Which is the better version for Galaxy Note 8 when purchasing directly from Samsung.com.
Should I get the unlocked version or the T-Mobile version? Which version get the update more frequently and faster? I read from reddit forum once that if you purchase the T-mobile verion directly from Samsung, it will be locked to T-mobile. And there is no way to unlock through T-Mobile? Is it correct?
Thank you very much
You don't owe them any money on it, so they should be able to give you the code.
The big difference will be in loss of functionality.
Unlocked versions don't work with carrier specific features like WiFi calling and in some cases, tethering.
It's one of the reasons why I ordered the AT&T version instead of the unlocked version.
I actually use WiFi calling a lot.
rjohnstone said:
You don't owe them any money on it, so they should be able to give you the code.
The big difference will be in loss of functionality.
Unlocked versions don't work with carrier specific features like WiFi calling and in some cases, tethering.
It's one of the reasons why I ordered the AT&T version instead of the unlocked version.
I actually use WiFi calling a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy the carrier specific and get the unlock code do you still get the wifi calling and hotspot
Sent from my SM-N910P using Xparent Purple Tapatalk 2
the unlocked variant will not have video calling for sure, and no carrier specific apps. It should still have wifi calling though. my unlocked s7 edge had wifi calling, just no video calling. keep in mind that you may be able to flash the t mobile firmware on the unlocked variant like in the past on the s7 and s8's. totally safe without tripping knox. now if you get the t mobile branded note 8, you be able to unlock it after 40 days. long as you don't owe a balance to t mobile.
---------- Post added at 09:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:12 PM ----------
people think you don't have wifi calling but you do in the settings. they wifi calling toggle was missing but the settings are still there in the settings menu.
cherylbaker said:
If you buy the carrier specific and get the unlock code do you still get the wifi calling and hotspot
Sent from my SM-N910P using Xparent Purple Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my S8+, I have the AT&T version that I got from Samsung. I got it unlocked through AT&T. The Wifi calling and HotSpot both still work.
Also i beleive there's a work around for the video calling on the Unlocked s8+ versions. So there will be one for the Note 8.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
may not have 4x4 MIMO and 256 QAM technologies
I believe that there is a question whether the unlocked version has 4x4 MIMO and 256 QAM technologies.
the 8s t-mobile had 4x4 mimo and 256 qam whereas the unlocked version of the 8s did not have those features
RyanSe7en said:
Which is the better version for Galaxy Note 8 when purchasing directly from Samsung.com.
Should I get the unlocked version or the T-Mobile version? Which version get the update more frequently and faster? I read from reddit forum once that if you purchase the T-mobile verion directly from Samsung, it will be locked to T-mobile. And there is no way to unlock through T-Mobile? Is it correct?
Thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
koyanishi said:
I believe that there is a question whether the unlocked version has 4x4 MIMO and 256 QAM technologies.
the 8s t-mobile had 4x4 mimo and 256 qam whereas the unlocked version of the 8s did not have those features
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It comes with the Sprint higher bands so maybe the other carrier bands will be there.
I got the Note8 from Samsung because of the Note 7 discount. Initially I was going to get an unlocked version as I'll be travelling internationally early next year. But I switched to the TMo version because that will ship Sept 11 while the unlocked version will ship Sept 21. No other reason.
Yes, I am that anxious to get it early.
koyanishi said:
I believe that there is a question whether the unlocked version has 4x4 MIMO and 256 QAM technologies.
the 8s t-mobile had 4x4 mimo and 256 qam whereas the unlocked version of the 8s did not have those features
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking it will since Att, and Verizon are rolling out 4x4 mimo, and 256 qam.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Doubt the T-Mobile version will ever be rooted, so that is something to take into account when considering the unlocked version vs TMobile.
Not sure I would want to pay $900 for a phone that I can't root.
well I bought a T mobile variant from Samsung. T mobile rep told me today that they can unlock it as soon as I get it in. even if I owe Samsung money. long as you don't owe money to t mobile, they can unlock it. so my previous statement was false.
---------- Post added at 05:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:17 PM ----------
mardukeme said:
Also i beleive there's a work around for the video calling on the Unlocked s8+ versions. So there will be one for the Note 8.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do yo have a link to the work around? just curious to read about it
I ordered two from Samsung website, the effin unlocked version aint gonna ship until first week of October? WTF T Mobile version sept 14 shipping.
black96ss said:
well I bought a T mobile variant from Samsung. T mobile rep told me today that they can unlock it as soon as I get it in. even if I owe Samsung money. long as you don't owe money to t mobile, they can unlock it. so my previous statement was false.
---------- Post added at 05:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:17 PM ----------
do yo have a link to the work around? just curious to read about it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a feeling u must of spoken to a newbie rep... they will give u a hassle and probably say to put $200 or $300 down if u owe money on the phone.. but they have been given smoother unlocks lately if the phone has been paid off by sometimes unlocking after a few days to a week...
