Does the 4GEE WiFi Mini EE71-2BE8GB3 work with other networks?

[ayuen100]

Hi,

I have unlocked this device using a code from eBay. 

All looks well but it does not seem to be able to get internet with an active O2/Vodafone monthly SIM.

I've tried manually entering APN settings to no avail.

Any ideas how to get internet to work from providers other than EE?

[XRaySpeX]

@ayuen100 : By getting it unlocked by EE officially. It is likely that an unofficial unlock via eBay will not take, as your experience seems to show.

Where did you yourself get this device itself originally? Did you buy it yourself new direct from EE or from a 3rd-party reseller or is it 2nd-hand? The unlocking process & costs are different. Was it originally on contract or PAYG? How old is it? EE won't unlock contract devices less than 6 months old.

[ayuen100]

I signed a contract with carphone warehouse last week:
https://www.carphonewarehouse.com/broadband/mobile-broadband.html

£5 for this device + 30 day £15 EE contract.

Since I have unlocked it using an eBay code, is there a way to get an official EE code and re-enter the unlock code?

[XRaySpeX]

To unlock an EE device not bought directly from EE you need to call Customer Services on +44 800 956 6000 (option 2, option 4) to put you in touch with the Unlocking Team to request an Unlock Code. You will be asked for your email addy. They will take payment (of £8.99) from any valid UK bank card.

Once the process has been started you will receive an email from the Unlocking Team to process the unlock. It can take up to 10 days to complete the unlock.

I'm not sure EE will unlock a contract device not bought directly from EE that is under 6 months old.

[212Wembley]

Hi. Exactly the same issue. The unlock code works but will not connect to any other network. The issue to the best of my knowledge is the software is locked down to EE and unless the software is changed (flashed) then it will never work.

Doubt any unlock request to EE will make any difference and they will have no idea what you're talking about.

Its a new device so maybe in the future someone in the tech community will come up with a solution. 

[krzysiek82 · Accepted solution]

Hi I have got some good news if you already unlocked your device (even if you've used codes from eBay as codes are exactly the same as those provided by ee) you can update your modem firmware and it will work on different networks

To update your modem you will need active ee sim with some data 

It needs around 20 mb ... Just insert ee sim power up your modem connect your laptop or tablet to your modem over wi-fi network

Open web browser and type 192.168.1.1  go in to modern settings click on device -> update check for updates and update to the latest firmware

After update it works as it should on different networks

I have tested it and after firmware update it works for 100%

For those who haven't unlocked it yet, please unlock your device first and then update to the latest firmware

[ayuen100]

Thanks for the news, that is great to know about the new firmware.

Would love to get my device updated but unfortunately I currently do not have an active EE SIM. 

[Dupes]

Hi - I also have a 4Gee mini EE-71-2BE8GB3, and EE unlock team have been (attempting to) unlock this and utterly failing.

They initially sent me an unlock code of 10 digits based on the IMEI - but when I put a non-EE sim in and go to the device ip browser page to enter the unlock code in the relevant place, it states on it '16 digit code required'.

If i enter fewer digits then it wont let me submit them! it has to be 16 digits.

I have spent tens of hours back & forth in emails and screen shots with them and trying to unlock it, resetting the device, factory resets, etc.

EE claim they have contacted Alcatel (who make the device it seems) technical, who repeated the 10 digit code, then now say that its is already unlocked according to their system!? But it is not. It never has been - it still asks for a 16 digit unlock code when I put any non-EE sim, even after more resets.

Have others had to enter 10 digit codes or 16 digits?

Can anyone advise on this? I dont want to buy an ebay code if it will only be 10 digits again.

There is no fireware update available either - I had updated it when new, and it shows up to date when checked (with and EE sim or with non-EE).

Thanks - this is driving me nuts!

[Christopher_B]

Hi @Dupes

Thanks for coming to the community about this. 

I hope you're well and having a nice Monday, are you up to much? 

Could I just check when it was you last spoke to our customer care team, and where was it you left things with them?

Thanks

Chris 

[EssexBoyEE]

Just an Add On to this, a lot of the EE (Alcatel) Mini Models don't have 4G Band 20 Installed which O2 and Vodafone use as there Primary 4G Channels so Coverage and Area dependent this could be an issue, sometimes after Unlocking and any Firmware Updates, the Device (with an O2 or Voda SIM installed) needs to be taken for a Drive or a few Hours out of the House to somewhere where the SIM and Device can be activated on additional Bands 1 and 7 for the first time, with this in mind it's never going to be the perfect experience.

Typical issues with the above scenario are, No Network Service or Poor Coverage, Slow Network Start after a Power On, Poor Speed, 3G Only, Intermittent 4G Service and or No 4G+.