crwdns2934243:0crwdne2934243:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code; AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones, so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock," but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). | |
| Sprint is dead, and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part, which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset, so it doesn't matter since they're officially eWaste anyway. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies: T-Mo can't fix boneheaded ideas from years ago. | |
| There was also another ugly issue: anything post-CTIA that can be fully unlocked is a pain because of Sprint's unlock policies; it has always been faster to pay third-party companies to do the dirty work with the IMEI# for you. Of course, this assumes the Sprint radio firmware isn't a PITA to get going on other cellular networks (or they use T-Mo towers to negate the issue). | |
| [quote|format=featured] | |
| ***This may not be as true under T-Mo, but you can only fix their toxic unlock policies—not their hard-locked cell radios, for instance. Expect trouble with an active EIP balance. 3rd parties still have to do the dirty part for you.*** | |
| ***The other issue with Sprint phones that makes them worth more dead is things like VVM were so custom on Sprint's old network, you probably can't keep it; you need to do VM like it's a flip phone.*** | |
| [/quote] | |
| ***This doesn't apply to you (thankfully), but it's yet another problem that comes up :-(. LG... Their Sprint phones had custom ROMs and custom cellular radio firmware; almost none of them carry well; they tend to be haphazardly bad on other networks.*** SprintxLG phones are ALL eWaste :-(. Sprint SKU? Steal the screens and parts off of it and get rid of the cursed motherboard!!! LG bent backward for Sprint and paid the price later... ***As if they care, they just cared about their bottom line and sales. MOST CARRIERS DO NOT WANT TO DEAL WITH FORMER SPRINT BUILD LGs FOR GOOD REASON; COST AND NETWORK TROUBLE! Some only take them on the condition when they utterly fail, it's YOUR problem.*** | |
| Generally, Any Sprint phone over three years old is a mess, too. They had their own 5G bands which T-Mo did not use, so they permanently got nerfed into "4G" devices. They wanted the spectrum, not the crappy nightmare phones. However, Sprint phones are excellent trade-in devices unless the phone has standard 5G bands and can be saved from their death grip nightmare (rare). | |
| T-Mo uses the app on nearly all of its phones and pre- and postpaid plans, using the same method as AT&T PREPAID. I have less knowledge of those because the phone is probably ineligible as I got it, and I need to start over on the clock, so I need to pay someone to speed it up. No thanks. Postpaid? NOT HAPPENING: 3.5 years is out of the question, or they are also account-locked as a bonus issue. Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| The process per OEM varies. For example, Motorola has many phones that use a "network unlock" procedure like T-Mobile, but it can also vary per original carrier. For example, an ISP MVNO may use a code, while the big three may go either way. Most Motorola phones are so cheap that most people buy them outright. $4-600 seems to be the magic number for phones primarily sold unlocked from the start, or ~$7-800 for most flagships. Apple is just Apple; expect to pay at least $1k+ for a not SE. | |
| [quote|format=featured] | |
| ***Other manufacturers are even less consistent, like Samsung. T-Mo Samsungs use the "Device Unlock" app or "Network unlock" method, while AT&T can choose between a code and a "Network unlock" menu. I know the S20 uses codes, but those phones are too old for me now. The S21-present can go both ways, and I do not have a direct answer because they have a balance in most cases.*** | |
| ***''Google uses a profile like Apple to do this and puts a carrier-specific ROM on the device; much less awful since it's a quick call or you have to use an app, and it's just done since the carrier just requests that it be dropped on Google's side. The problem with these current prices is I may never know outside of those few cases with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years!!!''*** | |
| [/quote] | |
| At this point, the only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ (which I know is paid off, so I can USE IT) or a phone, which isn't EOL from the same lineup. Once I can do a few, I'll have a better idea. The problem is that they don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs. good examples, and the updates stopped a long time ago. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds, so how can I make a screen my dad broke yet again viable on a 2.5+-year-old phone, which is 40-50% of the way to a good one? | |
| Screens ALWAYS TOTAL OUT SAMSUNG DEVICES, which both are loyal to. As of late, I've only been getting them when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted, and the phone is no longer worth fixing (mostly). See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]. I will never have an answer for this dilemma because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can pay directly online (or at Best Buy). For the iPhones, I only buy them at Apple stores. Sometimes, I get them used if the price is right, but I will walk away if it isn't the factory-unlocked version. | |
| [quote|format=featured] | |
| ***The issue as to why I do not know is people are keeping their phones longer now, and when they hit the market, they are worn out, old, or destroyed. This is even with family I know throwing them away like trading cards with a high score of 7 broken phone screens. As a result, I will likely never know with (then current) AT&T postpaid procedure for at least a few years. I am genuinely at the point where I just do not care to find out as I am not waiting 3 years for someone to pay off a carrier-locked phone to unlock it and get the answer, and it may change again. I'm done with this game... You win carriers.*** | |
| ***''The cost of phones and the length of EIPs make carrier-locked phones only used by two camps: carrier loyalists and companies leasing and dumping them. Everyone else pulls their card out and pays cash for their phone, carrier UNlocked. Same phones anyway, sans the carrier BS.''*** | |
| [/quote] | |
| - | They use the support line to catch old-timers who don't know better now, yet |
| + | They use the support line to catch old-timers who don't know better now, yet dump them at the device's OEM. Service centers have been dead for years. |
| - | The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not skipping ANY locked device on the used market. Either sort this crap out yourself or look for someone else. They have no resale now. Again, the mission is accomplished if you're a carrier franchisee. I've been there: I tried to unlock 3 AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, one was delayed, and the other was instant). LG was just as bad... 1 good, one delayed; that was it for me. I used to be okay with locked phones with minimal bloatware if the unlock was cheap, but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind not to buy it that way. I did look into a used S20 for science purposes, but 3 of them I checked out still had a balance :-(. Nope... |
| + | The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not skipping ANY locked device on the used market. Either sort this crap out yourself or look for someone else. They have no resale now. Again, the mission is accomplished if you're a carrier franchisee or a corporate store. I've been there: I tried to unlock 3 AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, one was delayed, and the other was instant). LG was just as bad... 1 good, one delayed; that was it for me. I used to be okay with locked phones with minimal bloatware if the unlock was cheap, but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind not to buy it that way. I did look into a used S20 for science purposes, but 3 of them I checked out still had a balance :-(. Nope... |
| [image|3036192] |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code; AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones, so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock," but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). | |
| Sprint is dead, and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part, which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset, so it doesn't matter since they're officially eWaste anyway. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies: T-Mo can't fix boneheaded ideas from years ago. | |
| There was also another ugly issue: anything post-CTIA that can be fully unlocked is a pain because of Sprint's unlock policies; it has always been faster to pay third-party companies to do the dirty work with the IMEI# for you. Of course, this assumes the Sprint radio firmware isn't a PITA to get going on other cellular networks (or they use T-Mo towers to negate the issue). | |
| [quote|format=featured] | |
| ***This may not be as true under T-Mo, but you can only fix their toxic unlock policies—not their hard-locked cell radios, for instance. Expect trouble with an active EIP balance. 3rd parties still have to do the dirty part for you.*** | |
| ***The other issue with Sprint phones that makes them worth more dead is things like VVM were so custom on Sprint's old network, you probably can't keep it; you need to do VM like it's a flip phone.*** | |
| [/quote] | |
| ***This doesn't apply to you (thankfully), but it's yet another problem that comes up :-(. LG... Their Sprint phones had custom ROMs and custom cellular radio firmware; almost none of them carry well; they tend to be haphazardly bad on other networks.*** SprintxLG phones are ALL eWaste :-(. Sprint SKU? Steal the screens and parts off of it and get rid of the cursed motherboard!!! LG bent backward for Sprint and paid the price later... ***As if they care, they just cared about their bottom line and sales. MOST CARRIERS DO NOT WANT TO DEAL WITH FORMER SPRINT BUILD LGs FOR GOOD REASON; COST AND NETWORK TROUBLE! Some only take them on the condition when they utterly fail, it's YOUR problem.*** | |
