topic Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device in Other Devices

Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

Bigdave99 — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 10:34:36 GMT

Hi,

I bought a MI-FI device off ebay last November. A Huawei E5573B. I didn't know at the time that it was locked to the O2 network. I should have read the advert more carefully.

Anyway, I phoned O2 to see if it could be unlocked. Someone at O2 told me the easiest way was to get an O2 PAYG SIM card for it, and 24 hrs later go to the O2 website and request it be unlocked, using the IMEI number and mobile number from the SIM Card. I did all of this, getting a acknowledgement receipt confirming my request and that it should take approx 10 working days for the unlocking code.

Heard nothing after nearly a month, so put in another request, to then get another email from O2 (a non valid email address so I couldn't reply) apologising for the delay and will get the code sent to me soon.

Well it's nearly 3 months since my first request and I've heard nothing since the start of December.

I've tried emailing O2, but no luck. I've tried phoning O2, but just get sent round in circles by the stupid automated system of press this button for this department, now press this for this department.

i've even tried contacting Huawei, to be told that yes they can provide a code, but there would be a delay of 6 months and it would be quicker if I contacted the network provider the device is locked to!! Hmmm.

All I've got for my trouble is a door stop. The MIFI device is no good for anything else. All I want is for it to be unlocked so I can use the SIM card from another mobile broadband provider (Globalgig).

Does anyone know a sucessful way of contacting O2, without further aggro?

Many thanks.

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

MI5 — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 13:19:53 GMT

I’ll tag @EmilieT to see if she can help.

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

EmilieT — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 14:58:50 GMT

Hey @Bigdave99, and sorry to hear you're having difficulties getting your device unlocked ... I'll happily check on my end what we can do to help you further, so I'll send you a Private Message shortly to get a few more details

Thanks @MI5 for the mention!

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

ChrisR — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 18:20:48 GMT

I'm having the same problem, got the codes from 02 to unlock it but there is no place to enter it on the dashboard. how did you solve it?

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

MI5 — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 18:40:34 GMT

@ChrisR wrote:
I'm having the same problem, got the codes from 02 to unlock it but there is no place to enter it on the dashboard. how did you solve it?

Insert an “invalid” SIM. Turn it on and navigate to your modems homepage (usually by entering an IP address such as 192.168.8.1 into your browser address bar) and go to Advanced Settings > SIM Settings > Unlock Device.

Enter your code when asked for it.

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

ChrisR — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 18:49:17 GMT

Could you send me the details please? Im having the same issue

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

Bigdave99 — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 19:20:19 GMT

Thanks EmilieT. PM sent back to you.

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

Bigdave99 — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 17:00:13 GMT

Sorry, forgot to say thanks to @MI5 for flagging this up to someone who could help me with unlocking my MIFI device.

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

Bigdave99 — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 11:29:27 GMT

Well it's now been 3 months on from my initial request of asking for an unlocking code for my mifi device. Apart from some info from EmilieT, I have heard nothing from O2 themselves.

O2, I find your service appalling and would not recommend you to anyone, nor would I ever become a customer of yours again.

Having to wait for 3 months for an unlock code is far too long IMHO.

Is there anyone else I can complain to? Ofcom maybe?

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

MI5 — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 11:37:38 GMT

@Bigdave99 complaints process is here https://www.o2.co.uk/how-to-complain and you must complain to O2 first before OFCOM will listen to you.

Try the link to RESOLVER as it usually gets good results.

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

Bigdave99 — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 10:53:49 GMT

Well shortly after posting my message above, I received an unlocking code from O2. Now whether that was pure co-incidence, or me stomping my feet, I've no idea.

It was however the WRONG unlocking code. First time I entered it, I made a mistake. But I made 100% sure I entered it correctly the 2nd time. Still rejected it. Tried once more and still no luck. Now only have 7 remaining attempts before the MiFi device is locked permanently.

I do hope it's not going to be another 3 month wait, or I will be doing more than just complaining!!!!!

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

Bigdave99 — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 11:34:58 GMT

Well another month passes, and I'm still waiting for O2 to get back to me with the correct unlocking code for my device.

O2 what an absolute dire service you provide. It would have been quicker if i'd walked to China and knocked on Huawei's factory door and asked for the code.

5 months now in total I've been waiting. What a joke!!!!!!!

I might as well chuck the Mi-Fi device in the bin and go buy an unlocked one.

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

jonsie — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 11:46:11 GMT

It's ridiculous that this has been going on for so long and forcing you to use O2 or ditch it. I would be looking at selling it and passing the problem on. Maybe not quite ethical but someone else could be quite happy using O2.

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

Bigdave99 — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 10:36:43 GMT

An update.

After waiting several months, the saga is finally over. I received a phone call from O2 this morning with a new unlocking code that Huawei had provided, and I am very pleased to say that it worked and my MiFi device is now unlocked for any network.

Thank you to all that helped with this matter, especially @EmilieT

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

gmarkj — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 10:38:38 GMT

Hurrah!
At last and well done to @EmilieT!

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

Cleoriff — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 10:39:24 GMT

Great to hear @Bigdave99

@EmilieTwaved her magic wand again

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

EmilieT — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 11:57:38 GMT

Thanks for the update @Bigdave99, I'm really glad we got there in the end

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

jonsie — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 14:45:22 GMT

Good to hear and another one sorted. Well done @EmilieT

Re: Unlock code/unlatching code for MI-FI device

Wilby1981 — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 17:23:21 GMT

Hi BigDave99,

Glad you managed to unlock your M1, I recently given a M1 which is locked to O2. Can you tell at what point do you enter the unlock code? I insert a Voda data sim, it finds the network on M1 device and let other device connects but NO internet connection, I assume this is locked to O2 because works perfectly fine with O2 data sim.