Database Develop

Bought a Used Nexus 6 AT&T Won't SIM Unlock

So I messed up and bought an AT&T Nexus 6 on Swappa. IMEI checked out okay and all looked good. Seller said he'd used it on Verizon and was a nice guy.
Decided a little later to try out T-Mobile service and it turns out it is still carrier locked to AT&T. They (AT&T) have told me several different stories, but the latest one is that the original owner has to call and request the unlock. Well the person I bought it from bought it used ... And he's been trying to, I presume, find the original owner to see about him getting it unlocked.
Anyway, I messed up and I have learned not to trust an IMEI alone. But does anyone have any suggestions? I tried two unlocking services and they each took a week and came back with unable to unlock and gave a refund. AT&T unlock site says they can't locate the IMEI.
Anyone been through this? When I insert a sim it requests a sim unlock code. With my Verizon sim, I can make and receive calls and texts if I dismiss the sim unlock prompt, but no data. I can't even find where to enter APN settings to try that out.
At my wits end.

sbrownla said:
So I messed up and bought an AT&T Nexus 6 on Swappa. IMEI checked out okay and all looked good. Seller said he'd used it on Verizon and was a nice guy.
Decided a little later to try out T-Mobile service and it turns out it is still carrier locked to AT&T. They (AT&T) have told me several different stories, but the latest one is that the original owner has to call and request the unlock. Well the person I bought it from bought it used ... And he's been trying to, I presume, find the original owner to see about him getting it unlocked.
Anyway, I messed up and I have learned not to trust an IMEI alone. But does anyone have any suggestions? I tried two unlocking services and they each took a week and came back with unable to unlock and gave a refund. AT&T unlock site says they can't locate the IMEI.
Anyone been through this? When I insert a sim it requests a sim unlock code. With my Verizon sim, I can make and receive calls and texts if I dismiss the sim unlock prompt, but no data. I can't even find where to enter APN settings to try that out.
At my wits end.
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i think you can just use a sim unlock website idk a trustworthy one though

I would tell the person you bought it from to take it back. If he refuses dispute it through PayPal and they will side with you, have him pay return shipping, and refund your money out of his PayPal account once the delivery is confirmed by the shipping service. I think you have 180 days to file a dispute through PayPal. PayPal is extremely biased for buyers, which works in your favor in this case.
Whether that guy knew or not isn't important. He sold you a phone without disclosing that it was sim locked. Not to mention if you're seeing the error on verizon then so was he (he scammed you). Either way that's his problem to figure out after you get your money back.
Also please leave this information in his feedback on swappa. Those of us who buy and sell every month or more need honest feedback to know who to avoid.

billycar11 said:
i think you can just use a sim unlock website idk a trustworthy one though
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Already tried two I've used before. It's hella weird that AT&T is messing around ... I don't want to go the hardball route but if he can't find anything out from the original owner I may have to.

Restola said:
I would tell the person you bought it from to take it back. If he refuses dispute it through PayPal and they will side with you, have him pay return shipping, and refund your money out of his PayPal account once the delivery is confirmed by the shipping service. I think you have 180 days to file a dispute through PayPal. PayPal is extremely biased for buyers, which works in your favor in this case.
Whether that guy knew or not isn't important. He sold you a phone without disclosing that it was sim locked. Not to mention if you're seeing the error on verizon then so was he (he scammed you). Either way that's his problem to figure out after you get your money back.
Also please leave this information in his feedback on swappa. Those of us who buy and sell every month or more need honest feedback to know who to avoid.
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I let Swappa know. They are apparently working on the issue. I'll give him a little bit to try and resolve it.

sbrownla said:
I let Swappa know. They are apparently working on the issue. I'll give him a little bit to try and resolve it.
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I've sim unlocked at least 4 or 5 different phones with cellunlocker.net
have you tried them yet?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

HolyAngel said:
I've sim unlocked at least 4 or 5 different phones with cellunlocker.net
have you tried them yet?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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Yup. They were the second. They couldn't do it. So they refunded. The IMEI isn't blacklisted so I really don't know what's up.
And the fact that I can call and text with Verizon, but only data is blocked, is weird. The phone registers on Verizon's network and shows up in My Verizon under my account.

sbrownla said:
Yup. They were the second. They couldn't do it. So they refunded. The IMEI isn't blacklisted so I really don't know what's up.
And the fact that I can call and text with Verizon, but only data is blocked, is weird. The phone registers on Verizon's network and shows up in My Verizon under my account.
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If the phone is picking up the network that means it's not sim locked! There's something else going on here....
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

BigDig said:
If the phone is picking up the network that means it's not sim locked! There's something else going on here....
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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It has to be SIM locked.
T-Mobile SIM won't register on the network at all even though it's an active SIM. The T-Mobile SIM works in my other phones. Verizon SIM registers but no data available, and it still prompts me for a SIM unlock code even though I can make and receive calls and send and receive texts.
Honestly, if there's a work-around out there I'm down to find out. I can't even locate the APN settings on this thing ... Had to go in through a Nova Launcher widget.