| - | Generally, Any Sprint phone over three years old is a mess, too. They had their own 5G bands which T-Mo did not use, so they permanently got nerfed into "4G" devices. They wanted the spectrum, not the crappy nightmare phones. Sprint phones |
| + | Generally, Any Sprint phone over three years old is a mess, too. They had their own 5G bands which T-Mo did not use, so they permanently got nerfed into "4G" devices. They wanted the spectrum, not the crappy nightmare phones. However, Sprint phones are excellent trade-in devices unless the phone has standard 5G bands and can be saved from their death grip nightmare (rare). |
| T-Mo uses the app on nearly all of its phones and pre- and postpaid plans, using the same method as AT&T PREPAID. I have less knowledge of those because the phone is probably ineligible as I got it, and I need to start over on the clock, so I need to pay someone to speed it up. No thanks. Postpaid? NOT HAPPENING: 3.5 years is out of the question, or they are also account-locked as a bonus issue. Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| - | The process per OEM varies. For example, Motorola has many phones that use a "network unlock" procedure like T-Mobile, but it can also vary per original carrier. For example, an ISP MVNO may |
| + | The process per OEM varies. For example, Motorola has many phones that use a "network unlock" procedure like T-Mobile, but it can also vary per original carrier. For example, an ISP MVNO may use a code, while the big three may go either way. Most Motorola phones are so cheap that most people buy them outright. $4-600 seems to be the magic number for phones primarily sold unlocked from the start, or ~$7-800 for most flagships. Apple is just Apple; expect to pay at least $1k+ for a not SE. |
| [quote|format=featured] | |
| ***Other manufacturers are even less consistent, like Samsung. T-Mo Samsungs use the "Device Unlock" app or "Network unlock" method, while AT&T can choose between a code and a "Network unlock" menu. I know the S20 uses codes, but those phones are too old for me now. The S21-present can go both ways, and I do not have a direct answer because they have a balance in most cases.*** | |
| ***''Google uses a profile like Apple to do this and puts a carrier-specific ROM on the device; much less awful since it's a quick call or you have to use an app, and it's just done since the carrier just requests that it be dropped on Google's side. The problem with these current prices is I may never know outside of those few cases with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years!!!''*** | |
| - | |
| - | |
| [/quote] | |
| At this point, the only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ (which I know is paid off, so I can USE IT) or a phone, which isn't EOL from the same lineup. Once I can do a few, I'll have a better idea. The problem is that they don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs. good examples, and the updates stopped a long time ago. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds, so how can I make a screen my dad broke yet again viable on a 2.5+-year-old phone, which is 40-50% of the way to a good one? | |
| - | Screens ALWAYS TOTAL OUT SAMSUNG DEVICES, which both are loyal to. As of late, I've only been getting them when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted, and the phone is no longer worth fixing (mostly). See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]. I will never have an answer for this dilemma because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can |
| + | Screens ALWAYS TOTAL OUT SAMSUNG DEVICES, which both are loyal to. As of late, I've only been getting them when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted, and the phone is no longer worth fixing (mostly). See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]. I will never have an answer for this dilemma because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can pay directly online (or at Best Buy). For the iPhones, I only buy them at Apple stores. Sometimes, I get them used if the price is right, but I will walk away if it isn't the factory-unlocked version. |
| [quote|format=featured] | |
| ***The issue as to why I do not know is people are keeping their phones longer now, and when they hit the market, they are worn out, old, or destroyed. This is even with family I know throwing them away like trading cards with a high score of 7 broken phone screens. As a result, I will likely never know with (then current) AT&T postpaid procedure for at least a few years. I am genuinely at the point where I just do not care to find out as I am not waiting 3 years for someone to pay off a carrier-locked phone to unlock it and get the answer, and it may change again. I'm done with this game... You win carriers.*** | |
| ***''The cost of phones and the length of EIPs make carrier-locked phones only used by two camps: carrier loyalists and companies leasing and dumping them. Everyone else pulls their card out and pays cash for their phone, carrier UNlocked. Same phones anyway, sans the carrier BS.''*** | |
| [/quote] | |
| - | They use the support line to catch old-timers who don't know better now, yet they |
| + | They use the support line to catch old-timers who don't know better now, yet they dump them at the device's OEM. Service centers have been dead for years. |
| - | The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not skipping ANY locked device on the used market. Either sort this crap out yourself or look for someone else. They have no resale now. Again, the mission is accomplished if you're a carrier franchisee. |
| + | The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not skipping ANY locked device on the used market. Either sort this crap out yourself or look for someone else. They have no resale now. Again, the mission is accomplished if you're a carrier franchisee. I've been there: I tried to unlock 3 AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, one was delayed, and the other was instant). LG was just as bad... 1 good, one delayed; that was it for me. I used to be okay with locked phones with minimal bloatware if the unlock was cheap, but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind not to buy it that way. I did look into a used S20 for science purposes, but 3 of them I checked out still had a balance :-(. Nope... |
| [image|3036192] |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| - | It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code |
|---|---|
| + | It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code; AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones, so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock," but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). |
| - | Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not take Sprint phones because they're a trainwreck more often than not and waste support time due to their (sometimes very) custom nature. They need to be shoved where the sun doesn't shine! Others may take it but do not expect support when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it.[br] |
| - | Don't spend much time on a Sprint phone that's over 3 years old -- a lot of them also use weird 5G bands T-Mo did not keep and permanently neutered them so they will forever be "4G" phones... BARF! It was either killed off with the tower merging or the phone lost 5G with Sprint devices. Use it as trade-in material unless the phone has standard 5G bands. |
| + | Sprint is dead, and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part, which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset, so it doesn't matter since they're officially eWaste anyway. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies: T-Mo can't fix boneheaded ideas from years ago. |
| - | |
| + | There was also another ugly issue: anything post-CTIA that can be fully unlocked is a pain because of Sprint's unlock policies; it has always been faster to pay third-party companies to do the dirty work with the IMEI# for you. Of course, this assumes the Sprint radio firmware isn't a PITA to get going on other cellular networks (or they use T-Mo towers to negate the issue). |
| - | As far as the process goes per OEM? It depends. For example, Motorola has a lot of phones that use a "network unlock" procedure like T-Mobile but it can vary per original carrier too. For example, an ISP MVNO may just use a code while the big 3 may go either way. Most Motorola phones are so cheap most people buy them outright. $4-600 seems to be the magic number for phones primarily sold unlocked from the start :-). |
| + | [quote|format=featured] |
| + | ***This may not be as true under T-Mo, but you can only fix their toxic unlock policies—not their hard-locked cell radios, for instance. Expect trouble with an active EIP balance. 3rd parties still have to do the dirty part for you.*** |
| - | |
| + | ***The other issue with Sprint phones that makes them worth more dead is things like VVM were so custom on Sprint's old network, you probably can't keep it; you need to do VM like it's a flip phone.*** |
| - | The cost of phones and length of EIPs make it such that carrier-locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant since a lot of them are the same with carrier customizations and a SIM lock today; they use the support line to catch old timers who don't know they dump the problem on the device OEM today; service centers are dead. |
| + | [/quote] |
| + | ***This doesn't apply to you (thankfully), but it's yet another problem that comes up :-(. LG... Their Sprint phones had custom ROMs and custom cellular radio firmware; almost none of them carry well; they tend to be haphazardly bad on other networks.*** SprintxLG phones are ALL eWaste :-(. Sprint SKU? Steal the screens and parts off of it and get rid of the cursed motherboard!!! LG bent backward for Sprint and paid the price later... ***As if they care, they just cared about their bottom line and sales. MOST CARRIERS DO NOT WANT TO DEAL WITH FORMER SPRINT BUILD LGs FOR GOOD REASON; COST AND NETWORK TROUBLE! Some only take them on the condition when they utterly fail, it's YOUR problem.*** |
| - | |
| + | Generally, Any Sprint phone over three years old is a mess, too. They had their own 5G bands which T-Mo did not use, so they permanently got nerfed into "4G" devices. They wanted the spectrum, not the crappy nightmare phones. Sprint phones make excellent trade-in devices, though, unless the phone has standard 5G bands... |
