Alcatel idol 4s Seed phone - Alcatel Idol 4S Questions & Answers

I brought a Idol 4S off Ebay. It's locked to T-mobile network. I forgot to ask the seller if the phone was unlocked when I brought it. He said, no, it wasn't unlocked and also it was a Seed Phone (device). I didn't know exactly what that was and I'm still not sure if I have a complete understanding of what it is. From what I understand it's developed to give to businesses (or people) to test (like a beta version)? Is that correct? Can these phones be unlocked by T-mobile? I tried using some "Secret codes" listed on a site called Mobilespecs.net but the only code that worked, out of 8 -pages worth, was the display IMEI code. The phone's resolution isn't full HD either, it's 1280 x 960 or something like that. Can anyone offer any advice, besides not buy phones from Ebay. LOL I've purchased plenty of phones off Ebay that have worked flawlessly. This is the first that has given me headaches. Thanks in advance!

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[Q] Unlock question

Hello I'm in canada and bought a Droid 3 (verizon) from ebay
I will unlock it with a code that is available from well known sources (swiftunlock, etc..)
the description says 'Ready to Activate' so this worried me abit, doe sit have to be activated thru verizon before the phone will even work or do anything
or can i punch in the unlock code (based on its IMEI) and start using it regardless of whether it is 'activated' or not
what im worried about is, if it hasnt been activated, will its unlock code (based on IMIE) even show up to these unlockers, or is the code generated right away when a phone is manufactured and stamped with an IMEI regardless of activation
THanks!
You don't need to have it activated on Verizon to unlock the GSM part.
You can easily bypass the activation by tapping in the four corners of the screen on the activation prompt.
As soon as it sees the foreign SIM it will prompt you for unlock code. Given you got an unlock code for it, you should be able to unlock it.
There are some horror stories with the older Droid 2 Global - some of them were custom locked by Verizon and standard unlock codes unlockers provide do not work.
I haven't heard yet of somebody successfully unlock a D3 using online unlock service (only Verizon Global support is known to provide unlock codes that work so far). But it has been couple of weeks since D3 is available, maybe unlockers are getting those codes already. Please keep us posted!
Personally I am going to wait for the Canadian XT860 that is coming shortly to Bell. Since I have some not so pleasant experience with the buggy Droid 2 Global radio/baseband and given the fact Droid 3 uses the same chipset (Qualcomm MSM6600), chances are GSM/UTMS radio of D3 suffers from the same issues D2G does.
From another side - D3 is cheaper than XT860. I am sure Bell will charge at least $550 for it, if not even $600 (and tax), D3 comes much cheaper at $475 US (even US-CDN$ rate is favourable) at non-contract price.
Keep us posted on how it goes with your D3!
There was a report of succesful unlock here in the forum, and now I confirm this too.
The code from swiftunlocks worked. I contacted the guy in advance, he told me about 90% D3 can be unlocked. And at least for me, it worked. I can really recommend his servive.
rweb said:
There was a report of succesful unlock here in the forum, and now I confirm this too.
The code from swiftunlocks worked. I contacted the guy in advance, he told me about 90% D3 can be unlocked. And at least for me, it worked. I can really recommend his servive.
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Hi, did you purchase the code through eBay or their web site? Thanks a lot.
So does thw swiftunlock code work with Verizon D3 on AT&T networks??
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
jchenny said:
Hi, did you purchase the code through eBay or their web site? Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wrote him an email to [email protected] (had it from ebay, wanted to ask him if he _really_ can unlock D3), he responded very quickly and offered me the code for $20. Had the code a few hours later. Really can recommend.
And no, I don't think it will work with U.S. GSM providers.