Phone wasn't payed for or ATT would unlock it. They only lock data.

prdog1 said:
Phone wasn't payed for or ATT would unlock it. They only lock data.
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Sigh. They couldn't just tell me that ... I like this phone but I don't like being ripped off.
This bodes poorly for my first return to Nexus devices, but my bad for not getting a real Nexus. Whatever that is.

sbrownla said:
Sigh. They couldn't just tell me that ... I like this phone but I don't like being ripped off.
This bodes poorly for my first return to Nexus devices, but my bad for not getting a real Nexus. Whatever that is.
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Luckily you bought from Swappa. They should hook you up. Then buy new from Playstore for discounted price. If it was cheaper there is a reason. Or find a swappa seller with a good history.

sbrownla said:
Sigh. They couldn't just tell me that ... I like this phone but I don't like being ripped off.
This bodes poorly for my first return to Nexus devices, but my bad for not getting a real Nexus. Whatever that is.
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Don't wait for Swappa. They really don't have any leverage. You need to raise a dispute on PayPal. They have the leverage to get you your money back.

prdog1 said:
Luckily you bought from Swappa. They should hook you up. Then buy new from Playstore for discounted price. If it was cheaper there is a reason. Or find a swappa seller with a good history.
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The seller has a good history, and has been communicating with me. I just don't know if he really knew how not unlockable this phone is. AT&T did a number on it, first with the extra software and then with the aggressive carrier lock. I'm not used to carrier locked phones since I'm on Verizon. They don't do that.

cam30era said:
Don't wait for Swappa. They really don't have any leverage. You need to raise a dispute on PayPal. They have the leverage to get you your money back.
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They require that they are notified first. Then Pay Pal. It's fine.

sbrownla said:
They require that they are notified first. Then Pay Pal. It's fine.
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You are correct. Swappa will work out fine with a cooperative seller. But if the seller proves to be uncooperative at any point, they have no means to help further. If one opens a dispute on PayPal, it can be cancelled at any time. In a case like this, I'd start with PayPal now.

sbrownla said:
They require that they are notified first. Then Pay Pal. It's fine.
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I believe your phone is SIM unlocked. Before unlocking mine, if I inserted a VZW SIM, I got a popup with something like "unauthorized SIM. Enter unlock code to continue".

I don't follow. If it prompted you before you unlocked it it would have been SIM locked. SIM unlocked devices don't prompt you to enter a network or SIM unlock code.

sbrownla said:
I don't follow. If it prompted you before you unlocked it it would have been SIM locked. SIM unlocked devices don't prompt you to enter a network or SIM unlock code.
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Correct. I am saying that it appears that your N6 is unlocked.

Nope it appears that mine is SIM locked. Not unlocked because if it was I wouldn't be prompted to enter the code. And it would have data on any active SIM. I'm going to try a refund. If that doesn't work, maybe someone with AT&T will want one. For a great price. Ugh.

How to unlock SIM?

I'm in peculiar situation: I bought my T-mo S8 direct from Samsung, paid in full, so now whom do I go to unlock my SIM? People from Canada received unlock code together with copy of bill, but I can't find anything on mine, any suggestions? Of course I want to do it as painless as possible and I want to ask here before calling customer service and waste few hours.

pete4k said:
I'm in peculiar situation: I bought my T-mo S8 direct from Samsung, paid in full, so now whom do I go to unlock my SIM? People from Canada received unlock code together with copy of bill, but I can't find anything on mine, any suggestions? Of course I want to do it as painless as possible and I want to ask here before calling customer service and waste few hours.
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Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

pete4k said:
I'm in peculiar situation: I bought my T-mo S8 direct from Samsung, paid in full, so now whom do I go to unlock my SIM? People from Canada received unlock code together with copy of bill, but I can't find anything on mine, any suggestions? Of course I want to do it as painless as possible and I want to ask here before calling customer service and waste few hours.
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I am in the same situation. From my understanding of past and present TMo devices, the account has to be in good standing (EIP/equipment paid off) AND your device needs to have 40 or 45 days (someone correct me) of continuous usage on TMo network before you can request the Device App unlock = carrier unlock.

So just wait until then
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

As I suspected, I called Samsung to unlock my phone, they told me to call T-mo, called T-mo, they told me to call Samsung, wasted already 1 hour on this.

escabar said:
I am in the same situation. From my understanding of past and present TMo devices, the account has to be in good standing (EIP/equipment paid off) AND your device needs to have 40 or 45 days (someone correct me) of continuous usage on TMo network before you can request the Device App unlock = carrier unlock.
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It's 40 days, that is I was told by CS. After that you use "Device unlock" app on your phone and choose permanent unlock.
Same techniques for S6 and S7 and it worked for me.

