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.
Related
Hey Guys,
I live in Ontario, Canada and ended up buying an AT&T Atrix 4G online that was supposed to be unlocked however is not...(I'm with Rogers)
I know the typical unlock method buy purchasing an unlock code from some sites or a local cell phone unlock shop, however I have been hearing about how one can call the service provider and given the right reasons - receive an unlock code from them.
My problem is if I were to try this out, would I call my service provider? Rogers
OR
Would I call the original manufacturer of this phone? AT&T
I do understand that part of the process of getting the unlock code involves the IMEI # of the phone.
Thanks,
If it's an AT&T phone, they will have unlock codes. Worst that can happen is they say no. If they do, pay to get the codes from one of the reputable sites.
mobileincanada is a pretty good site, you might find something cheaper. who knows. sucks that you were lied to overall.
I need to try and find a number I can call from Canada which will allow me to talk to someone from AT&T who realizes my situation...I can't seem to get through.
Hi,
I was getting my Iphone unlocked this morning and I asked ATT rep when would I be able to request a unlock code for Lumia 920 and rep answered May 9th. so hopefully from may 9th we will be able get a unlock codes from ATT. :good:
First date they gave me was 28th Feb.. then 16th March.. then June..
so now we have May9th..
AT&T... balls..
It is always 6-month from the release day (for nearly all new AT&T smartphones, not just Lumias). So, L920 was released on Nov. 9, 2012. May 9, 2013 is exactly six months later. That's the correct date. Any other dates are pure BS.
jhogal1 said:
Hi,
I was getting my Iphone unlocked this morning and I asked ATT rep when would I be able to request a unlock code for Lumia 920 and rep answered May 9th. so hopefully from may 9th we will be able get a unlock codes from ATT. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm thinking that is really the date friend of mine who works at att was trying to get unlock code for me but after running my imei he told me not till may 9th
You would think if May 9 is the date that there be a media blitz or some public announcement about this for an Iconic device.
Only iPhone get that kind of media attantion. Lumia 920 hardly a big sell on AT&T. I'd bet GS3 sold multiple times of L920. All new phones from AT&T has lock out period.
I have small query, If i buy AT&T L920 now(off contract)... and my phone is no longer in US when unlock codes are released by AT&T.. will i be able to retrieve unlock code for my 920 over the web or any other mode outside US?
harmish2687 said:
I have small query, If i buy AT&T L920 now(off contract)... and my phone is no longer in US when unlock codes are released by AT&T.. will i be able to retrieve unlock code for my 920 over the web or any other mode outside US?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way to get unlock code from AT&T is to call AT&T customer service. Officially, AT&T only offer unlock code to its customers. They don't have any obligation to offer non-customer the code but in the past they do offer them to you.
foxbat121 said:
The only way to get unlock code from AT&T is to call AT&T customer service. Officially, AT&T only offer unlock code to its customers. They don't have any obligation to offer non-customer the code but in the past they do offer them to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually it isn't. We provide unlock codes as part of our business. We don't call their customer service team for each unlock code that is ordered.
Codes are kept in a database corresponding to each unique IMEI. Therefore, if you have access to the databases, you can obtain the unlock codes.
mobileunlocked said:
Actually it isn't. We provide unlock codes as part of our business. We don't call their customer service team for each unlock code that is ordered.
Codes are kept in a database corresponding to each unique IMEI. Therefore, if you have access to the databases, you can obtain the unlock codes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, there is no outside access to the unlock code database for Nokia phones within lockout period. This is true for Lumia 900 and still true for Lumia 920.
