Oct
22
As of right now, there still no quick way of unlocking or “jailbreaking” the T-mobile G1. But, it’s fairly easy to set up the phone to be used for everything besides making calls (unless a VoIP app becomes available in the future like the iPhone). I was able to purchase a G1 earlier today without signing up for a new 2 year contract with T-mobile (at the $399 price). The store manager was reluctant to sell it at first without a contract but finally agreed after some convincing. The fact that it didn’t look like the launch demand was as high as they thought it would be, definitely helped. It seems that the stores have been given specific instructions not to sell any G1’s without a new 2 year contract, at least until the first couple of shipments are sold. It’s a hit or miss.
The G1 was purchased for my company to use for testing purposes only, so we just wanted to be able to access all the phone features, apps, and internet browsing whenever connected to a nearby Wi-Fi network. And we did not want to get stuck paying for 2 years of monthly service to do so. Here are the steps we followed to get past the initial setup without having an activated SIM card. (Note: You will need a friends activated T-mobile SIM card for only a couple of minutes - data charges may apply.)
- Insert friends activated T-mobile SIM into G1 along with battery
- Power on and wait for setup screen
- Go through setup process to link any Gmail account
- Go to Settings > Wireless Controls > Wi-Fi Settings > Enable Wi-Fi
- Connect to nearby Wi-Fi network if one is available
- Optional: Stop the phone from syncing with Gmail account by going to Data Synchronization and unchecking Auto-sync, Gmail, Calendar, and Contacts
- Once done, take out friends SIM card and insert unactivated SIM that came with G1
If you already have T-mobile service, you should be able to pop your SIM right in and get going. You can also do the same with a G1 purchased from eBay and using a prepaid T-mobile SIM card. I doubt T-mobile will do anything to change this because you are paying full price for the phone! One other thing to note is if you would like to change the Gmail account in which the phone syncs with, a soft reset is necessary and you must follow these steps again. For a comprehensive review of the G1, check out Engadget’s hardware and software posts which are very detailed. Also, check out my colleagues initial thoughts on how Google is becoming more evil because of this.
If you know of any other ways, please leave a comment. I will also be keeping an eye out for unlocking instructions as they become available. Connect with me on Twitter @jsmakr.
Update: Got linked to by Engadget and Gizmodo! Please see my comment below if you are confused about the difference between ‘unactivated’ and ‘unlocked’.
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75 Responses to “How To: Getting started with an unactivated T-mobile G1”
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If I already have the T-mobile voice plan, can I activate it without a data plan? Thank You.
@Alamgir I believe so, but I am not sure. That is something to call and ask T-mobile. My guess would be you can just swap your SIM in and whenever you are using data over 3G, you will get charged per KB of usage.
[...] Back in the day when Google was little more than a bunch of students working in a garage, their informal motto was “don’t be evil”, this led them to resist opportunities that they considered anti consumer. [...]
What about using an AT&T SIM card? Try that out yet?
Can I unlock T-mobile G1 using T-mobile SIM cards bought in Montenegro? Or US cards only?
Just wanted to clarify for anyone confused, this is simply a way to get past the initial setup screen when you turn on the phone. If you bought the G1 without signing up for a new 2 year agreement, you got an “unactivated” SIM as opposed to an “activated” one with a new 2 year agreement with T-mobile.
Unactivated should not be confused with unlocked! There is still no news on unlocking the G1 without T-mobile’s help or purchasing an unlock code online. I only need to be able to use the G1 over W-Fi and not make calls, and was just annoyed at the fact that I couldn’t get past the setup screen without following these instructions. Calls over Wi-Fi will most likely be an option soon when an app comes out like what happened with the iPhone.
So like, if I put in my Verizon SIM would it work? Don’t know much about phones haha.
The only other network the G1 can run on is AT&T’s, and who wants to unlock their phone so they could use AT&T? The 3G radio won’t work, and then you will still have to pay those traitorous scumbags.