First of all I'm leaving on a trip in 20 days, second, the phone is paid in full now, not in 40, third I didn't buy it from T-mo so most likely they wont have any record of it. It's total BS and should be illegal, in Canada Samsung sends unlock code with the phone., but I guess here consumers have no protection. Last time I'm buying carrier phone. This whole locking of the phones is leftover from carrier subsidies and should not exist outside of those plans, if they still taking place. And a funny thing is I have no intention of leaving T-mo anyway and there are services to unlock phone for money. I remember some law about phone getting unlocked when paid I read about few years ago, but can't get any details now.

pete4k said:
First of all I'm leaving on a trip in 20 days, second, the phone is paid in full now, not in 40, third I didn't buy it from T-mo so most likely they wont have any record of it. It's total BS and should be illegal, in Canada Samsung sends unlock code with the phone., but I guess here consumers have no protection. Last time I'm buying carrier phone. This whole locking of the phones is leftover from carrier subsidies and should not exist outside of those plans, if they still taking place. And a funny thing is I have no intention of leaving T-mo anyway and there are services to unlock phone for money. I remember some law about phone getting unlocked when paid I read about few years ago, but can't get any details now.
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That is T-Mobile branded phone, and that is their rules, sorry for that. What you can do, before going on the trip, on that app/ choose Temporary unlock, it's good for 30 days and you can have it up to 5 times in a year.

pete4k said:
First of all I'm leaving on a trip in 20 days, second, the phone is paid in full now, not in 40, third I didn't buy it from T-mo so most likely they wont have any record of it. It's total BS and should be illegal, in Canada Samsung sends unlock code with the phone., but I guess here consumers have no protection. Last time I'm buying carrier phone. This whole locking of the phones is leftover from carrier subsidies and should not exist outside of those plans, if they still taking place. And a funny thing is I have no intention of leaving T-mo anyway and there are services to unlock phone for money. I remember some law about phone getting unlocked when paid I read about few years ago, but can't get any details now.
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You can call T-Mobile and let them know that you are travelling out of the country on ___ date and ask for an unlock code for a long time customer. It has worked for me in the past if you get the right rep.

mrbear01 said:
You can call T-Mobile and let them know that you are travelling out of the country on ___ date and ask for an unlock code for a long time customer. It has worked for me in the past if you get the right rep.
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I have the same problem, I bought the phone from Samsung.com and there was no option to purchase an unlocked phone. I am traveling in two days for a few weeks and I called Tmobile several times trying to at least get a temporary unlock and even that cannot be done. They said it has to be on their network for 40 days. I even called Samsung and they said all the unlock codes are sent to Tmobile and only they can unlock it due to the stupid Device Unlock app. You cannot unlock it even if you have the code, only the app can unlock it. If I didn't like the S8 so much I would have switched to the iPhone 7. Absolutely ridiculous!!!

I still don't understand how T-mo will know the phone you purchased direct from Samsung is paid for and should not have SIM locked to begin with.

I have the same problem with my S8. Bough it directly from Samsung. I contacted Samsung and they told me that I need contact tmobile; contact tmobile and they told me that my phone does not show in their system as a tmobile phone because I did not buy it from them. I need my phone unlock so when I travel overseas I can use a local sime card. I don't want to wait until 40-45 days go able to unlock my phone and then not be able to return it to Samsung. There some unlock services charging $50.00 plus to unlock it. I don't want to expend more money, since this phone is already very expensive.

kindongo said:
I have the same problem with my S8. Bough it directly from Samsung. I contacted Samsung and they told me that I need contact tmobile; contact tmobile and they told me that my phone does not show in their system as a tmobile phone because I did not buy it from them. I need my phone unlock so when I travel overseas I can use a local sime card. I don't want to wait until 40-45 days go able to unlock my phone and then not be able to return it to Samsung. There some unlock services charging $50.00 plus to unlock it. I don't want to expend more money, since this phone is already very expensive.
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It's not even about money, this should be illegal. This whole business of locking the SIM card is left over from contract subsidized phones and I could perfectly understand that phone belonged to phone company and you just leased it until end of contract. Now I praise T-mo for getting rid of this practice and changing whole industry, so now at least you know what are you paying for and how much. But now SIM locking shouldn't even happen anymore: if phone is stolen/unpaid for, blacklist IMEI and also you can unlock SIM for the fee, even if it is stolen, so what purpose this SIM locking serves? Canada gets unlock code with the phone.

Anybody had any luck getting the phone unlock.?I waited too long to return the phone, now I'm stuck with it.

http://www.cellunlocker.net/t-mobile-device-unlock-app.php
the service is expensive $130 dls for the unlock

kindongo said:
Anybody had any luck getting the phone unlock.?I waited too long to return the phone, now I'm stuck with it.
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I was in the same boat as you. Went through T-Force on Twitter and seemed to have gotten a rep on the first go who understood the situation and submitted my IMEI number to the right place. Your IMEI number needs to be added to their "device distribution inventory system" and needs to be submitted to their highest level tech support, this allows the Device Unlock app think your phone came from T-mobile's inventory and will let the app unlock your phone.
There may be hope for everyone in the future, this one of the final responses I got from them:
"I am right there with you. It definitely makes things harder on both sides since the phone isn't technically bought from us, even though it is branded a T-Mobile phone and our system rejects any IMEI that didn't come from our inventory. None the less, we're all about giving you full access to what is yours. Teams are currently working on a process update that'll make things a lot more seamless, but in the meantime we've got this work around! I really appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us today!"
14 hours later I tried the Unlock Device app and requested the permanent unlock and was greeted with "Unlock Approved: Mobile Device is permanently unlocked"
Device is fully unlocked, tested with an AT&T SIM card and everything worked fine. After 2 reboots the Device Unlock app even disappeared from my phone. I'm so happy with how fast T-Mobile dealt with this. The more people that make a stink about this issue on social media hopefully T-Mobile will find a permanent fix for people buying a SIM locked at full price and have it easily unlocked under their standard procedure.

