Pay to unlock

[MaryJane197]

Are there any reliable companies to unlock android phones now? It's been years since I paid to have a device unlocked. I've already been scammed once. Just looking for recommendations.

[hpham]

Are there any reliable companies to unlock android phones now? It's been years since I paid to have a device unlocked. I've already been scammed once. Just looking for recommendations.

That depends on which companies sold the phones that you want to unlock. I only know about Tracfone and Metro-by-T-mobile.

* Tracfone: Android phones sold by Tracfone are still using an unlock code keyed into the phone using the dialpad. Reportedly, their unlock codes are really hard to crack and there are no companies that claim to be able to unlock TF Android phones.

* Metro: Android phones sold by Metro in 2023 (and maybe in 2022 also) use the same unlock method as iPhones. There's a database of IMEI's of unlocked phones. When a phone is eligible to be unlocked (typically 6 months after activation), Metro adds its IMEI to the database. After that, when the phone is connected to WiFi and the owner selects "Network Unlock" (or similar wording) in Settings, the phone connects to that database. If its IMEI is found in the database, then the phone's Unlock Status is updated over-the-air.

There's This Company that claims to be able to unlock many phones by using its status as a Phone Recycler to add a phone's IMEI to the appropriate database. I've read posts saying it costs $29 just to see if they can unlock your phone, and another $60 or more to unlock it. There are also posts saying it's a scam.

[Rojniles]

DirectUnlocks are scammers, avoid them. I used drSIM to unlock my Moto G 5G for $16.95. No BS and I received unlock code in 2 hours.

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app



Sent from my SM-T500 using Tapatalk

[TadMorose]

What does this have to do with Google Pixel phones? This is the wrong forum. There are some unlocking services posting in the HoFo Marketplace subforum. Ask there.

Sent from my Pixel 6a using HoFo mobile app

[zapjb]

What does this have to do with Google Pixel phones? This is the wrong forum. There are some unlocking services posting in the HoFo Marketplace subforum. Ask there.

Sent from my Pixel 6a using HoFo mobile app

Surprised it hasn't been moved.

[robbyrobby]

all depends on the device and carrier and sometimes the latest firmware update.

i suggest searching for unlock services on eBay, most are reliable and cheaper than the dedicated websites. you also don't have to weed through the scam sites.

the more popular the device the more competition and therefore cheaper prices. for many of the services you need to connect the device via USB to a Windows computer and provide remote access(often only access to the USB port via software called USB redirector or similar.) Most will want to chat with you via Whatsapp or telegram throughout the process and will have you do things such as place the phone in different USB connection modes

keep in mind these 'hack' unlock while generally reliable likely void warranties, they are completely legal though.

for services that do not involve connecting your device via USB but rather update the status in a database so the official process works keep in mind there is nearly certainly some sort of illegal activity going on. either someone has hacked into the carriers systems or a crooked employee(likely at a retailer or call center) is involved in the process. no carrier works with 3rd party services or refurbisher to unlock device, any such claims are flat out lies.

there may still be some cases where you can purchase an 'unlock code' but that method is becoming far less common. these code are typically the work of hacker who have reverse engineered the algorithms, although it may also involve a hacker or carrier employee accessing the database. this is also typically the least expensive unlock.

if you are going to unlock lots of phones there are a variety of programs and 'boxes' that are meant for shops and resellers that allow instantly unlocking devices. usually a large assortment of device are included with a annual subscription and others you pay for each unlock. Chimeratool, Z3X, Octoplus are a few of the more popular ones. there are hundreds of options. most support Samsung plus different additional brands. they also include tools for installing and updating firmware, changing/removing carrier branding, repairing IMEIs, bypassing FRP(google account) and Samsung account locks and much more. i believe most of the eBay sellers are using these tools remotely through your re-directed USB port.

[robbyrobby]

DirectUnlocks are scammers, avoid them. I used drSIM to unlock my Moto G 5G for $16.95. No BS and I received unlock code in 2 hours.

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app



Sent from my SM-T500 using Tapatalk

Motorola unlock codes can be had for less the $ 2.00 on eBay