So will this work with an activated SIM that just has the voice plan? Or do you have to have the data plan too?
@Brian Not sure if you are kidding or serious but Verizon phones do not use SIM cards because they are CDMA (the other wireless network technology).
@Ken This article is not about unlocking the G1. Once that is possible, I could imagine people will want to unlock it to be used when they are traveling or if AT&T provides better coverage in their area.
@AshTR Any activated or prepaid SIM card will enable you to get past the initial setup to get into settings and turn on the Wi-Fi. After that, be careful not to use data over 3G or else you will most likely get charged per KB of usage which can add up quickly.
Hi, do you know if after activating the phone, can you continue using the phone with the prepaid T-mobile SIM card? Will I be able to use the Wi-Fi and make calls?
@John Again, I am not 100% sure about this, but you should be able to still use your prepaid minutes to make calls and access the internet/email using Wi-Fi. You will either get a error message or will get prepaid $ deducted when you don’t have Wi-Fi access.
Hm…. I live in Viet Nam, but I want to have one new G1. My counsin’s living in US and she can buy one for me, she uses T-mobile SIM card 2. But how can I unlock it to use Viet Nam’s SIM? If I do like u told, I’m only use Wi-Fi to make call, SMS and internet by Wi-Fi?
[...] We already showed you guys how to unlock the T-Mobile G1. Now we’re catching word that it’s possible to use the G1 with no activation with no hackery or tomfoolery necessary. [...]
[...] And there you have it! That is all you need to do to use your unactivated T-Mobile G1 phone without having to tie yourself down to a 2-year contract. [...]
[...] Unlike another popular phone on the market (cough iPhone), the T-Mobile G1 appears like it will be much easier to begin using without any activation. [...]
I just tried this, and unfortunately, you do need the borrowed SIM card to have been enabled for data access. Which, with T-mobile, requires a data plan.
[...] T-Mobile has been turning people away who are trying to purchase a G1 without signing a 2 year contract. [...]
Is it possible to use the apps on the G1 through Wi-Fi only?
@Dennis Yes, it’s possible. I am able to browse the app marketplace, download, and then use the apps over Wi-Fi with no issues.
My G1 is unlocked and I am using with AT&T. I just took out the T-Mobile SIM Card and inserted the AT&T SIM Card and it asked for the unlock code. I entered the unlock code that I bought from gsmphonesource.com and it unlocked it.
I got my unlock code and was stumped that I needed to be on the T-mobile network to activate. Anyway, I went to tmobile, purchased the cheapest prepaid sim card, popped it in and I was able to activate. I then popped in my AT&T sim and so far the calls work, though I’ll have to try what else will/wont work.
Rob
@Rob
Perhaps T-mob allows data access on all prepaid cards, but only on postpaid if a data plan is added? I’ve not used their prepaid plans for 2yrs.
How much was the cheapest prepaid plan?
Interesting I didn’t have to activate mine with T-Mobile to unlock or anything.
Hey! Thanks for the article!
Just a quick question… mind sharing your secrets on what you did to convince the manager to give you the phone? Also, if you dont mind, how much did you get it for?
Thanks man!
I got it for $179 just bought the phone went home and called T-Mobile and cancelled the contract.
@Sam I paid the full price, $399. I actually went back with a co-worker to buy a second one and the manager said no because she realized she should not have sold us the first one. I believe within a couple weeks you will be able to walk into a store and buy one with a contract, its just that they want to save the first couple of shipments for contract only customers. You may just be able to call T-mobile directly and buy one outright. Or just try more stores.
@Steve I thought when you did that, they take back the $200 discount because that is only given with new contracts. At least I think that’s what Verizon does.
How they gonna take back the discount? I already have the phone I already paid for it and they don’t have my credit card info…
And it clearly states we have a 14 day trial period.
