[Suzey]

Hi all

I posted this msg a couple of days ago and had a notification saying someone had replied, but when I click on the link it says the thread doesn't exist! Dunno if it's been deleted or what.

Anyway, the question I asked was whether anyone had been able to ge their V3i unlocked? I've heard horror stories about people buying them and not being able to get them unlocked, or having to open them up and having them soldered or something.

Any ideas?

Suze

The answeer was yes just take it to your local market where most stalls that deal with mobiles can unlock it.

Your original thread/post was merged with the existing sticky thread on the same topic:

http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/...0#post10073440

[Suzey]

Thanks for the info. So it's not too new to be unlocked then?!

Suze

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanwilliams479

The answeer was yes just take it to your local market where most stalls that deal with mobiles can unlock it.

[Suzey]

Oh right - thanks! I'm not going mad then.

Would be nice if the system sent you a mail when this happened, as this new thread isn't in my subscribed list 9and the old one was).

cheers

Suze

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawson

Your original thread/post was merged with the existing sticky thread on the same topic:

http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/...0#post10073440

[jonnym]

Not as easy as just getting it unlocked at a market stall. The handsets have to be unlocked via a procedure called testpoint. Motorola have now started to put protective cages over the testpoint meaning that the cage has to be damaged to get to the testpoint to unlock it.

This invalidates the warranty so think about that before you get it done.

[Suzey]

I don't understand - I've read that some people have been able to get the unlock code from Virgin Mobile if they spent £30 on airtime??

Suze

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnym

Not as easy as just getting it unlocked at a market stall. The handsets have to be unlocked via a procedure called testpoint. Motorola have now started to put protective cages over the testpoint meaning that the cage has to be damaged to get to the testpoint to unlock it.

This invalidates the warranty so think about that before you get it done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnym

Not as easy as just getting it unlocked at a market stall. The handsets have to be unlocked via a procedure called testpoint. Motorola have now started to put protective cages over the testpoint meaning that the cage has to be damaged to get to the testpoint to unlock it.

This invalidates the warranty so think about that before you get it done.

Local market stalls around here offer unlocking using smart-clip and testpoint.

You are however correct that the unauthorised removal or modification of the protective cage by the unlocker will invalidate any warranty.

---

Last edited by dawson : 06-08-2006 at 14:10.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suzey

I don't understand - I've read that some people have been able to get the unlock code from Virgin Mobile if they spent £30 on airtime??

Suze

Virgin offer the unlock code for their own PAYG mobiles once the user has spent £30 on top-ups.

However they don't offer the unlock code to any other networks phones. You will need to contact your own network for your unlock code and they will charge you a fee for this (like most networks do) if you want to unlock it this route.

---

Last edited by dawson : 06-08-2006 at 14:13.

[Suzey]

Thanks.

Just to be clear - if I get a V3i can it be unlocked via code? i really don't want to have the handset opened up and the warranty invalidated.

Some of the posts on here seem to suggest codes can be used (I'm willing to pay the network provider) and others seem to be adamant that the handset needs to be opened.

Suze

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawson

Virgin offer the unlock code for their own PAYG mobiles once the user has spent £30 on top-ups.

However they don't offer the unlock code to any other networks phones. You will need to contact your own network for your unlock code and they will charge you a fee for this (like most networks do) if you want to unlock it this route.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnym

Not as easy as just getting it unlocked at a market stall. The handsets have to be unlocked via a procedure called testpoint. Motorola have now started to put protective cages over the testpoint meaning that the cage has to be damaged to get to the testpoint to unlock it.

This invalidates the warranty so think about that before you get it done.

Every market stal round here unlocks them and I know a few people who have had theirs done down the market.

[Suzey]

Did they have to have their handset opened up though?

Suze

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanwilliams479

Every market stal round here unlocks them and I know a few people who have had theirs done down the market.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suzey

Thanks.

Just to be clear - if I get a V3i can it be unlocked via code? i really don't want to have the handset opened up and the warranty invalidated.

Some of the posts on here seem to suggest codes can be used (I'm willing to pay the network provider) and others seem to be adamant that the handset needs to be opened.

Suze

Yes it should be able to be unlocked via a code obtainable from the network.

However, I'm not sure how much the network will charge and they probably won't offer the code until the contract expires (after which time the warranty on the phone will also probably have expired)

If you want to purchase a phone that can be used on any network from the off, get one sim free.

It's cheaper to buy a sim free V3i from amazon than it is to buy the phone on PAYG from virgin

---

Last edited by dawson : 06-08-2006 at 14:48.

[Suzey]

OK, thanks for the info Dawson!

I am seriously considering buying the phone from Motorola SIM-free and your advice is pushing me towards this option even more!

I was going to buy the phone on Orange PAYG. Someone else I know did this the other week and the Orange shop told them to go see the guy in the dodgy shop down the road - he said he couldn't do it and sent them to another Orange shop, who said they could do it but couldn't guarantee that it would work :|

Suze

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawson

Yes it should be able to be unlocked via a code obtainable from the network.

However, I'm not sure how much the network will charge and they probably won't offer the code until the contract expires (after which time the warranty on the phone will also have expired)

If you want to purchase a phone that can be used on any network from the off, get one sim free.

It's cheaper to buy a sim free V3i from amazon than it is to buy the phone on PAYG from virgin

[ram33]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suzey

OK, thanks for the info Dawson!

I am seriously considering buying the phone from Motorola SIM-free and your advice is pushing me towards this option even more!

I was going to buy the phone on Orange PAYG. Someone else I know did this the other week and the Orange shop told them to go see the guy in the dodgy shop down the road - he said he couldn't do it and sent them to another Orange shop, who said they could do it but couldn't guarantee that it would work :|

Suze

if you but from cpw you may find they are already unlocked as they usually use sim free stock i believe

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suzey

Did they have to have their handset opened up though?

Suze

what do you mean opened?

[ram33]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanwilliams479

what do you mean opened?

needs to be opened and metal shield removed to make the testpoint

[Suzey]

As in, the cover of the handset is taken off and soldering needs to take place inside, then it is all put together again. It invalidates the warranty, so I'm not keen on this option.

Suze

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryanwilliams479

what do you mean opened?

[Suzey]

One thing I'm a bit annoyed about is that I wanted the purple one Orange is selling on PAYG, but I can't find this on sale anywhere from a reputable dealer (only ones which import from overseas and I'm worried about having to pay duty).

Think I'll ring Motorola on Saturday and see what they say.

Suze

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawson

Yes it should be able to be unlocked via a code obtainable from the network.

However, I'm not sure how much the network will charge and they probably won't offer the code until the contract expires (after which time the warranty on the phone will also probably have expired)

If you want to purchase a phone that can be used on any network from the off, get one sim free.

It's cheaper to buy a sim free V3i from amazon than it is to buy the phone on PAYG from virgin

[Captain Cod]

Not quite free - costs £4.05, but this guy seems to be able to supply the "Subsidy codes" needed to unlock all Motorolas. He sorted my phone (a Pebl locked to Orange) in no time.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/UNLOCK-Remote-...QQcmdZViewItem

[dangermouse1]

I have the pink razor on vodafone anyone know how to unlock it?
I have tried the local markets but they say the software doesn't support it?

[Captain Cod]

Try the man that I mentioned in the previous post - really quick and easy for £4.07.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/UNLOCK-Motorol...QQcmdZViewItem

He has the data base to give you your "Subsidy Password" - no software required. Checkout the guy's 100% feedback if you're a disbeliever!

[dangermouse1]

Thanks for that