Just unlocked my phone! - Optimus One, P500, V General

I just want to post this to help debunk myths, prevent people from paying unnecessary fees and to inform you all how easy this process was.
My cell phone carrier is T-Mobile, USA. Last night, roughly 9 hours prior to writing this, I called T-Mobile's customer service line from my home phone (this is important because if you call from your cell phone you will just get stuck talking to their automated system). I had made a point to write down my IMEI number and my phone's serial number prior to calling. After waiting on hold for just a few minutes, I asked the customer service representative for my SIM unlock code. He informed me that he could not provide it for me over the phone but the request would be processed and the SIM Unlock department would email within 72 hours. He took down my information; IMEI, Serial Number, Phone Number, Make & Model of phone and my email address.
Just a few minutes ago, I received the email from the SIM Unlock department as promised.
In order to unlock my phone I had to flash back to the stock firmware. I'm currently running Mik's CM7 and I can confirm that you can not unlock your phone from this custom firmware.
The instructions that T-Mobile provided to bring up the network unlock dialogue was incorrect but that's okay, I knew how to do what I needed to do.
in the phone app, dial
Code:
2945#*509#
replacing '509' with whatever model number your particular phone is. Then I entered in the 16 digit unlock code that T-Mobile emailed to me. As soon as I entered the code, a message popped up saying "Network Unlocked". I clicked on okay, and then I panicked for a second when the phone seemed to freeze. This is normal though, the phone should reboot. After rebooting, I saw that all was well.
I just flashed back to CM7, and a friend of mine is on the way over. I will swap out my SIM card for theirs to test whether this works on CM7, but someone elsewhere on the forums has already confirmed that the network unlock was successful and carries over to custom firmware as well.
Unless your particular cell phone provider is for some reason unable to provide you with your unlock code, don't bother trying to buy an unlock code off of ebay. This code should be available to you for free.