maybe someone can explain why unlocked ist really unlocked......xt1096

So, BF came and I shot me a verizon unlocked xt1096 somewhat foolishly expecting that unlocked means fully unlocked.....means I can do with it what I want.
Not getting gang raped like the Apple crowd.
But it seems like I was wrong. After some days of just playing around with the new phone and still using my Note2 (rooted) I went ahead and made the full switch........
and got kicked in the balls when I realized that some of my beloved progs won't work because, the thing has a locked bootloader (wtf??) and can't be rooted (another wtf).
Now, I really wonder why this is, since I paid for the phone in full that I can not do with it what I want.
Maybe I am stupid (easily possible) but I don't get this. Can someone please explain why this is that way?
Thanks
K
probably stupid.
Verizon sells SIM unlocked devices. What you want is bootloader unlocked which is only possible on the pure edition devices which only work on At&t or T-Mobile in the states.
Caveat emptor.
Unlocked sim is not the same as unlocked bootloader........ two very different things
You have a logic error there. I bought it from Motorola NOT Verizon. So why does Verzion have control over a piece of equipment I bought from somewhere else?
Just because they "allow" me to pay them for their services?
TigerDNA said:
Unlocked sim is not the same as unlocked bootloader........ two very different things
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Again, just follow my way of thought please. I buy from Motorola. Full price. And still Verizon has me by the balls? Please explain why.
hungarian said:
..... still Verizon has me by the balls.....
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That pretty much sums it up.
mbkintner said:
That pretty much sums it up.
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I am growing pretty tired about that kind of BS in this country. Maybe I was to cradled by consumer protection laws in Europe, but I seriously doubt that kind of BS would fly in Europe.
I had a oneplus one and sold it because Tmobile didnt cover me....... I was with Verizon for 4 years under contract. SO I thought this way I get a better deal......
I really don't understand why Motorola plays that kind of ****.
hungarian said:
I am growing pretty tired about that kind of BS in this country. Maybe I was to cradled by consumer protection laws in Europe, but I seriously doubt that kind of BS would fly in Europe.
I had a oneplus one and sold it because Tmobile didnt cover me....... I was with Verizon for 4 years under contract. SO I thought this way I get a better deal......
I really don't understand why Motorola plays that kind of ****.
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Click to collapse
Yes, you were coddled by EU laws, welcome to freedom bro. The ONLY way to get a better deal with Verizon is to never have any form of contact with them, don't even make eye contact with the stores when you pass. :good:
You entered into a voluntary contract and should have read the conditions before signing.
You know, if my clients would be ok with smoke signals and emails, I would....but damn...sometimes those bad people want to talk to me.....
chrisrozon said:
You entered into a voluntary contract and should have read the conditions before signing.
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Click to collapse
What do you mean? I should have asked Motorola if they lock the bootloader in the name of the all so mighty overlord Verizon?
Sorry, but I think if I buy a factory unlocked phone, I should receive a unlocked phone. A phine that is free of the antics and bs of Verizon.
Thats why I opted out of my contract and went with a prepaid solution. Where I bring my own phone.
What nerves me most here, is that everyone takes the dry as* screwing like it is normal that you get drilled up the backside high and dry.
Where is the outcry? Is really everyone so commercially ironed out and conformed that we can be handled like money suppliers that bring their cash anyway?
Please don't answer, I really fear to hear many "yes" or even worse, if you don't like it go back to Europe.
I don't see what the problem is. Your money speaks your opinion. Cancel your service with verizon and switch to T-Mobile or at&t where you can use a PE. Or buy a nexus 6 (which can be unlocked on Verizon). The web has a vast amount of info on any phone you ever plan on buying.
you are overseeing one crucial point. I bought the phone from Motorola. NOT from Verizon. I bought it outside of a contract. I bought it unlocked.
And still Verizon has power over a phone they shouldn't have.
The problem with other providers around here is, that they don't have coverage......
hungarian said:
you are overseeing one crucial point. I bought the phone from Motorola. NOT from Verizon. I bought it outside of a contract. I bought it unlocked.
And still Verizon has power over a phone they shouldn't have.
The problem with other providers around here is, that they don't have coverage......
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Click to collapse
You still bought a Verizon branded phone. Verizon doesn't care about whether or not you are on contract, what they care about is that you are on their network. They want to have full control of every device that's on their network, plain and simple. I understand your frustration but it's not like a precedent is being set here- this is how it's always been. Not trying to drive salt in the wound here but had you done your due diligence and researched prior to purchase, you could have avoided this little surprise. As I said, this is nothing new, unfortunately.
Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk
hungarian said:
you are overseeing one crucial point. I bought the phone from Motorola. NOT from Verizon. I bought it outside of a contract. I bought it unlocked.
And still Verizon has power over a phone they shouldn't have.
The problem with other providers around here is, that they don't have coverage......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you buy a Verizon-branded phone from Best Buy do you still wonder why Verizon's software is on it? You didn't buy it from Verizon, you bought it from Best Buy!
Deleted
hungarian said:
What do you mean? I should have asked Motorola if they lock the bootloader in the name of the all so mighty overlord Verizon?
Sorry, but I think if I buy a factory unlocked phone, I should receive a unlocked phone. A phine that is free of the antics and bs of Verizon.
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Click to collapse
As far as I know, it is impossible to buy any variant of the Moto X 2014 that comes with an unlocked bootloader. Secondly, Motorola only marketed the Pure Edition Moto X (GSM) as being bloat-free. Motorola (or any other manufacturer for that matter) will never sell a CDMA phone that is not carrier-branded as all of the major CDMA carriers will only activate their own carrier-branded phones.
sorry but your statement is void. I bought from the maker. Not a reseller.

new to me n6 Motorola confidential property...