INGHUGO said:
http://www.cellunlocker.net/t-mobile-device-unlock-app.php
the service is expensive $130 dls for the unlock
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Click to collapse
Did this work for you and were you able to successfully unlock ?

no,unfortunately it couldn't be unlocked because cellunlock no longer have access to their server ,I had to have a contract and wait the 40 days that are the requirement so I can release it

I dont think anybody has now. nearly all the sites i checked unlocking tmobile does not seems to be available.

fragg3d said:
I was in the same boat as you. Went through T-Force on Twitter and seemed to have gotten a rep on the first go who understood the situation and submitted my IMEI number to the right place. Your IMEI number needs to be added to their "device distribution inventory system" and needs to be submitted to their highest level tech support, this allows the Device Unlock app think your phone came from T-mobile's inventory and will let the app unlock your phone.
There may be hope for everyone in the future, this one of the final responses I got from them:
"I am right there with you. It definitely makes things harder on both sides since the phone isn't technically bought from us, even though it is branded a T-Mobile phone and our system rejects any IMEI that didn't come from our inventory. None the less, we're all about giving you full access to what is yours. Teams are currently working on a process update that'll make things a lot more seamless, but in the meantime we've got this work around! I really appreciate you taking the time to reach out to us today!"
14 hours later I tried the Unlock Device app and requested the permanent unlock and was greeted with "Unlock Approved: Mobile Device is permanently unlocked"
Device is fully unlocked, tested with an AT&T SIM card and everything worked fine. After 2 reboots the Device Unlock app even disappeared from my phone. I'm so happy with how fast T-Mobile dealt with this. The more people that make a stink about this issue on social media hopefully T-Mobile will find a permanent fix for people buying a SIM locked at full price and have it easily unlocked under their standard procedure.
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Thanks, I will try that

Galaxy S8/S8+ Device App unlock is now available....for $125

Hello
I found out about this maybe 3 days ago and posted it under S7 forums since I have GS7 but I think someone might benefit from this information around here.
At swiftunlocks.com, they can unlock your t-mobile S7/S7e or S8/S8+ but that price tag of $125.99 is ridiculously high IMHO so I'll wait the price to come down or I'll just resell my phone.
I am in no way associated with that website, just spreading the word since I have used their services for over many years and there was never a failure, at least in my case.
Hope this helps someone.
Cheers

If you use a 3rd party unlocking service for T-Mobile phones, you run the risk of getting relocked at any time, and you're **** out of luck (and that money). Once T-Mobile decides to run their occasional rescan, you'll be locked up again.
You're better off putting that $126 towards paying off your phone, and just having T-Mobile unlock it. Hell, I got mine from Samsung, and T-Mobile unlocked it within a few weeks. Just had to call and ask.

entropism said:
If you use a 3rd party unlocking service for T-Mobile phones, you run the risk of getting relocked at any time, and you're **** out of luck (and that money). Once T-Mobile decides to run their occasional rescan, you'll be locked up again.
You're better off putting that $126 towards paying off your phone, and just having T-Mobile unlock it. Hell, I got mine from Samsung, and T-Mobile unlocked it within a few weeks. Just had to call and ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best one when u no bougth form ebay or other source.

entropism said:
If you use a 3rd party unlocking service for T-Mobile phones, you run the risk of getting relocked at any time, and you're **** out of luck (and that money). Once T-Mobile decides to run their occasional rescan, you'll be locked up again.
You're better off putting that $126 towards paying off your phone, and just having T-Mobile unlock it. Hell, I got mine from Samsung, and T-Mobile unlocked it within a few weeks. Just had to call and ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although I agree with your reasoning, not many people can unlock devices through T-Mobile. I don't have their account and person I bought my device from is out of my reach. Phone is not blacklisted, it is fully paid and is bought on samsung.com. 3rd parties are my only choice, even TMO/T-Force representative directed me to them after refusing to help because I'm not their customer (and will never be).
I believe this is a permanent unlock, and it's better than nothing we used to have, but even if it's permanent, still, this is very, very expensive.
$126 for an unlock is just BS, especially when 99% of phones can be unlocked under $50

You can unlock 2 phones every 12 months at no charge directly from T-Mobile. If the carrier unlock app is not working, you probably bought the phone directly from Samsung like I did. Call T-Mobile, tell them you want to unlock because you're going out of the Country, they'll ask for the IMEI, submit unlock request to Samsung, retry the app in a week, done.

dylyxcore said:
You can unlock 2 phones every 12 months at no charge directly from T-Mobile. If the carrier unlock app is not working, you probably bought the phone directly from Samsung like I did. Call T-Mobile, tell them you want to unlock because you're going out of the Country, they'll ask for the IMEI, submit unlock request to Samsung, retry the app in a week, done.
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did they ask you for a tmobile account? I have tried calling them but once I let them know I don't have a tmobile account they stop helping me. they have asked for it every single time I try (5 now).

