Can you unlock an old T-Mobile Sidekick?

So we're using the new Sidekick II, but we wanted to know if we could unlock the old SideKick we had lying around. By unlocking it, of course, we could use any SIM card from any carrier to enable the SideKick to call and text message. While the data functions won't work without a SideKick account, we wanted to try and use it as a phone and SMS device. What! Don't scowl, it's not just a mobile communicator, it can make calls too, remember?.

Anyway, it turns out you can easily unlock an SK (with T-Mobile's permission, of course).

So it�s pretty straight forward: you have to call up T-Mobile customer service and ask them to allow you to unlock your phone. Really, this process should work with any SIM-based T-Mobile phone. Now, if you�ve been a customer for longer than a few months (some internal governing policy probably in place to avoid unlocking recently carrier-subsidized phones), then you give your IMEI (the unique ID code of your phone) and in 24 to 48 hours you�ll get an email that will tell you how to unlock your old SideKick and use it for other things.

So what are we going to do? Take our unlocked SideKick apart, of course, and use it for a weird-ass robot we�re building. Duh.

T-Mobile Sim Unlock Request
Sim Unlock Reference:  0XXXXXX
IMEI:  0XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Unlock Code:  XXXXXXXX

Thank you for taking the time to contact T-Mobile. Below you will see the Instructions for unlocking your Sidekick device.

NOTE: If you receive an error message while performing the instructions below, stop. Please be aware that if an excessive amount of incorrect attempts are made, the phone will be permanently locked. Verify the IMEI by pressing *#06# and submit a new request.

1. Insert the foreign SIM card
2. Power the phone on and the display should read �Special Code Required�
3. Enter the unlock code and the phone will reboot and try to reconnect to the network

Please be aware that the Danger Sidekick�s GPRS-data software will only work on the T-Mobile USA network. The Sidekick�s voice and text messaging functions should continue to function correctly with another carriers SIM card after the phone is unlocked.

Thank You,

Sim Unlock Department
T-Mobile USA, Inc.

Hold [center button + menu button]. It resets. Then hold [center button + reverse button].

Bonus! We�re totally into the fact that apparently T-Mobile has a SIM Unlock Department. We also hereby nominate ourselves as the new acting VPs of that division.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

An unlocked SK does little for you if you don't have a SK service provider working with you. Your email, IM, calendar, and even web browsing are hosted by the service provider. Unlocking a SK and using it on a different network will only get you different phone. Am I missing something? If someone knows how to use a SK to get email, IM, and web browsing working without having to go through the service provider, I would be very interested to know.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Makes me wish I had not sold my black and white SK on ebay for 100 bucks. Just kidding, about the wish. I really did sell it for that much (sucker). But why carry around such a massive phone for just calls and SMS?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Hi all

This thread nearly hits my question. the thing is: i'm from europe (switzerland) and absolutely have to have a sidekick. at the moment i'm interested into the sidekick 2, but perhaps also the older sidekick color would be an option.

i'm in new york 28 october - 1 november so i'd like to buy one there. regarding the sidekick 2 - beside that i cant use much of the device because of the missing carrier - the bad thing is that i have to pay ca. 250$, get a contract, cancel it and pay a fee of 200$, wait 90 days to unlock it and put my swiss sim card in it.

DOES ANYBODY KNOW AN EASIER/CHEAPER WAY? are there stores in the U.S. where they just sell the sidekick (new or old color model) without a contract?

thx VERY MUCH for your help!!!

best thing would be e-mailing me at [e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

can you use the sidekick phone on a different carrier and still use the web browseing because right now i have cingual and i have a t-mobile phone and i cannot get on the internet to download ring tones etc. and i am pretty upset. i am thinking about buying the sidekick and useing it to get on the internet but i dont wanna buy it if i cannot get on the internet. if anyone knows of a way e-mail me at [e-mail] and let me know please

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I need a buy the sidekick II (triband )but I living in france , let me know if the sidekick's voice and text messaging fonctions should continue to work with another carrier sim
rgds
alain

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I need a buy the sidekick II (triband )but I living in france ,
let me know if the sidekick's voice and text messaging fonctions should continue
to work with another carrier sim
rgds
alain

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Posted Nov 14, 2004, 6:03 PM ET by yves alain Douagouri
I need a buy the sidekick II (triband )but I living in france ,
let me know if the sidekick's voice and text messaging fonctions should continue
to work with another carrier sim
if anyone knows of a way e-mail me at [e-mail] and let me know please

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I have just purchased a T Mobile Sidekick II phone it looks great but at present I am struggling to get it to work with a U.K T Mobile SIM. I would still wish to have all the services also. I was sent the U.S.A SIM with the phone but want to use a U.K SIM. Also on entering the U.K T Mobile SIM the phone is asking for a special code what should I enter? I have contacted both USA and UK customer services but both are unable to help. The phone was brought on ebay. Help!!!