@Steve How were you able to sign up for a G1 contract (implicit in you getting the G1 for $179) yet you say t-mobile doesn’t have your cc#? Don’t you _need_ to provide a cc to get a contract? Something about your story doesn’t check out…
Nope don’t need a credit card to get a contract.. just need good credit… I have a fraud alert on my credit report so I had to bring in ID, SS Card and Utility bill that they had to fax in to credit department then had to wait an hour so left did some stuff came back and said I was approved. I gave them cash they activated phone…
Michel,
I asked them if it had data, but they said no. So I purchased a $20 prepaid anyway. I was able to activate it. After unlocking it, I’m now using the phone on AT&T. The only thing not working is the mms. I got the internet to work on the edge network and wifi.
WOW good info you guys are just letting T-mobile know what to do to prevent u guys from doing this in the future, This will be “It Was Fun While It Lasted”.
ahha at above comment.
[...] New York to send to Sydney, but before that our man Johnny Makkar had a look at it. See what he wrote here, it was a pretty popular article linked to by many [...]
I live in Chicago subs and did my research on T-Mobile web site on how my area is covered with tmob 3g. And it looks excellent on their website but in reality it sucks comparing to Sprint or ATT. I got the phone thru mail for 179 with 2 year contract ext + $25 data plan. I called cust service and told them I will not pay for data bec it sucks comparing to others. They told me that if I cancel data plan the phone will not work and I will not be able to make phone calls. I would like to keep the phone to make phone calls and use wifi. Can I do that without data plan? Or was the service rep right? Or just BS me to have me pay for data. Can any one clarify? By the way the battery life isn’t that great either. Thanks PeterZ
One more question. If I will be able to cancel data plan and still use the phone for phone calls and wifi how to disable T-Mobile 3G so they don’t charge me for using data on 3G or edge per minute. PZ
@PeterZ I am not entirely sure but I think that rep was most likely just BSing you. Try calling back and asking someone else. My experience with Verizon was similar when I had a Treo. I was told I HAD to have a data plan even though there was a data plan in the system that was $0 a month Pay Per KB use. I added that then just disabled data access on the Treo and had no issues. With the G1, I have not seen anything yet on simply disabling the 3G data access while keeping Wi-Fi enabled but I see no reason why you can’t have the phone with just a voice plan. Unless they really don’t give you an option like AT&T and the iPhone.
@Johnny,
If I use your instructions from the article to bypass the Initial Setup with the use of a SIM that had been provisioned with the data plan the G1 requires, I should be able to cancel it after the setup is completed and resume internet usage through a lesser expensive data plan option like T-Zones or T-Mobile’s up and coming Web2Go right? I am asking this question in the context of using the internet when not on a Wi-Fi Hotspot location.
@PeterZ,
I tried the instructions given in Johnny’s article here and went one step further to test the voice piece with an activated SIM Card in there. Guess what? There was no effect on the usability of the phone for voice calling. Everything was smooth sailing with no voice issues whatsoever.
@Johnny
What if you have to reboot your phone, will it ask for the Gmail credentials everytime once you have an active SIM in the phone that has no data plan provisioned on it?
@Sunil S.
I have rebooted my phone several times and has never asked for my Gmail credentials and even if it did the phone does have wifi so dont have to have a data plan with your provider.
@Steve,
What if you wanted to use the data features of the phone in a non- Wi-Fi area? Could you use a lower data plan than what T-Mobile offers up?
So I cancelled my G1 data plan a few days ago and now it seems like I am not being able to make calls outside of my house. This just started happening today, and I am assuming that you really do need a data plan even to just make calls. Anyone using the phone without data plan with no problems?
@Mikey That seems very unlikely that. What do you mean you’re not able to make call outside of the house? You can only make calls at home? My friend just got the T-mobile wireless router because he had no service in his new house. Do you have that setup also? Seems like there may be something wrong with the phone or in the settings.
Hello, with your friends activated sim card, can prepaid work?
So I went through my phones settings to the data sync option and unchecked the options (Auto-sync, Gmail, Calendar, and Contacts) and now it seems to be working just fine. Another question, am I going to be charged per kb for using the internet or anything?
