Hey Everyone,
I need assistance with unlocking my smartphone; it's an AT&T Samsung Galaxy S5 GM-900A. I did a little research on the internet and it's my understanding that unlocking a Samsung smartphone linked with AT&T is a bit more difficult than it already is with other companies. I also saw a lot of sites that offer "unlocking" services for a certain price. Before I decide to do that, I wanted to know if there were any others options or which site is most reliable. From what I've seen and read, it seems that this forum is the best option for seeing if this is possible. Appreciate any assistance you guys can offer.
I am not familiar with unlock sites but have heard mixed reviews on them. Those sites can only unlock the sim card, not the boot loader. Just thought I would put that out there since you didn't specify what kind if unlock you were looking for. I recently submitted a sim unlock through AT&T for my s5 since I am out of contract.
johnkirchner said:
I am not familiar with unlock sites but have heard mixed reviews on them. Those sites can only unlock the sim card, not the boot loader. Just thought I would put that out there since you didn't specify what kind if unlock you were looking for. I recently submitted a sim unlock through AT&T for my s5 since I am out of contract.
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Click to collapse
Unfortunately, mine is still under contract but I would like to unlock my smartphone so it can be used with another carrier. This is the type of unlock service those sites are saying they can provide, right? I've also read and heard mixed reviews on the internet, which is why I came here in hopes that I can get additional info on this. Thanks for your prompt response.
Just use att they will unlock your sim
Andrew K. Sterling said:
Unfortunately, these services can't unlock the bootloader, as far as I know.
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What's the difference between that and sim unlocking? Any disadvantages on just having the sim unlocked and not the bootloader?
Andrew K. Sterling said:
I've unlocked several Samsungs using www unlockunit com and the service was always excellent.
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Click to collapse
Thank you. I checked it out and it doesn't seem to support "Galaxy S5 SM G900A"; the only thing close to that is "Galaxy S5 SM G900F". Appreciate it if you can suggest another site.
miko85 said:
Just use att they will unlock your sim
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Click to collapse
I'm unable to do so because the smartphone is still under contract.
Call ATT. New laws made all carriers be (generally) required to unlock their SIMS not bootloaders under some conditions. see link https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/cell-phone-unlocking-faqs
If u are under contract they will make u pay but u then meanwhile u can use another carrier. Here is a link to an unlock service. https://www.doctorsim.com/us-en/unlock-phone/samsung/
Good Luck!
kwmike said:
Call ATT. New laws made all carriers be (generally) required to unlock their SIMS not bootloaders under some conditions. see link...
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Thanks for the link; I looked over the fine print and unfortunately, I don't fall under those conditions as I am under contract and unable to pay in order to get out of it. :/
kwmike said:
Here is a link to an unlock service. https://www.doctorsim.com/us-en/unlock-phone/samsung/
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will look into it. What's the difference between unlocking bootloaders and sim unlocking? Any disadvantages on just having the sim unlocked and not the bootloader?
gringolimon said:
Thanks for the link; I looked over the fine print and unfortunately, I don't fall under those conditions as I am under contract and unable to pay in order to get out of it. :/
Thanks, I will look into it. What's the difference between unlocking bootloaders and sim unlocking? Any disadvantages on just having the sim unlocked and not the bootloader?
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Click to collapse
They serve entirely different purposes. Sim chooses carrier (ATT,etc). Bootloader chooses what will be started when phone is booted ie system(rom), recovery(TWRP etc), bootloader itself. Bootloader unlock means changes can be made to what will start under different boot requests. No disadvantages to just unlocking sim, often used for foreign travel where your regular sim will not connect. Many times carrier will unlock SIM LATE in contract for foreign travel reasons.
You can try using www.unlockradar.com if you want to unlock your S5. I have a cell phone repair store and I've been using them for a few months and never had any problem. Their customer support is very responsive. https://www.unlockradar.com/unlock-samsung/galaxy-s5-sm-g900a
gringolimon said:
Thanks for the link; I looked over the fine print and unfortunately, I don't fall under those conditions as I am under contract and unable to pay in order to get out of it. :/
Thanks, I will look into it. What's the difference between unlocking bootloaders and sim unlocking? Any disadvantages on just having the sim unlocked and not the bootloader?
