Any experts?

[Gibbo2286]

I bought this 'feature phone' in the States on my last visit, years ago now, it's tied to an American network so unusable here, tried to get them to unlock it but they've never obliged so it's been sitting here as a paperweight for years.
It still switches on and some of the features work but I can't use it with a Brit sim card, I'm told there's a program in the background that can't be accessed stopping it from being changed, any ideas how to wipe it and start again? Just for fun really. Seems a shame to bin it.

[Hell Razor5543]

It probably has been locked to the USA network. If a phone shop cannot unlock it you might want to see if LG have an update for it. If they have (and you can download it onto a USB stick, then use an adaptor to connect the USB stick to the phone) you may find that the update will reset it completely to a factory default.

Factory default has just reminded me that you may be able to do that without having to update the phone. Take a look in the Settings, then in the About Phone, and there may be an option to reset the phone. If there is, select the Factory Default.

You could also take a look on the LG website (under that mobile phone model) to see how they reset the phone.

[xantia_v6]

It is unlikely that you can unlock it unless you find someone with the bootleg software to do that. The US rules are less consumer-friendly than European rules.

The SIM lock is generally stored in the same memory as the IMEI and radio calibration data, so wiping that chip renders the phone even more useless.

You also should note that until fairly recently, it was usual that a US model phone would not support most European frequency bands, so depending on your local network, coverage may be poor or non-existant.

[Gibbo2286]

I did all the resets available James but it still leaves it locked so judging by the comments I guess it's going to continue to be a paperweight.
The LG site won't touch it because their contract is with the network company.

[Ross_K]

I bought this 'feature phone' in the States on my last visit, years ago now, it's tied to an American network so unusable here, tried to get them to unlock it but they've never obliged so it's been sitting here as a paperweight for years.

Your local phone repair shop should be able to unlock it. What's the model number (probably on a label in the battery compartment)?

[Gibbo2286]

I bought this 'feature phone' in the States on my last visit, years ago now, it's tied to an American network so unusable here, tried to get them to unlock it but they've never obliged so it's been sitting here as a paperweight for years.

Your local phone repair shop should be able to unlock it. What's the model number (probably on a label in the battery compartment)?

No chance Ross all have tried, it seems the phone was specially made by LG for the US network provider and the lock in can't be broken.

The model is GPLG306GB or LG306G according to the inside label and it also says TRACFONE WIRELESS INC.. which is the network provider., they won't unlock it because it wasn't used for a year in the States on their network.

[mickthemaverick]

As you have the provider Gibbo, ebay the phone and one of the US citizens staying in UK may buy it and you can then use the proceeds to get yourself a replacement used phone off ebay that will cope with your charging apps.

[Gibbo2286]

I don't think a 2015 phone has much value Mick when they can buy one back home for under twenty dollars. Might catch out some unsuspecting mug though.

[Ross_K]

No chance Ross all have tried, it seems the phone was specially made by LG for the US network provider and the lock in can't be broken.

The model is GPLG306GB or LG306G according to the inside label and it also says TRACFONE WIRELESS INC.. which is the network provider., they won't unlock it because it wasn't used for a year in the States on their network.

Ah it's a Tracfone, I don't think any of the companies that make unlocking boxes support them. There are a few websites that claim to generate unlock codes for 5 or 6 dollars but I think they're just a scam.

At least you've got a nice memento of your time in the States. Sorry