sim unlocking a G1

One of the phones I picked up on eBay was SIM-locked (see my [previous post]{into-android}) 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]{into-android} [posts]{rooting-g1}, 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.