Hello if I buy the g1 without any service and I got a code to unlock it can I just put in my prepaid sim card?
I’m using it with a pay as you go card and its not working…any ideas…its not activating at all…..it keeps sayin there is a problem with googles servers.
I got the G1 by upgrading the phone for a line on the family plan. It works on my line which I have the G1 service for and set it up with that when I got it. I bought another SIM for another line in my fam plan and it worked but I disabled the syncing so it shouldn’t charge me for the 3G access.
I just got my G1 in the mail, and I popped in my ACTIVATED T-mobile sim card, yet it keeps taking me to the screen where I have to create a gmail account or use a current gmail account. What do I do!?!?!? I tried creating one AND i tried using my friends gmail account. Neither work.
Does anybody with a T-Mobile Prepaid SIM card getting the G1 running?
Apparently, you HAVE to have internet service on that prepaid SIM. Thats why mine didnt work, but i called in and got service and now im using the G1 perfectly. I guess just get the service to get it started, then cancel it(if you dont want the internet service).
So I’m new to phones, and I’m interested in getting the G1. I do NOT want to be stuck to a contract, and just go with pre-paid. However, looking around and at some of the posts, I’m confused.
First off: How much is a store going to charge you for the phone? I looked on EBay and everyone wants ~$500.
Second off: Once I acquire the phone, I can just use a pre-paid card and follow the steps in the tutorial?
Third: Once it’s ‘activated’ by following the instructions above, that gives you everything but Calling? And theoretically once a Skype/VoIP App comes out, then you can call through that? (Assuming your connected to a wireless network)
How much is the average price for the G1, without plan, etc. (I’m sure it’s less then the $2070 (over 2 years) for the 2 Year T-Mobile Plan.)
Thanks for any answers.
How do you add internet on a prepaid SIM card? I can’t find any info on it. Please help.
@Matt The G1 should cost $399 + tax without contract. Though I am not sure if stores are allowing people to buy the phone outright yet. We just got lucky but def worth a shot if they have plenty in stock. They answers to your others questions should be yes but when I it, I used a SIM card on a regular plan. It looks like some people are having trouble with pre-paid cards because they are restricted only to voice and I don’t think they can access data which is needed for the Gmail setup process.
@Kenny It looks like you have to call T-mobile to add data on your prepaid SIM according to John’s comment above yours.
Thanks Johnny. The reason I was asking about the SIM card is none of my friends have phones, much less T-Mobile ones.
Will wait for prices to drop and for them to show up in stores freely.
Thanks Johnny. I just got my G1 via FedEx last night @ 8pm!!!
Its confirmed, I can’t activate the G1 using a T-Mobile Prepaid SIM card.
I also tried my brother’s T-Mobile SIM card with his sidekick internet. Failed.
I’ll probably get the T-Mobile FlexPlan (no contract) and just use the service for a month since there’s no termination fee if cancel early.
Good luck you guys =)
Hi, I was hoping to ask my friend to buy the G1 who lives in the US and ship it to me in India…where I can unlock and use it but I want him to buy it for 179$ and then send it to me … Also I dont want him to be paying the minthly bills… cant I break the contract after a month saying that I lost the phone or something like that ??
Thanx for any help,
Nadeem.
I got the G1 activated this morning…after like 9 attempts to log-in to the google servers. I’m so excited…I spent most of the day playing and downloading apps!! =)
The only thing I hate about the g1 is that when you want to view pictures, everything comes up in one folder. Is there a way to create folders? I like to have my pictures organized. Maybe I can d/l an app for that?? does anybody know??
Kenny, are you using a prepaid SIM card? FlexPlan?
How did you eventually get your G1 activated?
Hi, my question is that if i sign up for the 2 year contract and the data plan, and later I cancel the data plan before 2 years is over. Is this breaking the Contract? Will I be fined? Also I saw someone above said he cancelled his data plan and then his phone stopped working, but then he stopped the syncing and now everything is fine? Also do u need an Internet (Plan) Activated T-Mobile Sim to activate the G1, Or will normal T-Mobile Voice Plan (only) sim work to activate the G1? Thanks.