FINALLY
Well, on my 4th call to ATT customer service I managed to get the rep to open a case, he gave me a case number and said I should be receiving an email within a week with my unlock code because I purchased the phone outright and it is not tied to my contract!!! you see, I dont have att service but my in-laws do, for a long time now....So, I called about 4 days ago and said I had a new phone that my children (impersonating a 60 yr old woman) bought for me because they knew how much I hated my current phone, so I registered it on my account and what not, then I explained to the rep that I was traveling to europe and that I needed to use my phone there with a local carrier because I did not want to incur any extra expenses with att, they then proceeded to ask for my IMEI and then to tell me that my phone was not eligible to be unlocked because there was an agreement between Nokia and att, I asked what should I do, that I couldnt believe that I had to purchase a phone in europe, that I was with att because of their 'easy ways' etc......I was transferred to another rep who just explained in detail why the phone could not be unlocked and told me that I should try to "rent a phone"......I initially stated that I was staying in europe for about one week and I was very very nice!, well, they would not help me. TODAY I called with a NOT SO NICE ATTITUDE, i stated that I was traveling to europe and would be staying for maybe 5 months, that I had called previously and was told that I could not be helped but that a friend of the family which was in my same circumstance, had his phone unlocked, so I was calling back because of this, because I had been with att for about 10 yrs and I needed to be able to use my phone, blah blah blah.... well the lady rep told me that my phone was not eligible to be unlocked (after i provided my imei), that I had not met the requirements for this, which were to have the phone for at least 1 year, etc.... I told her that the phone was purchased outright from my children who knew how much I hated the phone THAT WAS TIED TO MY CONTRACT, well, the rep started to get nasty and i did as well, I told her to transfer me to a superior which she did, then, I got a male rep on the phone who was very nice and basically explained to me in depth what this other lady said, I then said that I did not understand how other people that have not been with att for so long have been able to get the unlock code when traveling abroad, and I am not being helped, etc etc.... he then said that because there is an exclusivity agreement and the phone is tied to a contract that I could not have it unlocked, then I explained that the phone that I purchased on the contract was my older one, that the lumia was given to me by my children and that they paid around 500 dlls for it, that to please escalate this to the unlock team who sent my 'friend' an email unlocking his device, then the rep said that he was going to open a case to see if they could help me since i purchased the phone 'outright'!!
......SO, now I just have to wait!! hopefully it works out!!!!
SORRY FOR THE LONG POST BUT ALL OF THIS POINTS TO:
1) Find a friend or family member that is in good standing with att and ask them if you can impersonate them
2) KEEP CALLING THEM!!! You'll get there in the end..... It only took me 4 phone calls!
I will let you know if it works!!! :fingers-crossed:
p.s I just could not wait until May 9th, blame it on my ADHD!!!!!
if i purchased the phone on eBay from 3rd party can I still ask At&T to unlock the phone starting May 1st? or only the original acquirer can have it unlocked
Talk to the seller and ask if he has activated the phone on at&t network also if he is a customer or not. If everything is positive then at&t may entertain your request else, wait till 2 nd week of may. Hopefully third party unlock code providers will start unlocking. But also be aware that as soon as these services are available the prices on eBay and other such sites will shoot up.
Sent from my Venue Pro using Board Express
Pics or it didn't happen...
