No need to tell a long story. I got angry at Consumer Cellular, fired them and received my sim card today from the new network. I can't get the phone to work because it wants to be unlocked. Consumer Cellular refused to unlock the phone stating that I had a past due account. We sent the final payment on Jan 30 and I find it hard to believe they haven't received it yet. So I can't use my cell phone on their network or the new network. Short of buying a new phone, is there a solution?
-
After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.
Locked Phone Blues
- Thread starter FMW
- Start date
svim
Extreme Android User
Until you do get that unpaid billing matter solved and documented by Consumer Cellular, that phone is will be put in a blacklist that all the major carriers follow. That blacklisting will prevent you from getting a cellular service account set up through any of the big carriers and their MVNOs.
You can still rely upon WiFi connectivity for the time being.
You can still rely upon WiFi connectivity for the time being.
The point is that there are no unpaid bills. Perhaps now is the time to trash cell phone use entirely. I have already blacklisted Consumer Cellular.
The new
The new network sells the same phone.
You said, ".....We sent the final payment on Jan 30 and I find it hard to believe they haven't received it yet....."
I mailed a Home Depot bill on the same day I got it. It was due in 12 days. The check got cashed 3 weeks later. Then I get a $60 late payment fee from Home Depot. Was it the mail service being late or their check cashing service behind processing checks.
We are really being forced to pay bills electronically. You should check to see if your check was cashed.
I mailed a Home Depot bill on the same day I got it. It was due in 12 days. The check got cashed 3 weeks later. Then I get a $60 late payment fee from Home Depot. Was it the mail service being late or their check cashing service behind processing checks.
We are really being forced to pay bills electronically. You should check to see if your check was cashed.
svim
Extreme Android User
As far as Consumer Cellular is concerned, you may or may not have sent in a final check that will will close up your account with it. Apparently Consumer Cellular's billing department still considers your account to be unpaid. Until you step things up and get that issue cleared up, that phone will remain carrier-locked. If you mailed it a check, have you checked your checking account records to see if that check has been deposited? If so that would at least give you some leverage when you contact Consumer Cellular.
I'm going resolve it with them. Then I am going to fire the new network and abandon cell phone use. I don't like businesses or government ruling my life. If I don't have the freedom to to fire a provider and find a new one then the service isn't for me. Thanks for the input.
Glad to hear you sorted it out with them.
Me too. I didn't have to pay the bill they hadn't yet sent me.
svim
Extreme Android User
That's still a pretty decent phone from a hardware specs perspective, even with its Android version limitation. Hopefully you'll be able to get a good price for it.
https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_g_pure-11145.php
Are you going to sell it locally (i.e. someone you know or local retailer) or an online reseller?
https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/04/28/how-to-get-the-most-money-for-your-old-phone/
Don't forget to prepare the phone so your personal info is all gone -- don't forget to remove any SIM or microSD cards; go into the Settings >> Accounts menu and remove your Google account; remove the lock screen you've enabled; then do a Factory Reset. You don't want any trace of your personal presence left so when the phone gets rebooted it's 'clean' and the prompt is the typical new user setup process.
iBowToAndroid
Android Enthusiast
No, a device is only blacklisted across all US carriers when it's reported lost or stolen. A non-payment block generally only applies to the original network. For example, a T-Mobile phone that's blocked for non-payment usually shows up totally clean according to AT&T, and vice-versa
svim
Extreme Android User
What is a Blacklisted Phone?
www.phonecheck.com
What Is a Blacklisted Phone? What Does It Mean & What To Do
Find out exactly what a blacklisted phone is and how to deal with one. Where you can sell them, how to remove blacklist status, and more.
www.bankmycell.com
Windroid
Android Enthusiast
I think you should keep it! Even if you really don't want a carrier, you might still be able to put Google Voice onto it and be able to make calls via wi-fi. Plus it's not just a phone, it's a handheld PC: You can run apps on it, play games, read e-books, browse the Internet, etc.
That said: If you're not keeping it, and if you don't want to sell it: I could take it off your hands. My dad could use a backup phone anyway. To be clear, I do not need it! It'd just be nice to have. If there's someone else who actulley needs it, you should give it to him instead of me.
Last edited: