No unlock code for Lumia 900

[ranron]

I picked up the Lumia 900 off-contract. Normally I just call customer care, provide them with my account information, the IMEI for the device, and then I'm given an unlock code. Has been like this for many devices including most recently my Galaxy S2.

However I was told there is no unlock code available for my Lumia 900: Is it just too early and I need to wait for the systems to update, or is this phone stuck with a lock?

I always buy no-commitment so the phone can be unlocked, since I travel a lot and require using different SIMs.

[21stNow]

As this is an AT&T exclusive device, I doubt that AT&T will give you the unlock code during the exclusivity period.  I've heard varying amounts for how long this will last.

I ran into the same situation with the Samsung Galaxy Note; I used a third party service to unlock it.

[ranron]

I gave them another call. They said call Nokia for the unlock code. This doesn't make any sense. I know now they're even unlocking iPhones, but not this Lumia? This is ridiculous.

[21stNow]

If you call Nokia, let me know what they say.  I want my Lumia unlocked, too.

[ranron]

I did call Nokia (just to have all my bases covered) and as expected they said I have to contact AT&T for the unlock code.

[thenomadsoul]

Please keep us updated, I am also really interested in finding an unlocked Nokia Lumia!!

[azndudenyc]

i was trying to unlock it too, 

i spoke to tech support team and some others,

but failed.

there's only 1 att  lumiua 900 unlock code provider on ebay,

they charge $35 while taking up to 7 days.

but what i can't accept is that they're gonna send you the unlock code via USPS?!(lol, old-school is in fashion again)

i later paid $25 to a professional unlock code website,

no response yet.

to be continued...

[ranron]

Okay an update…

I had the CSR open up a case for me on Wednesday. I gave them my IMEI and they said they would email me when they are able to unlock my device.

Well I got an email today: "We have reviewed your request and confirmed that you are eligible to have the requested iPhone unlocked." I don't know what they were doing, but clearly they didn't look at my case correctly. Also my iPhone is already factory unlocked.

I will give them another call to have them relook at the case.

[JFizDaWiz]

You won't get an unlock code for another 10 months on that phone. Exclusivity thing

[azndudenyc]

bad news, guys.

the seller refunded me $25 after a week, saying unlock code is not available at this time.

[ranron]

I've also tried a third-party site; it's been 4 days and I contacted them, and have been told it'll be another week. It's not looking good.

[pablocrego]

Please, keep us posted if you can unlocck one. I'm really really want one unlocked to use in another country.

[21stNow]

I was also refunded my money because the company that I used couldn't get the unlock code.

[ranron]

First I tried adding the Lumia to my account. This didn't do much. They were not able to give me the unlock code. The official response is the "exclusivity" period.

As for third party sites, I've tried a couple and they all refunded my money saying they cannot get the unlock code for my device.

[baruhanga]

You said that you got someone to unlock the nokia lumia 900 at Ebay, which Ebay store did you get someone to unlock it.

How can I get the person's number or the store number to get the unlock code? I am having the same trouble of not using my phone in any other carrier except AT&T. Help please if you get that. thank you

[McHale72]

As an FYI, I bought my HTC Surround (and my HTC Titan) off contract.  They still won't give me an unlock code for either since they were exclusives. 

Good luck.

-mc

[george.matar]

Hi, any update on this matter? I have the lumia all the way outside the states and still can't use it! Any suggestions? I would really like to use it at some point

[ranron]

I've been told I can get an unlock code after October 8th, 2012 (so six months after release). 

[binhluong]

Hi Ranron,
I have the same case with you. I bought a Lumia 900 with no contract and full price. And then I can not use it when I come back my country.
It sucks.
Can you give me the email/ phone number of AT&T customer support for this case ? I will try to contact them and send the report to room.
Thanks

[george.matar]

guys it's getting really frustrating... i've been reading threads and threads about this issue and no one was able to resolve it... i think what ATT is doing to the device owners suck... i might even open a page on it on facebook!!!! it's a great phone let the people enjoy it!!!! it's not like it's gonna cut from their income if they did!!!!! 

[JFizDaWiz]

That won't do a thing. They have a policy on it and its been in place for a few years (it was updated then) and just how it works

[Vl.Karanik]

Dear ATT,

On June 10, 2012 I bought Nokia Lumia 900 (IMEI {Personal content removed for your safety}) at one of BEST BUY stores in New York City. The phone was bought for full "regular" within NO contract. This means that I can use the phone where ever I want without ANY contract with ATT. I have also asked sales representatives if I can use this phone in my country. I was told that I won't have any problems because I paid regular price. I was also told  I will be given "unlock" code and able to use this phone with any wireless provider while maintaining Manufacturer Warranty.  I wasn't notified if any issues regarding this phone, as well as I didn't find any restrictions mentioned in receipt, phone box or within  accompanied paperwork. I didn't sign any paper regarding special terms of use for the phone during first 4 month. As soon as I got back home I called ATT seeking unlock code. However, I was told that aforementioned code can not be issued before October 8, 2012.

