sim unlocking a G1

[ link: sim-unlocking-g1 | tags: android g1 | updated: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:14:33 ]

One of the phones I picked up on eBay was SIM-locked (see my previous post) and I had to go through the process of unlocking it so I could use it on my local cell network.

WARNING: It worked for me, but it may not for you. This may very well brick your phone! In some cases you will only have 3 chances (in others 10) to unlock, failing to do so can damage your SIM card or the phone.

Still here? Let's get started...

You will need the following:

sim-locked T-mobile G1 (aka HTC Dream) with a fully charged battery.
T-mobile SIM-card (no actual plan is required).
your SIM-card with data plan.
- if the SIM-card is locked, you will need the PIN to unlock it.
a Pay Pal account.
- you will be charged $23.99 USD.
a gmail account.

I used the guide provided by www.unlock-tmobileg1.com, but found some omissions. Please read their guide, review this post, and my notes for best results :)

Here are the steps I followed:

downgrade firmware to RC23

I had tried to unlock the phone with the firmware that was on the phone, but I was unable to add my APN to the list. I think it only accepted the MCC/MNC numbers that T-Mobile uses. Adding the APN is essential to actually use the phone off a T-Mobile network... so this is an important feature.

Downgrade instructions can be obtained from here. But don't follow all the steps, just stop at RC29.
obtain IMEI code

After booting the phone with the T-Mobile SIM card, press the EMERGENCY CALL button and enter *#06#. Write down the IMEI. Confirm that it's the same number that's written on a sticker under the battery.
obtain unlock code

Go to the www.unlock-googlephone.com site and follow their ordering instructions. Make sure you type in everything correctly.
add APN for your network

Using either SIM-card, boot the phone and add your APN info. This is done by pushing the MENU button to enter the APN settings, and then the MENU button again to add a new entry.

You'll have to search around to find out what your provider uses, or extract the data from another phone.

As outlined in my previous posts, I am on a Rogers network... so I added the Rogers APN.
SIM-unlock the phone

After a few hours, you will receive a your code is ready email from www.unlock-googlephone.com. The email will send you to their website and you will get your unlock code. You may want to write down the number for your records.

Using your SIM-card (with data plan) boot the phone.

You will be asked for SIM network unlock PIN. Enter the number they gave you. Be very careful.
register the phone with google

This last step will connect your phone with your gmail account.

Here are some additional resources:

thread on PIN/PUK locked phones.
- getting your PIN/PUK codes from Rogers.
secret codes and how to change the PIN.
Android safe mode.

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About

I am an embedded Linux software developer and consultant operating under Jukie Networks Inc in Ottawa, Canada.