yusssi said:
Well, on my 4th call to ATT customer service I managed to get the rep to open a case, he gave me a case number and said I should be receiving an email within a week with my unlock code because I purchased the phone outright and it is not tied to my contract!!! you see, I dont have att service but my in-laws do, for a long time now....So, I called about 4 days ago and said I had a new phone that my children (impersonating a 60 yr old woman) bought for me because they knew how much I hated my current phone, so I registered it on my account and what not, then I explained to the rep that I was traveling to europe and that I needed to use my phone there with a local carrier because I did not want to incur any extra expenses with att, they then proceeded to ask for my IMEI and then to tell me that my phone was not eligible to be unlocked because there was an agreement between Nokia and att, I asked what should I do, that I couldnt believe that I had to purchase a phone in europe, that I was with att because of their 'easy ways' etc......I was transferred to another rep who just explained in detail why the phone could not be unlocked and told me that I should try to "rent a phone"......I initially stated that I was staying in europe for about one week and I was very very nice!, well, they would not help me. TODAY I called with a NOT SO NICE ATTITUDE, i stated that I was traveling to europe and would be staying for maybe 5 months, that I had called previously and was told that I could not be helped but that a friend of the family which was in my same circumstance, had his phone unlocked, so I was calling back because of this, because I had been with att for about 10 yrs and I needed to be able to use my phone, blah blah blah.... well the lady rep told me that my phone was not eligible to be unlocked (after i provided my imei), that I had not met the requirements for this, which were to have the phone for at least 1 year, etc.... I told her that the phone was purchased outright from my children who knew how much I hated the phone THAT WAS TIED TO MY CONTRACT, well, the rep started to get nasty and i did as well, I told her to transfer me to a superior which she did, then, I got a male rep on the phone who was very nice and basically explained to me in depth what this other lady said, I then said that I did not understand how other people that have not been with att for so long have been able to get the unlock code when traveling abroad, and I am not being helped, etc etc.... he then said that because there is an exclusivity agreement and the phone is tied to a contract that I could not have it unlocked, then I explained that the phone that I purchased on the contract was my older one, that the lumia was given to me by my children and that they paid around 500 dlls for it, that to please escalate this to the unlock team who sent my 'friend' an email unlocking his device, then the rep said that he was going to open a case to see if they could help me since i purchased the phone 'outright'!!
......SO, now I just have to wait!! hopefully it works out!!!!
SORRY FOR THE LONG POST BUT ALL OF THIS POINTS TO:
1) Find a friend or family member that is in good standing with att and ask them if you can impersonate them
2) KEEP CALLING THEM!!! You'll get there in the end..... It only took me 4 phone calls!
I will let you know if it works!!! :fingers-crossed:
p.s I just could not wait until May 9th, blame it on my ADHD!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you provide screenshots to prove your Lumia 920 is, in fact, unlocked? I've seen a handful of posts purporting this to be doable and have tried for countless hours myself with no luck, even when certain 'helpful staff' attempt to get a code for my phone, they come back all saying the same thing - even if they wanted to, they couldn't get one until May 9th because the codes haven't even been generated and handed over by Nokia yet due to the exclusivity agreement.
StargazerLilly said:
Can you provide screenshots to prove your Lumia 920 is, in fact, unlocked? I've seen a handful of posts purporting this to be doable and have tried for countless hours myself with no luck, even when certain 'helpful staff' attempt to get a code for my phone, they come back all saying the same thing - even if they wanted to, they couldn't get one until May 9th because the codes haven't even been generated and handed over by Nokia yet due to the exclusivity agreement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That simply means someone up in the chain spotted the error and denied your request. It happens all the time. But once in a while, a request goes through and unlock code obtained. Nothing wrong with that. It's just your luck.
I've done that successfully once.
Yeah... There are three other people I know with the AT&T Lumia 920..
And they have all gotten theirs unlocked by AT&T and we're not even in the US, never had an account with AT&T or anything..
I'm the only one who hasn't had any luck...
So I know it's possible.. I've seen their phone and they are all using them on the local network.. it's very upsetting that I haven't gotten through..
about ATT Lumia920 hotspot
Dear
Although the ATT 920 is unlocked but
that still can't workable for hotspot in other carrier
may i ask is there any one can suggest that how to unlock hotspot function
thanks a lot
der.tmp said:
Dear
Although the ATT 920 is unlocked but
that still can't workable for hotspot in other carrier
may i ask is there any one can suggest that how to unlock hotspot function
thanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it doesn't work with the stock ROM and you've already adjusted the APN settings using the Access Point app then you'll have to flash a different ROM.
---------- Post added at 11:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:36 PM ----------
StargazerLilly said:
Can you provide screenshots to prove your Lumia 920 is, in fact, unlocked? I've seen a handful of posts purporting this to be doable and have tried for countless hours myself with no luck, even when certain 'helpful staff' attempt to get a code for my phone, they come back all saying the same thing - even if they wanted to, they couldn't get one until May 9th because the codes haven't even been generated and handed over by Nokia yet due to the exclusivity agreement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plenty of proof has been shown. Here is my proof again.
Video of me unlocking my ATT L920
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44oTQtfWZWY
Picture showing T-Mobile as carrier
http://imgur.com/YOI5MVB
Picture of the email I got containing my unlock code
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=39019476&postcount=30
Anybody, any news?? especially from unlock code services??
Sent from my Venue Pro using Board Express
Cellunlock.net says that it will be unlocking the 920s in 2-4 days.
none of the posts in this forum are related to unlocking the phone - it is just a bunch of paid links for a "maybe" working unlock service
where are the applications to do the actual unlocking - why no one is giving proper unlocking tips ?
Please post here only if it is actually working unlock software or guide - NONE OF THE PAID CRAP PLEASE!
smile_nik said:
none of the posts in this forum are related to unlocking the phone - it is just a bunch of paid links for a "maybe" working unlock service
where are the applications to do the actual unlocking - why no one is giving proper unlocking tips ?
Please post here only if it is actually working unlock software or guide - NONE OF THE PAID CRAP PLEASE!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the other threads. The only way to get an unlock code for an AT&T Lumia 920 is if you are an AT&T customer and push the customer support really hard. There might be some other requirements such as being on a business account too. I am on a business account with AT&T and was able to get a 920 unlocked after spending an hour with the customer support.
Any site claiming to be able to unlock an AT&T Lumia 920 is a scam, plain and simple. Third parties MAY be able to after May 9th.
not a AT&T customer - T-Mobile UK
problem is that here on this site was always the place you can find the tools to free you phone but for Nokia Lumia 920 there no useful posts for SIM unlock.
smile_nik said:
not a AT&T customer - T-Mobile UK
problem is that here on this site was always the place you can find the tools to free you phone but for Nokia Lumia 920 there no useful posts for SIM unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no problem, there just is not any unlock codes for the Lumia right now. Unless you are an ATT customer and no longer under contract you will not be able to unlock your phone. Your best bet is to get a Rogers version which is already unlocked as stock.
As you said all the sites for the 920 are scams and those claiming they have done it are working for or being paid by those same sites.
Solarenemy68 said:
There is no problem, there just is not any unlock codes for the Lumia right now. Unless you are an ATT customer and no longer under contract you will not be able to unlock your phone. Your best bet is to get a Rogers version which is already unlocked as stock.
As you said all the sites for the 920 are scams and those claiming they have done it are working for or being paid by those same sites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the point here has nothing to do with carriers, but software plug in to generate code from phone directly.
Vangink said:
I believe the point here has nothing to do with carriers, but software plug in to generate code from phone directly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing exists yet. Only carriers / Nokia has the codes at this point.
flash new firmware
So
Just to get things clear
say I have a locked Lumia 920 (EE carrier UK)
if I will flash a new firmware with NaviFirm+ 1.7 and Nokia Care suite
Like RM-821 GLOBAL WHITE SWAP (059Q5C7)
wouldn't it unlock the sim lock?
:cyclops:
sabichos said:
So
Just to get things clear
say I have a locked Lumia 920 (EE carrier UK)
if I will flash a new firmware with NaviFirm+ 1.7 and Nokia Care suite
Like RM-821 GLOBAL WHITE SWAP (059Q5C7)
wouldn't it unlock the sim lock?
:cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firmware has no affect on the SIM. The SIM controls what carrier you connect to as it is the SIM that you actually are paying for in your contract. So in answer to your question, you can flash till your heart goes poof, it will make no difference. The phone will still be locked to what ever carrier the SIM was programmed for.
yes - flashing it not going to remove the SIM lock -already try few times
I wonder how many of you have heard of JTAG.
Too bad most people dont seem to know how to use it (or can afford that kind of equipment).