| - | This is how bad AT&T is now; I looked at varying models on price and likelihood but S20 is too old; S21+ (no seriously; all 3 IMEI#'s I wanted to buy and try to unlock with these newer $1k "debt generation" phones funded with bill credits or virtual Visa cards; all 3 had the SAME ISSUE): |
| + | T-Mo uses the app on nearly all of its phones and pre- and postpaid plans, using the same method as AT&T PREPAID. I have less knowledge of those because the phone is probably ineligible as I got it, and I need to start over on the clock, so I need to pay someone to speed it up. No thanks. Postpaid? NOT HAPPENING: 3.5 years is out of the question, or they are also account-locked as a bonus issue. Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. |
| + | |
| + | The process per OEM varies. For example, Motorola has many phones that use a "network unlock" procedure like T-Mobile, but it can also vary per original carrier. For example, an ISP MVNO may just use a code, while the big three may go either way. Most Motorola phones are so cheap that most people buy them outright. $4-600 seems to be the magic number for phones primarily sold unlocked from the start. |
| + | |
| + | [quote|format=featured] |
| + | ***Other manufacturers are even less consistent, like Samsung. T-Mo Samsungs use the "Device Unlock" app or "Network unlock" method, while AT&T can choose between a code and a "Network unlock" menu. I know the S20 uses codes, but those phones are too old for me now. The S21-present can go both ways, and I do not have a direct answer because they have a balance in most cases.*** |
| + | |
| + | ***''Google uses a profile like Apple to do this and puts a carrier-specific ROM on the device; much less awful since it's a quick call or you have to use an app, and it's just done since the carrier just requests that it be dropped on Google's side. The problem with these current prices is I may never know outside of those few cases with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years!!!''*** |
| + | |
| + | |
| + | |
| + | [/quote] |
| + | At this point, the only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ (which I know is paid off, so I can USE IT) or a phone, which isn't EOL from the same lineup. Once I can do a few, I'll have a better idea. The problem is that they don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs. good examples, and the updates stopped a long time ago. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds, so how can I make a screen my dad broke yet again viable on a 2.5+-year-old phone, which is 40-50% of the way to a good one? |
| + | |
| + | Screens ALWAYS TOTAL OUT SAMSUNG DEVICES, which both are loyal to. As of late, I've only been getting them when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted, and the phone is no longer worth fixing (mostly). See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]. I will never have an answer for this dilemma because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once directly online (or Best Buy), For the iPhones, I only buy them at Apple stores. Sometimes, I get them used if the price is right, but I will walk away if it isn't the factory-unlocked version. |
| + | |
| + | [quote|format=featured] |
| + | ***The issue as to why I do not know is people are keeping their phones longer now, and when they hit the market, they are worn out, old, or destroyed. This is even with family I know throwing them away like trading cards with a high score of 7 broken phone screens. As a result, I will likely never know with (then current) AT&T postpaid procedure for at least a few years. I am genuinely at the point where I just do not care to find out as I am not waiting 3 years for someone to pay off a carrier-locked phone to unlock it and get the answer, and it may change again. I'm done with this game... You win carriers.*** |
| + | |
| + | ***''The cost of phones and the length of EIPs make carrier-locked phones only used by two camps: carrier loyalists and companies leasing and dumping them. Everyone else pulls their card out and pays cash for their phone, carrier UNlocked. Same phones anyway, sans the carrier BS.''*** |
| + | |
| + | [/quote] |
| + | They use the support line to catch old-timers who don't know better now, yet they just dump them at the device's OEM. Service centers have been dead for years. |
| + | |
| + | The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not skipping ANY locked device on the used market. Either sort this crap out yourself or look for someone else. They have no resale now. Again, the mission is accomplished if you're a carrier franchisee. Been there: I tried to unlock 3 AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, one delayed, the other was instant). LG was just as bad... 1 good, one delayed; that was it for me. I used to be okay with locked phones with minimal bloatware if the unlock was cheap, but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up to not buy it that way. I did look into a used S20 for science purposes, but 3 of them I checked out still had a balance :-(. Nope... |
| [image|3036192] |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock" but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). | |
| Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not take Sprint phones because they're a trainwreck more often than not and waste support time due to their (sometimes very) custom nature. They need to be shoved where the sun doesn't shine! Others may take it but do not expect support when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it.[br] | |
| Don't spend much time on a Sprint phone that's over 3 years old -- a lot of them also use weird 5G bands T-Mo did not keep and permanently neutered them so they will forever be "4G" phones... BARF! It was either killed off with the tower merging or the phone lost 5G with Sprint devices. Use it as trade-in material unless the phone has standard 5G bands. | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still (mostly) unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked, and they are beginning to lock them to the account signed the EIP so I can't reuse the phone if it has a balance. Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| As far as the process goes per OEM? It depends. For example, Motorola has a lot of phones that use a "network unlock" procedure like T-Mobile but it can vary per original carrier too. For example, an ISP MVNO may just use a code while the big 3 may go either way. Most Motorola phones are so cheap most people buy them outright. $4-600 seems to be the magic number for phones primarily sold unlocked from the start :-). | |
| Other manufacturers are even less consistent like Samsung. T-Mo Samsungs use the "Device Unlock" app or "Network unlock" method, AT&T can go between code vs "Network unlock" menu. I know the S20 uses codes but those are too old for me now. The S21-present can go both ways nor do I have a direct answer due to them having a balance in most cases. Google uses a profile like Apple to do this and puts a carrier-specific ROM on the device; much less awful, since it's a quick call or you have to use an app and it's just done since the carrier just requests that be dropped on Google's side. The problem with these current prices is I may never know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! At this point, the only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ (which I know is paid off so I can USE IT) or a phone which isn't EOL from the same lineup. Once I can do a few, I'll have a better idea. The problem is even they don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs. good examples and the updates stopped a long time ago. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds so how can I make a screen my dad broke yet again viable on a 2.5+ year old phone which is 40-50% of the way to a good one? Screens WILL TOTAL OUT SAMSUNG DEVICES, which both of them are loyal to. As of late, I've only been getting them when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is no longer worth fixing (mostly). See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are keeping their phones for longer now and when they hit the market they are worn out, old, or destroyed. This is even family I know throw them away like trading cards. As a result, I will not know with (then current) AT&T postpaid for sure for at least a few years. I am truly at the point I just do not care to find out as I am not waiting 3 years for someone to pay off a phone that's carrier-locked to unlock it and get the answer. I'll just buy the thing unlocked from the manufacturer and be done with it... I'm done for my sanity. | |
| The cost of phones and length of EIPs make it such that carrier-locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant since a lot of them are the same with carrier customizations and a SIM lock today; they use the support line to catch old timers who don't know they dump the problem on the device OEM today; service centers are dead. | |
| The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried three AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, one delayed, the other was instant). LG was just as bad... 1 good, 1 delayed; that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; to buy it that way. | |
| - | This is how bad AT&T is now (no seriously; all 3 IMEI#'s I wanted to buy and try to unlock with these newer $1k "debt generation" phones funded with bill credits or virtual Visa cards; all 3 had the SAME ISSUE): |
| + | This is how bad AT&T is now; I looked at varying models on price and likelihood but S20 is too old; S21+ (no seriously; all 3 IMEI#'s I wanted to buy and try to unlock with these newer $1k "debt generation" phones funded with bill credits or virtual Visa cards; all 3 had the SAME ISSUE): |
| [image|3036192] |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock" but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). | |
| Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not take Sprint phones because they're a trainwreck more often than not and waste support time due to their (sometimes very) custom nature. They need to be shoved where the sun doesn't shine! Others may take it but do not expect support when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it.[br] | |