Related

[Q] How to sim unlock Rogers Son X10a

Hey guys... i hope if there is someone can help me. I got the network unlock code off from eBay seller for my Rogers Sony X10. As soon I entered the network unlock code, now the phone is sim locked.
This was the fourth X10 phone, but never encountered a sim locked on it after trying a network unlock.
I appreciate any help. Thanks!!
Lorennz said:
Hey guys... i hope if there is someone can help me. I got the network unlock code off from eBay seller for my Rogers Sony X10. As soon I entered the network unlock code, now the phone is sim locked.
This was the fourth X10 phone, but never encountered a sim locked on it after trying a network unlock.
I appreciate any help. Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I understand, you bought unlock code at ebay, used it for your locked to ATT phone, but it didn't work and your phone is still locked, right?
Che Kirila said:
As I understand, you bought unlock code at ebay, used it for your locked to ATT phone, but it didn't work and your phone is still locked, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
" Hey guys... i hope if there is someone can help me. I got the network unlock code off from eBay seller for my Rogers Sony X10. As soon I entered the network unlock code, now the phone is sim locked."
rogers x10 not att.. thats odd.. did you do a search? Mobile in canada has had a good track record.. I would suggest you contact the seller and get the " unlock code "
Rockjock007 said:
" Hey guys... i hope if there is someone can help me. I got the network unlock code off from eBay seller for my Rogers Sony X10. As soon I entered the network unlock code, now the phone is sim locked."
rogers x10 not att.. thats odd.. did you do a search? Mobile in canada has had a good track record.. I would suggest you contact the seller and get the " unlock code "
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, yeah, just after reading another thread about ATT. Usually seller doesn't care about "aftersale service". And the price for locked phones usually lower, than for unlocked. Look like mobileincanada is the best option. And they throw promotions sometimes even for 1 cent unlocking.
Rockjock007 said:
" Hey guys... i hope if there is someone can help me. I got the network unlock code off from eBay seller for my Rogers Sony X10. As soon I entered the network unlock code, now the phone is sim locked."
rogers x10 not att.. thats odd.. did you do a search? Mobile in canada has had a good track record.. I would suggest you contact the seller and get the " unlock code "
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was network locked to Rogers. I usually buy the network unlock code off from eBay and and then I am good to go with any sim.
However this time, it went in to sim locked after trying it to network unlock. Now the phone is asking for the sim unlock code. I am with Fido.. i don't know if the phone wants original rogers sim unlock code which i don't have.
Lorennz said:
It was network locked to Rogers. I usually buy the network unlock code off from eBay and and then I am good to go with any sim.
However this time, it went in to sim locked after trying it to network unlock. Now the phone is asking for the sim unlock code. I am with Fido.. i don't know if the phone wants original rogers sim unlock code which i don't have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I think I know the problem. After you entered the unlock code you got off ebay, that unlocked your phone. Now, whatever SIM card you have there, the phone is asking for the PIN number which is usually a 4 digit number. You can call the SIM card's operator and they will give it to you. If you enter the PIN number more than 3 times incorrectly, then it will ask for a PUK number.
batman_112 said:
OK, I think I know the problem. After you entered the unlock code you got off ebay, that unlocked your phone. Now, whatever SIM card you have there, the phone is asking for the PIN number which is usually a 4 digit number. You can call the SIM card's operator and they will give it to you. If you enter the PIN number more than 3 times incorrectly, then it will ask for a PUK number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think they'll give PIN through phone for security reasons. Even if they send SIM card by mail, the PIN number is sent in separate mail. Maybe they send it again to mail address from the agreement, but they can require personal visit. I already forgot those things still exist...
I tried with several different sim cards but its the same result. Asking for "SIM unlock network code". The guy who provided me the code on eBay went vanished. No help from him. But he said the code he provided for the phone is right.
So I tried with a rogers sim... vola it works. But I am with Fido its not Rogers I want.
I called the service menu and it says "network - 0" and "sim - 0". Does 0 mean no futher unlock can be done?
Lorennz said:
I tried with several different sim cards but its the same result. Asking for "SIM unlock network code". The guy who provided me the code on eBay went vanished. No help from him. But he said the code he provided for the phone is right.
So I tried with a rogers sim... vola it works. But I am with Fido its not Rogers I want.
I called the service menu and it says "network - 0" and "sim - 0". Does 0 mean no futher unlock can be done?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is unlocked through cable and I have all 3 except SIM - it is 3 and no one is checked. One guy officially unlocked his phone and this is his service menu before and after:
*** Begin ***
The information in the SIM lock menu was :
[x] Network 10
[] Network subset 10
[] Service provider 10
[] Corporate 10
[] SIM 0
I received the new unlock code about an hour after I ordered it.
After writing the unlock code for the new IMEI I had this message on the first try :
Network unlock successful.
Yay! And the SIM lock menu now is :
[] Network 10
[] Network subset 10
[] Service provider 10
[] Corporate 10
[] SIM 0
*** End ***
Yes, it behaves like it is locked to network, so the code is wrong - it is time to open dispute for full refund and negative feedback for this seller. He will have the chance to settle the problem during the dispute. He can say whatever he wants, but the code didn't work at your phone.
So, you have two options - to find a new code or to go to cable unlock service. Use search or take a look to a fresh thread AT&T X10a Unlocked. Actually it is the last resort and costs $36.5 and $40 respectively. Since you have Rogers, check mobileincanada.com first - I din't get code for my phone, but they answered my email pretty fast and have good references. As I remember, they charge around $20, but promotions were up to (actually down to) 1 cent.
Che Kirila said:
Mine is unlocked through cable and I have all 3 except SIM - it is 3 and no one is checked. One guy officially unlocked his phone and this is his service menu before and after:
*** Begin ***
The information in the SIM lock menu was :
[x] Network 10
[] Network subset 10
[] Service provider 10
[] Corporate 10
[] SIM 0
I received the new unlock code about an hour after I ordered it.
After writing the unlock code for the new IMEI I had this message on the first try :
Network unlock successful.
Yay! And the SIM lock menu now is :
[] Network 10
[] Network subset 10
[] Service provider 10
[] Corporate 10
[] SIM 0
*** End ***
Yes, it behaves like it is locked to network, so the code is wrong - it is time to open dispute for full refund and negative feedback for this seller. He will have the chance to settle the problem during the dispute. He can say whatever he wants, but the code didn't work at your phone.
So, you have two options - to find a new code or to go to cable unlock service. Use search or take a look to a fresh thread AT&T X10a Unlocked. Actually it is the last resort and costs $36.5 and $40 respectively. Since you have Rogers, check mobileincanada.com first - I din't get code for my phone, but they answered my email pretty fast and have good references. As I remember, they charge around $20, but promotions were up to (actually down to) 1 cent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Much appreciated for the info.
This is what says on service menu;
[x] Network 0
[] Network subset 10
[] Service provider 10
[] Corporate 10
[] SIM 0
I got this phone from someone else. I wonder he screwed by entering wrong codes several times. I have opened up a dispute on PayPal. I am waiting for the resolution.
I guess its the cable option is the last resort for me, or just throw it on eBay for a Rogers sim card owner. I would check with mobilecanada first.
Lorennz said:
Much appreciated for the info.
This is what says on service menu;
[x] Network 0
[] Network subset 10
[] Service provider 10
[] Corporate 10
[] SIM 0
I got this phone from someone else. I wonder he screwed by entering wrong codes several times. I have opened up a dispute on PayPal. I am waiting for the resolution.
I guess its the cable option is the last resort for me, or just throw it on eBay for a Rogers sim card owner. I would check with mobilecanada first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not an expert, but look like someone used all the attempts to enter unlock code, It seems to me, originally mine had [x] Network 9, so I had 9 attempts, but since I used cable method, that can reset those counters, I see 3 now. Usually dispute will take around a week if the seller don't show up and usually in favor to a buyer. But refund will stay at your PayPal account, not at original source and that sucks - it is a hidden charge for around 3% for cashing. I've heard that recently code unlockers offer cable unlocking too, so maybe mobileincanada would be cheaper option for you. And before you try to sell it, monitor prices for some time - it can be financially unreasonable since this market is pretty volatile and you would be able to lower your loss only and unlocked one can be more effective option. It is always easier to buy, than to sell.
Che Kirila said:
I'm not an expert, but look like someone used all the attempts to enter unlock code, It seems to me, originally mine had [x] Network 9, so I had 9 attempts, but since I used cable method, that can reset those counters, I see 3 now. Usually dispute will take around a week if the seller don't show up and usually in favor to a buyer. But refund will stay at your PayPal account, not at original source and that sucks - it is a hidden charge for around 3% for cashing. I've heard that recently code unlockers offer cable unlocking too, so maybe mobileincanada would be cheaper option for you. And before you try to sell it, monitor prices for some time - it can be financially unreasonable since this market is pretty volatile and you would be able to lower your loss only and unlocked one can be more effective option. It is always easier to buy, than to sell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply.
I sent mobilecanada a message asking any help on cable method. If you know any one else does the same please let me know.
Thank you.
Regards,
Lorennz said:
I sent mobilecanada a message asking any help on cable method. If you know any one else does the same please let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better be specific why you need cable - they can have a non-cable solution for counter reset. For other options take a look at relatively fresh threads with personal experience and other useful information - AT&T X10a Unlocked - post #10 (code - it is PayPal link, but you can ask Lancez for more info) and [Q] AT&T X10a carrier unlock - post #34 (cable). But I was sure you already read those threads.
Che Kirila said:
Better be specific why you need cable - they can have a non-cable solution for counter reset. For other options take a look at relatively fresh threads with personal experience and other useful information - AT&T X10a Unlocked - post #10 (code - it is PayPal link, but you can ask Lancez for more info) and [Q] AT&T X10a carrier unlock - post #34 (cable). But I was sure you already read those threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mobilecanada said they can't help and its only software unlock is possible. I am looking for someone who can help me with that.
Lancez seems to provide only unlock codes... i'm not sure if that still work with my phone
Lorennz said:
Mobilecanada said they can't help and its only software unlock is possible. I am looking for someone who can help me with that.
Lancez seems to provide only unlock codes... i'm not sure if that still work with my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what happened? have you used all 10 attempts? i think i might be able to help you. coz there are 4 set of codes and only 1 is for network unlock. but i didnt bother to figure that out yet.
Lancez said:
what happened? have you used all 10 attempts? i think i might be able to help you. coz there are 4 set of codes and only 1 is for network unlock. but i didnt bother to figure that out yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He wrote recently: "I got this phone from someone else." I don't think it worth to buy a code to be sure that it doesn't work. I don't know how behaves the phone with no more attempts for a code. As I understand, this service menu shows that it is time to reset counter or go to cable. Maybe your friend has cable option too. The more options, the less prices. Otherwise - Sweden GSM... Or HTCcode - it used to be a good service too, but when servers were down, he didn't show up that anger his customers, so I can not advice him without any risk.
Che Kirila said:
He wrote recently: "I got this phone from someone else." I don't think it worth to buy a code to be sure that it doesn't work. I don't know how behaves the phone with no more attempts for a code. As I understand, this service menu shows that it is time to reset counter or go to cable. Maybe your friend has cable option too. The more options, the less prices. Otherwise - Sweden GSM... Or HTCcode - it used to be a good service too, but when servers were down, he didn't show up that anger his customers, so I can not advice him without any risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually there is a code for counter reset, it's called "unfreeze code". apperently, the server is not down, they just can't access it anymore. because i just got 2 more happy customers last night
Hi, a similar thing happened to me when I first got my x10 (I didn't try to unlock it, just use the sim from my old phone) and it asked me for the network unlock code. Tried couple of times,then it got locked. So I paid 10 bucks, got a new sim card from Rogers and then everything worked fine
Not sure if it helps...
Lancez said:
actually there is a code for counter reset, it's called "unfreeze code". apperently, the server is not down, they just can't access it anymore. because i just got 2 more happy customers last night
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So in his case currently he has one cable option, right? I don't think, the trick with a new SIM card will work - I remember something like this happened with first iPnones - they didn't recognized old ATT SIM as genuine. If the SIM is relatively new, it is the phone counter issue.
Che Kirila said:
So in his case currently he has one cable option, right? I don't think, the trick with a new SIM card will work - I remember something like this happened with first iPnones - they didn't recognized old ATT SIM as genuine. If the SIM is relatively new, it is the phone counter issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It still works with Rogers sim cards. From what I figured out now that it cannot be unlocked using unlock code method anymore. I checked HTCCode and they seems to provide cable unlock code for $50/. But in its forum seems to have many unhappy customers. Some has not even got their refund from PayPal.
I just listed the phone on eBay. Lets see how it goes. Thanks much for your time for trying to help me .

HELP! - Unlocking AT&T lumia for non AT&T customers

Hey Guys!
I just called AT&T customer service from Ireland to request an unlock code for my Lumia 920 but no luck, the're saying that they don't unlock phones for non AT&T customers.
Is there any walkaround? Would anyone mind to request this unlock code for me? The IMEI is 3536 8005 0140 831.
If I have to pay something I will, but I just refuse to give money to a bunch of scummers like cellunlock and company..
Thanks.
The workaround is simple - be persistent It took me 2 calls to get my unlock code, first time I was told the exact same thing. Also, first time I called their "international support" (1-800-222-0300), and didn't get the code. Then I called their regular support (1-800-331-0500), honestly told that I'm in Canada and don't have any ATT services, bought my phone for full price at Microsoft store, and was given the code right away.
AILR said:
Hey Guys!
I just called AT&T customer service from Ireland to request an unlock code for my Lumia 920 but no luck, the're saying that they don't unlock phones for non AT&T customers.
Is there any walkaround? Would anyone mind to request this unlock code for me? The IMEI is 3536 8005 0140 831.
If I have to pay something I will, but I just refuse to give money to a bunch of scummers like cellunlock and company..
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered my unlock code from cellunlock.net months ago. I emailed and emailed originally and finally got a canned response about how they could unlock the phone but it will rake a while. Two days ago I emailed them and said it's May, At&T is unlocking them, where is my code? I got a real response saying I would have the code in a few hours. 24 hours later, no code. I emailed again and was told I would have it in an hour. This time I got the code. It worked! I just finished setting up my wife's white Lumia 920.
I wouldn't call cellunlock.net scammers but I do think it was dishonest to take money MONTHS before you could actually unlock the phones.
tomcahill said:
I ordered my unlock code from cellunlock.net months ago. I emailed and emailed originally and finally got a canned response about how they could unlock the phone but it will rake a while. Two days ago I emailed them and said it's May, At&T is unlocking them, where is my code? I got a real response saying I would have the code in a few hours. 24 hours later, no code. I emailed again and was told I would have it in an hour. This time I got the code. It worked! I just finished setting up my wife's white Lumia 920.
I wouldn't call cellunlock.net scammers but I do think it was dishonest to take money MONTHS before you could actually unlock the phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm 99% sure all they did for the $40 (or however much you paid them at the time) was calling ATT (possibly couple of times) and getting the unlock code directly from them. Is that worth the money spent? I would understand if you would not otherwise be able to obtain the code for free (like in case of Rogers, for which they most likely have the bases), but with ATT they were not able to unlock it while the exclusive agreement was on, and once it expired, there's no point in using their services for ATT.
That may very well be true but since I live in Canada and have no connection to AT&T I am not sure I could just call them and get a code.
Man, read my first post in this thread This is EXACTLY what I did - called them, told them I live in Canada and don't have any business with ATT, that I bought the phone at Microsoft Store, and they gave me the code. Try the second phone from the post, if they deny, just hang up and try again.
I told them I got the phone as a gift and needed it unlocked..
The entire process from dialing to hanging up, took 3mins and 10 seconds
Try asking to open up case number. Tell them you bought phone out right. I had to fax my receipt to them for proof of purchase. I got email day later with code. As I am inpatient I called the international number an hour after I faxed receipt and opened case. They gave me code over phone. Keep trying don't take no as answer as they told me I needed to wait additional 6 months. Basically you need to say that another rep said your phone was eligible last week and to phone back after may 9th. Then they will begin process
you can also get the unlock by CHATTING with the ATT customer service. Only 2 things you must have are a usa phone number and chat english.
go to http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/roaming/affordable-world-packages.jsp and click Chat Now
It took me 10mins to get unlock code 20 digit number
Got my unlock code!!! called again and a kind woman gave me the code no problem!
I have the code for my cellphone
I have the unlock code for my nokia lumia is a code with 20 digit, is it normal?
well, I put a other SIM (NO ATT) and the cellphone show me that need a PIN
well I put the unlock code and show me that the code is invalid, well I put again
but show me: "ERROR SIM" well I put again and show me "ERROR SIM".
What happen?
I saw it, well i need your help.
AILR said:
Got my unlock code!!! called again and a kind woman gave me the code no problem!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There you go! Congrats!!
I hate it.
I bought a micro sim for my cellphone, well I have the unlock code,
well I Inserted the code! the unlock code and said me: that isn't correct,
well i put again and! shows :ERROR SIM" but the "atempt counter dont discount 1, the atempt counter shows only 9.
D:! i dont know what happening!!!
Robert_hawk said:
I bought a micro sim for my cellphone, well I have the unlock code,
well I Inserted the code! the unlock code and said me: that isn't correct,
well i put again and! shows :ERROR SIM" but the "atempt counter dont discount 1, the atempt counter shows only 9.
D:! i dont know what happening!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to put the unlock code in with the original SIM card in place first. After the code is accepted you can then change SIM cards.

[Q] SIMLock outside the US.

I bought a Sprint M9 from a guy on eBay and had it shipped to me outside of the US.
The seller had it advertised as an unlocked phone that he got straight from HTC.
I got the phone.. booted up and saw that dreaded Hands Free Activation screen.. alerting me immediately that it was a Sprint phone.
It has no Sprint branding or software or apps on it though..
I asked the guy about it and he said he had a Sprint phone that was defective and Sprint told him to send it to HTC to be replaced and HTC sent him back that phone and he assumed it was unlocked.
Anyway.. after a few emails back and forth, he was able to contact Sprint and get the unlock codes.
First was the MSL code to reset the phone.. which worked fine.. and now it recognizes that there is a foreign sim card, but still says that the SIMLock is enabled.
There are a couple others codes he gave me, the PUK1 code, OTKSL code and SID code.
I tried going into the System updates and UICC unlock, but it attempts to get an update from the network.. which i am not connected to.. and it all fails from there.
Does anyone know of a way to get around that problem? is there anyway to unlock it if I am already outside of the US and not connected to the Sprint network in anyway?

Carrier Unlocking on a never activated Volt 2 from Virgin

So in May of 2015 i purchased on Amazon a new Volt 2 to be used on Virgin Mobile with a yet to be established accoung. The next day my Mom surprised me by giving me her old Samsung and added me to her phone plan. The following week when The Volt 2 arrived, it got lost in the shuffle and instead of returning the phone, it got tossed in a closet... unopened... never activated... And no account opened with Virgin.
4 years later, a friend who is down on his luck just lost his cell phone. He doesnt have the money to replace it because he was laid off 2 weeks ago. I offered to put him on my plan with sprint becuase the plan i have is so cheap to add a line and figured i would give him my stashed Volt 2 since it's a CDMA phone and should work on Sprints network.... If life was only that easy.
When i went to check the IMEI number on Sprints site, it came back with a message that said something to the effect that the phone qualified but i had to bring in to a Sprint store to activate it. Just to protect myself i called Virgin and asked if the phone was locked and explained the whole situation to her. She looked up my IMEI and claimed there were no holds on the phone and shouldnt have a problem bringing it to sprint. i asked her to triple check that information which she did and assured me all would be ok with Sprint...
i go to Sprint the next day to add my line and though they didnt say it was locked, i was told i just couldnt use the device on their network. So before i esculate this issue with Sprint I decided when I got home to call virgin again and make 100% sure my device has no holds are on it anwhewre.... carrier hold, sim hold, device hold, any hold.. The tell me nothings wrong with it. In all honesty, I never told them on the phone that I never activated activated the device, as I assumed they would of seen that.
I put a request in with sprint to provision the phone to its network and the rep didn't seem to see why she couldn't they said it would take 72 hours and I'd get am email with the outcome. It's been 8 days no email.
I'm sure the problem is that I didn't have service on the phone for the required 12 months in order to get the carrier unlock restriction.... Obviously the fact that the phone hasn't been activated is what's messing up everyone's view if the device. It has no phone number, no account to tie it too and under the system under bootloader there's nothing there it blank. The phone starts up fine, i can connect to my wifi and use it just fine. But under settings there's no network associated to it and most everything is blank. I put a correct sim sprint card in and it says invalid sim. It tries authorizing and fails. It on every reboot it tries to activate and eventually fails. It will download update, but fails with an authentication error when rebooting and installing. Phones not rooted or hacked (yet). And I've looked into the unlock companies out there and told if I can't get the phone yo ask for an unlock code when putting another sim card in, then there's nothing they can do... I can't get it to do that, no matter what shortcut / hidden menu option I try. In fact even *#06# (or variation thereof) won't pull um the imei number. It's listed in the settings. But I wonder if the fact that it's not asking for an unlock code when changing SIMS is because it's not activated anywhere. But if I activate it, will a lock be put on it immediately? And why are they locking phones 4 years old... Come on.
So is this phone just junk unless I want to pay $40 a month to Virgin for a year? On a phone that's 4 years old?
For the record I posted a message on vigin communities message board not giving IMEI number and said I'd supply it through an PM if requested and I was simply replied to with the staple "phone must be activated on our network for 12 months" line.
i hate throwing away any electronics especially ones ive never used. Is that my only option if I want to use the phone anywhere else other than virgin?
Sorry for the long winded posting...i couldn't find a decent answer anywhere on Google when searching if can you unlock a phone that's never been activated.
Help.
not oe reply? ok maybe it was too long and boring tro read so ill just condense it to one line...
is there a way to unlock a prepaid phone form Virgin that i bought 4 years ago but never activated it on any network?
When i asked Virgin they claimed there was no lock on it, in fact they didnt even see the device. But when i tried activating it on Sprint, they showed a lock and said they could provision the phone and it would be available to move in 72 hours... that was 2 weeks ago and i still can't get the phone on Sprint.
So do i need to activate a 4 year old phone on Virgin and keep it for 12 months before it will get released? I tried an unlock service and they said if it doesnt ask to enter a unlock code, they cant help... i cant get it to ask for this code.... its a Volt 2
any suggestions?>