I heard that there is no way to unlock the T-mobile version when buying from Samsung.com? People are having problem trying to unlock it through T mobile
RyanSe7en said:
I heard that there is no way to unlock the T-mobile version when buying from Samsung.com? People are having problem trying to unlock it through T mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My S8 Plus, I bought off eBay, the person bought it of Samsung.com
when I got it in June, the next day I went to a T-Mobile store and put insurance, and I tried to do the device unlock and it didn't work, went to my account to check the phone status and the imei didn't show, and till today it doesn't show but it has been added, and it doesn't unlock status either my account,
but I called T-Mobile to add the imei and after trying to convince the rep to please put the order in, she said call Samsung, I said politely please I don't want to go through a runaround, they will tell me to call u, when u get the phone they release it with the unlock code, happened to me with HTC years ago, I said speak with ur manager, she put me on hold for a while, and they put my request in to add the imei, I waited 3 days then called back cause I didn't see the imei added, but T-Mobile said the order went through and they can see my imei, and trying to convince another newbie rep, he passed me to his supervisor to my surprise without getting disconnected, the supervisor gave me his word he would take care of it and that I wouldn't have to call back, I tried the device unlock 2 times a day.. the 3rd day it unlocked.. took about 6 to 7 days.. this phone unlock was the fastest ever for me in T-Mobile..
mdiaz33685 said:
My S8 Plus, I bought off eBay, the person bought it of Samsung.com
when I got it in June, the next day I went to a T-Mobile store and put insurance, and I tried to do the device unlock and it didn't work, went to my account to check the phone status and the imei didn't show, and till today it doesn't show but it has been added, and it doesn't unlock status either my account,
but I called T-Mobile to add the imei and after trying to convince the rep to please put the order in, she said call Samsung, I said politely please I don't want to go through a runaround, they will tell me to call u, when u get the phone they release it with the unlock code, happened to me with HTC years ago, I said speak with ur manager, she put me on hold for a while, and they put my request in to add the imei, I waited 3 days then called back cause I didn't see the imei added, but T-Mobile said the order went through and they can see my imei, and trying to convince another newbie rep, he passed me to his supervisor to my surprise without getting disconnected, the supervisor gave me his word he would take care of it and that I wouldn't have to call back, I tried the device unlock 2 times a day.. the 3rd day it unlocked.. took about 6 to 7 days.. this phone unlock was the fastest ever for me in T-Mobile..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is quite a hassle to unlock it. I'm not so sure that I will be that lucky like you are. Let see
Note that T-mobile requires you to have the device active on their line before you can request to Unlock the device. So if you aren't a Tmo customer and plan to just get that phone and unlock it, you're in for a surprise. Here's the bigger question, and it may be my ignorance so please be kind. Why do you want to unlock a TMO branded phone ASAP, if you are a TMO customer?
Unlock requirements
We provide mobile device unlock codes free within two business days (or provide further information about timing) for eligible devices.
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588
Device eligibility is determined as follows:
The device must be a T-Mobile device.
The device must not be reported to T-Mobile as lost, stolen, or blocked.
The account associated with the device must not be canceled, and be in good standing.
You have requested no more than two mobile device unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months.
The device must satisfy all the Postpaid or Pay in Advance (Prepaid) Unlocking terms outlined below.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
rile1564 said:
Note that T-mobile requires you to have the device active on their line before you can request to Unlock the device. So if you aren't a Tmo customer and plan to just get that phone and unlock it, you're in for a surprise. Here's the bigger question, and it may be my ignorance so please be kind. Why do you want to unlock a TMO branded phone ASAP, if you are a TMO customer?
Unlock requirements
We provide mobile device unlock codes free within two business days (or provide further information about timing) for eligible devices.
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588
Device eligibility is determined as follows:
The device must be a T-Mobile device.
The device must not be reported to T-Mobile as lost, stolen, or blocked.
The account associated with the device must not be canceled, and be in good standing.
You have requested no more than two mobile device unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months.
The device must satisfy all the Postpaid or Pay in Advance (Prepaid) Unlocking terms outlined below.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I dont want to unlock it right away. In the future, I will travel out of the country. I will need to unlock it to use it when I'm out of the country. I'm just afraid that I cannot unlock them at all because I read some posts from Reddit. People said that T-mobile refuses to unlock their T-mobile phone purchasing from Samsung.com. And it is easier to re-sell it in the future if I need to
RyanSe7en said:
No, I dont want to unlock it right away. In the future, I will travel out of the country. I will need to unlock it to use it when I'm out of the country. I'm just afraid that I cannot unlock them at all because I read some posts from Reddit. People said that T-mobile refuses to unlock their T-mobile phone purchasing from Samsung.com. And it is easier to re-sell it in the future if I need to
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlock them right away, cause I paid for my phone, I want it unlocked that's all... they shouldn't be locked anyways, for 900 to 1000 dollars, be for real, and then they want u to have it active for 40 days and paid off, one time they made me pay around 200 extra, I told them I gonna pay it off in 2 weeks, was waiting on my check, and paid 400, they send the unlock code, now its with the device unlock feature but not for the Note 4, the device unlock didn't come with that model.
