Blacklisted T-mobile iPhone options?

[yum114]

So, I purchased a T-mobile iPhone. Went and got a prepaid sim card, used it for a couple of months, and on my birthday, no signal. After calling them over and over I finally got a rep. Well, he said it was blocked because of EIP no paid off on the phone. I asked him what the balance was and he couldn't tell me and told me I can't pay it. Only original owner can. So, I do know that since it isn't logged as stolen, it's only blocked on T-mobiles network, so I would like to somehow get this thing working with maybe ATT.
What are my options for getting this phone unlocked to be used with an ATT sim card?
I checked services, and of course, tmobile is the most expensive one at all the services(and takes the longest)
Cheapest I found was like $140, and I don't want to pay that(and I'm not even sure that it would work with a blocked phone due to non payment)
Any other options for using this T-mobile iPhone 5s with ATT sim card?






Does anyone know if I took it to apple with the issues it's been having, and they replace it with a refurbed one. Will T-mobile block the EIP of the newer replaced one?
How would they know?



Anyone know a cheaper service that does unlocks for USA T-mobile iphones that are blocked due to non payment(EIP)





Also, So, I had an old verizon sim card from an iPhone 4 or 4s.
I cut it to size and inserted it into my iPhone.
Well, after it restarted it went to activation(sim card is not activated)
After trying to activate, it said invalid sim. Could this be because its a sim for Verizon(cdma) when my iPhone is tmobile(gsm) or is this a 100% certainty that my phone IS locked to tmobile and will NOT work with AT&T sim card?

 

[CEmajr]

AT&T and Tmobile share blacklisted databases so even if it were unlocked it still would not work on AT&T now.

The only thing you can do is sell it on eBay (acknowledging to potential buyers that it's blocked of course) in order to recoup some of your money. Either that or just use it as an iPod touch.

 

[Ann P]

Blacklisted T-mobile iPhone options?

T-Mobile and ATT share the same blacklist database, so it won't work on either networks. Unlocking also won't do anything but you'll be able to use it on gsm networks outside of the US.

 

[yum114]

They only share the same lists for stolen devices. If the device is blocked due to non payment, it's only blocked for the network. The program you're speaking of is for devices reported lost/stolen. It's not the same when someone defaults on their EIP payment.

Any good help would be appreciated.

 

[CEmajr]

They only share the same lists for stolen devices. If the device is blocked due to non payment, it's only blocked for the network. The program you're speaking of is for devices reported lost/stolen. It's not the same when someone defaults on their EIP payment.

Any good help would be appreciated.

No it's still blocked on all carriers too. I've tested this on countless iPhones. It will only work outside the US. Just think about it, a blocked phone due to nonpayment being only blocked on that network makes no sense since it wouldn't deter people from just getting a $0 iPhone from Tmobile, paying for an unlock, and going to AT&T.

I actually worked for Tmobile a while back a we had customers with blocked phones attempt to take them to another network but to no avail.

 

[yum114]

No it's still blocked on all carriers too. I've tested this on countless iPhones. It will only work outside the US. Just think about it, a blocked phone due to nonpayment being only blocked on that network makes no sense since it wouldn't deter people from just getting a $0 iPhone from Tmobile, paying for an unlock, and going to AT&T.

I actually worked for Tmobile a while back a we had customers with blocked phones attempt to take them to another network but to no avail.

It makes plenty of sense, because tmobile can't block your phone from every network for not paying them, they can only do so if it's stolen because that is the law. Adding phones to the blacklist registry is a LAW, for STOLEN PHONES!
When you don't pay your bill, it's just them denying you service. I know for a fact that it can be used on AT&T

 

[CEmajr]

It makes plenty of sense, because tmobile can't block your phone from every network for not paying them, they can only do so if it's stolen because that is the law. Adding phones to the blacklist registry is a LAW, for STOLEN PHONES!
When you don't pay your bill, it's just them denying you service. I know for a fact that it can be used on AT&T

Ok smart guy. Good luck on doing the impossible. Enjoy your iPod touch. I just hope you don't waste your money paying for an unlock only to try and pop in an AT&T SIM card to find it doesn't work.

 

[C DM]

There are people that even deny that phones even get blacklisted for non-payment types of issues. So unfortunately sometimes various replies can certainly be incorrect.

 

[nostresshere]

Seems like the exact scenario came up recently.

Why do people buy phones that may or may not work? Stolen, blocked,etc.

Seems like the only SAFE way is to meet the seller at a company store and do the deal there and get it transferred SAFELY in the carriers database.

 

[C DM]

Seems like the exact scenario came up recently.

Why do people buy phones that may or may not work? Stolen, blocked,etc.

Seems like the only SAFE way is to meet the seller at a company store and do the deal there and get it transferred SAFELY in the carriers database.

Doesn't seem like that prevents the original owner from reporting it as stolen later or still messing up some payments or something.

 

[yum114]

Seems like the exact scenario came up recently.

Why do people buy phones that may or may not work? Stolen, blocked,etc.