ATT variant S21 purchased at retail from Samsung.com is locked to carrier and ATT unlock does not recognize IMEI? Anyone else have this issue?

ATT variant S21 purchased at retail from Samsung.com locked to carrier and ATT unlock does not recognize IMEI. Have already escalated to highest tier ATT and Samsung support offered to the public. In ATT's world, if a device is not in their IMEI database, it's not an ATT phone. Samsung claims that unlock codes were automatically shared with ATT when the phone was manufactured. They claim that after the codes are sent, they have no access to the data to provide an individual unlock code at a later date, even at ATT's request.
ATT claims they never received an unlock code for the phone which is why the IMEI is not in their unlock database. Their logic is that if the IMEI is not in their unlock database, it means they never received the unlock code. This logic leaves no room for the possibility of human error or a glitch in syncing data. Oddly, the IMEI is in ATT's warranty database. On ATT support tech suggested that only branded phones sold by ATT stores were supported with unlock codes. This raise the question as to why Samsung would sell a phone that cannot be unlocked and why they would lock it in the first place when it is not being sold on contract?
ATT has requested the unlock code from Samsung during one of my support calls and the request was denied. Samsung CS reiterated the position that they had already provided all codes and no longer had access to them. Third party unlocking services struck out with the IMEI. I can RMA the phone back to Samsung under warranty but likely face the same issue with the replacement. I could try to exchange it in an ATT store as it's in their warranty system but would like to not be setting up a new phone when all I am requesting is a code to remove a soft lock. Samsung's annual preorder trade up deal requires that phones be unlocked which is ironic since this one will likely remain locked indefinitely because the carrier and the manufacturer can't get on the same page. Most consumers with these phones will not realize they can't be unlocked during the Samsung warranty period.
Anyone else have this issue?
If you buy a carrier variant through samsung, you are going to get a locked device. Always buy unlocked if you want it unlocked.
That being said, I've been through this about a dozen times with AT&T. This is what needs to be done:
1- First, try the device unlock portal. This will inevitably fail, because the device isn't in their database. This is fine.
2 - Contact AT&T and be prepared to speak to people who have NO idea what you're talking about. If they say it can't be done, politely end the call and call back in. Ask to speak to *advanced* tech support. Explain that you got the device from Samsung, and you need the IMEI added to the database so you can get the device unlocked.
3 - Explain that you already tried the unlock portal, and they need to email the device unlock team to add the IMEI and get the device unlocked. This takes anywhere from 48 hours to a week, and might get rejected once or twice. If it does, go back to step 2.
4 - If you don't want to deal with that bull****, you can go on ebay and purchase a device unlock. You can either have them search the database for the code (PROBABLY won't work) or some sellers will remotely connect to your machine to unlock the device. I did it in the past for $30, looks like it's $60 these days.
I am seeking a high level contact at Samsung because this is a B2B policy issue which their technical support team, after multiple calls, has been unable and unwilling to help resolve. If anyone on XDA has a high level contact person at Samsung, please DM me. I will put them in direct contact with the AT&T Office of the Executive personnel attempting to resolve this issue and insure that it does not impact other customers.
Did you read my post? That is, step by step, exactly how to solve your issue. if you followed my instructions it would have been unlocked by now.
This has nothing to do with Samsung, this is an AT&T issue. And trying to find a "high level contact person" won't do you any good.
Follow. The. Instructions.

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