Decent Unlocked phone ~$200?

[bhlombardy]

thanks...i called back virgin & they gave me another # to call.. we shall see.

The phone seems to be from older inventory, but this is fine. As was mentioned, all paid-for-phones are required to be unlocked now in Canada. (and this is a paid-for phone).
Virgin may be YOUR service provider, but Virgin is not responsible for that phone whatsoever. The unlock code has to come from the provider who has the phone locked. -- in this case that is PC Mobile.

Regardless what network they piggyback on (Rogers/Fido, Bell/Virgin, Telus/Koodo), PC Mobile is who has to unlock it, or provide the unlock code. Codes are 100% unique to each phone and provider, there isnt one "master code" for all phones.

That being said, you will need to give them your IMEI# from your phone... so be prepared with that info... and dont be discouraged if they tell you may take a day or two as codes can take up to 48 hours (business days, mind you) for them to generate as they often have to coordinate with the manufacturer to get one.

Once you get the code, the simplest way to unlock your phone is to put a different carrier's SIM in the phone (in this case any NON-PC mobile SIM... your Virgin SIM is perfect) and it will immediately come up with a message that says "invalid carrier" (or some such, depending on the brand/model) and then give you the option to enter the unlock code. Once the code is entered, you may get a reset on the phone and possibly a period of updates/firmware download (again, depending on the model and carrier)... but once you get to the main screen, you'll be on your Virgin service.

Good luck.

[Linda Evans]

thanks for the info...i had to buy another sim card & after a few bumps, its working...was able to transfer my balance to new phone. omg..i hate NEW things, this is the LAST phone i will own....lol

[Ph00p]

Anybody feel like helping out someone that can't get to one of these PC mobile places for this Moto g 5 deal?

[tjthemanto]

i got the motoG5..its locked to pc moble.. i called virgin & they said to call or visit pc mobile... is there a charge for this? i dont know where to look....??

After Dec 1, 2017 , ALL phones should be sold unlocked according to CRTC. If the phone is locked they should provide you an Unlock code for FREE within the box or when you call in.

Even if your phone is locked to PC Mobile, till it gets unlocked for FREE you will be able to use it with Virgin Mobile, because :

PC Mobile Pre-Paid runs on BELL network the exact same network on which Virgin mobile runs.

PC Mobile Post-Paid runs on TELUS network.

Even in the olden days when cell phones didn't have to be unlocked people could run PC Mobile pre paid phones on either BELL or Virgin without unlocking.

But its better if you get it unlocked for FREE as in future you will also be able to use it on other networks like Rogers, Telus, Freedom Mobile and other sister brands like Fido, Koodo, Chatr, Videotron etc.