Pearl unlocking question.

[zoti]

So I bought a used pearl and asked the guy who owned it to call Cingular/AT&T and ask for the unlocking code. They gave him 2 X 8 digits numbers saying if one wouldn't work then the other one will.

I followed the instructions on how to unlock it and none worked. I tried a few times and even combined them together to a 16 digit number but no luck so far.

I'm running out of tries (I think I have 3 or 4 more left) and it pisses me off that they just give numbers that are usles.

The question is, do I need to have a sim card in the phone for the unlocking to work? I only have my old AT&T sim card (from before they turned Cingular) and it doesn't work. Do I need a new AT&T sim card to unlock it and then I can use my old sum card?

How many digits should the unlocking code have?

TIA,
zoti

[John Clark]

It's a 16 digit code for unlocking the device. I believe you get 5 tries before the device becomes permanently locked. After that you can't ever unlock it.

[zoti]

It's 10 tries and I have 4 left. I bought an unlock code from an online provider but it is taking hours to get it. I hope that when I finally do get it, it will work.

[John Clark]

Some say 10, others say 5. I hope it's 10!

[4n6doc]

When I unlocked my Pearl just a few weeks ago, the dialog box said I had 10 tries. I used a code from gsmphonesource.com and had no problems...unlocked on the first try.

[John Clark]

10 it is then....It may have been some of the older devices were 5.

[zoti]

Can someone say if you need a sim card in the phone or not?

[datasmog]

The usual procedure when unlocking cellphones is:
Use the unlock code.
Insert sim when asked.
I can't say for sure if that is the same with a Blackberry, but it probably is.

[zoti]

Got it done by buying an unlocking service. Got the correct code and the phone was unlocked in 1 minute.

[John Clark]

(y)

[TXLady]

Can someone say if you need a sim card in the phone or not?

You already have the answer but in case someone else reads this string and wants to know -- I unlocked my TMO Pearl (using code provided by TMO) and did NOT need another SIM in the phone. Actual instructions from TMO were:

1. Press the Pound key.
2. Quickly press the Star key three times. You will see #p on the display.
3. Quickly press the Star key four times. You will see #pw on the display.
4. Quickly press the Star key twice. You will see #pw+ on the display.
5. Type the unlock code.
6. Quickly press the Star key twice. You will now see #pw+unlock code+ on the display.
7. Press the 1 key, then the Pound key. The phone is now unlocked.

[bcinelli]

What is the difference between a locked phone and an unlocked phone?

[cassinator]

What is the difference between a locked phone and an unlocked phone?

Unlocked means you can use it with other carriers. So now he can use it with Tmobile instead of Att. And I think he could use it for Alltel too if I am correct?

[John Clark]

Once unlocked it can be used on any GSM carrier. Simply swap the sim cards.

[BBGregPearl]

Once unlocked it can be used on any GSM carrier. Simply swap the sim cards.

What he said!

[Cory Scheuer]

i was told by the guys at gsmphonesource.com there are 255 tried before its locks... but that could be cuz mines a rogers phone?

[4n6doc]

i was told by the guys at gsmphonesource.com there are 255 tried before its locks... but that could be cuz mines a rogers phone?

When you go to enter the code, the phone tells you in a dialog box how many tries you have. For me, it was 10. Maybe it differs by carrier.

[Cory Scheuer]

yes with rogers its 255 attempts

[Lowrider]

Is the code carrier dependent? If not...Anyone want to help defray their cost?

[Cory Scheuer]

code is dependant on IMEI, its not per carrier from my understanding... its all based on the IMEI and PIN