-
After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.
unlocking phones
- Thread starter nbnesen
- Start date
macgiobuin
Android Enthusiast
I believe that unlocking phones is now illegal.
T
tastycaramel
Guest
I heard that some carriers charge you a fee to unlock.
new optimus
Android Expert
To unlock the phone is relatively simple If you put another networks sim card in it will say phone is locked and to enter a code to unlock. You can get the code from the carrier, or yes just take it to the att store and have it done.
If you own the phone, IE your not using a subsidized phone the carrier can and should unlock it. The unlocking that is now illegal is having someone other then the carrier unlock it.
it is always possible that some carriers charge a fee but they should not.
electricpete
Android Expert
Not for long. There's a bill in the house. I don't think many politicians would vote against it. People want it and Big O says he supports it.
Unlocking Technology Act legalizes cell phone unlocking, 'fixes' DMCA | Digital Trends
LoyalServant
Android Expert
If it's an at&t phone there is a website to request unlock codes.
electricpete
Android Expert
Yes, you can edit apn settings without being unlocked
new optimus
Android Expert
Im not an expert but lets just go with 2 versions.
One your using an att phone with net10 att sim You would not need to unlock the phone because its still running on att network.
and 2 your running a att phone with a t mobile sim the first thing the phone says is sim incorrect or sim locked enter code.
so either way if the phone does not ask for sim unlock code the phone is either unlocked or still running on that carriers network.
new optimus
Android Expert
Let me ask this. You said its to be used with net10, however you did not mention if it will be used with att sim or tmobile sim, so which is the sim.
Second you never mention the phone you want if its att or tmo?
From what you wrote I am guessing the the s3 is an att phone, and I am also guessing that the sim is att net10 sim.
So IF both guesses are correct then No you dont need to worry the phone will work without being unlocked.
nbnesen
Well-Known Member
Oh, sorry about that. Yes the phone is a att galaxy s 3 and I baught the sim card off of eBay and it was said to be a att net10 sim card however it does not state anywhere att. But my wife's sim card was baught at doller general and only said on it "bring your own phone net10 startup kit" which came with a sim card as well but did not state att anywhere. So how do you tell? Her phone was already unlocked. Also, I just spoke with net10 and they are telling me the phone does have to be unlocked but yet they were also telling me any Sims from Wal-Mart or any retail stores will not work. That I would have to buy a sim directly from them.... Hmm that's why my wife's sim from dollar general works fine. Just wish I could get some real answers that are facts.