[(Unverified) Posted May 17th 2007 5:25AM]

hey i am having the exact same problem! have u worked it out? i know you posted this like 18months ago ha ha ha

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

hey want to unlock sidekick for AT&T and still be able to use Internet, Aol etc.. you get the picture. Currently have AT&T have never had t-mobile what's the likelihood of them doing this for me?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

hey want to unlock sidekick for AT&T and still be able to use
Internet, Aol etc.. you get the picture. Currently have AT&T have never had t-
mobile what's the likelihood of them doing this for me?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

can anyone give me the code to unlock my tmobile sidekick
i need the "special code"
if anyone has it please let me know thanks

[e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

i need to buy the sidekick II phone but i live in italy i want to know what can i do to get one, and let me know ik sidekick's voice and text messaging fonctions should continue to work with another carrier sim ok thank you

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

i bought my sidekick off ebay and its not unlocked however because i live in the bahamas and we dont have a tmobile company present there i need it unlocked. can someone be nice enough to give the unlock code. it will be greatly appreciated

e mail me a [e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

so do i have to be a t-mobile customer to this im with cingular?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

is the unlock code unique to each sidekick, and i need help unlocking mine [e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

is the unlock code unique to each sidekick 2, and i need help unlocking mine [e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I bought a sidekick 2 over the internet but I live in germany it is from t-mobile in the states..What number can i call to unlock it? Or what service on the internet can unlock them? Please help someone

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I just a a old side kick for 100.00 bucks . i thought i was getting a deal til i put my sim in and powered phone up it asked for a device code ... there was a pass word set on phone and now it looks as if iam out 100.00 could any body help

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

just a little help everyone who cant use their sidekick cause its locked up just put a paper clip in the reset button and hit the power button at the same time it will completely reboot and unlock for use...NOT AN UNLOCK CODE FOR MULTI CARRIER USE just restarts it completely for use with a new sim

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Hi all .. please i need ur help i just bought sidekick2 from T-mobile and i wanna unlock it to Saudi Arabia .. pleeeeeeeease help me my e-mail is [e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I have put my UK sim in the sidekick, and its not asking for any "special code" but it still does not appear to operate, it cannot find the network!! what do I do about that? pls holla, let me know. [e-mail] , SubX.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

i bought a Tmobile Sidekick2(GSM) online but i cant use it out here in Guam is there anyone who knows how to unlock it? or give me advice on how to it would be greatly appreciated thank you my email adress is [e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I HAVE A SIDEKICK 2 AND I HAVE A CINGULAR PHONE WITH A SIM. I NEED A SPECIAL CODE TO USE MY CINGULAR SIM ON MY SIDEKICK IF ANYONE CAN EMAIL EXPLAINING WHAT CODE I NEED THAT WOULD BE GREAT, MY EMAIL IS [e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

i want to buy a Sidekick 2, i've never had a T-Mobile account. I want to know, when you go to a t-mobile store, do they do a credit check? and do u have to have a credit card to purchase?
please someone email me at:: [e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

hi, i am also in need of help ti unblock my sidekick phone. im leaeving the country for a few months, and dont want to have to purchase a new phone just to use there. can anyone help me or give me the "special code" everyone seems to be talking about to unlock the phone?
please email me at [e-mail]. thanks!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Can anybody help tell me how to unlock my sidekick, so that i can use it on any Sim?
IMEI CODE: 010228001026306
SERIAL NUMBER: HT-G01023- CE C40402438

KINDLY EMAIL ME WHAT I CAN DO TO UNLOCK IT.
[e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I have a t-mobile account. However, it is for the Motorola v-300, and now I have the T-Mobile Sidekick. The SIM card works perfectly, however I cannot access the web. I got the sidekick on Ebay. Is it possible to access the web using the sidekick without an account set up with t-mobile specifically for the sidekick?

Pleasr e-mail me at [e-mail] Thanks!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

by unlocking the phone to another network what features will i be missing out on? did anybody ever find out if there is any way to unlock the phone whilst keeping all features in tact?

any help will be gretaly appreciated

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

by unlocking the phone to another network what features will i be missing out on? did anybody ever find out if there
is any way to unlock the phone whilst keeping all features in tact?

any help will be gretaly appreciated

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I recently purchased a sidekick 2 for my fiance who just left for Germany for 2 months. We have contacted t mobil numerous times about an unlock code and after several weeks and numerous promises from them we have yet to receive one. We even paid in advance for ninety days of our contract with them. After all this and about thirty phone calls to them, they told me today that the sidekick 2 cannot be unlocked at all because it is exclusively a t mobil phone. Basically, they are just waisting my time. Meanwhile, my fiance is in Germany and it's hard for me to get a hold of him without the phone. Can someone help Please!
Email me with any suggestions at [e-mail]. Thank you.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

You must be a T-Mobile customer for a couple months into your contract for them to direct you to their Sim Unlock Dept. They give a unique special code that is specific for your device based on its IMEI number. When using a foreign SIM card, the data service of the Sidekick will not be active and the Sidekick will only work as a normal phone (voice calls and SMS text messaging.)

