AT&T Community Forums

How do I unlock an AT&T wireless home phone device ZTE721?

I requested and received the unlock code for the wireless home phone base but I don't know how to enter it into the device. The directions tell me to insert the non AT&T SIM and then a prompt will pop up onto the screen where you enter the code. But this is not a cell phone, it is a wireless home phone base. The phones connected to it are regular landline phones. When you pick up the receiver you get a dial tone just like a regular landline.

I tried dialing in the code during the dial tone but nothing happens. I also tried connecting the device to a computer via two ended USB cord and nothing pops up on the screen. I searched up the topic and on Rogers Wireless from Canada it says that you have to enter a certain standard code before the unlock code for this device but that doesn't work. I am assuming AT&T devices have another code. Thanks.

Responses

Constructive

Former Employee

•

32.9K Messages

5 years ago

ive never heard of a home phone unlock code, what you received was an unlock code for a cell phone, have you checked your phone to make sure its on touch tone and not pulse?

0

formerlyknownas

ACE - Sage

•

118.4K Messages

5 years ago

The base does have a SIM card. https://www.att.com/esupport/article.html#!/wireless/KB413163?gsi=z1ov37

0

sandblaster

ACE - Expert

•

64.7K Messages

5 years ago

So even if it can be unlocked, where could you use it? Do any other carriers even offer a wireless home phone?

0

dm2850

Teacher

•

57 Messages

5 years ago

1. I received the code on the AT&T unlock website by entering the IMEI. The type of device came up so AT&T knows it's a wireless home phone and not a cell phone. The directions I googled said to dial "pound pound pound eight two five star zero nine pound" plus the unlock code but that does not work. The other option I was given was to plug the device into my computer via USB. The computer beeps like it knows it's plugged in but I cannot access it the "computer" tab nor does any window pop up.

2. I always have the phones on tone because pulse dialing does not work with wireless home phone.

0

dm2850

Teacher

•

57 Messages

5 years ago

Verizon and Sprint both offer the service but they are CDMA so there is no SIM card. However, a GSM carrier does not need to offer home phone wireless service per se. You can insert any SIM card into the device regardless of the plan. Once it's unlocked it will work.

T-Mobile has an unlimited talk and text plan with no data which is $20 and they even cover your taxes. I have another ZTE wireless home phone device that is branded with the AT&T logo but I bought it unlocked on Ebay. I inserted my T-mobile SIM card into it and it works fine.

BTW AT&T doesn't even offer wireless home phone as a stand alone service anymore. My plan is grandfathered in. Now, for wireless home phone with AT&T you have to purchase wireless data and both phone and data will run $60-$70 a month. I guess you can buy a prepaid AT&T SIM card or get the AT&T unlimited talk/text no data plan which I believe is $30 and then use the SIM card in the device.

0

formerlyknownas

ACE - Sage

•

118.4K Messages

5 years ago

@dm2850 wrote:

Verizon and Sprint both offer the service but they are CDMA so there is no SIM card. NOT TRUE. That information is very dated. All LTE phones have SIM cards, and every phone Verizon has sold in the last 7 years has a SIM card, even the flip phones.

However, a GSM carrier does not need to offer home phone wireless service per se. You can insert any SIM card into the device regardless of the plan. Once it's unlocked it will work. Okey dokey. And your point?

T-Mobile has an unlimited talk and text plan with no data which is $20 and they even cover your taxes. I have another ZTE wireless home phone device that is branded with the AT&T logo but I bought it unlocked on Ebay. I inserted my T-mobile SIM card into it and it works fine. And the point?

BTW AT&T doesn't even offer wireless home phone as a stand alone service anymore. My plan is grandfathered in. Now, for wireless home phone with AT&T you have to purchase wireless data and both phone and data will run $60-$70 a month. I guess you can buy a prepaid AT&T SIM card or get the AT&T unlimited talk/text no data plan which I believe is $30 and then use the SIM card in the device. Still not seeing your point in this post? ?

I don’t see what this has to do with inserting a non AT&T sim and unlocking the phone.

0

formerlyknownas

ACE - Sage

•

118.4K Messages

5 years ago

This thread from the correct part of the community indicates the phone can’t be unlocked:

https://forums.att.com/t5/AT-T-Phone-Equipment/How-do-I-unlock-a-wireless-home-phone-base/td-p/5137938

Please note the people on that thread are incorrect. There is no requirement or law that compels any carrier to unlock phones. It’s voluntary and only applies to cell phones and tablets. Although carriers are now VOLUNTARILY also unlocking watches and hotspots.

0

techie_boy_since_MSDOS

1 Message

2 months ago

You must login to the network wi-fi "AWI-xxxxx" from a tablet, phone or PC. Then you can access the http://attwirelessinternet in your browser (login password is "attadmin"). Then you will see the network unlock screen which gives you 10 tries. You must have the new SIM card inserted before you turn the unit on. You might need to find the new APN settings for your new carrier and go to System > Mobile Network and select "Custom APN". Type the name of the new APN you are using (ie "Mint" for Mint Mobile, "broadband" for StraightTalk) and select "save & apply". You may need to restart the wireless home phone unit and wait for it to connect. Hope this helps anyone trying to find answers for these AWI-40 devices.

0