Related
I know its probably a "no no" to post HOW to SIM unlock this phone but I just want to know if there is a way to unlock it for free without calling t-mobile...i'm NOT asking for a how-to, i'm just asking if this information is out there somewhere...a how-to would be GREAT but totally understandable if it can't be posted...i just don't want to be out there on a wild goose chase trying to unlock this thing without having to pay $38 or calling t-mobile...
i saw an application in another subforum on this site but it says it is for PPC only and this is a smartphone so i don't think that'll work...
There's no free unlocker at the moment. My guess is someone will come up with a way to do it but I wouldn't hold my breath for it. If you are going to be using this phone, I suggest you pony up the cash for it.
You can't call T-Mo if you aren't a subscriber. If you are a subscriber, there's no problem in getting the unlock code, I got it within a week.
monakh, can you please provide more info about getting the unlock code from T-Mo? Did you purchase the phone from T-Mo? It surprises me that they would be willing to do this.
hassan-dash said:
I know its probably a "no no" to post HOW to SIM unlock this phone but I just want to know if there is a way to unlock it for free without calling t-mobile...i'm NOT asking for a how-to, i'm just asking if this information is out there somewhere...a how-to would be GREAT but totally understandable if it can't be posted...i just don't want to be out there on a wild goose chase trying to unlock this thing without having to pay $38 or calling t-mobile...
i saw an application in another subforum on this site but it says it is for PPC only and this is a smartphone so i don't think that'll work...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is wrong with paying $38 to get the phone SIM unlocked as well as CID unlocked (T-Mobile won't CID unlock the phone for you). The phone is useless unless you do it. I did mine through IMEI-CHECK and it took 2 minutes and I was up and running. It was well worth the $38
Dan, I think for most people not having the phone CID-unlocked is not a huge deal so I disagree with you that the phone is 'useless' without it. Very few people go through with the tinkering the way you and I do. Frankly, so far I have not come up against this limitation and I have tweaked the phone to my satisfaction.
Someone mentioned that there's a way to downgrade the bootloader to install (at least) the new HTC test ROM that's been mentioned lately in this forum. I am not sure how true that is but if it is, then CID unlock is unnecessary at the moment. I do agree though, that $38 is a small price to pay to be able to have the freedom to do as you like with your phone. I keep wondering how IMEI-check does it. I have a feeling they have someone working with them over at HTC to make this work. It's not technical ability, it may be something else. They had an unlocker within a day or two of the Dash release. Corporate espionage or internal collusion or technical expertise, I am not sure what it is but somehow I don't think this has anything to do with the technology. We saw similar behavior with the Universal unlock application earlier this year.
maddog, it's a well known/enforced T-Mo policy that if you have been a customer in good standing with them for 90 days and have not made a similar request in that period (this is my 7th year with them), they will handily supply you with an unlock code upon request. For most people it's not a problem but if you are switching to T-Mo just to get a phone then you will obviously have to wait. I have had several phones unlocked through them since Y2K and have never had a problem.
monakh said:
Dan, I think for most people not having the phone CID-unlocked is not a huge deal so I disagree with you that the phone is 'useless' without it. Very few people go through with the tinkering the way you and I do. Frankly, so far I have not come up against this limitation and I have tweaked the phone to my satisfaction.
Someone mentioned that there's a way to downgrade the bootloader to install (at least) the new HTC test ROM that's been mentioned lately in this forum. I am not sure how true that is but if it is, then CID unlock is unnecessary at the moment. I do agree though, that $38 is a small price to pay to be able to have the freedom to do as you like with your phone. I keep wondering how IMEI-check does it. I have a feeling they have someone working with them over at HTC to make this work. It's not technical ability, it may be something else. They had an unlocker within a day or two of the Dash release. Corporate espionage or internal collusion or technical expertise, I am not sure what it is but somehow I don't think this has anything to do with the technology. We saw similar behavior with the Universal unlock application earlier this year.
maddog, it's a well known/enforced T-Mo policy that if you have been a customer in good standing with them for 90 days and have not made a similar request in that period (this is my 7th year with them), they will handily supply you with an unlock code upon request. For most people it's not a problem but if you are switching to T-Mo just to get a phone then you will obviously have to wait. I have had several phones unlocked through them since Y2K and have never had a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on this forum you are probably interested in changing ROMs and modifying your Excalibur. I'm just dumbfounded that people are willing to buy this phone and then have it just sit there and not work because its not SIM unlocked and they don't want to pay an extra $38 to have it unlocked.