Seems like the only SAFE way is to meet the seller at a company store and do the deal there and get it transferred SAFELY in the carriers database.

This doesn't work with T-mobile. T-mobile, if the customer is on an EIP, they will say everything is A-ok to purchase the phone, then when customer stops paying EIP, then tmobile will block it

 

[yg17]

It makes plenty of sense, because tmobile can't block your phone from every network for not paying them, they can only do so if it's stolen because that is the law. Adding phones to the blacklist registry is a LAW, for STOLEN PHONES!
When you don't pay your bill, it's just them denying you service. I know for a fact that it can be used on AT&T

Just because the law says carriers must share a blacklist for stolen phones, doesn't mean they can't share a blacklist for nonpayment. It's mutually beneficial for carriers to share a blacklist for nonpayment.

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Seems like the exact scenario came up recently.

Why do people buy phones that may or may not work? Stolen, blocked,etc.

Seems like the only SAFE way is to meet the seller at a company store and do the deal there and get it transferred SAFELY in the carriers database.

Seems like the only safe way is to buy an iPhone brand new. From all the threads I see about people who buy activation locked phones, blacklisted phones, etc, it amazes me the risks people would take to save a few bucks. But when it comes time to sell my iP 5, I'm glad people do.

 

[yum114]

Just because the law says carriers must share a blacklist for stolen phones, doesn't mean they can't share a blacklist for nonpayment. It's mutually beneficial for carriers to share a blacklist for nonpayment.

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Seems like the only safe way is to buy an iPhone brand new. From all the threads I see about people who buy activation locked phones, blacklisted phones, etc, it amazes me the risks people would take to save a few bucks. But when it comes time to sell my iP 5, I'm glad people do.

lol how would that be mutually beneficial. Chnces are, you get a phone blocked by tmobile, you take it to AT&T. AT&T wins! How would they be loosing by accepting that phone and taking your money? That simply doesn't make sense smh
Remember, we're not talking about stolen phones, were talking about unpaid balances on a phone. I could understand your point if this was in regards to someone looking for credit who may go to AT&T shopping and want a phone extended to them, but this person apparently already has a phone, so all AT&T has to do is provide the service for it, in which case the person would be paying up front, or only a month behind. AT&T couldn't loose on this.


Far as your second comment. People are much more willing to be vocal about an issue, than a good experience. You may read many negative things online, but that is only a small part of online. Not to mention, most people who write these reviews or bad cases, would never leave them if they were good. In most cases, the good FAAAARRRR outweighs the bad, but as I stated, it's the bad that causes many to speak out

 

[yg17]

lol how would that be mutually beneficial. Chnces are, you get a phone blocked by tmobile, you take it to AT&T. AT&T wins! How would they be loosing by accepting that phone and taking your money? That simply doesn't make sense smh

Because you can't get a phone at AT&T, not pay your bill and take it to T-Mobile. Duh

 

[Newtons Apple]

lol how would that be mutually beneficial. Chnces are, you get a phone blocked by tmobile, you take it to AT&T. AT&T wins! How would they be loosing by accepting that phone and taking your money? That simply doesn't make sense smh
Remember, we're not talking about stolen phones, were talking about unpaid balances on a phone. I could understand your point if this was in regards to someone looking for credit who may go to AT&T shopping and want a phone extended to them, but this person apparently already has a phone, so all AT&T has to do is provide the service for it, in which case the person would be paying up front, or only a month behind. AT&T couldn't loose on this.


Far as your second comment. People are much more willing to be vocal about an issue, than a good experience. You may read many negative things online, but that is only a small part of online. Not to mention, most people who write these reviews or bad cases, would never leave them if they were good. In most cases, the good FAAAARRRR outweighs the bad, but as I stated, it's the bad that causes many to speak out

You can argue and rant all you want but I would bet you will not get the phone up and running. Like others said, sell it for parts as you got screwed!

 

[yum114]

You can argue and rant all you want but I would bet you will not get the phone up and running. Like others said, sell it for parts as you got screwed!

Well, I know someone who can prove otherwise.
Can you prove what you say, or is it a bunch of internet reading. Same situation, got it unlocked(he paid $180 though) usign it with AT&T
But what do I know haha.
I stated other options as well, but no one seems to be able to read past the first paragraph. I'm not asking for an argument, but for some reason, everyone seems to want to debate about something I KNOW to be possible. :yawn:

It's funny, people are doing a BUNCH of talking, but have NO input on what the thread was about. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if memory serves me correct, I NEVER ONCE asked the question "if I get it unlocked, can I use it on another network"

 

[BarryL]

Sounds like you've got an iPod touch. Or sell it fast, prices on 5/5s drop like a rock next week.