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Click to collapse
Are you under contract via a next plan thru at&t? If you are planning to unlock to switch carriers I imagine you want to end service with at&t. If so they will want you to pay for the phone in full or return the phone. If you don't pay & keep the phone I'm pretty sure they blackball the imei so it can't be used by any carrier. So what's your end goal here?
joshua14 said:
Are you under contract via a next plan thru at&t? If you are planning to unlock to switch carriers I imagine you want to end service with at&t. If so they will want you to pay for the phone in full or return the phone. If you don't pay & keep the phone I'm pretty sure they blackball the imei so it can't be used by any carrier. So what's your end goal here?
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Yes, I'm under a contract that has been suspended and told them that I am currently not able to pay but also am not able to get another phone due to financial reasons. They said they understood my situation but cannot unlock my phone due to the contract and that once I am able to pay, they will provide me the unlock code if I still want it or wish to continue using their services. I guess what my end goal is to not have to pay for another phone when I'll only use it for medical reasons and once I am financially stable, I can go ahead and pay and probably continue with AT&T. I see your point and understand the predicament I have. I'll just have to wait and see. . .
vlase_2 said:
You can try using www unlockradar com if you want to unlock your S5. I have a cell phone repair store and I've been using them for a few months and never had any problem. Their customer support is very responsive. www unlockradar com/unlock-samsung/galaxy-s5-sm-g900a[/url]
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Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll check it out.
gringolimon said:
Yes, I'm under a contract that has been suspended and told them that I am currently not able to pay but also am not able to get another phone due to financial reasons. They said they understood my situation but cannot unlock my phone due to the contract and that once I am able to pay, they will provide me the unlock code if I still want it or wish to continue using their services. I guess what my end goal is to not have to pay for another phone when I'll only use it for medical reasons and once I am financially stable, I can go ahead and pay and probably continue with AT&T. I see your point and understand the predicament I have. I'll just have to wait and see. . .
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Click to collapse
No problem. I just am trying to see if you'll end up paying to get it unlocked then have at&t block the phone from being used. Good luck.
~TMS5-3.0-TMBUILD on G900A with Blue Ice Theme
I used www.unlockradar.com
Related
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.
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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?
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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.
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:"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
i have an at&t s5 and i am now in Egypt and i want to unlock it to work on any carrier here ?
is there any solution to unlock it . android version lolipop 5 .
lovely heart said:
i have an at&t s5 and i am now in Egypt and i want to unlock it to work on any carrier here ?
is there any solution to unlock it . android version lolipop 5 .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T would unlock it for free if your contract is over or probably if you pay them.
YasharF said:
AT&T would unlock it for free if your contract is over or probably if you pay them.
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Click to collapse
i try to factory unlock it but at&t unlock service do not complete because the phone dos not have the General Requirements
Either the contract or next agreement needs paid off or you could try one of the many unlocker sites to pay for an unlock code.
I was easily able to unlock mine from AT&T once my contract ended.
lovely heart said:
i try to factory unlock it but at&t unlock service do not complete because the phone dos not have the General Requirements
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Click to collapse
Per AT&T you need to meet the General Requirements for All Unlock Requests:
The device must be designed for use on, and locked to, the AT&T wireless network [before submitting a request to AT&T to unlock it, aka they can't unlock a Sprint phone)
It must not be reported lost or stolen.
It’s not associated with fraudulent activity.
All the device’s service commitments and installment plans are completed, and all early termination fees are paid in full.
The device is not currently active on a different AT&T customer’s account.
If you performed an early upgrade, you must wait the 14-day buyer’s remorse period before you can request to unlock your previous device.