You still need to have your Dash CID unlocked to install the test ROM from HTC.
monakh said:
Someone mentioned that there's a way to downgrade the bootloader to install (at least) the new HTC test ROM that's been mentioned lately in this forum. I am not sure how true that is but if it is, then CID unlock is unnecessary at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right, if you flash the bootloader (SPL-1.11) published here, you will be able to flash any ROM without CID checking, so you don't need to CID-Unlock your device.
monakh said:
I keep wondering how IMEI-check does it. I have a feeling they have someone working with them over at HTC to make this work. It's not technical ability, it may be something else. They had an unlocker within a day or two of the Dash release. Corporate espionage or internal collusion or technical expertise, I am not sure what it is but somehow I don't think this has anything to do with the technology.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They buy preproduction units to start investigation earlier, disassemble them, take all the flash chips out, read them... and I'm sure they kill several devices before they can release an unlocker.
DanITman said:
You still need to have your Dash CID unlocked to install the test ROM from HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you just need to flash the RUU_Excalibur_SPL-1.11_UpgradeOnly.exe first, no need to CID-Unlock, really!
Wow, great info, thanks pof.
Dan, I think one year ago you could have said that 'if you are on this forum, you are tinkering with ROMs and the like' but I daresay this is no longer true. Nowadays (thanks to Google and word of mouth), you will see many a newbie coming here looking for free unlockers and hoping for a silver bullet to solve all their problems. Just look at some of the posts in the newer device forums from people who *just* signed up and you will know what I am talking about. I think it would be fair to say that this site is no longer limited to incredibly hard-core geeks the way it was 12-18 months ago which is a lifetime in Internet time. That's probably a good thing and a bad thing. It's good because it drives traffic to this site and keeps them afloat but it's bad in the same a small mom & pop shop grows to the size of a Walmart losing the focus on the individual.
It's just the nature of the beast.
monakh said:
" I keep wondering how IMEI-check does it. I have a feeling they have someone working with them over at HTC to make this work. It's not technical ability, it may be something else. They had an unlocker within a day or two of the Dash release. Corporate espionage or internal collusion or technical expertise, I am not sure what it is but somehow I don't think this has anything to do with the technology. We saw similar behavior with the Universal unlock application earlier this year."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost all of your unlocking software is conducted by using an a pattern matching check sum. If you are a programmer of any sorts and understand how a GUID data type is constructed then the concept of unlocking is similar. A GUID is a data type that is a globally or guaranteed unique identifiable value that can be traced down to the exact machine, date and time the value was created. This is done be cause of an algorithm that uses the date time, machine name and computes a value.
SIM Unlock apps do the same thing, it uses the IMEI number as part of it's alogrithm. There have been documents published on how Motorola does it's sequencing for Locking and Unlocking devices. Once you have that pattern it is just a matter of knowing where in the ROM's flash memory the check sum value is stored, with that the IMEI number and the pattern algorithm you should be able to unlock your phone.
Why do you suppose IMEI-CHECK was able to produce an unlocker only two days after the Excaliburs Release?, and not only for the Excalibur, but simular phones from the same manufacture? like the T-Mobile MDA and SDA?
RazrV3 said:
SIM Unlock apps do the same thing, it uses the IMEI number as part of it's alogrithm. There have been documents published on how Motorola does it's sequencing for Locking and Unlocking devices. Once you have that pattern it is just a matter of knowing where in the ROM's flash memory the check sum value is stored, with that the IMEI number and the pattern algorithm you should be able to unlock your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might be true for Motorola, but it's completely different in HTC phones.
HTC phones are NetLocked and SimLocked using vendor specific AT command "[email protected]". The MSL code is a 8 digits string and has nothing to do with the phone's IMEI. If your phone is unlocked you can lock it to any MSL using this [email protected] command through the GSM AT command debugger ('rtask 7' or 'rtask b' bootloader command depending on which HTC device you're using).
imei-check only requests your imei to make sure you don't use their unlocker with other devices, but that's it, it is not used for computing the unlock code nor the radio patch.
Read here if you want understand it more deeply:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=280819&p=1046444
This was a great thread. Thanks pof for re-educating those that need it--not even a "thank you" from them. Especially those in denial of spending or "wasting" $38. I got my FREE unlock code from TMO (took about 5 business days) and have no problems with CID checks for at least the current HTC Excalibur ROM. Hopefully, the same will be case with future ROMs.
pof said:
That's right, if you flash the bootloader (SPL-1.11) published here, you will be able to flash any ROM without CID checking, so you don't need to CID-Unlock your device.