So I just got a nexus 6 on Craigslist and it says Motorola confidential property: not for sale. I tried activating it on Verizon but all I get is voice calls because it is Sim locked to at&t. I tried to get the unlock code from them but they said the phone doesn't exist. Currently I'm waiting for a third party to get the code but I have a feeling they will fail. Any ideas?
I attached a photo with the m in the top corner so you know it's real.
i have yet to see a MCP phone unlocked. does not mean you cant, just haven't seen anyone able to yet.. Those MCP phones get out, but are not supposed too. maybe trade someone who's on att for theirs? IDK that sucks! sorry
If I don't get it unlocked do you think anyone here would want it for development purposes?
Sell it on swappa.com. There's a separate sub-section for AT&T versions of the Nexus 6. But full disclosure, so the buyer knows what they're getting.
I talked to a Motorola agent and this is what he said
Got a code from eBay and unlocked my att nexus. It cost like 8 bucks..Took about 18 hours to get code..Does each nexus have a different unlock code ? I got a code from att but never used it cause I had already used eBay code..
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
coop8070 said:
So I just got a nexus 6 on Craigslist and it says Motorola confidential property: not for sale. I tried activating it on Verizon but all I get is voice calls because it is Sim locked to at&t. I tried to get the unlock code from them but they said the phone doesn't exist. Currently I'm waiting for a third party to get the code but I have a feeling they will fail. Any ideas?
I attached a photo with the m in the top corner so you know it's real.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The things people do to try to save a buck....
Let this be a lesson to you about buying crap from craigslist.
Next time, go to play store, motorola, or tmobile to buy it. All unlocked, and even come with a WARRANTY.
Could you flash a factory image to it to see if its able to do that at least?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
coop8070 said:
I talked to a Motorola agent and this is what he said
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Click to collapse
Motorola agents are stupid. They do not even know their name.
coop8070 said:
So I just got a nexus 6 on Craigslist and it says Motorola confidential property: not for sale. I tried activating it on Verizon but all I get is voice calls because it is Sim locked to at&t. I tried to get the unlock code from them but they said the phone doesn't exist. Currently I'm waiting for a third party to get the code but I have a feeling they will fail. Any ideas?
I attached a photo with the m in the top corner so you know it's real.
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Test device. Prototype. Or for shop as demo unit. Flash it with proper firmware for Nexus first.
Would flashing the firmware do anything for the Sim lock?
coop8070 said:
Would flashing the firmware do anything for the Sim lock?
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Click to collapse
No.
I'm just curious if you can flash the image on a test device
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Interested Buyer
coop8070 said:
So I just got a nexus 6 on Craigslist and it says Motorola confidential property: not for sale. I tried activating it on Verizon but all I get is voice calls because it is Sim locked to at&t. I tried to get the unlock code from them but they said the phone doesn't exist. Currently I'm waiting for a third party to get the code but I have a feeling they will fail. Any ideas?
I attached a photo with the m in the top corner so you know it's real.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, wanna sell it back?I would love to buy it for developing and testing.
doitright said:
The things people do to try to save a buck....
Let this be a lesson to you about buying crap from craigslist.
Next time, go to play store, motorola, or tmobile to buy it. All unlocked, and even come with a WARRANTY.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you do realize not everyone is rich right? Cut him some slack your message just comes off as rude.
troyd28 said:
Well you do realize not everyone is rich right? Cut him some slack your message just comes off as rude.
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Click to collapse
Lets look at your point from a different point of view;
IT COSTS LESS to buy the one INTENDED for him, then to be a cheapskate and end up buying multiple pieces of junk that don't work out.
You don't get rich by wasting money.
And finally;
NOBODY NEEDS a Nexus 6. If he's not rich, then maybe he should just buy a phone he can actually afford.
So buying second hand phones is a no no? Get a grip
You went to an ATT store to try to get an unlock, or by phone?
I say go by a store and see what the service techs there can do for you, while awaiting the code you paid for ...
As far as it being MCP, that has its ups and downs to me, the upside is that is's special, won't look like everyone elses.
The downside is that it may not be the same HW inside, which may hamper you in flashing the current image for it, or even future releases, but I'll allow for, and hope I'm incorrect there.
If you didn't, try a good store and talk to the service techs, not the sales reps.
Look on ebay for unlock code. Is imei starting from 0044 on it? If yes its prototype device.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
doitright said:
Lets look at your point from a different point of view;
IT COSTS LESS to buy the one INTENDED for him, then to be a cheapskate and end up buying multiple pieces of junk that don't work out.
You don't get rich by wasting money.
And finally;
NOBODY NEEDS a Nexus 6. If he's not rich, then maybe he should just buy a phone he can actually afford.
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Click to collapse
Well just pointing out it came off as rude he came for help isn't that what this section is for? Its not the criticize section you know. Just saying