I travel outside to the DR and use a local sim, not to get charged 20 cents a minute.
you can sell it for a few more dollars when selling it. tmobile phone r better for the frequencies handle almost all carriers internationally and US.
just be polite, tell them to add the imei if its from Samsung, just say they told me to call you, please I don't want to go through a runaround.. blah blah,,, but politeness will get u sooner most of the times...
Related
Hi I want to buy this phone, unlock it and use it for ATT.
I heard you cannot buy this phone off contract and that you must have a service with them. I hear people are just signing up for the service for one day and then cancel the day after.
Can someone explain how they did it?
pham818 said:
Hi I want to buy this phone, unlock it and use it for ATT.
I heard you cannot buy this phone off contract and that you must have a service with them. I hear people are just signing up for the service for one day and then cancel the day after.
Can someone explain how they did it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pay full price for phone up front and buy the smallest package. After 40 days cancel the service. Some stores will sell it out right without a plan, but you will have to do some searching and calling. I had to go to 3 different stores before I found one that would sell it out right.
I read LTE and 4G dont work so well when you take it back to ATT. I read somewhere.
chong67 said:
I read LTE and 4G dont work so well when you take it back to ATT. I read somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Results vary. Some say it works just as good
My LTE works perfect on AT&T.
My unlocked T Mobile Note 4 running on AT&T.
chong67 said:
I read LTE and 4G dont work so well when you take it back to ATT. I read somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the same thing. This is not the case with the Note 4. It was an issue with the Note 3 and previous devices in my experience.
martinezma99 said:
My unlocked T Mobile Note 4 running on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who did you use to unlock it? im looking to pick one up and i'd rather not have to wait for tmobiles unlocking terms.
If you buy the phone out right you can unlock asap
bigmase23 said:
If you buy the phone out right you can unlock asap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's been conflicting reports about that.
I bought the phone outright. Paid $30 or so to cellunlocker to get an unlock code. Popped in AT&T sim and off I went. Still need to cancel Tmo service.
taphius said:
There's been conflicting reports about that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you purchase the phone outright you now it and can unlock it.
I bought my Note 4 outright and purchased the lowest priced package I could. I unlocked it the first day I received it, inserted my sim card from Consumer Cellular and was up and running. However, I read that T-Mobile can and have blacklisted the IMEI of phones that don't comply with their terms of service. Since I didn't read the fine print when I bought the phone and service, I decided it would be prudent to go ahead and meet the 40 service requirement to get an unlock code (although the phone is already unlocked) rather than take a chance and have some T-Mobile manager with a Napoleonic complex blacklist the phone. Then I would be out of $800.00. I asked the customer care representative about blacklisting the phone if I didn't meet the 40 day requirement and she said it was possible. I wasn't willing to take that chance. I will pony up an additional $80.00 + dollars to have peace of mind.
cartertucker said:
I bought the phone outright. Paid $30 or so to cellunlocker to get an unlock code. Popped in AT&T sim and off I went. Still need to cancel Tmo service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
I preordered, got phone Monday the 13th.
I unlocked with cellunlocker.net 4 days later.
Been using it on AT&T since last friday. Called and canceled tmobile same day.
Easy as that.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
bigmase23 said:
When you purchase the phone outright you now it and can unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right but you make it sound like every T-Mobile store or reseller will sell you a phone outright with absolutely zero commitment of any kind like you walked in to buy a pack of gum or bought a nexus from google play store. There are conflicting reports about zero commitment purchases. The safer bet seems to be walking in with the understanding that you may have to agree to a month-to-month or prepaid contract that you can cancel a day or more later.
The best way i can think to explain it is as follows:
A few people have reported that they were able to buy it outright without service. Though many have been denied that option.
Some have implied that Tmobile then unlocked it.
A moderately safe assumption is that you can buy it with service, unlock it via third party service, and cancel your tmobile service the second u get your unlock code. This comes with the gray area of region locking and having to activate it on tmobile first to remove the region lock pior to unlocking. This can be a lengthy discussion, you might not care about region locking, I'll leave it at that, but read into it. I went this route, activated on tmobile for 4 days, then unlocked and cancelled. I say assumption because people are worried about blacklisting and T.O.S.
The most cautious method would be to wait out your 40 days per Tmobile T.O.S., in addition to the time it takes for them to send your unlock code, pay applicable fees, then cancel.