Simaldonado89 said:
did they ask you for a tmobile account? I have tried calling them but once I let them know I don't have a tmobile account they stop helping me. they have asked for it every single time I try (5 now).
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i think you need to be one of their customers, because when i talked to T-Force on FB, they ask me verify my phone number. well, I found one listing on ebay for $160. But might as well sell your phone. And get different carrier like ATT, the unlock process is much easier/cheaper.

baophucdinh31 said:
i think you need to be one of their customers, because when i talked to T-Force on FB, they ask me verify my phone number. well, I found one listing on ebay for $160. But might as well sell your phone. And get different carrier like ATT, the unlock process is much easier/cheaper.
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This is correct, the T-Force rep on twitter sent me a link to log into and verify my active account status on my.t-mobile.com.

Well...the Metro PCS unlock app services are falling in price so hopefully the T-mobile services will follow suit? Oh and I totally tried converting my T-mobile S8 to a Metroc PCS one but the Metro device unlock app could not connect to the server so sadly the T-mobile device unlock app on a T-mobile firmware is still the only option =(

beserker15 said:
Well...the Metro PCS unlock app services are falling in price so hopefully the T-mobile services will follow suit? Oh and I totally tried converting my T-mobile S8 to a Metroc PCS one but the Metro device unlock app could not connect to the server so sadly the T-mobile device unlock app on a T-mobile firmware is still the only option =(
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Click to collapse
I dont get it. Metro PCS and Tmobile is pretty much a same company. Yet, there is a huge price gap between them @@

Unlocked or carrier model?

I have to root my phones (not wanting to pay $30 for Verizon tether), is anyone aware if the Pixel 4 XL from Verizon will have the bootloader locked, and unable to be rooted? In addition to that, would we see a root for the unlocked version? Thanks

Pretty sure most carrier devices are going to remain locked until you pay it off. At least, that's the logical rationale. I can't imagine they want people unlocking devices they haven't paid for. As far as root, that should be a simple process of just patching the boot.img

ZeroKool76 said:
Pretty sure most carrier devices are going to remain locked until you pay it off. At least, that's the logical rationale. I can't imagine they want people unlocking devices they haven't paid for. As far as root, that should be a simple process of just patching the boot.img
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the lock not something they ever lift? My current 2 XL was paid retail but they never allowed me to unlock the bootloader. They do allow for any carrier SIM to be used in it.

psone said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the lock not something they ever lift? My current 2 XL was paid retail but they never allowed me to unlock the bootloader. They do allow for any carrier SIM to be used in it.
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If you bought the Verizon Pixel 2 XL it had a locked bootloader. Since it was exclusive to Verizon. The unlocked version directly from Google did not have a locked bootloader. That was the same for the Pixel 3 and 3 XL. I am not sure about the Pixel 3a and 3a XL since it was not exclusive to Verizon.
Does anyone know if the Pixel 3a or 3a XL came with a locked bootloader?
EDIT: There's a thread over on the Pixel 3a XL where a bunch of carrier and non-carrier devices had locked bootloaders. I would be careful which device you buy going forward until you hear others chime in on the greyed out unlocked button.
When in doubt, buy directly from Google.

psone said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the lock not something they ever lift? My current 2 XL was paid retail but they never allowed me to unlock the bootloader. They do allow for any carrier SIM to be used in it.
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This is correct. Verizon is a mofo. Doesn't make much sense. I mean, you paid for the device, you should be able to do what you want with it

ZeroKool76 said:
This is correct. Verizon is a mofo. Doesn't make much sense. I mean, you paid for the device, you should be able to do what you want with it
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This right here has been the case with Verizon going ALL the way back to the Verizon Galaxy Nexus. **** Verizon!