Note that there are exceptions for Deployed Military Personnel.
johnkirchner said:
Either the contract or next agreement needs paid off or you could try one of the many unlocker sites to pay for an unlock code.
I was easily able to unlock mine from AT&T once my contract ended.
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Click to collapse
are you know any trusted unlock site to unlock it ?
YasharF said:
Per AT&T you need to meet the General Requirements for All Unlock Requests:
The device must be designed for use on, and locked to, the AT&T wireless network [before submitting a request to AT&T to unlock it, aka they can't unlock a Sprint phone)
It must not be reported lost or stolen.
It’s not associated with fraudulent activity.
All the device’s service commitments and installment plans are completed, and all early termination fees are paid in full.
The device is not currently active on a different AT&T customer’s account.
If you performed an early upgrade, you must wait the 14-day buyer’s remorse period before you can request to unlock your previous device.
Note that there are exceptions for Deployed Military Personnel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i read those requirements but i do not know what is the problem with me
lovely heart said:
i read those requirements but i do not know what is the problem with me
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Click to collapse
Have you tried calling/contacting AT&T support to find out what the reason is? How did you end up with an AT&T phone overseas anyway?
This website works for me:
swiftunlocks.com
Go to Samsung
And then AT&T Samsung (ALL MODELS) $14.99
Good luck!
You can find cheaper services on eBay they ask for your imei number and send you an unlock code. Only attempt where unlocking your phone is legal if it isn't in Egypt then you can get fined.
YasharF said:
Have you tried calling/contacting AT&T support to find out what the reason is? How did you end up with an AT&T phone overseas anyway?
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yes and this is the response
(Hi Rabee, you can submit your unlock requests online at www.att.com/deviceunlock. If the equipment has been reported lost or stolen, they cannot be unlocked. You will need to contact the seller for assistance with the unlock or request a refund. -AnnaE, AT&T Social Media Manager)
Kekill said:
This website works for me:
swiftunlocks.com
Go to Samsung
And then AT&T Samsung (ALL MODELS) $14.99
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iam afraid if they work on a clean devices only not reported
or stolen
Andrew K. Sterling said:
Personally, I don't trust eBay unlocking services that much, as I had some negative experiences. However, you can try some nice unlocking services. Until now, I've used www.sin-unlock.net and www.unlockunit.com and everything went just great.
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me too ,I don't trust ebay services and most of unlocking website much more than 40$
lovely heart said:
yes and this is the response
(Hi Rabee, you can submit your unlock requests online at www.att.com/deviceunlock. If the equipment has been reported lost or stolen, they cannot be unlocked. You will need to contact the seller for assistance with the unlock or request a refund. -AnnaE, AT&T Social Media Manager)
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Click to collapse
mmm.... it sounds like that you are dealing with a stolen device, sorry can't help you. You should go get a refund from whoever defrauded you by selling you a stolen phone.
Note that helping you to use a stolen device is considered illegal in many jurisdictions. Per terms of service of XDA-Developers and forum: "... you cannot break any laws here, since we'll end up dealing with the legal hassle caused by you. Please use common sense: respect the forum, its users and those that write great code."
YasharF said:
mmm.... it sounds like that you are dealing with a stolen device, sorry can't help you. You should go get a refund from whoever defrauded you by selling you a stolen phone.
Note that helping you to use a stolen device is considered illegal in many jurisdictions. Per terms of service of XDA-Developers and forum: "... you cannot break any laws here, since we'll end up dealing with the legal hassle caused by you. Please use common sense: respect the forum, its users and those that write great code."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for reply, I don't know if it stolen or not but I will
try to return it back and get my money.
thanks for helping.
SIM card unlock?
Andrew K. Sterling said:
Personally, I don't trust eBay unlocking services that much, as I had some negative experiences. However, you can try some nice unlocking services. Until now, I've used www.sin-unlock.net and www.unlockunit.com and everything went just great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to SIM card unlock?
lovely heart said:
i have an at&t s5 and i am now in Egypt and i want to unlock it to work on any carrier here ?
is there any solution to unlock it . android version lolipop 5 .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, i used on an Samsung S4 this site http://www.doctorsim.com and works fine.
