Unlocking Phones

On August 29 2009 06:52 Jibba wrote:
How long have you been with FIDO? Usually you can just call them and ask to unlock it. It's a stupid convoluted process, but most companies don't have a problem with it if you've been with them for 6+ months. If they won't, then try saying you'll be traveling abroad and need to use another SIM chip and if they still won't, tell them to fuck off and you'll be switching carriers.

On August 29 2009 07:00 CharlieMurphy wrote:
i'm not familiar with FIDO, is it a prepaid phone/plan? or are you on a regular contractual plan? If the latter, like the above post suggest, after a set amount of time (usually 90 days or so) you can get the phone unlocked. Just say that you're going out of country on a trip and need it unlocked.

regardless of all that, your network is GSM right? (and not CDMA or something else). Meaning that if you open the phone up you have a sim card right?

If you don't, your phone won't work on very many networks anyways and your probably cant even get it unlocked.

On August 29 2009 07:48 T.O.P. wrote:
Even if FIDO unlocks your phone, you still can't change your ringtone. FIDO's probably going to give you a unlock code that unlocks your phone and let's it use other SIM cards. But the unlock code will not debrand the phone. You'll need the unbranded firmware if you want to change your ringtone. It's best to buy a unlocked phone when you first sign your contract.

Fido has restricted the W510 to only using ringtones that were "legally" downloaded form the phones web browser. But who wants to buy ringtones right? So here's what I did, ready? It's extremely complicated.

Step 1. Flashed R452G_G_08.12.05R onto my phone
Step 2. Mp3 ringtons worked.

I successfully flashed my Fido W510 without unlocking it first. I used MonsterPack R452G_G_08.12.05R from motofan.ru (where you can find other W510 MPs as well).

I first backed up my phone using Flash&Backup 3.0.6, in which you must manually install W510’s profile (available on modmymoto.com, thread 578591). After having flashed the MonsterPack to my phone, I was able to make and receive calls without problem. When turning it on though, the following message was displayed: "Flex Error: Phone Subsidy-Locked". To correct this, I deleted file "secure_pds_init" in "a/mobile/system/" using P2k Commander 4.9.E and changed the Greeting message in Settings/Personalize before turning it off. Also, speed dial #1 no longer defaulted to voicemail; I edited seem 0032_0001 (offset 24) to make it right.

MP R452G_G_08.12.05R comes with three languages, English and two other Asian languages. The English labeling is a bit different than what I am used to. So, I flashed my phone again with the original language pack that I had backed up. The languages on my phone are now English, French and an Asian language (not sure if this is from the MP or was in my Fido in the first place).

I tried a Rogers SIM card in it and was prompted for an Auxiliary Password, so my phone is still locked with Fido. However, I can now add and set the ringtones I want with Motorola Phone Tools. I can also use the games and apps that come with the motofan.ru MP (Digital Audio Player, Mystery Mansion Pinball, Splinter Cell and an Asian translator) and menu navigation is a bit different. I also lost the high-speed mobile Internet (EDGE) features, but I suppose I can always flash it back if I need it some day. Everything else works normally.

That's about it.