I would try to find a "unlocker" who you can actually talk too (face to face). I personally would use an online unlocker too BUT, it just seems weird having asian people try to convinve you they are american citizens, selling %100 authentic unlock codes. I also see bad reviews.
My Advice:
Look for some guy (or girl) who works at a phone carrier station store (one that sells multiple brands of phones). Perhaps they can JTAG Unlock or Factory Unlock your phone.
OR
Go to your phone carrier (not the one locked to the phone) In person, and explain how you have this locked phone but would LOVE to use it on their service. If they refuse, just keep asking "why not?". Try to justify your use on their service (meaning, tell them that they are supposed to be obligated to unlock).
OR
If you are really bent on getting a carrier unlock, go to the locked carrier and then tell them you accidentally purchased the phone second hand, thinking it would work with your network. If they refuse to unlock (under any terms or licence) then ask for a refund. If they refuse, then get mad. They just ripped you off.
OR
Contact customer support of the manufacter of the phone. Explain that both your, and the phone's locked carrier refuse to unlock, and you feel that their brand (the phone's) is really dissapointing to you. Most companies used to give free stuff to sad or rageing customers for free - perhaps you can get an unlock.
In the end: The truth will set you free. Unlocking should be free, but as time goes on, codes become more complex.
Good luck getting a free unlock. Im not saying its impossible, but it is all about time, money, branding, and customer satisfaction. And believe it or not, that all costs money. They (the locked carrier) lose money everytime someone hacks, exploits, or JTAGs their devices, which is why they usually come priced by duration of service or fixed fees.
Hope this helps. My texting hands are tired!
Sent from my SGH-S730M
FINALLY!!!
Well, on my 4th call to ATT customer service I managed to get the rep to open a case, he gave me a case number and said I should be receiving an email within a week with my unlock code because I purchased the phone outright and it is not tied to my contract!!! you see, I dont have att service but my in-laws do, for a long time now....So, I called about 4 days ago and said I had a new phone that my children (impersonating a 60 yr old woman) bought for me because they knew how much I hated my current phone, so I registered it on my account and what not, then I explained to the rep that I was traveling to europe and that I needed to use my phone there with a local carrier because I did not want to incur any extra expenses with att, they then proceeded to ask for my IMEI and then to tell me that my phone was not eligible to be unlocked because there was an agreement between Nokia and att, I asked what should I do, that I couldnt believe that I had to purchase a phone in europe, that I was with att because of their 'easy ways' etc......I was transferred to another rep who just explained in detail why the phone could not be unlocked and told me that I should try to "rent a phone"......I initially stated that I was staying in europe for about one week and I was very very nice!, well, they would not help me. TODAY I called with a NOT SO NICE ATTITUDE, i stated that I was traveling to europe and would be staying for maybe 5 months, that I had called previously and was told that I could not be helped but that a friend of the family which was in my same circumstance, had his phone unlocked, so I was calling back because of this, because I had been with att for about 10 yrs and I needed to be able to use my phone, blah blah blah.... well the lady rep told me that my phone was not eligible to be unlocked (after i provided my imei), that I had not met the requirements for this, which were to have the phone for at least 1 year, etc.... I told her that the phone was purchased outright from my children who knew how much I hated the phone THAT WAS TIED TO MY CONTRACT, well, the rep started to get nasty and i did as well, I told her to transfer me to a superior which she did, then, I got a male rep on the phone who was very nice and basically explained to me in depth what this other lady said, I then said that I did not understand how other people that have not been with att for so long have been able to get the unlock code when traveling abroad, and I am not being helped, etc etc.... he then said that because there is an exclusivity agreement and the phone is tied to a contract that I could not have it unlocked, then I explained that the phone that I purchased on the contract was my older one, that the lumia was given to me by my children and that they paid around 500 dlls for it, that to please escalate this to the unlock team who sent my 'friend' an email unlocking his device, then the rep said that he was going to open a case to see if they could help me since i purchased the phone 'outright'!!
