my customization, battery life control..etc etc.
Sent from my Moto X cellular telephone...

Buy the unlocked one. Works just fine with att. I'm in the middle of my contract and just had to go to a store and pick up a new sim
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk

i think it is a good mob
so if you get it feed us back

[Q] Unlock US Cellular Moto X?

Hi guys I've just bought a US Cellular Moto X from eBay and I plan to use it here in Australia. I'm not very familiar with CDMA phones as all the networks here in Australia are GSM so I don't know the limitations of CDMA for overseas use. I've heard that an unlocked CDMA phone can be use with a sim card overseas but also heard that the Sprint Moto X can only be unlocked OTA or by flashing another ROM.
So my question is: 'Is there a way to unlock the US Cellular Moto X from overseas for overseas use with a sim card? And also is the boatloader already unlocked or do I have to unlock it myself like the verizon version?
Thanks in advanced
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

I'd return it if you can. AFAIK, the sim card slot on US cellular phones is only for their 4g LTE data and is not compatible with gsm networks. I could be wrong on that though.
The unlocked(t-mobile), gsm developer edition, or at&t would be best for gsm networks. Just know that you would probably need to buy a sim unlock code for the at&t model.
If you're looking at unlocking the bootloader, then go with the unlocked or developer model. If you're worried about warranty, get the developer edition since you can unlock the bootloader and you don't void your warranty if you fubar the phone.
Just my two cents.
Sent from my XT1053 using xda premium

chrstndsgnr said:
I'd return it if you can. AFAIK, the sim card slot on US cellular phones is only for their 4g LTE data and is not compatible with gsm networks. I could be wrong on that though.
The unlocked(t-mobile), gsm developer edition, or at&t would be best for gsm networks. Just know that you would probably need to buy a sim unlock code for the at&t model.
If you're looking at unlocking the bootloader, then go with the unlocked or developer model. If you're worried about warranty, get the developer edition since you can unlock the bootloader and you don't void your warranty if you fubar the phone.
Just my two cents.
Sent from my XT1053 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh okay, because I bought it primarily to use as a kind of iPod replacement. Just to use it primarily for music and stuff because I already have the note 3 as my main phone. I was really wanting to get a T-mobile one but ended getting a really good deal for this one (saved around $150)
It would have been good to be able to use the Moto X as a backup phone or secondary device for when I go overseas or camping or something like that. But I'm not too worried about it, it would have just been nice to know I had the option. And as far as warranty - the phone has a bad ESN so I assume that the warranty is no longer in place? I'm not very familiar with the whole ESN thing either.
So is the boatloader locked on the US Cellular? And also would I be able to receive OTA updates with the bad ESN and all? Sorry for all the questions - I just have no clue on how network providers do their thing in America.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

Why did you buy a most likely stolen/blacklisted phone???????
and yes, it will still receive updates.

Steve-x said:
Why did you buy a most likely stolen/blacklisted phone???????
and yes, it will still receive updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh okay, that's good to hear.
Sorry, I didn't mean to offend anyone. The phone was pretty much brand new with everything so I don't he stole it unless he ran off without paying over the counter. He seemed like an honest person but I wouldn't know really. I just bought it because I sold my iPod and wanted an android replacement for it. Again I do apologise if I offended you in any way but I appreciate you answering my question.
Thanks
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

Yes, you can unlock the bootloader on the US Cellular model.
Sent from my XT1055 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Which Moto X's receive updates from Motorola?

I'm looking to buy a used Moto X, and am trying to figure out which Moto X's receive updates from Motorola and not a carrier. I need a GSM phone and will be using a TMobile or AT&T MVNO in the US. I don't trust the carriers to continue pushing out Motorola's updates, so I'd rather just get them from Motorola directly.
My understanding is that the new dev versions and the retail, full-priced versions from Motorola will get updates. How do I identify those on the secondary market? Is it as simple as - if the back doesn't have a carrier logo, it gets updates from Motorola? Should I only be looking for an XT1053 and not an XT1058?
Looked in the FAQs and searched, but couldn't find an answer.
Thanks!

I could be wrong, but I don't think any of them get the update OTA straight from motorola. Even the dev and unlocked GSM's roms are labeled as T-Mobile retail. However, if you have one of those devices and an unlocked bootloader, you can download the system images straight from moto's website and easily install the updates yourself. So either version works in your case. The only difference is that you lose your warranty if you don't have a dev edition.
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app

That Ain't Falco!!! said:
I could be wrong, but I don't think any of them get the update OTA straight from motorola. Even the dev and unlocked GSM's roms are labeled as T-Mobile retail. However, if you have one of those devices and an unlocked bootloader, you can download the system images straight from moto's website and easily install the updates yourself. So either version works in your case. The only difference is that you lose your warranty if you don't have a dev edition.
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answer. So, theoretically, it wouldn't matter which device I got. Good to know. Thanks!

511pf said:
I'm looking to buy a used Moto X, and am trying to figure out which Moto X's receive updates from Motorola and not a carrier. I need a GSM phone and will be using a TMobile or AT&T MVNO in the US. I don't trust the carriers to continue pushing out Motorola's updates, so I'd rather just get them from Motorola directly.
My understanding is that the new dev versions and the retail, full-priced versions from Motorola will get updates. How do I identify those on the secondary market? Is it as simple as - if the back doesn't have a carrier logo, it gets updates from Motorola? Should I only be looking for an XT1053 and not an XT1058?
Looked in the FAQs and searched, but couldn't find an answer.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to be able to use your phone on multiple carriers, definitely buy the XT1053.
The XT1053 comes bootloader-unlockable and sim-unlocked. If you buy the XT1058 AT&T variant, the bootloader cannot be unlocked (unless you are lucky enough to get a code from the china middleman), and the phones are SIM-Locked to AT&T (unusable on T-Mobile). Some have reported success getting a SIM-Unlock code from online sellers, but others have reported that they tried all of the online sellers and none of the unlock codes work.
If you want a phone that will 100% be usable on any GSM carrier, buy the XT1053.
All variants should [eventually] receive the updates.

Don't know about XT1053 but I got the XT1052 and it came with unlock-able bootloader too, and of course all GSM SIM cards are working.

511pf said:
I need a GSM phone and will be using a TMobile or AT&T MVNO in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In addition to what That Ain't Falco!!! said..
The ATT XT1058 doesn't support HSPA/HSPA+ on AWS(1700/2100mhz). When T-Mobile first launched their HSPA/HSPA+ network that is the frequency they used. While they are working to upgrade and re-farm their 1900Mhz spectrum to HSPA/HSPA+, in areas where they haven't yet completed that, the XT1058 would only get EDGE when using it on T-Mobile
While the GSM Unlocked XT1053 is sim unlocked out of the box and bootloader unlockable, unlocking the bootloader does void the warranty. The Dev Edition XT1053 can't be customized (comes as 32gig, black face, woven white back, silver accents and says Dev Edition on the back), but unlocking the bootloader does NOT void the warranty. But in reality, the hardware "inside" is exactly the same, and they use the same roms/updates.
If you want to root, its easiest/best if you can unlock the bootloader.

Great answers, guys. Thanks a ton for taking the time. I'm definitely going to look for the XT1053.