| Don't spend much time on a Sprint phone that's over 3 years old -- a lot of them also use weird 5G bands T-Mo did not keep and permanently neutered them so they will forever be "4G" phones... BARF! It was either killed off with the tower merging or the phone lost 5G with Sprint devices. Use it as trade-in material unless the phone has standard 5G bands. | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still (mostly) unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked, and they are beginning to lock them to the account signed the EIP so I can't reuse the phone if it has a balance. Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| As far as the process goes per OEM? It depends. For example, Motorola has a lot of phones that use a "network unlock" procedure like T-Mobile but it can vary per original carrier too. For example, an ISP MVNO may just use a code while the big 3 may go either way. Most Motorola phones are so cheap most people buy them outright. $4-600 seems to be the magic number for phones primarily sold unlocked from the start :-). | |
| Other manufacturers are even less consistent like Samsung. T-Mo Samsungs use the "Device Unlock" app or "Network unlock" method, AT&T can go between code vs "Network unlock" menu. I know the S20 uses codes but those are too old for me now. The S21-present can go both ways nor do I have a direct answer due to them having a balance in most cases. Google uses a profile like Apple to do this and puts a carrier-specific ROM on the device; much less awful, since it's a quick call or you have to use an app and it's just done since the carrier just requests that be dropped on Google's side. The problem with these current prices is I may never know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! At this point, the only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ (which I know is paid off so I can USE IT) or a phone which isn't EOL from the same lineup. Once I can do a few, I'll have a better idea. The problem is even they don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs. good examples and the updates stopped a long time ago. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds so how can I make a screen my dad broke yet again viable on a 2.5+ year old phone which is 40-50% of the way to a good one? Screens WILL TOTAL OUT SAMSUNG DEVICES, which both of them are loyal to. As of late, I've only been getting them when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is no longer worth fixing (mostly). See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are keeping their phones for longer now and when they hit the market they are worn out, old, or destroyed. This is even family I know throw them away like trading cards. As a result, I will not know with (then current) AT&T postpaid for sure for at least a few years. I am truly at the point I just do not care to find out as I am not waiting 3 years for someone to pay off a phone that's carrier-locked to unlock it and get the answer. I'll just buy the thing unlocked from the manufacturer and be done with it... I'm done for my sanity. | |
| The cost of phones and length of EIPs make it such that carrier-locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant since a lot of them are the same with carrier customizations and a SIM lock today; they use the support line to catch old timers who don't know they dump the problem on the device OEM today; service centers are dead. | |
| The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried three AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, one delayed, the other was instant). LG was just as bad... 1 good, 1 delayed; that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; to buy it that way. | |
| - | This is how bad AT&T is now (no seriously |
| + | This is how bad AT&T is now (no seriously; all 3 IMEI#'s I wanted to buy and try to unlock with these newer $1k "debt generation" phones funded with bill credits or virtual Visa cards; all 3 had the SAME ISSUE): |
| [image|3036192] |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock" but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). | |
| - | Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not take Sprint phones because they're a trainwreck more often than not and waste support time due to their (sometimes very) custom nature. They need to be shoved where the sun |
| + | Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not take Sprint phones because they're a trainwreck more often than not and waste support time due to their (sometimes very) custom nature. They need to be shoved where the sun doesn't shine! Others may take it but do not expect support when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it.[br] |
| Don't spend much time on a Sprint phone that's over 3 years old -- a lot of them also use weird 5G bands T-Mo did not keep and permanently neutered them so they will forever be "4G" phones... BARF! It was either killed off with the tower merging or the phone lost 5G with Sprint devices. Use it as trade-in material unless the phone has standard 5G bands. | |
| - | On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still (mostly) unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked, and they are beginning to lock them to the account |
| + | On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still (mostly) unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked, and they are beginning to lock them to the account signed the EIP so I can't reuse the phone if it has a balance. Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. |
| - | As far as the process goes per OEM? It depends. For example, Motorola has a lot of phones |
| + | As far as the process goes per OEM? It depends. For example, Motorola has a lot of phones that use a "network unlock" procedure like T-Mobile but it can vary per original carrier too. For example, an ISP MVNO may just use a code while the big 3 may go either way. Most Motorola phones are so cheap most people buy them outright. $4-600 seems to be the magic number for phones primarily sold unlocked from the start :-). |
| - | Other manufacturers are even less consistent like Samsung. T-Mo Samsungs use the "Device Unlock" app or "Network unlock" method, AT&T can go between code vs "Network unlock" menu. I know the S20 uses codes but those are too old for me now. The S21-present can go both ways nor do I have a direct answer due to them having a balance in most cases. Google uses a profile like Apple to do this and puts a carrier-specific ROM on the device; much less awful, since it's a quick call or you have to use an app and it's just done since the carrier just requests that be dropped on Google's side. The problem with these current prices is I may never know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! At this point, the only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ (which I know is paid off so I can USE IT) or a phone which isn't EOL from the same lineup. Once I can do a few, I'll have a better idea. The problem is even they don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs good examples and the updates stopped a long time ago. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds so how can I make a screen my dad broke yet again viable on a 2.5+ year old phone which is 40-50% of the way to a good one? Screens WILL TOTAL OUT SAMSUNG DEVICES, which both of them are loyal to. As of late, I've only been getting them when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is no longer worth fixing (mostly). See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are keeping their phones for longer now and when they hit the market they are worn out, old, or destroyed. This is even family I know throw them away like trading cards. As a result, I will not know with (then current) AT&T postpaid for sure for at least a few years. I am truly at the point I just do not care to find out as I am not waiting 3 years for someone to pay off a phone that's carrier |
| + | Other manufacturers are even less consistent like Samsung. T-Mo Samsungs use the "Device Unlock" app or "Network unlock" method, AT&T can go between code vs "Network unlock" menu. I know the S20 uses codes but those are too old for me now. The S21-present can go both ways nor do I have a direct answer due to them having a balance in most cases. Google uses a profile like Apple to do this and puts a carrier-specific ROM on the device; much less awful, since it's a quick call or you have to use an app and it's just done since the carrier just requests that be dropped on Google's side. The problem with these current prices is I may never know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! At this point, the only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ (which I know is paid off so I can USE IT) or a phone which isn't EOL from the same lineup. Once I can do a few, I'll have a better idea. The problem is even they don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs. good examples and the updates stopped a long time ago. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds so how can I make a screen my dad broke yet again viable on a 2.5+ year old phone which is 40-50% of the way to a good one? Screens WILL TOTAL OUT SAMSUNG DEVICES, which both of them are loyal to. As of late, I've only been getting them when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is no longer worth fixing (mostly). See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are keeping their phones for longer now and when they hit the market they are worn out, old, or destroyed. This is even family I know throw them away like trading cards. As a result, I will not know with (then current) AT&T postpaid for sure for at least a few years. I am truly at the point I just do not care to find out as I am not waiting 3 years for someone to pay off a phone that's carrier-locked to unlock it and get the answer. I'll just buy the thing unlocked from the manufacturer and be done with it... I'm done for my sanity. |
| - | The cost of phones and length of EIPs make it such that carrier-locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant since a lot of them are the same with carrier customizations and a SIM lock today; they use the support line to catch old timers who don't know they |
