Cell phone unlock codes

[exskibum]

GF has Cingular (AT&T) service on the cheapest phone she could get after she lost her RAZR. She got a used RAZR from someone for $15. She just tried to swap the service over to Cingular (AT&T), and they told her that her used RAZR had to be unlocked via a code that's available from T-Mobile, IF T-Mobile will give it to her.

Any other way to get this code? (The Cingular service store told her that if she gets the code, they'll change it over for her.)

 

[HotRodZilla]

GF has Cingular (AT&T) service on the cheapest phone she could get after she lost her RAZR. She got a used RAZR from someone for $15. She just tried to swap the service over to Cingular (AT&T), and they told her that her used RAZR had to be unlocked via a code that's available from T-Mobile, IF T-Mobile will give it to her.
Any other way to get this code? (The Cingular service store told her that if she gets the code, they'll change it over for her.)

I donno if they want a code that's embedded in the phone, but try entering "*#06#" into the phone. It's supposed to give you the phone's serial #; however, I have not tried it, so if it calls China hang up quick. After you get that number you can see if that's the one they want. If not, then you gotta call T-Mobile, or maybe even Motorola since it is their phone.

 

[twowheelnut]

Search.

 

[uctofeej]

Unlocked cell phones are a dime a dozen on ebay, so the codes should be readily accessible (like on TWN's site).

You've run squarely into the cell phone scam of the century.

 

[exskibum]

Search.

Yeah, already been there. About 2 years ago, folks were posting instructions and codes -- then the mod posted that he wouldn't allow it anymore -- not illegal, but there are those who will provide the codes or software for another 25 to 50 dollars to unlock the phone. Maybe the seller will call his T-Mobile provider with the IMEI number and get it for her if they'll tell him. Otherwise, it appears that a cottage industry has sprung up to provide unlock codes so that a phone locked for one provider can be unlocked to work with another provider.

As to the scam of the century with cell phone providers -- I agree. Obviously it's better to throw these things away every time you change providers.

My problem right now is that I'm don't have much more time to dedicate to this, and she's not that computer or net savvy. I've certainly learned more about cell phones and locking than I had a desire to know.

 

[RayW]

GF has Cingular (AT&T) service on the cheapest phone she could get after she lost her RAZR. She got a used RAZR from someone for $15. She just tried to swap the service over to Cingular (AT&T), and they told her that her used RAZR had to be unlocked via a code that's available from T-Mobile, IF T-Mobile will give it to her.
Any other way to get this code? (The Cingular service store told her that if she gets the code, they'll change it over for her.)

My son the cell phone geek says that she should have no problem getting the unlock code from T-Mobile. The various carriers used to not give them out but have since changed their pollicies. Only way she might have a problem is if the phone was stolen. She will need the IMEI code that should be printed on the phone under the battery.

Ray

 

[Jazzzzz]

My son the cell phone geek says that she should have no problem getting the unlock code from T-Mobile. The various carriers used to not give them out but have since changed their pollicies. Only way she might have a problem is if the phone was stolen. She will need the IMEI code that should be printed on the phone under the battery.

Your son is correct on all points.

Exskibum, T-Mobile should cough up an unlock code for that RAZR without a fight. Just have your girlfriend call customer service, tell them she bought the thing second-hand and would like to unlock it for use on a different carrier. Since it's an older phone they likely won't have any problem with it, and will not charge for the code.

She doesn't need to take the RAZR into the Cingular store to have it swapped over to their network - she can just insert the Cingular/AT&T SIM card from her el-cheapo phone into the RAZR (they usually fit under the battery) and turn the RAZR on. It will prompt for the unlock code that T-Mobile gave her; enter it, and the RAZR is now ready for use.

 

[exskibum]

My son the cell phone geek says that she should have no problem getting the unlock code from T-Mobile. The various carriers used to not give them out but have since changed their pollicies. Only way she might have a problem is if the phone was stolen. She will need the IMEI code that should be printed on the phone under the battery.

Your son is correct on all points.

Exskibum, T-Mobile should cough up an unlock code for that RAZR without a fight. Just have your girlfriend call customer service, tell them she bought the thing second-hand and would like to unlock it for use on a different carrier. Since it's an older phone they likely won't have any problem with it, and will not charge for the code.

She doesn't need to take the RAZR into the Cingular store to have it swapped over to their network - she can just insert the Cingular/AT&T SIM card from her el-cheapo phone into the RAZR (they usually fit under the battery) and turn the RAZR on. It will prompt for the unlock code that T-Mobile gave her; enter it, and the RAZR is now ready for use.

Thank you, all! We'll give that suggestion a try.

Got the unlock code today by contacting the guy we got it from, who contacted T-mobile with the info and provided the code.