Hope this clears up the options a bit.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
T-Mobile has the IMEI of phone they sell you in their records. I confirmed it when I called them and they read it to me for confirmation purposes. They sold the phone to you and they know everything about it. Guaranteed. If their records show the phone being used on another carrier without it being activated with them or unlocked by them then they can blacklist the IMEI of the phone. That phone will then be an $800.00 paperweight. They have done it before and a quick Google search will prove it. I'm not saying they will since that seems to be an unknown, but they can and the owner of the phone will have no recourse. I sure don't want to wake up one day and find out that my $800.00 phone is dead. I might very well be wrong, but I am not willing to take that chance after paying $800.00 for the phone. I'll pay for the 40 days of service.
I just bought my Note 4 full price from AT&T after calling about 30 stores in my area and finding one store with one black model in stock. I ended up paying less than full price because of some computer error that rung up the phone $749.99 instead of $825.99. They charged me the difference so I only paid $825 outright, after taxes. All in all, I saved almost $50 (difference in tax from $750 to $825). I still feel like it is ridiculous though that the AT&T model is $80 more expensive than TMo. Is it worth buying a TMO Note 4 with their baseball discount ($30 off) and trying to unlock it to use it on AT&T? Sorry for my long comment/question.
Bought mine from swappa in a sealed pack. Opened the phone, went to Cellunlocker.com and within 10 min had my unlock code. Works great on ATT
Hey guys, been doing some digging and haven't found anything conclusive so I was wondering if you all could help me out. I would like to buy a Note 4 if and only if a few certain conditions are met and I'm trying to figure out how to accomplish that.
1) I'm really loving how far Samsung has come with toning down TouchWiz, but I still would want root to remove bloatware, install some xposed modules, etc. So far the AT&T variant has no root capability.
2) Having an unlocked bootloader is not a must, but it is a plus. I actually don't want to give up some of the OEM Note features.
3) I have absolutely zero T-Mobile service where I live, so AT&T or their MVNOs are really my only option for a GSM phone
4) 4G LTE is a must
so-
I was wondering if it would be possible to buy a Note 4 from T-Mobile outright (online preferably), get it carrier unlocked and bring it over to an AT&T MVNO?
I don't see anything listing the difference in bands between the AT&T and T-Mobile variant and I don't see any requirements about needed to stay on a T-Mobile plan for a certain amount of time before unlocking, just that the phone has to be completely paid for. Also I can't seem to find the full price for a T-Mobile Note 4.
Any help is much appreciated! Thanks!
Edit: Sorry I posted this to the wrong forum! Trying to find a way to move/delete it!
unpocolobo said:
Hey guys, been doing some digging and haven't found anything conclusive so I was wondering if you all could help me out. I would like to buy a Note 4 if and only if a few certain conditions are met and I'm trying to figure out how to accomplish that.
1) I'm really loving how far Samsung has come with toning down TouchWiz, but I still would want root to remove bloatware, install some xposed modules, etc. So far the AT&T variant has no root capability.
2) Having an unlocked bootloader is not a must, but it is a plus. I actually don't want to give up some of the OEM Note features.
3) I have absolutely zero T-Mobile service where I live, so AT&T or their MVNOs are really my only option for a GSM phone
4) 4G LTE is a must
so-
I was wondering if it would be possible to buy a Note 4 from T-Mobile outright (online preferably), get it carrier unlocked and bring it over to an AT&T MVNO?
I don't see anything listing the difference in bands between the AT&T and T-Mobile variant and I don't see any requirements about needed to stay on a T-Mobile plan for a certain amount of time before unlocking, just that the phone has to be completely paid for. Also I can't seem to find the full price for a T-Mobile Note 4.
Any help is much appreciated! Thanks!
Edit: Sorry I posted this to the wrong forum! Trying to find a way to move/delete it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the full price is $760.
T-Mobile will only provide the unlock after 2 months consecutive service, so you'll need/want to pay for an online unlock service if you want the code immediately....be sure to make a 5 minute or more call with a t-mobile sim (try to borrow a friends or co-worker) before requesting the unlock code from an online unlock service. That is necessary due to Samsung's region lock, the phone needs to "authenticate" that it is being activated in the correct market....you can google and get a clearer meaning of what I'm talking about.
http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588
http://www.androidauthority.com/galaxy-s5-region-lock-367402/
louforgiveno said:
I believe the full price is $760.
T-Mobile will only provide the unlock after 2 months consecutive service, so you'll need/want to pay for an online unlock service if you want the code immediately....be sure to make a 5 minute or more call with a t-mobile sim (try to borrow a friends or co-worker) before requesting the unlock code from an online unlock service. That is necessary due to Samsung's region lock, the phone needs to "authenticate" that it is being activated in the correct market....you can google and get a clearer meaning of what I'm talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the help!
Hmm it looks like the region "authentication" may be a bit of an issue as I know no one with a T-Mobile sim. Again, I live far away from any T-Mobile service but I am planning a trip to an area they service next month. But even if I was to find a friend with T-Mobile I know nothing about online unlock services. I'm guessing you give them your IMEI number and pay a fee and they give you an available code. Now by the look of the websites I'm seeing, this looks to be a little shady (which I could be ok with) but I don't seem to see any indications of what kind of prices I'd be looking at.