Pixel 5 sold by 'Visible'

I've just submitted an order to buy Pixel 5 from 'Visible' (a US carrier, Verizon based MVNO), and now i am kinda thinking... i should have asked about it here first. Visible's rep has promised (on chat) their phones are unlocked, so this shouldn't be an issue, but are they carrier-customized in any way or form? Anyone here got any experience? I am sure there is still some time window i can cancel this.
The reason i went on it is because of their "buy it, and get a free wireless charger at activation and a $200 gift card after 2 month of service" (Google it for more details), with a rather attractive plan (in US terms).
It's hard to know for sure. Some of the MVNO's have customized firmware on their phones and some don't. From what I've seen their phones are supposed to be unlocked. The only negative I've seen on them is than any streaming you do is only 480P.
Tel864 said:
It's hard to know for sure. Some of the MVNO's have customized firmware on their phones and some don't. From what I've seen their phones are supposed to be unlocked. The only negative I've seen on them is than any streaming you do is only 480P.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't care all that much about streaming, also, if i really, REALLY want to stream something in high res, i can probably VPN from the phone into my home network (or into a commercial VPN server). Anyway, my current check list when the phone arrives is currently - check for SIM lock on both physical SIM and eSIM, check if OEM unlock available and not grayed out (unrelated to SIM locking, but there are some rare reports on this), check if the "gap" isn't too bad, test the proximity sensor, check if there is any carrier bloatware on it. Did i miss any important points/popular issues?
Sounds like a good deal.
Visible is NOT technically an MVNO. It is completely owned and operated by Verizon. I've heard good things from people that use it.
I would guess the phone you receive would be the Verizon variant, but that's completely a guess.
jsbeagle said:
Visible is NOT technically an MVNO. It is completely owned and operated by Verizon. I've heard good things from people that use it.
I would guess the phone you receive would be the Verizon variant, but that's completely a guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope not, and the order confirmation does explicitly mentions "GA01316-US", which is an unlocked, non-Verizon model.
Is Visible an MVNO? I suppose, despite being owned by Verizon, its still a separate company, which doesn't operate its own mobile towers, so i guess it technically is an MVNO after all.
Anyway, will post here after i receive the device. Would be kinda disappointing if its a Verizon model (i may want to root at some point, not exactly a nice thing to have a bootloader you can't unlock). Would be a showstopper if its SIM-locked or even just eSIM locked, i am going to verify that by putting my old Cricket SIM in before activating theirs, and also loading a Ubigi profile onto an eSIM, and if its locked, and they can't unlock it for me, the device is going back. I've EXPLICITLY asked a rep about this after all.
BTW, judging by a Google search that produces mostly Reddit results, Visible sells mostly unlocked devices (seemingly all of them except Visible-exclusives).
It should not be a Verizon varient, it should be unlocked.
Tel864 said:
It should not be a Verizon varient, it should be unlocked.
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Click to collapse
I've already got it, see above. Its not a Verizon variant indeed, and it is unlocked.^H^H^H^H....
I was sure i've posted it here, i've got a device, its a unlocked variant, not Verizon, its fully unlocked (tested on physical SIM and eSIM), and got no carrier bloatware on it.
InfX said:
I've already got it, see above. Its not a Verizon variant indeed, and it is unlocked.^H^H^H^H....
I was sure i've posted it here, i've got a device, its a unlocked variant, not Verizon, its fully unlocked (tested on physical SIM and eSIM), and got no carrier bloatware on it.
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Click to collapse
I'm shortly switching to Verizon and I'm taking a look at Visible and Verizon prepaid after seeing your post and talking to my son who's a Verizon engineer, I haven't decided on which though.
InfX said:
I've just submitted an order to buy Pixel 5 from 'Visible' (a US carrier, Verizon based MVNO), and now i am kinda thinking... i should have asked about it here first. Visible's rep has promised (on chat) their phones are unlocked, so this shouldn't be an issue, but are they carrier-customized in any way or form? Anyone here got any experience? I am sure there is still some time window i can cancel this.
The reason i went on it is because of their "buy it, and get a free wireless charger at activation and a $200 gift card after 2 month of service" (Google it for more details), with a rather attractive plan (in US terms).
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Actually just registered an account to answer your question. Got a pixel 5 from the "Visible" deal by porting a number in. The model number is identical to the the unlocked one sold from Google store. It bootloader unlockable, so already unlocked and put in magisk and stuff. (It is carrier unlocked as well) Enjoy the deal!
Mint says they only stream 480p too but I can simply select 720p on up on my Pixel 2 and I get a bump, no VPN required.
Visible has good offers but the service is no good. At least in my area. I cannot wait to go back to AT&T. Verizon has fast coverage but AT&T is more consistent. I tried it for the $100 promotional credit but I will be going back to my original provider.

