Unlocked Docomo question

**in2sky** · 04-13-2012, 04:45 AM

Hey,
I'd like to know. When buying a Docomo smartphone (i.e. SH-01D that I'll buy soon) in Japan:
Is is already unlocked when you buy it or you need to ask them to unlock it?
Many, thanks.

**patrixl** · 04-13-2012, 08:14 AM

you need to go to a Docomo shop to get it unlocked. only possible if you're some kind of resident (not tourist), and possibly need a Docomo account. get a friend to help out if needed :thumbup:

**martindesu** · 04-13-2012, 08:25 AM

One also has to pay just under ¥4k.

**in2sky** · 04-13-2012, 12:23 PM

thanks guys.
Yes, I'll ask a japanese friend to buy the phone first, then go get it unlocked.
now, docomo account to unlock the phone, I'm not sure, since you could go to a store,
buy the phone then go to a Docomo shop and get it unlocked. We'll see.

**in2sky** · 04-13-2012, 02:52 PM

found the info: UNLOCK

**qwerty1235** · 04-14-2012, 04:18 AM

Yes, also make sure you make a call on docomo UIM and network at least once to complete the unlock. (as so I've heard)

**in2sky** · 04-14-2012, 04:21 AM

thanks alot!
I should definitely read more about all of this :-)

**in2sky** · 04-14-2012, 06:48 AM

Originally Posted by qwerty1235

Yes, also make sure you make a call on docomo UIM and network at least once to complete the unlock. (as so I've heard)

problem is if you buy a docomo smartphone without a contract, you won't be able to make any call until you put a sim in it.
I'll have to think about that too.

**martindesu** · 04-14-2012, 09:28 AM

You need a friend in Japan with a Docomo contract, like me.

**IonNuke** · 04-14-2012, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by martindesu

You need a friend in Japan with a Docomo contract, like me.

Selling yourself???

**qwerty1235** · 04-15-2012, 12:20 AM

Originally Posted by IonNuke

Selling yourself???

That's against the forums rules, isn't it?

**yamanote** · 04-15-2012, 05:31 AM

Originally Posted by qwerty1235

That's against the forums rules, isn't it?

Indeed:

Originally Posted by Rules

Advertising/Spamming - Any form of advertising or soliciting members or commercial website linking (excluding signatures of current HowardForums advertisers) whether publicly posted (including signatures) or sent privately (including email or PM) is strictly prohibited. This also includes, but is not limited to advertising with the intent to 'help people', or to provide 'free' products or services (e.g. 'free unlocking' posts), or links containing a referral or affiliate ID. While the forum is free for you to use, it is costly and time consuming for us to run so spam makes it harder to fund the forums. If you wish to advertise please email sales@howardchui.com. If you're interested in our Marketplace please use this form.

I'm going to report Martin's post. Reported posts in the Japanese forums go to, er, Martin. Might be counterproductive in this case

(and in case someone reading this post has a poor sense of humor: I'm joking

)

**qwerty1235** · 04-15-2012, 07:20 AM

Originally Posted by yamanote

(and in case someone reading this post has a poor sense of humor: I'm joking

)

I'm sure all the emoticons made up for it

**chrisdesuyo** · 04-25-2012, 05:34 PM

Can the Docomo stores unlock keitai flip phones too, or just smartphones? Is purchasing a plan still necessary when having a phone unlocked? Also, does having the phone unlocked by the store eliminate the need for a hypersim? I'm going to Japan this June and I'd really like my friend in Tokyo to hook me up with a keitai.

**SuperSZ** · 04-25-2012, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by chrisdesuyo

Can the Docomo stores unlock keitai flip phones too, or just smartphones? Is purchasing a plan still necessary when having a phone unlocked? Also, does having the phone unlocked by the store eliminate the need for a hypersim? I'm going to Japan this June and I'd really like my friend in Tokyo to hook me up with a keitai.

I think they can unlock any docomo device (not sure). Everyone wants to unlock their phone MAINLY because it eliminates the need for a hypersim.