Yep, never buy the carrier modesl unless you have absolutely no other option. In the case of Tmo with OnePlus and similar phones you could get an unlock (both carrier and bootloader) after the device was paid off. You still have to deal with a little bloat and later updates along with lesser issues. AT&T will have this one and their policies are similar to Verizon so I wouldn't go that way unless you hate yourself. No idea on Sprint, that have nothing in my area so I haven't paid attention. The previous posters were 100 prevent though, buying unlocked is the way. Tmo if you must to get a deal but only after verifying the bootloader can be unlocked.

krabman said:
Yep, never buy the carrier modesl unless you have absolutely no other option. In the case of Tmo with OnePlus and similar phones you could get an unlock (both carrier and bootloader) after the device was paid off. You still have to deal with a little bloat and later updates along with lesser issues. AT&T will have this one and their policies are similar to Verizon so I wouldn't go that way unless you hate yourself. No idea on Sprint, that have nothing in my area so I haven't paid attention. The previous posters were 100 prevent though, buying unlocked is the way. Tmo if you must to get a deal but only after verifying the bootloader can be unlocked.
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I currently have a one plus 7pro from T-Mobile that is still financed. The bootloader was locked until you paid off your device and waited the mandatory 45 days. Some were able to talk to T-force and got their devices unlocked early whether they financed or not. I was one of the unlucky ones that could not negotiate with T-force to unlock my device. Luckily there was a nice person that worked for TMobile that was in the forums and was able to unlock my phone. We will see what happens when we get the devices and start working on them. I will be financing my phone with them again next Thursday.

I purchased the Unlocked model. I currently have Pixel 2XL Verizon (Bootloader Locked), not a huge issue. But there are times where I wish I had a rooted phone. Not making that mistake again.

cronojay said:
I currently have a one plus 7pro from T-Mobile that is still financed. The bootloader was locked until you paid off your device and waited the mandatory 45 days. Some were able to talk to T-force and got their devices unlocked early whether they financed or not. I was one of the unlucky ones that could not negotiate with T-force to unlock my device. Luckily there was a nice person that worked for TMobile that was in the forums and was able to unlock my phone. We will see what happens when we get the devices and start working on them. I will be financing my phone with them again next Thursday.
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Did you try calling in multiple times? That often works although some people can't seem to catch a break on it. I've been on a number of OP devices and I'm familiar with what you're talking about; Saw it most recently on the 6T but it goes back further. I had them unlock a SGS6 the day I bought it, I paid cash but still the word was it couldn't be done without a dwell period, I remember it being 30 days at that time but maybe it was 45, been a while. In any event the very next year was the one were it turned out Tmo couldn't unlock your bootloader, came from Samsung they said. I remember there being an exploit coming out for that but I had already given away my S7 and moved on to the next thing before they figured that out. Not much over a year later Samsung started the BS with bootloaders on their international unlocked phones and I didn't keep the Note 8 long either. IMO if root is a must it's a good idea to let someone else be the guinea pig and profit from that information unless you've got enough ching to walk away without worrying about it.
I'm pretty sure this phone will also be exactly as you describe on Tmo and I agree with you BTW, just saying the smart money if a man needs to be careful is to wait for the first phones to meet their owners a few of who will unlock and root or attempt to do it. Or as I said in my first post, buy unlocked direct from Goog or Fi if possible.

There is not likely to be any bootloader unlock for the P4 and P4XL for carrier versions unless an exploit is found (which doesn't seem likely anymore). Google does not provide carriers an interface to change the device type, nor do they provide that interface to their own customer service and support teams. It's not a matter of hounding customer service or posting on the right forum because they can't help you. It's an obligation that Google has to meet if they want to keep their big carrier contracts in the United States.
The only unlocking requirement for carrier specific versions is having the ability to SIM unlock the device for portability between networks. Most carriers will do this upon request if you have international travel plans or have completed a certain percentage of your device financing.

navalynt said:
There is not likely to be any bootloader unlock for the P4 and P4XL for carrier versions unless an exploit is found (which doesn't seem likely anymore). Google does not provide carriers an interface to change the device type, nor do they provide that interface to their own customer service and support teams. It's not a matter of hounding customer service or posting on the right forum because they can't help you. It's an obligation that Google has to meet if they want to keep their big carrier contracts in the United States.
The only unlocking requirement for carrier specific versions is having the ability to SIM unlock the device for portability between networks. Most carriers will do this upon request if you have international travel plans or have completed a certain percentage of your device financing.
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So, the devices are shipped to the carriers already locked? Interesting. for some reason I always thought it was the individual carriers that lock them down and then would unlock it when you fully paid off the device. So you're saying, even if you fully pay off the device, you will never be able to unlock a carrier pixel 4/XL? Wow, that's a bummer.

ZeroKool76 said:
So, the devices are shipped to the carriers already locked? Interesting. for some reason I always thought it was the individual carriers that lock them down and then would unlock it when you fully paid off the device. So you're saying, even if you fully pay off the device, you will never be able to unlock a carrier pixel 4/XL? Wow, that's a bummer.
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Correct. Enthusiasts have a channel to bootloader unlock, which is buying directly from Google where Google provides it's own support.
Carriers are only looking to sell you a device that's stable to work on their own networks. What do the carriers have to gain at all from controlling the bootloader unlock? They have nothing to gain from it except a support migraine.

navalynt said:
Correct. Enthusiasts have a channel to bootloader unlock, which is buying directly from Google where Google provides it's own support.
Carriers are only looking to sell you a device that's stable to work on their own networks. What do the carriers have to gain at all from controlling the bootloader unlock? They have nothing to gain from it except a support migraine.
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Yeah, that makes sense when you put it that way. Just took me by surprise when OP and it's carrier phones pretty much allow you to do whatever you want to the device, once it's paid off. Still can't stand OP, but I have to admit, that's a check mark in their corner

Keep in mind Google does not require it like Samsung does so it's left up to the carrier. Tmo has been unlocking similar devices and there is little reason to think it wont happen here. In the opposing camp you have Verizon which demands a locked bootloader and few exploits have been found to circumvent it on recent devices. Meanwhile something to consider is that even the unlocked straight from google device is not really unlocked in the way some people think: Before you can unlock the bootloader it absolutely must phone home. Don't give the phone that connection and you cannot unlock it. Samsung does the same thing. We are not in control of our devices anymore, they can pull the plug on unlocking any time they want simply by denying it via that same connection even if you have already unlocked it. Samsung did this a few years ago in just that way and to this date no one has found a way around it that doesn't cause real pain with the wait a week and all that BS.

I called several times and got on with T-force sever times and no luck. I got lucky when the post I described about unlocking and got mine done. I always device finance because of the 0% apr and jump on demand so all I need to is bring my phone, get my new phone and profit.

ZeroKool76 said:
Pretty sure most carrier devices are going to remain locked until you pay it off. At least, that's the logical rationale. I can't imagine they want people unlocking devices they haven't paid for. As far as root, that should be a simple process of just patching the boot.img
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"simple process" "just patch the boot img" come on man.. Ask the people that own a pixel 3 from Verizon. Please don't spread wrong info

bigmatt503 said:
"simple process" "just patch the boot img" come on man.. Ask the people that own a pixel 3 from Verizon. Please don't spread wrong info
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You mean, ask the people who were dumb enough to buy a locked down device? I'll pass. People that have purchased Verizon's in the past, as you have stated, would obviously know this doesn't apply to them. I was more referring to, since we don't have recovery yet, you would have to patch the boot img manually.

Honestly, I ALMOST got me and my wife's from Verizon (she definitely jumped on the pixel bandwagon). They have a buy one, get one free. Sooo, I kept thinking about root, but ultimately decided I'd rather save $900. Evidently, there's some caveats. One, the get one is for a new line. No biggie, I'll just cancel the one number and add a new one (her phone is paid off, I don't think there's a termination fee after two years). Two, you have to sign up for an unlimited plan. That piece completely wiped the price difference and then some for me. Sooo, I smiled a bit and bought them unlocked from Google. The only reason I would buy directly is for a huge price savings.
Another thing I thought of too, there is an early upgrade fee with V if I were to decide to upgrade to the 5xl next year. So, that's another caveat. I'm glad I just went with unlocked. Hoping it doesn't take long to root.

This time around I placed a pre-order with Google Fi.
All their Pixels are both SIM & Bootloader Unlocked even on
financing, same as Google Store.

Can Anyone do aa network unlock for my T-Mobile pixel 4a 5g?

Just curious if anyone can network my T-Mobile 4a 5g?
I haven't paid off my EIP but there was a fellow in the OnePlus 8 forum who unlocked my device.
Just curious if anyone can help it would be a huge favor?

Try asking tmobile, you might get lucky and have a person perform a permanent sim unlock for you.

NikoZBK said:
Try asking tmobile, you might get lucky and have a person perform a permanent sim unlock for you.
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I already had them unlock my OnePlus 8 and pixel 3a xl about three months apart before my EIP is up.
They said that there is a maximum of 2 device unlocks before the EIP is fully paid off.
Whether or not that's true is anyone's guess.
I used T-Mobile T-force support team on Facebook to have the others unlocked.

CaptainBrownTee said:
I already had them unlock my OnePlus 8 and pixel 3a xl about three months apart before my EIP is up.
They said that there is a maximum of 2 device unlocks before the EIP is fully paid off.
Whether or not that's true is anyone's guess.
I used T-Mobile T-force support team on Facebook to have the others unlocked.
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That's interesting, haven't heard of that before. I had success in the tmobile app and just told them I would like to root my phone to use my "tool" (viper4android/adaway) and that I have to switch between phones to have access to my tools.

How long have you been a customer? I just had mine unlocked through the chat feature in rhe tmobile app. However Ive been a customer for 14 years 7 of which have been post paid with EIP devices.
Back story...I purchased the device through EIP with Tmobile on Nov. 25th. I was aware of the carrier lock blocking OEM unlocking but tbh i forgot. So when I recieved the device last week i was more angry with myself for not choosing google store.
Anyway on to how i received my carrier unlock....
It took me 3-4hrs of back and forth with the chat rep. 1st rep told me policy says no.
me: "i am looking to unlock my Pixel 4a 5G device. I was under the impression that the device, like most ALL other Google devices, came with the ability to unlock the bootloader but, i am unable to perform the action without the device being SIM unlocked. I could lie and say Im planning a trip but im going to try and be honest and hopefully get this resolved without issue."
Rep 1: "Thank you for your patience, I checked and due to the balance on your device I see it only qualifies for a temp unlock. That will last 30 days. and due to fact the phone has not been in use for 40 days."
I had to become Karen at this point...
me: "So loyalty means nothing? i wouldnt have got the phone had i known i NEEDED to SIM unlock it to use it how i intended. in 14years of being a customer ive NEVER had to do that on ANY of the dozen devices ive purchased through tmobile. i would have purchased it through Google and been able to do everything i want and still be on the tmobile network. its deceptive."
rep 1: "Of course loyalty means alot, this is just our unlock policy."
me: "but the policy is for use of the device on another network. i dont want to use it on another network i dont even WANT the sim unlock its being forced on me by tmobile in order to be able to use the device in the way the device was marketed to developers. And policy says 40days so even if i paid it off or purchased in full tmobile is shipping devices sim locked, which is preventing me from bootloader unlocking, when i could have ordered from google and it would have been able to unlock the bootloader out of the box wether financed or paid in full. and policy is bs i know its a simple approval from a supervisor to move my imei from ineligible to eligible so its a human decision. these will be the LAST devices i ever purchase through tmobile. its outrageous that this is the first and only time ive experienced this."
This is when Rep 2 came in...
Rep 2: "Oh no! I am so sorry you are having an issue with unlocking that Pixel device. I know how important being able to do what you want with your phones is. Let's work together to make sure there isn't any options we missed on our side. I want to make sure you can feel confident purchasing and using those phones with us!"
Rep 2: "So I did reach out here to my support teams and they said with the low time frame of having the device and only one payment in there wouldn't be a way to override a full unlock. I did confirm that a temporary unlock can be done 5 times a year and you can get the bootloading done on a temporary unlock as well."
me: "thats disappointing. i could have purchased the device from google at a discount and been able to do everything i want out of the box but ive been a loyal tmobile customer so i went with you guys. Next time ill be purchasing directly from google. thank you though."
Rep 2: "I totally get that. When you are wanting to do things like bootloading that honestly would be my recommendation as it does give you way more freedom when you purchase a device that is directly unlocked. All of our devices are meant for our network so they all come locked until full paid and used a little bit at least. I appreciate you letting me try to help out best I could though. Was there anything else at all?"
Temporary unlock DOES NOT WORK!!!! for OEM unlocking MUST BE PERMANENT! I stated thos to the rep. Tried to make it seem like a user error...
Rep 2: "Gotcha! I did reach back out to them to see if they can provide any other insight. Did you go through the fastboot menu and everything after enabling developer mode?"
me: "i did it stated that OEM unlocking must be enabled but as u can see in settings it cant be enabled unless its sim unlocked and the temporary unlock didnt change that."
me: "i guess i just have to live with it. now i just know that whether i finance or pay in full NEVER buy a phone from T-Mobile"
HERES WHERE THINGS TURN AROUND
Rep 2: "Let me try something else here.,"
Rep 2: "Would you be able to make 2 additional monthly payments on the phone? If you could do that I could get the override for the permanent unlock."
I hadnt paid anything on the device at this point aside from taxes nd shipping....
me: "i would be able to that. so pay $42 today or would it be added to my bill next month?"
Rep 2: "Yes! If you go in there it will let you type in how much you want to pay. Just pay the $42."
$42 paid 2 minutes later....
Rep 2: "OK! Now try to go do the permanent unlock in the app. If it doesn't work restart your phone super quick."
SUCCESS!!!
me: "it worked!! thank you very much!"
Rep 2: "No problem! Had to go to bat for you with my supervisor, but you have been an amazing customer for over 7 years so we wanted to help. Was there anything else I might be able to do"
So, with ALL of that said....if you've been a good standing customer just try and use your merit to pursuade a rep. and if the first one denys you just threaten to leave. if the swcond rep denys you swear that you're leaving lol customer is always right. I still owe $457 on the device and i havent had it for just about 9 days lol don't let them tell you *policy says no" theres always wiggle room.
Edit: he stated 2 additional monthly payments however i had to go into my account and pay $42 off of the balance of my device so it didnt actually cost me anything more and my monthly payments are lower because of it.

It's a complete lottery, customer for 3 years and got an unlock hassle free first rep. Back with my 6T had no luck, spoke to many different reps until found the right one

i can network unlock any pixel with android 11. Pm and i will help

eugenodk said:
i can network unlock any pixel with android 11. Pm and i will help
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Does this offer still stand?

So for anyone who might end up in this thread looking for a way to sim unlock their T-Mobile Pixel 4a 5G.
I contacted T-Mobile Help through Twitter ( @TMobileHelp ) and they did a permanent unlock for me on a brand new Pixel 4a 5G.
They used to be called T-Force and are a much more helpful dept of customer service.
Anyway after following the Twitter account I started talking to one of their reps by Direct Message. I told them about my long account history and how I thought this phone wouldn't be locked. Since my phone was still in the return period the rep told me to wait until the return period was over and he'd get back to me.
Anyway he did get back as promised and now my phone is sim unlocked as of today.
So definitely try through T-Mobile Help on Twitter.