Unlocking a 2nd hand 4g Mini Wifi device

[Scotty13ell]

Hi there,

I was wondering if I can unlock a 4gee mini wifi device to all networks. My mum found it in a cupboard and has no use for it, also has no other info about it with regards to existing sims/numbers etc.

I'm with another network with my current wifi device and wanted to use the sim in the ee one so I've always got one charged for out and about when I'm on the road with work.

Thanks

Scott

[EssexBoyEE]

You can do do assuming it's not been Blacklisted.

Although you can unlock them they will still retain the EE Firmware and a lot of the Older ones only have Bands 1, 3 & 7 and don't have Band 20 for 4G use Installed, meaning with O2 or Vodafone who primarily use Band 20 for 4G Sim Authentication, so you may only get 3G Speeds in Rural Areas on these Networks when it defaults back to Bands 1 or 7.

[Scotty13ell]

How do I go about getting it unlocked. i cant find any registration documents anywhere. just know shes had it about 4/5 years or so

[EssexBoyEE]

If it's a Branded EE one, which sounds like it could be, it's probably an Alcatel, then EE can unlock for you for about 8 quid.

Word of warning though as you say you have no documentation, you will need the WiFi Password or the Default WiFi Password (for Factory Reset) as well the the Admin Login Name and Password to the Routers Home Page, normally admin and admin on older EE MiFi as you will need access to all this info inorder to 1, unlock it and 2, to change Network Settings with different Sims.

So bottom line if you don't have the above details then it's all a bit of a non starter I'm afraid as EE won't have your required information.

[Scotty13ell]

it has the sticker on with all Wifi key info, identification number of the device etc. confirmed that the password never been changed from the wifi key on the sticker etc.

should that be ok? it is EE branded too

[James_B · Accepted solution]

Hi @Scotty13ell,

Welcome to the EE Community. 🙂

Please see Unlocking your EE mobile phone or device for help with unlocking your 4GEE router.

Thanks

James

[EssexBoyEE]

Yea, as long as you have the WiFi Name and Password, that's the main one to have, and if it was changed, then by doing a Reset it will roll back to that Sticker one anyway.

The other one for admin use will be like I said probably, user admin, password admin, on homepage 192.168.1.1 if not Google will help you with that as they were fairly generic.

Might be worth putting another Network SIM in the first to try it, never know, might get lucky, some did slip through the system unlocked from EE.

[Paul1simon]

I have a 4GEE WiFi Mini 2020. I’ve been onto the EE website to unlock, entered the correct IMEI and now can’t get any further? It’s just showing my device details & an exclamation mark in a yellow circle? I’m assuming this means I can’t unlock it, but not sure why?!

[James_B]

Hi @Paul1simon,

Welcome to the EE Community. 🙂

Please could you share a screenshot of the webpage where you get stuck? 

Thanks

James

[Paul1simon]

Hi James

Here you go

Thanks

Paul

[Mod edit: Image rejected due to it containing personal information.]