 

[C DM]

Well, I know someone who can prove otherwise.
Can you prove what you say, or is it a bunch of internet reading. Same situation, got it unlocked(he paid $180 though) usign it with AT&T
But what do I know haha.
I stated other options as well, but no one seems to be able to read past the first paragraph. I'm not asking for an argument, but for some reason, everyone seems to want to debate about something I KNOW to be possible. :yawn:

It's funny, people are doing a BUNCH of talking, but have NO input on what the thread was about. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if memory serves me correct, I NEVER ONCE asked the question "if I get it unlocked, can I use it on another network"

To be fair in the OP you did say "What are my options for getting this phone unlocked to be used with an ATT sim card?" Seems like that is essentially what you were asking.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Well, I know someone who can prove otherwise.
Can you prove what you say, or is it a bunch of internet reading. Same situation, got it unlocked(he paid $180 though) usign it with AT&T
But what do I know haha.
I stated other options as well, but no one seems to be able to read past the first paragraph. I'm not asking for an argument, but for some reason, everyone seems to want to debate about something I KNOW to be possible. :yawn:

It's funny, people are doing a BUNCH of talking, but have NO input on what the thread was about. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if memory serves me correct, I NEVER ONCE asked the question "if I get it unlocked, can I use it on another network"

If you KNOW it to be possible, you would not be asking here, would you?

 

[yum114]

To be fair in the OP you did say "What are my options for getting this phone unlocked to be used with an ATT sim card?" Seems like that is essentially what you were asking.

I respect that as it doesn't seem like a comment from malice. But, there is a difference between what you stated, and me asking, "is unlocking and using on att an option". If just going by your quite above, it would mean what services, what ways to unlock ect... It still doesn't ask the question of if an unlocked blocked phone will work on att ;-)

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If you KNOW it to be possible, you would not be asking here, would you?

I never did ask if it's possible to unlock and throw in an ATT card and it work. Can you read? I mean damn, if everyone must be so negative, at least state something of value, something with truth to it. :yawn:

 

[braddick]

Sadly, although the OP may think different, if a contract isn't completed and paid for, the iPhone in essence is a 'stolen' phone.

The OP is the innocent here, but the seller didn't complete his obligation on a subsidized iPhone, it is the property of the service provider.

 

[Applejuiced]

I'm pretty sure once blacklisted it cannot be use on any US carrier.
They had an agreement a while ago that US carriers do share IMEI lists.
But you dont have to listen or believe anyone.
Just borrow someones AT&T sim for a minute and stick it in to see if it works.
If you do get an IMEI unlock it will work on any GSM carrier outside the US. It will still be blacklisted domestically here.
Hope that helps.

 

[CEmajr]

I'm pretty sure once blacklisted it cannot be use on any US carrier.
They had an agreement a while ago that US carriers do share IMEI lists.
But you dont have to listen or believe anyone.
Just borrow someones AT&T sim for a minute and stick it in to see if it works.

He's planning to spend $140 to unlock it first. Then he'll get to see the big 'No Service' in the corner of his phone with an AT&T sim card in it. An expensive lesson to learn.

 

[Applejuiced]

He's planning to spend $140 to unlock it first. Then he'll get to see the big 'No Service' in the corner of his phone with an AT&T sim card in it. An expensive lesson to learn.

Yes, I wouldnt waste more money on it.
Sell it as is and cut your losses, its useless.

Does anyone know if I took it to apple with the issues it's been having, and they replace it with a refurbed one. Will T-mobile block the EIP of the newer replaced one?
How would they know?



Anyone know a cheaper service that does unlocks for USA T-mobile iphones that are blocked due to non payment(EIP)


Also, So, I had an old verizon sim card from an iPhone 4 or 4s.
I cut it to size and inserted it into my iPhone.
Well, after it restarted it went to activation(sim card is not activated)
After trying to activate, it said invalid sim. Could this be because its a sim for Verizon(cdma) when my iPhone is tmobile(gsm) or is this a 100% certainty that my phone IS locked to tmobile and will NOT work with AT&T sim card?

Also to answer some stuff above.
Apple can see in the system that the iphone is blacklisted. You're not the only one that ever thought about something like that.
All carrier properties, lock, unlock, blocked status all get transferred to the replacement during service when the IMEI of both phones get entered into their system.
About a paid service I don't think there is one that removes blacklisted devices. Only IMEI unlocks but if blacklisted here it will only work outside the US so still no good to you.
About the verizon sim it will not activate it and no other sim will activate it since its locked to Tmobile.
Again even if you paid for IMEI unlock its still blacklisted.

 

[C DM]

I respect that as it doesn't seem like a comment from malice. But, there is a difference between what you stated, and me asking, "is unlocking and using on att an option". If just going by your quite above, it would mean what services, what ways to unlock ect... It still doesn't ask the question of if an unlocked blocked phone will work on att ;-)

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I never did ask if it's possible to unlock and throw in an ATT card and it work. Can you read? I mean damn, if everyone must be so negative, at least state something of value, something with truth to it. :yawn:

Again, not be negative here, but just for logical and general clarity, the quote from the OP clearly says "getting this phone unlocked to be used with an ATT sim card", while you are clearly trying to say that it clearly doesn't say exactly that when it says exactly that.

Now if that's be exactly what you meant, that's fine and all, but I guess that is to say that don't be surprised that that's how people would take it give that's the most obvious impression it gives based in how it seems to be worded in the OP.