Good luck.
Facundo
l_facundo said:
Hi, i used on an Samsung S4 this site http://www.doctorsim.com and works fine.
Good luck.
Facundo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
www.cellphoneunlocker.net
$24.99
Got SIM unlock code in literally 10 minutes!
Worked flawlessly and superior customer support!
New member here popping my post cherry.
So A friend of mine found a very nice galaxy S6 active on the side of the road. It was in an otter box so it's in pristine condition and he of course wants to use it on another network - Cricket. It's locked to ATT. I'm a bit of a nerd so I've been trying to see what I can do to get this unlocked, without having to pay for it. ATT's website says it is not eligible to be unlocked because all of the installment payments have not been made on it. OK, so someone lost it and deactivated the line and they were still paying for the phone. Got it. Kudos to them for losing such an expensive piece of technology lol oops, glad it wasn't me.
My questions are, for 1: If this device is able to be rooted, are there any methods using root to carrier unlock it? Maybe a different ROM or something? Yes I am experienced with installing that stuff on Android without bricking it haha.
2: Is there a way to obtain an unlock code for free
3: If he does have to end up paying for it, what is a legit and inexpensive site that we could use that will provide a permanent unlock code, reliably?
Any insight an suggestions would be helpful. Thanks everyone!
jdlockhart said:
New member here popping my post cherry.
So A friend of mine found a very nice galaxy S6 active on the side of the road. It was in an otter box so it's in pristine condition and he of course wants to use it on another network - Cricket. It's locked to ATT. I'm a bit of a nerd so I've been trying to see what I can do to get this unlocked, without having to pay for it. ATT's website says it is not eligible to be unlocked because all of the installment payments have not been made on it. OK, so someone lost it and deactivated the line and they were still paying for the phone. Got it. Kudos to them for losing such an expensive piece of technology lol oops, glad it wasn't me.
My questions are, for 1: If this device is able to be rooted, are there any methods using root to carrier unlock it? Maybe a different ROM or something? Yes I am experienced with installing that stuff on Android without bricking it haha.
2: Is there a way to obtain an unlock code for free
3: If he does have to end up paying for it, what is a legit and inexpensive site that we could use that will provide a permanent unlock code, reliably?
Any insight an suggestions would be helpful. Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Return the phone to an AT&T store, there's no root for most AT&T phones. Most if not all the new Samsungs have reactivation lock aswell. Since the S4 days there are no free ways to "unlock" ...There were, but all patched with updates.
Lastly... Cricket is AT&T there should be no need for unlocking.
"ATT's website says it is not eligible to be unlocked because all of the installment payments have not been made on it."
This means that most likely the device is black listed, so unlocking is not even an option...X2
Should be able to find an unlock code on eBay or other service. I always think those service has somebody work in att.
The phone has been blacklisted, i.e. reported lost or stolen.
Unlocking it isn't going to help, the imei will be refused connection by the cell network.
AoN
I have successfully unlocked blacklisted (for using outside US ) ATT S6 Active for US $10.40.
Hi Everyone,
So i just bought the s21 ultra t-mobile from samsung.com. As i understand it, the device is locked to tmobile simcard. I have an att sim card and would like to understand my options if i want to continue to use att sim card.
Since i will have device paid in full,
1. Can tmobile unlock the device for me even though i have no account with them?
2. If they will not unlock it, is my option to then get a prepaid card top it with 100 dollars work with phone for couple months then switch back to att after they unlock?
3. Is there a shorter way, like when i receive device can i just flash unlocked firmware and that would make me able to use any sim?