Would you happen to recommend a website in particular or know of the cost? Or is this something XDA doesn't want people posting about? Forgive me if what I'm asking is not allowed.
so get sim for $10 and buy $2 a day prepaid plan.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Free mobile app
unpocolobo said:
Thank you for the help!
Hmm it looks like the region "authentication" may be a bit of an issue as I know no one with a T-Mobile sim. Again, I live far away from any T-Mobile service but I am planning a trip to an area they service next month. But even if I was to find a friend with T-Mobile I know nothing about online unlock services. I'm guessing you give them your IMEI number and pay a fee and they give you an available code. Now by the look of the websites I'm seeing, this looks to be a little shady (which I could be ok with) but I don't seem to see any indications of what kind of prices I'd be looking at.
Would you happen to recommend a website in particular or know of the cost? Or is this something XDA doesn't want people posting about? Forgive me if what I'm asking is not allowed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used cellunlocker.net to unlock 2 S5's, I think they state it takes up to 12 hours or something, but they had my code in about 22 minutes. I have no experience with other unlock services but there are some that sound horrible, I recommend cellunlocker personally.
I think I paid about $34.99 per device, everything worked without a hitch
louforgiveno said:
I used cellunlocker.net to unlock 2 S5's, I think they state it takes up to 12 hours or something, but they had my code in about 22 minutes. I have no experience with other unlock services but there are some that sound horrible, I recommend cellunlocker personally.
I think I paid about $34.99 per device, everything worked without a hitch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What this guy said. You don't need to do two months of service. cellunlocker.net is where you want to go.
Is there a risk of T-Mobile blacklisting your handset if you unlock via a third-party or is that FUD? I just picked up my Note 4 today, I haven't activated service yet. I haven't even popped the SIM in. What would they do if I never did? I just want to pay for it and go back to dirt-cheap prepaid.
jesstech said:
Isn't there a risk of T-Mobile blacklisting your handset if you third-party unlock? I just picked up my Note 4 today, I haven't activated service yet. I haven't even popped the SIM in. What would they do if I never did? I just want to pay for it and go back to dirt-cheap prepaid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never heard of such a thing.
@unpocolobo Im an AT&T costumer for my Note 4 on 2 year contract which came out 100$ sold it same day for $700 and got a friend to buy me T-mobile one for $750 plus tax so about $800 so personally i spent $200 on phone and then got unlock code from http://www.cellunlocker.net/ only $30 came in under 20 mins. Also i never used the T-mobile sim on my phone so im guessing there is no region lock on them
Correct me if I'm wrong, but TM uses 1700MHz whereas AT&T uses 1900MHz?
At any rate, I hope it all works out....you'll love the N4. :good:
iunlock said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but TM uses 1700MHz whereas AT&T uses 1900MHz?
At any rate, I hope it all works out....you'll love the N4. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-mobile uses 1700MHz and 2100 MHz
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
charmartist said:
T-mobile uses 1700MHz and 2100 MHz
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't seem to find anything that lists the official supported bands of the N910T and whether or not it's different than the N910A (AT&T)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/using-t-mobile-version-att-t2905139
iunlock said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but TM uses 1700MHz whereas AT&T uses 1900MHz?
At any rate, I hope it all works out....you'll love the N4. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a T-mobile Note that is unlocked and I have my AT&T sim card inserted. LTE, 4G, 3G, and 2G all work fine
unpocolobo said:
I can't seem to find anything that lists the official supported bands of the N910T and whether or not it's different than the N910A (AT&T)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The tmobile note 4 works fine on att and att mvnos.
unpocolobo said:
Hey guys, been doing some digging and haven't found anything conclusive so I was wondering if you all could help me out. I would like to buy a Note 4 if and only if a few certain conditions are met and I'm trying to figure out how to accomplish that.
1) I'm really loving how far Samsung has come with toning down TouchWiz, but I still would want root to remove bloatware, install some xposed modules, etc. So far the AT&T variant has no root capability.
2) Having an unlocked bootloader is not a must, but it is a plus. I actually don't want to give up some of the OEM Note features.
3) I have absolutely zero T-Mobile service where I live, so AT&T or their MVNOs are really my only option for a GSM phone
4) 4G LTE is a must
so-
I was wondering if it would be possible to buy a Note 4 from T-Mobile outright (online preferably), get it carrier unlocked and bring it over to an AT&T MVNO?
I don't see anything listing the difference in bands between the AT&T and T-Mobile variant and I don't see any requirements about needed to stay on a T-Mobile plan for a certain amount of time before unlocking, just that the phone has to be completely paid for. Also I can't seem to find the full price for a T-Mobile Note 4.
Any help is much appreciated! Thanks!