| + | The cost of phones and length of EIPs make it such that carrier-locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant since a lot of them are the same with carrier customizations and a SIM lock today; they use the support line to catch old timers who don't know they dump the problem on the device OEM today; service centers are dead. |
| - | The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried three AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, one delayed, the other was instant). LG was just as bad... 1 good, 1 delayed; that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
| + | The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried three AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, one delayed, the other was instant). LG was just as bad... 1 good, 1 delayed; that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; to buy it that way. |
| - | This is how bad AT&T is now (no seriously I tried 3 IMEI#'s I wanted to try and unlock to see on these new "debt generation" phones |
| + | This is how bad AT&T is now (no seriously I tried 3 IMEI#'s I wanted to try and unlock to see on these new "debt generation" phones funded with bill credits; all 3 had the SAME ISSUE): |
| [image|3036192] |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock" but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). | |
| Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not take Sprint phones because they're a trainwreck more often than not and waste support time due to their (sometimes very) custom nature. They need to be shoved where the sun don't shine! Others may take it but do not expect support when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it.[br] | |
| Don't spend much time on a Sprint phone that's over 3 years old -- a lot of them also use weird 5G bands T-Mo did not keep and permanently neutered them so they will forever be "4G" phones... BARF! It was either killed off with the tower merging or the phone lost 5G with Sprint devices. Use it as trade-in material unless the phone has standard 5G bands. | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still (mostly) unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked, and they are beginning to lock them to the account that signed the EIP so I can't reuse the phone if it has a balance. Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| As far as the process goes per OEM? It depends. For example, Motorola has a lot of phones which use a "network unlock" procedure like T-Mobile but it can vary per original carrier too. For example, an ISP MVNO may just use a code while the big 3 may go either way. Most Motorola phones are so cheap most people buy them outright. $4-600 seems to be the magic number for phones primarily sold unlocked from the start :-). | |
| Other manufacturers are even less consistent like Samsung. T-Mo Samsungs use the "Device Unlock" app or "Network unlock" method, AT&T can go between code vs "Network unlock" menu. I know the S20 uses codes but those are too old for me now. The S21-present can go both ways nor do I have a direct answer due to them having a balance in most cases. Google uses a profile like Apple to do this and puts a carrier-specific ROM on the device; much less awful, since it's a quick call or you have to use an app and it's just done since the carrier just requests that be dropped on Google's side. The problem with these current prices is I may never know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! At this point, the only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ (which I know is paid off so I can USE IT) or a phone which isn't EOL from the same lineup. Once I can do a few, I'll have a better idea. The problem is even they don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs good examples and the updates stopped a long time ago. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds so how can I make a screen my dad broke yet again viable on a 2.5+ year old phone which is 40-50% of the way to a good one? Screens WILL TOTAL OUT SAMSUNG DEVICES, which both of them are loyal to. As of late, I've only been getting them when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is no longer worth fixing (mostly). See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are keeping their phones for longer now and when they hit the market they are worn out, old, or destroyed. This is even family I know throw them away like trading cards. As a result, I will not know with (then current) AT&T postpaid for sure for at least a few years. I am truly at the point I just do not care to find out as I am not waiting 3 years for someone to pay off a phone that's carrier locked to unlock it and get the answer. I'll just buy the thing unlocked from the manufacturer and be done with it... I'm done for my sanity. | |
| The cost of phones and length of EIPs make it such that carrier-locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant since a lot of them are the same with carrier customizations and a SIM lock today; they use the support line to catch old timers who don't know they just dump the problem on the device OEM today; service centers are dead. | |
| The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried three AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, one delayed, the other was instant). LG was just as bad... 1 good, 1 delayed; that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. | |
| - | This is how bad AT&T is now: [image|3036192] |
| + | This is how bad AT&T is now (no seriously I tried 3 IMEI#'s I wanted to try and unlock to see on these new "debt generation" phones but all 3 threw the SAME ISSUE): |
| + | |
| + | [image|3036192] |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock" but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). | |
| Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not take Sprint phones because they're a trainwreck more often than not and waste support time due to their (sometimes very) custom nature. They need to be shoved where the sun don't shine! Others may take it but do not expect support when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it.[br] | |
| Don't spend much time on a Sprint phone that's over 3 years old -- a lot of them also use weird 5G bands T-Mo did not keep and permanently neutered them so they will forever be "4G" phones... BARF! It was either killed off with the tower merging or the phone lost 5G with Sprint devices. Use it as trade-in material unless the phone has standard 5G bands. | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still (mostly) unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked, and they are beginning to lock them to the account that signed the EIP so I can't reuse the phone if it has a balance. Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| As far as the process goes per OEM? It depends. For example, Motorola has a lot of phones which use a "network unlock" procedure like T-Mobile but it can vary per original carrier too. For example, an ISP MVNO may just use a code while the big 3 may go either way. Most Motorola phones are so cheap most people buy them outright. $4-600 seems to be the magic number for phones primarily sold unlocked from the start :-). | |
| Other manufacturers are even less consistent like Samsung. T-Mo Samsungs use the "Device Unlock" app or "Network unlock" method, AT&T can go between code vs "Network unlock" menu. I know the S20 uses codes but those are too old for me now. The S21-present can go both ways nor do I have a direct answer due to them having a balance in most cases. Google uses a profile like Apple to do this and puts a carrier-specific ROM on the device; much less awful, since it's a quick call or you have to use an app and it's just done since the carrier just requests that be dropped on Google's side. The problem with these current prices is I may never know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! At this point, the only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ (which I know is paid off so I can USE IT) or a phone which isn't EOL from the same lineup. Once I can do a few, I'll have a better idea. The problem is even they don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs good examples and the updates stopped a long time ago. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds so how can I make a screen my dad broke yet again viable on a 2.5+ year old phone which is 40-50% of the way to a good one? Screens WILL TOTAL OUT SAMSUNG DEVICES, which both of them are loyal to. As of late, I've only been getting them when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is no longer worth fixing (mostly). See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are keeping their phones for longer now and when they hit the market they are worn out, old, or destroyed. This is even family I know throw them away like trading cards. As a result, I will not know with (then current) AT&T postpaid for sure for at least a few years. I am truly at the point I just do not care to find out as I am not waiting 3 years for someone to pay off a phone that's carrier locked to unlock it and get the answer. I'll just buy the thing unlocked from the manufacturer and be done with it... I'm done for my sanity. | |
| The cost of phones and length of EIPs make it such that carrier-locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant since a lot of them are the same with carrier customizations and a SIM lock today; they use the support line to catch old timers who don't know they just dump the problem on the device OEM today; service centers are dead. | |
| The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried three AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, one delayed, the other was instant). LG was just as bad... 1 good, 1 delayed; that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. | |
| + | |
| + | This is how bad AT&T is now: [image|3036192] |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock" but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). | |
| - | Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not want these Sprint devices because they're a trainwreck more often than not; I'd tell you to shove your Sprint phone where the sun doesn't shine too! Others take it, but do not support you when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it. |
| + | Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not take Sprint phones because they're a trainwreck more often than not and waste support time due to their (sometimes very) custom nature. They need to be shoved where the sun don't shine! Others may take it but do not expect support when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it.[br] |
| + | Don't spend much time on a Sprint phone that's over 3 years old -- a lot of them also use weird 5G bands T-Mo did not keep and permanently neutered them so they will forever be "4G" phones... BARF! It was either killed off with the tower merging or the phone lost 5G with Sprint devices. Use it as trade-in material unless the phone has standard 5G bands. |
| - | On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now; Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. IF the research I did base on the S20 is right then I suspect Samsung still uses codes but the others are unknown, but from my limited understanding, Samsung dropped codes with the newer phones, or has a network unlock button; others still use codes but that seems to vary a bit depending on if AT&T or T-Mo SIM locked it; prepaid is a wildcard too. Google uses a profile like Apple to do this and puts a carrier-specific ROM on the device. The problem now is I may not know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! The only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ or something which is still well-supported and see how the policy breaks down today. The problem? They don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs good examples. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds so how can I make a screen my dad broke yet again viable on a 2.5+ year old phone which is 40-50% of the way to a good one Screens WILL TOTAL OUT SAMSUNG DEVICES, which both of them are loyal to. As of late I've only been getting them when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is no lobger worth fixing now. See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are keeping their phones for longer now and when they hit the market, they are often worn out, old, or destroyed when they finally replace it; even family I know will throw them away like common trading cards. As a result, I will not know with (then current) AT&T postpaid for sure for at least a few years. I am truly at the point I just do not care to find out as I am not waiting 3 years for someone to pay off a phone that's carrier locked to unlock it and get the answer. I'll just buy the thing unlocked from the manufacturer and be done with it... |
| + | On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still (mostly) unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked, and they are beginning to lock them to the account that signed the EIP so I can't reuse the phone if it has a balance. Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. |
| + | |
| + | As far as the process goes per OEM? It depends. For example, Motorola has a lot of phones which use a "network unlock" procedure like T-Mobile but it can vary per original carrier too. For example, an ISP MVNO may just use a code while the big 3 may go either way. Most Motorola phones are so cheap most people buy them outright. $4-600 seems to be the magic number for phones primarily sold unlocked from the start :-). |
| + | |
| + | Other manufacturers are even less consistent like Samsung. T-Mo Samsungs use the "Device Unlock" app or "Network unlock" method, AT&T can go between code vs "Network unlock" menu. I know the S20 uses codes but those are too old for me now. The S21-present can go both ways nor do I have a direct answer due to them having a balance in most cases. Google uses a profile like Apple to do this and puts a carrier-specific ROM on the device; much less awful, since it's a quick call or you have to use an app and it's just done since the carrier just requests that be dropped on Google's side. The problem with these current prices is I may never know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! At this point, the only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ (which I know is paid off so I can USE IT) or a phone which isn't EOL from the same lineup. Once I can do a few, I'll have a better idea. The problem is even they don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs good examples and the updates stopped a long time ago. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds so how can I make a screen my dad broke yet again viable on a 2.5+ year old phone which is 40-50% of the way to a good one? Screens WILL TOTAL OUT SAMSUNG DEVICES, which both of them are loyal to. As of late, I've only been getting them when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is no longer worth fixing (mostly). See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are keeping their phones for longer now and when they hit the market they are worn out, old, or destroyed. This is even family I know throw them away like trading cards. As a result, I will not know with (then current) AT&T postpaid for sure for at least a few years. I am truly at the point I just do not care to find out as I am not waiting 3 years for someone to pay off a phone that's carrier locked to unlock it and get the answer. I'll just buy the thing unlocked from the manufacturer and be done with it... I'm done for my sanity. |
| The cost of phones and length of EIPs make it such that carrier-locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant since a lot of them are the same with carrier customizations and a SIM lock today; they use the support line to catch old timers who don't know they just dump the problem on the device OEM today; service centers are dead. | |
| - | The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried three AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, |
| + | The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried three AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, one delayed, the other was instant). LG was just as bad... 1 good, 1 delayed; that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock" but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). | |
| Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not want these Sprint devices because they're a trainwreck more often than not; I'd tell you to shove your Sprint phone where the sun doesn't shine too! Others take it, but do not support you when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it. | |
| - | On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now; Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. IF the research I did base on the S20 is right then I suspect Samsung still uses codes but the others are unknown, but from my limited understanding, Samsung dropped codes with the newer phones |
| + | On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now; Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. IF the research I did base on the S20 is right then I suspect Samsung still uses codes but the others are unknown, but from my limited understanding, Samsung dropped codes with the newer phones, or has a network unlock button; others still use codes but that seems to vary a bit depending on if AT&T or T-Mo SIM locked it; prepaid is a wildcard too. Google uses a profile like Apple to do this and puts a carrier-specific ROM on the device. The problem now is I may not know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! The only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ or something which is still well-supported and see how the policy breaks down today. The problem? They don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs good examples. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds so how can I make a screen my dad broke yet again viable on a 2.5+ year old phone which is 40-50% of the way to a good one Screens WILL TOTAL OUT SAMSUNG DEVICES, which both of them are loyal to. As of late I've only been getting them when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is no lobger worth fixing now. See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are keeping their phones for longer now and when they hit the market, they are often worn out, old, or destroyed when they finally replace it; even family I know will throw them away like common trading cards. As a result, I will not know with (then current) AT&T postpaid for sure for at least a few years. I am truly at the point I just do not care to find out as I am not waiting 3 years for someone to pay off a phone that's carrier locked to unlock it and get the answer. I'll just buy the thing unlocked from the manufacturer and be done with it... |
| - | |
| + | The cost of phones and length of EIPs make it such that carrier-locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant since a lot of them are the same with carrier customizations and a SIM lock today; they use the support line to catch old timers who don't know they just dump the problem on the device OEM today; service centers are dead. |
| The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried three AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant and the other was delayed for months or something and I put it away and it was magically ready; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock" but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). | |
| Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not want these Sprint devices because they're a trainwreck more often than not; I'd tell you to shove your Sprint phone where the sun doesn't shine too! Others take it, but do not support you when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it. | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now; Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. IF the research I did base on the S20 is right then I suspect Samsung still uses codes but the others are unknown, but from my limited understanding, Samsung dropped codes with the newer phones and uses a profile like Apple and Google. The problem is I may never know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! The only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ or something which is still well-supported and see how the policy breaks down today. The problem? They don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs good examples. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds when the phone is BER over a screen my dad broke yet again. Plus with some phones like Samsung screens total them out :/... YEP! I get it when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is not worth fixing more often than not now. See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. | |
| Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant since a lot of them are the same with carrier customizations and a SIM lock today; they use the support line to catch old timers who don't know they just dump the problem on the device OEM today; service centers are dead. | |
| - | The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried |
| + | The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried three AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant and the other was delayed for months or something and I put it away and it was magically ready; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock" but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). | |
| Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not want these Sprint devices because they're a trainwreck more often than not; I'd tell you to shove your Sprint phone where the sun doesn't shine too! Others take it, but do not support you when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it. | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now; Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. IF the research I did base on the S20 is right then I suspect Samsung still uses codes but the others are unknown, but from my limited understanding, Samsung dropped codes with the newer phones and uses a profile like Apple and Google. The problem is I may never know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! The only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ or something which is still well-supported and see how the policy breaks down today. The problem? They don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs good examples. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds when the phone is BER over a screen my dad broke yet again. Plus with some phones like Samsung screens total them out :/... YEP! I get it when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is not worth fixing more often than not now. See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. | |
| - | Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant. The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
| + | Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant since a lot of them are the same with carrier customizations and a SIM lock today; they use the support line to catch old timers who don't know they just dump the problem on the device OEM today; service centers are dead. |
| + | |
| + | The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock" but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). | |
| Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not want these Sprint devices because they're a trainwreck more often than not; I'd tell you to shove your Sprint phone where the sun doesn't shine too! Others take it, but do not support you when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it. | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now; Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. IF the research I did base on the S20 is right then I suspect Samsung still uses codes but the others are unknown, but from my limited understanding, Samsung dropped codes with the newer phones and uses a profile like Apple and Google. The problem is I may never know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! The only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ or something which is still well-supported and see how the policy breaks down today. The problem? They don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs good examples. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds when the phone is BER over a screen my dad broke yet again. Plus with some phones like Samsung screens total them out :/... YEP! I get it when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is not worth fixing more often than not now. See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. | |
| - | Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant. We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
| + | Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant. The rest of us who buy used? We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked, and killed your resale over this garbage. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock" but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). | |
| Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not want these Sprint devices because they're a trainwreck more often than not; I'd tell you to shove your Sprint phone where the sun doesn't shine too! Others take it, but do not support you when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it. | |
| - | On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now |
| + | On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now; Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. IF the research I did base on the S20 is right then I suspect Samsung still uses codes but the others are unknown, but from my limited understanding, Samsung dropped codes with the newer phones and uses a profile like Apple and Google. The problem is I may never know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! The only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ or something which is still well-supported and see how the policy breaks down today. The problem? They don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs good examples. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple into shreds when the phone is BER over a screen my dad broke yet again. Plus with some phones like Samsung screens total them out :/... YEP! I get it when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is not worth fixing more often than not now. See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. |
| Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant. We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| - | It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot |
|---|---|
| + | It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot BUT usually pretty easy to tell because it has an app called "Device Unlock" but I assume anything new is the app just in case. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. FCC licensing put Verizon in their place :-). |
| - | Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure |
| + | Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part as it was faster. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure but not sure if it has an active EIP leftover from Sprint. The problem with Sprint phones is their SW and radio alterations make them less than compatible with other networks, even today; unless your carrier uses T-Mobile towers (and it has the golden bands), it will either struggle to work well, you will lose features (or both with the case of LG devices). One source of trouble with LGxSprint phones is the VMM usually only works on Sprint and doesn't interchange like today when you unlock anyone else's device (as long as it isn't a proprietary app and the dialer VMM is blocked). If LG wasn't all too happy to bend over to the dollar here then their phones wouldn't be even harder of a sell from Sprint. A lot of carriers do not want these Sprint devices because they're a trainwreck more often than not; I'd tell you to shove your Sprint phone where the sun doesn't shine too! Others take it, but do not support you when it has issues once they see the cursed nature of it. |
| - | On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. IF the research I did base on the S20 is right then I suspect Samsung still uses codes but the others are unknown. |
| - | |
| - | TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off wit YEARS left on it. The problem is I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple; the same applies to phones like Samsung when you break the screen... This is very often the case because they keep them until they're utterly destroyed now and the AMOLED panel flickers (yep, they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them unless I win the parts bin lottery... See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. |
| + | On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. IF the research I did base on the S20 is right then I suspect Samsung still uses codes but the others are unknown. The problem is I may never know with these new contracts running so long... 3-3.5 years to hide the cost!!! The only way I have a shot at it is if I play the waste bin lottery with family and get my hands on an S22/22+ or something which is still well-supported and see how the policy breaks down today. The problem? They don't buy phones often now due to the cost; by the time I get to them, I'm rebuilding them with used parts due to cost vs good examples. I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple, sadly. Plus with some phones like Samsung screens total them out :/... YEP! I get it when the screen is flickering, the glass is busted and the phone is not worth fixing more often than not now. See here: [post|759150|new_window=true] :(. I will never find out personally because I do not finance phones; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. |
| Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant. We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot, but I assume anything new is the app. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. | |
| Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure; Sprint had a tendency (even towards the end) to do weird things to their phones such that even if you unlocked it thing like VMM never worked outside of Sprint and LG was all too happy to bend over to the dollar here. The others bent over too, but not like LG did to Sprint. A lot of carriers do not want these Sprint devices because they're a trainwreck more often than not; I'd tell you to shove your Sprint phone where the sun doesn't shine too! | |
| - | On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. |
| + | On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. IF the research I did base on the S20 is right then I suspect Samsung still uses codes but the others are unknown. |
| TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off wit YEARS left on it. The problem is I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple; the same applies to phones like Samsung when you break the screen... This is very often the case because they keep them until they're utterly destroyed now and the AMOLED panel flickers (yep, they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them unless I win the parts bin lottery... See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. | |
| Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant. We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot, but I assume anything new is the app. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. | |
| Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure; Sprint had a tendency (even towards the end) to do weird things to their phones such that even if you unlocked it thing like VMM never worked outside of Sprint and LG was all too happy to bend over to the dollar here. The others bent over too, but not like LG did to Sprint. A lot of carriers do not want these Sprint devices because they're a trainwreck more often than not; I'd tell you to shove your Sprint phone where the sun doesn't shine too! | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| - | TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off |
| + | TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off wit YEARS left on it. The problem is I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple; the same applies to phones like Samsung when you break the screen... This is very often the case because they keep them until they're utterly destroyed now and the AMOLED panel flickers (yep, they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them unless I win the parts bin lottery... See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. |
| Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant. We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot, but I assume anything new is the app. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. | |
| Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure; Sprint had a tendency (even towards the end) to do weird things to their phones such that even if you unlocked it thing like VMM never worked outside of Sprint and LG was all too happy to bend over to the dollar here. The others bent over too, but not like LG did to Sprint. A lot of carriers do not want these Sprint devices because they're a trainwreck more often than not; I'd tell you to shove your Sprint phone where the sun doesn't shine too! | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| - | TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off |
| + | TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off and I can't squeeze blood out of a stone or make a moist napkin not crumple; the same applies to phones like Samsung when you break the screen... Which is very often the case because they keep them until they're utterly destroyed now (yep, they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them unless I win the parts bin lottery... See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. |
| Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant. We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot, but I assume anything new is the app. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. | |
| + | |
| + | Sprint is dead and most of their phones are hard-locked except the GSM part which was not used here; it was an "international unlock" because they did it to keep their grip on the device. A lot (if not 90%+) of the "non-unlockable" GSM phones went out with the US 3G sunset so it doesn't matter since they're just eWaste now. For the survivors that predated the 2015 CTIA deal, the same issue applies. Anything post CTIA is fully unlockable but it's a pain because Sprint was hard-headed to the point we used to pay people to do the dirty part. Though I THINK that T-Mo is letting people unlock them under their policy now since the Sprint merger I'm not quite sure; Sprint had a tendency (even towards the end) to do weird things to their phones such that even if you unlocked it thing like VMM never worked outside of Sprint and LG was all too happy to bend over to the dollar here. The others bent over too, but not like LG did to Sprint. A lot of carriers do not want these Sprint devices because they're a trainwreck more often than not; I'd tell you to shove your Sprint phone where the sun doesn't shine too! |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off (if it isn't destroyed; they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them unless I win the parts bin lottery... See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. | |
| Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant. We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot, but I assume anything new is the app. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| - | TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off (if it isn't destroyed; they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them... See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. |
| + | TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off (if it isn't destroyed; they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them unless I win the parts bin lottery... See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. |
| Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant. We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot, but I assume anything new is the app. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off (if it isn't destroyed; they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them... See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. | |
| - | Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash. We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
| + | Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash for the UNLOCKED variant. We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot, but I assume anything new is the app. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off (if it isn't destroyed; they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them... See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. | |
| - | Carrier phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash. |
| + | Carrier locked phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash. We've responded by not buying your locked phone on sites like eBay if we want them unlocked. I've tried two AT&T PREPAID LTE phones (Moto, instant; LG, EEK that was a pain and I was ghosted but it eventually happened) and that was it for me. I used to be fine with locked phones with minimal bloatware but 2 of 3 being a PITA made my mind up; buy it that way. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot, but I assume anything new is the app. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off (if it isn't destroyed; they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them... See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. | |
| + | |
| + | Carrier phones are only for two people these days: People who are loyal to their carrier, or companies looking to lease phones to write them off on their taxes. Everyone else? Don't pass go and sign the EIP contract... Pay cash. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot, but I assume anything new is the app. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| - | TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off (if it isn't destroyed; they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them... See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices. |
| + | TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off (if it isn't destroyed; they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them... See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices for a while, to the point I just stop caring and if I know they have the cash or will to wait I'm telling them flat out to buy the thing unlocked. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934245:0crwdne2934245:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
| It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot, but I assume anything new is the app. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. | |
| On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. | |
| - | TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off (if it isn't destroyed; they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them... See here: [post|759150]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices. |
| + | TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off (if it isn't destroyed; they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them... See here: [post|759150|new_window=true]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices. |
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open
crwdns2934241:0crwdne2934241:0 Nick
crwdns2934249:0crwdne2934249:0:
It depends on the carrier now >_<. Metro/T-Mo uses an app and does not use a code, AT&T PREPAID stole the T-Mo app method on newer phones so it's a crapshoot, but I assume anything new is the app. Verizon is 60 days; for LTE phones, it's usually ~1 year but that's old phones. On the postpaid side, T-Mo is an app like prepaid. AT&T postpaid (post app on PREPAID) is still unknown to me because the phones are so expensive it will be 3-3.5 years before I can get them network unlocked because they are often account locked until paid off now); Verizon automatically unlocks it in 60 days now. TBH I may never know with AT&T postpaid in the app-based era with the 3.5-year EIPs unless I get lucky and I get one from my parents after they pay it off (if it isn't destroyed; they're usually shot or total junk by the time I get my hands on them... See here: [post|759150]) :(. I do not finance phones myself; I'll put off the purchase until I can either pay all at once at the Apple Store (or Best Buy for unlocked Android phones) or wait until I find the right deal on a USED one with good storage onboard. People are just keeping their phones for longer now and destroying them before replacing them, even family I know will throw them away like trading cards. I may never know with current AT&T postpaid devices.
crwdns2915684:0crwdne2915684:0:
open