I am just looking for the following
1. Unlocking device
2. Having wifi call as with this weird att\tmobile combo as i understand it i will not have wifi calling? so flashing unlocked\att should help? but given tmobile unlocks my phone
Thanks alot for your help
Message @Tmobilehelp on Twitter. They'll unlock for you. I did this recently for a couple of A71. I also confirmed with them before ordering the S21 Ultra.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out, My name is Marva and I will be working with you moving forward! I hope that overall your day is going well so far! We always want to be respectful of your time and appreciate you hanging in there with us to make sure that you're all set. I know it's important to get that device unlocked for use on other networks. Traveling is so much easier and versatility of an unlocked phone is awesome. We do have a process for devices purchased directly through the manufacturer. So yes, you are definitely able to purchase from Samsung, then you'll just need to share your device imei with us here and we can submit the request. It does take about 72 hours to complete and then you'll use the preinstalled unlock app once your request has been processed. Let me know what other questions you have abut this.
That's correct, this process is specifically for non T-Mobile customers that purchase their devices through Samsung so you'll be all set!
rmrl2008 said:
Message @Tmobilehelp on Twitter. They'll unlock for you. I did this recently for a couple of A71. I also confirmed with them before ordering the S21 Ultra.
Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out, My name is Marva and I will be working with you moving forward! I hope that overall your day is going well so far! We always want to be respectful of your time and appreciate you hanging in there with us to make sure that you're all set. I know it's important to get that device unlocked for use on other networks. Traveling is so much easier and versatility of an unlocked phone is awesome. We do have a process for devices purchased directly through the manufacturer. So yes, you are definitely able to purchase from Samsung, then you'll just need to share your device imei with us here and we can submit the request. It does take about 72 hours to complete and then you'll use the preinstalled unlock app once your request has been processed. Let me know what other questions you have abut this.
That's correct, this process is specifically for non T-Mobile customers that purchase their devices through Samsung so you'll be all set!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are not as accomodating with current Tmo customers.
Dai_321 said:
Hi Everyone,
So i just bought the s21 ultra t-mobile from samsung.com. As i understand it, the device is locked to tmobile simcard. I have an att sim card and would like to understand my options if i want to continue to use att sim card.
Since i will have device paid in full,
1. Can tmobile unlock the device for me even though i have no account with them?
2. If they will not unlock it, is my option to then get a prepaid card top it with 100 dollars work with phone for couple months then switch back to att after they unlock?
3. Is there a shorter way, like when i receive device can i just flash unlocked firmware and that would make me able to use any sim?
I am just looking for the following
1. Unlocking device
2. Having wifi call as with this weird att\tmobile combo as i understand it i will not have wifi calling? so flashing unlocked\att should help? but given tmobile unlocks my phone
Thanks alot for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much did you pay? I cancelled my preorder yesterday and today I tried to reorder but now the tmo version is $100 more than yesterday
If someone willing to unlock S21 bootloader on snapdragon variant PM me for unlock and testing TWRP build.
Shuthefrontdoor said:
How much did you pay? I cancelled my preorder yesterday and today I tried to reorder but now the tmo version is $100 more than yesterday
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it looked the $100 off the TMO version was only for a day or so.
BladeRunner said:
They are not as accomodating with current Tmo customers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe they will unlock if the phone is fully paid off. They will also do temporary unlocks for travel.
Bobb_o said:
I believe they will unlock if the phone is fully paid off. They will also do temporary unlocks for travel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Needs to be active on a line for 40 days. They USED to be much more flexible about that but the last couple of times I've tried they've stuck firm on that.
I've had T-Mobile unlock phones for me in the past, even when the phone hasn't been active on my account for 40 days, but I have had my Tmo account for a long time with several lines and financed devices. I don't ask for unlocks often, I've maybe done 3 or 4 over the years. Last one was a Pixel 4 XL and before that it was an iPhone XS.
BladeRunner said:
Yeah, it looked the $100 off the TMO version was only for a day or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed this too, and now the Sprint version is $100 off. I would think that getting the Sprint version would work just fine on Tmo these days (especially since all US branded devices are the same hardware model), but then, would that phone be locked to Spring SIM Cards only and using my Tmo SIM would be a problem?