......SO, now I just have to wait!! hopefully it works out!!!!
SORRY FOR THE LONG POST BUT ALL OF THIS POINTS TO:
1) Find a friend or family member that is in good standing with att and ask them if you can impersonate them
2) KEEP CALLING THEM!!! You'll get there in the end..... It only took me 4 phone calls!
I will let you know if it works!!! :fingers-crossed:
p.s I just could not wait until May 9th, blame it on my ADHD!!!!!
Is there a waiting period after buying SM-R750A from an AT&T store outright with no service, nor an AT&T account? I go to their device unlock page, and it keeps telling me the IMEI is not valid, even though I checked it 20 times and the number matches the box, inside the about gear info and on the receipt? What gives?
I had that same problem when unlocking my Gear S. I went to the unlock site and it wouldn't take the IMEI. I am a customer of AT&T tho and got them on the chat and the person did it on their end. I waited 5 days and AT&T sent me the unlock code. I originally called, but the person didn't know what the device was. You're better off getting them on the chat if you can. I think there's a way non customers can reach them on chat thru their web site.
I purchased mine last night and emailed AT&T when I had the same error. They told me that I had to wait until after the 14 day buyer remorse period before they would unlock it.
Anyone know how to bypass this?
Bullcrap,
You paid full retail price, you get unlock code when you ask for it. It's their problem if you return it.
Call them, give IMEI, get unlocked, done.
If they refuse, ask for a manager. If they continue to refuse, call/email corporate and/or refute charges to your credit card.
As soon as they get a potential chargeback you'll get your code.
I purchased mine from best buy, with no service. Why would I need unlock code? And what is the website to check for one?
About 2 months ago I cancelled my T-Mobile account after some bad experiences with them. I had my LG V10 on lease with them, not yet fully paid. At the same time I convinced the representative to unlock my phone so I could switch to another carrier. I asked her if I needed to do anything and she said no, she can do it remotely, then told me it was all done. My phone was under some old guarantee that I could continue paying off the phone monthly instead of all at once (apparently that's since vanished, and they have no record of that guarantee ever existing. Figures.)
Anyway, I was happy to have an unlocked phone. But a few weeks ago I got a letter asking me to pay up the remaining balance or be sent to a collection agency. I couldn't, so they did. Yesterday I called T-Mobile to find out if my phone was unlocked and they said that since my account was closed and in collection, they couldn't check or tell me, and to call the agency. I did, and the collection rep didn't seem to want to give me a straight answer. His answers were (paraphrasing): "There's some things T-Mobile doesn't want us telling you (the consumer); "I'm going to choose my words carefully"; and, If you pay off your balance T-Mobile may unlock your phone." He repeated the last one whenever I asked additional questions. I figure he could've just said no, your phone is not unlocked.
So I'm thinking that since my phone was remotely unlocked by T-Mobile just before closing my account, that it's still unlocked and they just don't want to confirm it to me for fear that I may not pay them back as fast. My question is, if T-Mobile unlocked my phone before closing my account, could they re-lock it, wven without an active account? Also, could the rep have lied to me about having unlocked my phone?
By the way, I can't do the SIM swap trick because everyone I know uses micro sim and my phone uses a nano sim. Also there isn't a cell store anywhere near me.
Oh, I did an IMEI check online on Swappa and it said Activation Status: Clear, not blacklisted, and identified my phone as either LG V10 (T-Mobile) or LG V10 (Unlocked). Not sure what that means. Did a check on another site and under carrier code it said T-Mobile, and carrier code TMO.
Did you get your phone from tmobile? Aka model h901? It should have the tmobile unlock app already installed which will tell you if it's unlocked or eligible to be unlocked. They would have told you to use it to unlock it in the first place.
Also, a collection agency isn't going to know anything about tmobile services, they'll say anything to get your money. It's a completely separate company.
I'd be more worried that tmobile blacklisted your imei rather than having it locked since you didn't pay off your lease.