International Pixel 5 (GTT9Q) and Unlocking the Bootloader?

I gave up on rooting a GD1YQ (close to that), the US version of the Pixel 5. I can get an International Pixel 5 (GTT9Q). There are two "gotchas"
1) Is this bootloader unlockable? I tried to get the seller to try the "check OEM Unlock" test. The seller won't touch creating Developer Mode. Feh.
2) The seller says the phone is "Google account locked". I get how an account can be locked, and unlocked. As best I can figure, do a data reset, and use a different, working Google account when the question shows up in the setup process.
Am I clueless about 1), 2), or all of the above?
Bump
Still looking for an answer on this one.
Anybody? Please?
Tell the seller thanks but no thanks. Look elsewhere. They won't look at dev options means it is not bl unlockable. Model number means nothing at this point. Screenie of the OEM switch is needed.
That phone's gone. Still, I wonder if these rascals, not being VZW, etc. phones, have unlocked BL's.
RBEmerson said:
That phone's gone. Still, I wonder if these rascals, not being VZW, etc. phones, have unlocked BL's.
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Click to collapse
No one should sell a phone with an unlocked bootloader. Perhaps you mean unlockable BL? As I stated, the only way to tell is by looking at the dev options OEM switch. It should look like this:
This time around, the seller woke up Developer options and... fail. Was a great price, too. Oh well.
I missed out on a pair of phones that explicitly said their bootloaders were unlocked. Someone on eBay listed them, and was clear this was the BL's not just unlocking carriers.
Back to the original question - trying to sort out if the International version is worth chasing down.
The specs I've seen say the only difference between the US and International phones are no support for mmWave in the International phone. Since I'm not crazed about getting 5G (travel too often where any "G" is a surprise), losing mmWave is no big thing.
RBEmerson said:
This time around, the seller woke up Developer options and... fail. Was a great price, too. Oh well.
I missed out on a pair of phones that explicitly said their bootloaders were unlocked. Someone on eBay listed them, and was clear this was the BL's not just unlocking carriers.
Back to the original question - trying to sort out if the International version is worth chasing down.
The specs I've seen say the only difference between the US and International phones are no support for mmWave in the International phone. Since I'm not crazed about getting 5G (travel too often where any "G" is a surprise), losing mmWave is no big thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not pick up a 4a 5G new from Google? They are under $500 and a great phone. My friend has one and it's awesome. No chasing down anything or playing games with clowns on resales.
The object of the exercise is to get a 5, not just 5G.
RBEmerson said:
The object of the exercise is to get a 5, not just 5G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough, I'd probably do the same thing.. maybe a 5a? Heard they might be coming soon.
And some day a 6, a 7, an 8...
A 5 will do me nicely.
I should add I spend some time in Germany, so an International version is OK. Buy one in Germany? With 19% value added tax? Nein danke.
Well good luck then. If you don't find one by the time the 6 ships, I might know of one in near mint condition. ;-)
I'll keep it in mind...

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