Edit: Sorry I posted this to the wrong forum! Trying to find a way to move/delete it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought it was 45 days before u can get unlock code. If u own it why don't u call to bike and request it. They will email u the code within 24 hrs
---------- Post added at 06:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:19 AM ----------
jesstech said:
Is there a risk of T-Mobile blacklisting your handset if you unlock via a third-party or is that FUD? I just picked up my Note 4 today, I haven't activated service yet. I haven't even popped the SIM in. What would they do if I never did? I just want to pay for it and go back to dirt-cheap prepaid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They won't blacklist it if u paid it off. They have no reason to
T-Mobile will not blacklist fully paid devices, unless it's reported stolen of course.
I have a dilemma in that I am on ATT, and I don't pay for my service but have an upgrade available and want to get a note 4 on tmobile for the unlocked bootloader, because the ATT note 4 has a locked bootloader. My plan is to buy a note 4 on ATT, sell it, than use the money to buy a note 4 on tmobile outright through a friend that is on tmobile. I went into a tmobile store to ask about this, and they told me to unlock a phone like the note 4, it would take about one month. I do not know if that is true, but I do not want to wait one month.. My question is that once I would root a tmobile note 4, is there a way to unlock the phone via a software hack?
lovenokia said:
I have a dilemma in that I am on ATT, and I don't pay for my service but have an upgrade available and want to get a note 4 on tmobile for the unlocked bootloader, because the ATT note 4 has a locked bootloader. My plan is to buy a note 4 on ATT, sell it, than use the money to buy a note 4 on tmobile outright through a friend that is on tmobile. I went into a tmobile store to ask about this, and they told me to unlock a phone like the note 4, it would take about one month. I do not know if that is true, but I do not want to wait one month.. My question is that once I would root a tmobile note 4, is there a way to unlock the phone via a software hack?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No there isn't, but there are pay services available to sim unlock. Also, as long as the phone is used on the tmo network for a bit.. (I've used one for an hour before) and you have a T-Mobile account that's established, they usually will unlock it regardless of the 30 day policy.
and if they don't unlock it, theres other sites that can unlock for like 20-30 bucks, wait time is like 15mins
pham818 said:
and if they don't unlock it, theres other sites that can unlock for like 20-30 bucks, wait time is like 15mins
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a bunch, that does not sound too bad at all. I don't have to worry much about unlocking the phone then.
What about flashing to a new rom? Will that unlock the sim?
Sorry if I'm hijacking the thread, but it seemed an appropriate place to ask.
---------- Post added at 07:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:18 PM ----------
I'm also quite interested in how the unlocking services get unlock codes. I can only assume some kind of code generator? Although if that was the case, why hasn't anyone on xda figured out the sim unlocking algorithm? (don't take that the wrong way, I'm just genuinely curious as to how it all works. I am grateful to everyone who helps and submits their work here.)
No, flashing a ROM isn't recommended. The HTC One (M8) and One (M7) do have a few hacks which allow the phone to be unlocked with root, but there's nothing yet developed for the Note 4. A custom ROM on the Note 4 or other Samsung phones can actually be counterproductive since the software signatures don't match the hardware. If you have an unlock code and are running a custom ROM, you'll probably have to revert to stock jut so that the code works. Had to do that on my ONe X a few years. back.
If you're still looking for a code, I recommend http://androidsimunlock.com. Use the service for my Note 4 last week with no issues. Prices are fair (Samsung unlock codes are always a lot more than HTC and Motorola codes) and I got my code in about an hour.
lovenokia said:
I have a dilemma in that I am on ATT, and I don't pay for my service but have an upgrade available and want to get a note 4 on tmobile for the unlocked bootloader, because the ATT note 4 has a locked bootloader. My plan is to buy a note 4 on ATT, sell it, than use the money to buy a note 4 on tmobile outright through a friend that is on tmobile. I went into a tmobile store to ask about this, and they told me to unlock a phone like the note 4, it would take about one month. I do not know if that is true, but I do not want to wait one month.. My question is that once I would root a tmobile note 4, is there a way to unlock the phone via a software hack?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your friend buys it through an already active tmobile line then they should unlock it no problem. Just have your friend tell them they are buying the phone to take a trip over seas. The only reason they tell you to wait a month is because that's when there commission kicks in for the sale of a new phone line. If it's just a new phone for an already active line they should not care.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
I paid for an unlock code and it didn't work. T-Mobile is making me activate an account to get an unlock code.
My phone was unlocked until it came back from Samsung for repair. Its been a nightmare to deal with. I don't trust Tue unlock services after getting ripped off.
I have a note 4 that I got at a yard sale and is locked because the person whom owned it died what should I do so I can use it
Is this truly only done by carrier?
I read the terms that the phone needs 2 months service and 2 months bills paid for the carrier to give the unlock code. How do the websites do it for $20, is it just employees doing this and selling it?
What did I miss in my hours of searching google and forums
This is the first unlock thread I found:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2918400
---------- Post added at 10:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:12 PM ----------
I'll keep looking.
