Sprint refuses to unlock Galaxy S3 since I'm no longer a customer

[ireknole]

I paid an ETF to get out of my Sprint contract a few months ago and I still have my GS3 sitting around. I would like to sell it, so I checked online and Sprint's policy made it sound like I could get an MSL code and unlock it since I know both my old phone number and account number.

Well, I called the number and told the tech that I would like the MSL code. He asked me why I wanted to unlock the phone and I said to sell it. He asked me for the "IMEI" number and "MEID" number and then said that the phone is not tied to an active account so he cannot unlock it. He said whoever buys the phone will have to have their carrier unlock it.

After reading their statement online which states:

"Sprint will provide the MSL code on a Sprint device under the following circumstances:
The person requesting the MSL code is an authenticated current or former Sprint customer or an individual owner who can provide the phone number or account number for the account last associated with the device."

I call BS on that tech. What I do wrong on that phone call and how can I get them to unlock my phone. Thanks!

 

[dcharleyultra]

Not an answer to your questions, but you can root your phone and get the MSL.

 

[ireknole]

Not an answer to your questions, but you can root your phone and get the MSL.

That's alright, I didn't know that! If I can get it without dealing with Sprint again, I'll be happy. How do I get the code after I'm rooted and how do I unlock the phone once I have the code?

 

[dcharleyultra]

What OS version are you running?

 

[sure why not]

You and your customer service rep are speaking in two different languages.
He says that your old phone is not tied to any account.
You paid the ETF, so the ESN is not in the system as blacklisted.
This is all good!

Sprint is a CDMA carrier and your old SPH L710 does not have a swappable sim card.
It can be activated by the new owner only on Sprint or a Sprint MVNO that accepts 'bring your own Sprint device', like Ting.
So yes, it will have to be flashed by the new owner when they decide on what carrier they are going to take it to.

It will not (cannot) function on a GSM network like ATT or T-mobile.

 

[ireknole]

You and your customer service rep are speaking in two different languages.
He says that your old phone is not tied to any account.
You paid the ETF, so the ESN is not in the system as blacklisted.
This is all good!

Sprint is a CDMA carrier and your old SPH L710 does not have a swappable sim card.
It can be activated by the new owner only on Sprint or a Sprint MVNO that accepts 'bring your own Sprint device', like Ting.
So yes, it will have to be flashed by the new owner when they decide on what carrier they are going to take it to.

It will not (cannot) function on a GSM network like ATT or T-mobile.

So you're saying I can't unlock it? I just want to sell the phone and get the most money I can for it. The S3 is the first smart phone I'm selling, so I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can. The trade in values are like $20, so I'm hoping that selling the phone will get me more than that.

I'll check the Android version when I get home.

 

[sure why not]

Right.
The SPH L710 doesn't have a sim card slot or GSM radios.
It needs to be on Sprint's network.
Maybe you can roam on Verizon, but I doubt you'll ever see 4G.
Look on Ebay.
These things seem to go for $125-150 if they're in great shape.
Buying a brand new back for $7 can help it look fresh.

 

[ireknole]

I've had a case and screen protector on it since day 1, so the phones in good shape. I thought that was the unlocked going rate, but if I can get that much without unlocking it and just listing it as the "sprint" variant, I'll take it. Thanks so much for your help!