You can use the g1 without data service just have to disable syncing as I tried on the other line of service which was used with a razr so there was no g1 service on that line and the phone worked fine I will try to use the phone on other line after resetting it to see if you can use it without g1 service when reset.
I just received unopened G1 I bought from Ebay, read all comments above. Got a friend with T-mobile blackberry data plan SIM and inserted into the G1. Ran through gmail setup but I keep getting “This could be a temporary problem or your SIM card may not be provisioned for data.” Ran it about ten times. Will this not work even with BB data plan? Do I need to find a friend that has a G1 with data plan? I do not want data plan, just activated and use current T-mobile SIM. Thanks for any comments.
I have the same issue as Tony.
I’m having the same issue as Tony also. My initial problem is that I already had a blackberry data plan and tried to change the plan to G1 online. The Tmobile website dated my rate plan change to a month later. customer service has been trying to fix this issue since last weekend. apparently they cant even cancel my account or change my rate plan until the new changes come into effect on December 14th. I have had this stupid G1 since thanksgiving and can’t even use until mid December. What a waste. I have had 3 helpdesk tickets with Tmobile, visited the store 4 times, and still no service. they said that they are having this issue with other customers as well when you change your plan online for the G1.
I’m going 2 buy the G1 tomorrow… I already have a shared minutes plan… and unlimited messaging for families.. the cost of the data plan is $24 for unlimited internet and 400 text messages… I dont need that 400 messages because I have unlimited messages for families…so how much will they charge me monthly for internet??
theyll charge 24.99 and if you get the insurance for it its an extra 4.70 I also have the family plan with unlimited messaging
Hi! I just bought the google g1 and I have a major problem. I think its unlocked, the problem is I switch it on and they ask me to register or sign in initially I have a gmail account I try to sign in and I keep getting an error message which says there’s been a communication error or that my sim may not have some privileges and stuff..I tried with 2 other sims as well…still no avail..
Is there anyway to skip the gmail process? It will not work for me.
Hi can anyone please tell me how to unlock. I mean my phone is unlocked but I cant get out of the gmail proccess even though I’m a t-moblie customer. I dont have the data plan and I dont want to buy the data plan anyone please help me I wanna use the wifi and not the data plan. I tried calling the customer service and the stupid ppl told me that I have to buy the data plan. Anyone please help me.
Sorry Jignesh Bhakta you have to have the data plan no way around that….
I have a G1 and I had the data plan on for a day so that I could get through the Google set up. After turning off the syncing I called and canceled my data plan. My G1 now works fine for calls and text and wifi. I am not able to send or receive MMS (picture messages). even to my wife who we also got a G1 for on the same plan as me. Can anyone help? Is there a setting like APN that I need to change?
hey M-UNIT thank you for your help i had one more question for you after you canceled your data plan can you use the Wi-fi for free without getting charged for internet usage on your t-mobile bill because when i went to cancel my plan the customer service rep. told me that the phone wont work at all without it but i know it worked when i put in my brother’s sim card so i knw it works but i’m scared to use the wifi thinking that they might charge me for internet usage. Can you please let me know if they charge for wifi or they dont and also if there is a setting in phone where it only goes to internet if its connected to wifi that way i dont accidentely use the internet without being connected to wifi. thank you so much for your help
Jignesh Bhakta
i use the wifi and can get on the internet and use most of the functions of the phone. when you use wifi you should not be charged for downloading besides paying for your regular monthly internet provider. i have not received my first statement yet but i do not foresee any charges being related to wifi. also if you accidentally try to go on the internet without wifi turned on it will take you to an error screen which expresses that you need to update your plan. i just exited out of that screen and the data service doesn’t get re-added.
Hey I been reading these comments and to just clarify things, can I just buy the data service just to activate the gmail account and later canceling the data service, and still use the phone and everything just with wifi.
thanks alex