I just purchased a Samsung S21 Ultra AT&T version from samsung.com and paid the full payment. I requested to unlock my phone in att's website but my requested was denied because my service hasn't been active for at least 60 days.I do not have any payment installment and contract with AT&T since I paid the full price when I bought my phone. I tried to call ATT customer service 800-331-0500, but each time I said unlock phone to the phone robot, the call was disconnected and directed my to submit a unlock request online. I am current using Cricket Wireless, and the the sim card works on this ATT locked phone. I want to unlock it because I would like to flash the XAA firmware. Does anyone have experience to handle the unlock process with ATT? Thanks in advance.
Update on 3/16/2021:
I called ATT retention department and talked with 3 reps, but no one was able to solved the issue. Two rep said they were not able to unlocked a phone without 60 days ATT service or let me ask samsung to unlock the phone, and the third one directed me to fill the unlocking form in the https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/ again. This request was denied within one hour, claiming "Your IMEI number & device don't match". This reason is different with my first request. I am very confused with their unlocking system. After 24 hours (this afternoon), I submitted an online unlocking request again. Surprisingly, this request was approved within half an hour. This is a happy ending, but I hate this hassle progress.
Hope my experience can help someone else.
Call them again and ask to talk with the Customer Loyalty Dept aka Retainment Dept.
Escalate the case if needed.
If nice doesn't get it, hound them.
If bought with a Master Card you can file a claim for a refund (you need return the phone first).
Trust me if you're assertive with AT&T you'll get it done. Been there, done that... many times
blackhawk said:
Call them again and ask to talk with the Customer Loyalty Dept aka Retainment Dept.
Escalate the case if needed.
If nice doesn't get it, hound them.
If bought with a Master Card you can file a claim for a refund (you need return the phone first).
Trust me if you're assertive with AT&T you'll get it done. Been there, done that... many times
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your suggestion. ATT sucks.
qoupan said:
Thanks for your suggestion. ATT sucks.
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Click to collapse
You can play with them. The CEO gives their reps a lot of leeway to resolve problems.
You just need to leverage them a bit sometimes.
Consider it assertiveness training.
One way or another... get it done
Just a question, why get a carrier locked phone instead of an unlocked phone to begin with?
Sonin66 said:
Just a question, why get a carrier locked phone instead of an unlocked phone to begin with?
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The reason I bought a ATT locked phone it the 256gb black unlocked version is out of stock.
qoupan said:
The reason I bought a ATT locked phone it the 256gb black unlocked version is out of stock.
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At the worst you'll only need to wait 60 days to comply with the contract.
Speed is always expensive...
Sonin66 said:
Just a question, why get a carrier locked phone instead of an unlocked phone to begin with?
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It is not unusual for a Carrier to have this kind of policy - TMobile has a similar rule - I don't know about Verizon, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did too. Like someone said earlier, if the OP complains long enough, there is a very good chance he will get what he wants.
Geekser said:
It is not unusual for a Carrier to have this kind of policy - TMobile has a similar rule - I don't know about Verizon, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did too. Like someone said earlier, if the OP complains long enough, there is a very good chance he will get what he wants.
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I had AT&T unlock my S4+ as I was in compliance with the contract.
They are contractually bound by that agreement.
They are only obligated to fullfill the terms of that contract although they may choose to alter it on the OP's behalf.
One point to remember though is that they make most of their profit by providing cell service not the devices.
The OP should carefully check the buy out clause(s) in the contract as well as any state laws that apply ie contact the State Attorney General's office.
I found this thread when I did the research. It analyzed the potential reason why ATT's unlock system is problematic.
S21 AT&T variant purchased from Samsung.com IMEI not recognized in unlock portal | AT&T Community Forums
@ATTCARES Samsung CS confirms phone is an AT&T device per their IMEI portal. AT&T's unlock portal does not contain the IMEI so they have no ability to produce an unlock code. Device is acti...
forums.att.com
you do know that carrier unlock is not needed to flash the xaa firmware