This is the app I used to Sim unlock my note 4's. It worked on all 4 of my note 4's. I had them unlocked within about 10 minutes time. Worked flawlessly, is permanent, easy to use and is the safest way to unlock a note 4. After unlocking, you can uninstall the app. Here is the link....
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...app&pcampaignid=APPU_1_v_DfVP2jN4TZoATt7YDwDA
Edit...I also used this app on my note 4's straight out of the box without having to worry about activation times and what not.
Cheers!
I bought my unlock code on eBay for under $19. I had the code in two days.
Thanks for all the replies. My question still remains though, I know I can go buy the unlock code anywhere, is this representatives from the company using their access to do it or is there a way we can do it without the middleman ( paying $20 for the code )
I know the older phones it is very easy to unlock, just wondering if we can unlock the note4 without the carrier or by buying the code
I have had a ton of messages lately asking about unlocking the note 4. It seems the link above is no longer active. So here you go my friends, here is the updated unlock link http://imei-unlocker.com/
Cheers!
I just call T-mobile. My phone is full paid. In 1 day, I get the email. I put it in a foreign SIM or Verizon SIM and it work. My 2 phones are now unlock.
chong67 said:
I just call T-mobile. My phone is full paid. In 1 day, I get the email. I put it in a foreign SIM or Verizon SIM and it work. My 2 phones are not unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right on. Although I have a T-Mobile note 4, I do not, and have never had a T-Mobile contract. I do not even live in the U.S. either. lol. I just wanted a T-Mobile version note 4 because of its extensive development of ROMs and I know a lot of developers who develop ROMs for this version note 4. So I couldn't call T-Mobile because I did not buy my phone from them, I bought it from a 3rd party dealer and T-Mobile told me when I did call, that because I was not and had never been a T-Mobile customer, that they would not help me at all. I paid for my phone in full, outright, without contract.
Cheers!
-SpeedofSound- said:
I have had a ton of messages lately asking about unlocking the note 4. It seems the link above is no longer active. So here you go my friends, here is the updated unlock link http://imei-unlocker.com/
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got mine unlocked today using your link!
It took 2 days to get the code and was $17.30!
Thanks!
I searched around and could only find one unlock service for the T-Mobile Note 5. It's pricey too at 31 bucks so hopefully someone can find something cheaper. Right now this is our only choice for those of us who want the unlocked bootloader but use other carriers. If you guys find something else, please post here. Thank you.
Website:
https://www.unlockunit.com
Are the lte bands the same between the ATT and T-Mobile variants. I haven't been able to find this on Samsung's site.
That's a very good question and something I should have probably looked into prior to preordering LOL If it's anything like the note 4 we should be okay. I'll be the first to know if they ship my phone out. I have AT&T and ordered the T-Mobile variant.
seh6183 said:
That's a very good question and something I should have probably looked into prior to preordering LOL If it's anything like the note 4 we should be okay. I'll be the first to know if they ship my phone out. I have AT&T and ordered the T-Mobile variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use the TMOBILE NOTE 5 on ATT - no problem - I have been doing that for years with every phone I own.
The Unlock process on TMOBILE Changed when they released the S6 - and chances are it will be the same on the Note 5 - there will be an unlock ap on your device from TMOBILE - to unlock the phone y ou click the ap and follow instructions - HOWEVER, you must be qualified to unlock the phone before it will let you unlock.
If it is like the S6 - UNLOCK codes from web sites will not work. Period. The only way to unlock it is using the ap that comes pre-installed on the device.
If you have been on TMOBILE more than a year and you paid in full when you purchased the NOTE 5, you should be able to use the unlock ap with no issues. If you have any issues you can call TMOBILE customer support for help.
This all depends on whether they do the NOTE 5 like the did the S6 - and I would guess that this is going to be the case.
By the Way - there was another way to unlock that we found on the S6 after a day or two - and that was by using odin to flash the full stock rom made for Metro - a carrier that uses TMOBILE PHONES - on the s6 they had a version of the same firmware rom on Sammobile that you could download and flash in odin and it did not have the unlock up - when you flashed that - then you could buy an unlock code from one of the web sites. (also several web sites sold unlock codes for the s6 and they never did work for anyone with a TMOBILE Device and stock rom because of the Unlock app on the pohne. Uninstalling the ap doesn't help - it is much more pervasive than that -
and remember you are unlocking the SIM Card is locked -the bootloader is not locked.
Whatever happens -good luck and hope it all goes smoothly for you. (it was a royal pain the a... for me when I unlocked my S6 but I was unlucky - do a search from your TMOBILE Account and read the TMOBILE RULES about Unlocking your device - it sholud give you all the details.
I bought the phone outright from them so there should be no problem with them giving me the unlock code right?
seh6183 said:
I bought the phone outright from them so there should be no problem with them giving me the unlock code right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. They will ask you to be with a service for 48 days i believe.