As a result I can not use the phone which I bought for regular price, because there is no ATT in my country (Belarus), and I am not able to use it with other providers. Besides, I can't return the phone cause there is no Best Buy here as well. All aforementioned issued violate my consumer rights. ATT didn't completely informed me regarding all possible issues regarding my purchase such as inability to unlock the phone within 4 months. Besides, ATT didn't also inform sales representatives from other retailers regarding this issue, what violates my rights as well. 

This issue resulted in financial and moral losses, I have to spend significant portion of my time talking to ATT. As a lawful guest of the  United Stated of America and a consumer I believe its completely unacceptable.

I am asking you to provide me with the unlock code for this phone ASAP and make all the necessary steps to avoid this in a future. Otherwise, I have no choice but to contact the consumer agencies in US to legally assess this issue and find adequate resolution for it.

Sincerely,

MD PhD Uladzimir {Personal content removed for your safety}

[Vl.Karanik]

Dear ATT,

On June 10, 2012 I bought Nokia Lumia 900 (IMEI {Personal content removed for your safety}) at one of BEST BUY stores in New York City. The phone was bought for full "regular" within NO contract. This means that I can use the phone where ever I want without ANY contract with ATT. I have also asked sales representatives if I can use this phone in my country. I was told that I won't have any problems because I paid regular price. I was also told  I will be given "unlock" code and able to use this phone with any wireless provider while maintaining Manufacturer Warranty.  I wasn't notified if any issues regarding this phone, as well as I didn't find any restrictions mentioned in receipt, phone box or within  accompanied paperwork. I didn't sign any paper regarding special terms of use for the phone during first 4 month. As soon as I got back home I called ATT seeking unlock code. However, I was told that aforementioned code can not be issued before October 8, 2012.

As a result I can not use the phone which I bought for regular price, because there is no ATT in my country (Belarus), and I am not able to use it with other providers. Besides, I can't return the phone cause there is no Best Buy here as well. All aforementioned issued violate my consumer rights. ATT didn't completely informed me regarding all possible issues regarding my purchase such as inability to unlock the phone within 4 months. Besides, ATT didn't also inform sales representatives from other retailers regarding this issue, what violates my rights as well. 

This issue resulted in financial and moral losses, I have to spend significant portion of my time talking to ATT. As a lawful guest of the  United Stated of America and a consumer I believe its completely unacceptable.

I am asking you to provide me with the unlock code for this phone ASAP and make all the necessary steps to avoid this in a future. Otherwise, I have no choice but to contact the consumer agencies in US to legally assess this issue and find adequate resolution for it.

Sincerely,

MD PhD Uladzimir {Personal content removed for your safety}

[McHale72]

This is pretty customary for "exclusive" phones. I buy all of my cell phones full price (no subsidy) and once in a while they can't be unlocked. I bought my HTC Surround full price and a year later they still refused to unlock it. As of today, it's still locked and I moved on to a different phone.  I don't want to speak for AT&T but I think the only thing you can do is wait until the October date they gave you.

-Mc

[featherforce]

I use a Lumia 900 on Straight Talk.

I called AT&T today and they confirmed that unlock codes would be available for the Lumia 900 in October this year.

[jamileh]

I am sorry that you were given incorrect information by the retailer. 

Buying a phone with no contract is not the same as buying a phone that can be used on any network. 

No contract means that you are not obligated to pay AT&T a monthly bill for a determined amount of time for cellular service. 

An unlocked phone means that phone can be used on any carrier's network (so long as that carrier allows it). 

[binhluong]

It doesn't make sense with customer bought Lumia 900 with no contract. can not understand about policy of AT&T. 

They should not sell the phone with no contract to avoid confusing of customer.

[binhluong]

It doesn't make sense. why we have to buy a phone with no contracts, it is because we want to use it with any carrier all over the world. Not sure why AT&T show some confusing things like that

[McHale72]

This is a policy change by an out of touch carrier.  Every other carrier in the world will unlock the phone if it's paid off (meaning you paid cash with no subsidy or your contract is nearly up which makes up for the subsidy).  AT&T must realize that people want their phones and not their service.   Personally, I will not buy a phone from AT&T again mainly because of their refusal to support the device and/or allow OS updates.

[dkpune]

I want to upgrade my phone to Nokia Lumia 900. I would like to know the unlock eligibility of this phone. I have to travel out of country for a business trip, I would like to use my phone in other country. 

[McHale72]

as you can see, there are now three topics of unlocking the 900.  If you read the other two, you'll get your answer.