Another option is to add the free WorldClass service to your T-Mobile account using a T-Mobile USA SIM card. This only costs money per use. This way, when you travel, you'll have access to voice, SMS, email, web access, and IM . Voice calls are 99 cents per minute including all fees (roaming and long distance to anywhere in the world) and data (emails, etc) are 1.5 cents per kb. This means a normal sized email sent or received should only cost 3-5 cents each (which is financially do-able.) Voice calls will add up quickly (which is why a foreign SIM card for voice only is a better option.)

Good luck.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I just recieved an unlocked sidekick 2 phone works great but it says something avout the GPRS configuration and I can text message but I cant recieve.... does anyone know how to fix this I called AT&t and they said they didnt have the configuations for the sidekick so they told me to call T-mobile and I called them and they said they should have it there. What do I do please help me [e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I have a brand new sidekick 2 that has never been used and I'm trying to get rid of it! If you're interested in getting one contact me soon at cyclone303 at yahoo.com. I'm looking at selling it for 250.00, I'm in denver colorado.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Ok.....without talking computer talk...I need some info.
I recieved my number to unlock my phone today. Had the phone 60 days and after 27emails they finally decided to give me the number...(probably to shut me up) anyway.......
1/ do I need to unlock it with a foreign sim card in it or can I use the yanky doodle dandy tmobile sim card.
2/ When I go overseas (Thailand) I will buy a prepaid sim card for phone calls only as they can add up. BUT can I slip back the Yanky doodle dandy one for IM and emails or wont it work over seas. If it doesnt work I will be pissed of as TMOBILE told me it does...well the shop did. SOOooooooo could anyone answer those two questions for me. Thanks very el muchio. And good luck to all those who have problems with the sidekick 11. Nice little compact computer so to speak but after our mate in NY....the Hilton person had her sidekick checked out by some naughty blokes who probably wanted to get her naughty pictures so it serves her right to throw herself all over the joint...I have had nothing but problems with mine though the probles are slowly disapearing...thank God.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

If anyone could send me a code to unlock my sk2, I would GREATLY appreciate it. I bought mine off ebay and tmo won't unlock it for me since I haven't been a customer for 90 days.... we dont even GET tmo service here! anyone please... help!

[e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

If anyone could send me a code to unlock my sk2, I would GREATLY appreciate it. I bought mine off ebay and tmo won't unlock it for me since I haven't been a customer for 90 days.... we dont even GET tmo service here! anyone please... help!

[e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I have the sidekick II (triband )but I living in Indonesia. Can anyone give me the code to unlock my tmobile sidekick II
i need the "special code". cos i can't call out to everybody, can't send message, etc.
if anyone has it please let me know thanks

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Can anybody help tell me how to unlock my sidekick, so that i can use it on any Sim?
serial number : HT-G02003-BE F44703475
IMEI : 010298001545670

[e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I am in the same boat as everyone else I need that special code so I can unlock my phone but I am not a tmobile customer can you please help me anyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I am in the same boat as everyone else I need that special code so I can unlock my phone but I am not a tmobile customer can you please help me anyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I am in the same boat as everyone else I need that special code so I can unlock my phone but I am not a tmobile customer can you please help me anyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Please help me, I've just bought a sidekick II phone and brought it to Sweden from America. Now that I have inserted my SIM card into my phone, it�s asking me for a special code.
Does anybody know how I go about getting it?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

Please help me, I've just bought a sidekick II phone and brought it to Sweden from America. Now that I have inserted my SIM card into my phone, it�s asking me for a special code.
Does anybody know how I go about getting it?
[e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I own a Sidekick II and I need to unlock it for AT&T/Cingular service. I know that I can't use the data portion of the phone, but I have others for that. If anyone can help me out, that'd be great. Just email me and I'll give you the information that you need.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I own a Sidekick II and I need to unlock it for AT&T/Cingular service. I know that I can't use the data portion of the phone, but I have others for that. If anyone can help me out, that'd be great. Just email me and I'll give you the information that you need. Just email me at [e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I have bought the color sidekick on ebay, but I living in the Netherlands. Can anyone give me the code to unlock it? Much appreciated.

Thanks a lot: [e-mail]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

I am having problems with my side kick 2
i can send text messages but i can't receive.. :(
i guess i need to unlock my phone 2 =(

thanks FOR UR HELP>.........

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

hey i'm one of hundreds caught in the cingular take over from att/suncom i have a sidekick2/hiptop2 issued by suncom need an unlock code so i can go to tmobile . can someone help me suncom says the "official position of the company is they do not have the unlock codes and to call danger" danger says they do have them but they have to release them to the customers of course this has not been done. any suggestions??

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:26AM]

hi, i bought a t mobile sidekick from ebay and i am trying to get it unlocked as i live in the uk.somebody please help me unlock this phone. i will pay!!!! email me at [e-mail]