Right
Yakuzahi said:
No. They will ask you to be with a service for 48 days i believe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I be with them for 48 days when I never had service with them to begin with? Bought it outright.
seh6183 said:
How can I be with them for 48 days when I never had service with them to begin with? Bought it outright.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't sell phones outright... You have to sign up for a plan
And it's 14 days I think before you can unlock
GreeleyXda said:
They don't sell phones outright... You have to sign up for a plan
And it's 14 days I think before you can unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Paid for the phone and plan, cancelled the plan without ever inserting the sim. Soon as I see its shipped I call and cancel the plan and tell them I dont want the service.
https://www.unlockbase.com/unlock-phone/samsung/galaxy-s6/ is what I used last time, server based, Easy GUI, and immediate. I would assume all will be up for the Note5 soon. The provider frequents the forums, not sure of his user name though. It can be found in the tmobile s6 forums though. Hope this helps.
[email protected] said:
https://www.unlockbase.com/unlock-phone/samsung/galaxy-s6/ is what I used last time, server based, Easy GUI, and immediate. I would assume all will be up for the Note5 soon. The provider frequents the forums, not sure of his user name though. It can be found in the tmobile s6 forums though. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found him on the s6 edge forums and already sent him a PM inquiring about Note 5 unlocking. I'll direct him to this thread when he responds.
Great to hear that it worked for the S6 for you! [emoji106]
apascual89 said:
I found him on the s6 edge forums and already sent him a PM inquiring about Note 5 unlocking. I'll direct him to this thread when he responds.
Great to hear that it worked for the S6 for you! [emoji106]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got my Note 5 today and confirmed it does have the UNLOCK AP - as far as I know (and I have been wrong before) you will not be able to use Cellunlocker or any other service to unlock your device with that ap on the phone - there are ways around it - which I described in an earliere post - but unless TOMOBILE has changed their policy from the S6 - you may have to jump through some hoops to unlock - probably not a problem if you hve been with TMOBILE more than 1 year - and if not - if you have owned the note more than 43 days -
if METRO has a NOTE 5 and Sammobile has the firmware for it - that is the easiest way to get around it for those who have not met the normal requirements set by TMOBILE.
GOOD LUCK
there is someone selling unlocked gsm note 5s on ebay but they wont be released until sept 15th, thats something to look into.
mocsab said:
Got my Note 5 today and confirmed it does have the UNLOCK AP - as far as I know (and I have been wrong before) you will not be able to use Cellunlocker or any other service to unlock your device with that ap on the phone - there are ways around it - which I described in an earliere post - but unless TOMOBILE has changed their policy from the S6 - you may have to jump through some hoops to unlock - probably not a problem if you hve been with TMOBILE more than 1 year - and if not - if you have owned the note more than 43 days -
if METRO has a NOTE 5 and Sammobile has the firmware for it - that is the easiest way to get around it for those who have not met the normal requirements set by TMOBILE.
GOOD LUCK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The process used, bypasses the unlock app, it roots the phone, unlocked it through a server, then unroots the phone. Pretty sure it used ping-pong, so it didn't even trip Knox. The service was immediate, took 15 minutes, root will have to be obtained though.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
GreeleyXda said:
They don't sell phones outright... You have to sign up for a plan
And it's 14 days I think before you can unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From T-Mobile website:
Unlock eligibility for monthly phones, tablets, and mobile internet devices
The device must have been active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days on the requesting line.
If the device is financed using T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP)or if it's leased through JUMP! On Demand™, all payments must be satisfied and the device must be paid in full.
If the device is on an account that is under a service contract term, at least 18 consecutive monthly payments must have been made or the account has migrated to Simple Choice no contract rate plan.
If the device is associated with a canceled account, the account balance must be zero, including all pending charges
---------- Post added at 03:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:47 PM ----------
seh6183 said:
How can I be with them for 48 days when I never had service with them to begin with? Bought it outright.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy the phone from a shady authorize t-mobile store but you have to be on a plan for 40 days before you can ask the CS for the unlock code.
I tried that few times with the Note 4.
I have my phone and can confirm is uses the new unlock app which looks like will be difficult to get around. Don't know what to do now. May return it.
[email protected] said:
The process used, bypasses the unlock app, it roots the phone, unlocked it through a server, then unroots the phone. Pretty sure it used ping-pong, so it didn't even trip Knox. The service was immediate, took 15 minutes, root will have to be obtained though.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They got back to me. The service like the s6 is not available for now.
Yeah, I'm sure root is going to have to be in place before they can even attempt it
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
[email protected] said:
The process used, bypasses the unlock app, it roots the phone, unlocked it through a server, then unroots the phone. Pretty sure it used ping-pong, so it didn't even trip Knox. The service was immediate, took 15 minutes, root will have to be obtained though.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not aware of that - It must have happend after I unlocked - the first week or two on the S6 was crazy - trying to figure out how - the process you mentioned sounds great - do you have happen to know where to find it or do you have inks to the thread where it was done so I can read up on it?