They buy preproduction units to start investigation earlier, disassemble them, take all the flash chips out, read them... and I'm sure they kill several devices before they can release an unlocker.
No, you just need to flash the RUU_Excalibur_SPL-1.11_UpgradeOnly.exe first, no need to CID-Unlock, really!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so. My Dopod c720w is the Excalibur, as you all know, but I still can't downgrade my bootloader. It says : Invalid Model ID.
And by the way, my dopod is not SIM Locked. I don't know if it is CID Locked or not.
Any one have ideas?
basically i just purchased a dash, i will be replacing the screen as soon as the parts come in, i ordered a new back plate, and will be purchasing new housing as soon as i get everything else fixed. i do need to unlock it for att, and i would like your guy's opinion on how to make this the most badass dash ever. im ive had wimo phones before, but i was younger and didnt really take care of em, not the case anymore.
plz help. and plz tell me the easiest way to unlock the total phone (sin, cid, and everything)
i thank everyone in advance, and i know this has been posted before, but i would like to know the easiest ways to do all of this, thanks guys.
I just did this, myself. Broken LCD, and all. It's a fun project!
I have found that the *easiest* way to do a SIM unlock, is to pay a vendor to generate an unlock code for you. In fact, there's a user on this forum who offers unlock codes, for a modest fee. Jockey.
The *cheapest* way to do a SIM unlock, is to appeal to TMobile, and have them issue you an unlock code for free. I am also on ATT, and TMobile unlocked my phone...but I am wholly unable to get TMobile service in my area, so this may have been a special case. YMMV
The other forms of unlocking are free...CID and app. Just use this forum's search feature, and you'll find them in no time.
I also found a whole housing available from a Chinese retailer site. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15829 Hopefully this doesn't violate any forum rules, but it could be a useful link for the forum members.
Hope this helps you get started.
Chuck
thanks for that, it was very helpful and did kinda give me a confidence boost.
can u tell me how to set up the phone so i can use att internet, or will it automatically set its self up?
whats your fave rom?
and thanks, ima probably pick up that housing after i get the cradle
and what does sid and app unlock actually do?...
well thanks again, cant wait till my screen arrives
bigboibbp said:
thanks for that, it was very helpful and did kinda give me a confidence boost.
can u tell me how to set up the phone so i can use att internet, or will it automatically set its self up?
whats your fave rom?
and thanks, ima probably pick up that housing after i get the cradle
and what does sid and app unlock actually do?...
well thanks again, cant wait till my screen arrives
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to app unlock if you want to flash a different rom and use third party apps, cid/sim unlock is if you want to use a different carrier besides tmobile.
roloracer said:
You have to app unlock if you want to flash a different rom and use third party apps, cid/sim unlock is if you want to use a different carrier besides tmobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kool... thanks.
any advice on what rom to use?
cool tweaks and apps?
bigboibbp said:
kool... thanks.
any advice on what rom to use?
cool tweaks and apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Test all the ROMs wont take 15 mins each to get set up as base, the choice is personal and you will find the ROM you like, there are threads about the apps we use & tweaks, please use the search & take a look @ the WIKI
Also many site can be found via Google with smartphone app's.
Hey guys,
Just got my One and I love it, but I was hoping for an AOSP release. Due to some hurdles regarding keeping my unlimited data (long story short, my university has a corporate contract with Verizon that lets me keep unlimited data and get new phones, so I pay them) I missed the day 1 release.
I know we don't have an unlocked bootloader or S-Off, and while I know my way around a command line, I'm far from the talent that will eventually crack the bootloader open.
So my question is, why does Verizon lock the phone in the first place? There's a number of people in these forums who keep saying "Verizon sucks, I'm leaving" over the issue, and while I know XDA Users are >5% of the total ownership, how does Verizon benefit from keeping us out of our phones? We had the day 0 unlock, so it's not like HTC is against it.
Thoughts? I'm curious as to know the motivation behind hindering open development.
This has always concerned me as well. I know tethering is probably a big deal, as well as removing bloat, but besides that I think they just want to be in control over the software. Part of this makes sense but pushing software updates that can brick an already rooted device is a little overkill.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
piratekingdan said:
Hey guys,
Just got my One and I love it, but I was hoping for an AOSP release. Due to some hurdles regarding keeping my unlimited data (long story short, my university has a corporate contract with Verizon that lets me keep unlimited data and get new phones, so I pay them) I missed the day 1 release.
I know we don't have an unlocked bootloader or S-Off, and while I know my way around a command line, I'm far from the talent that will eventually crack the bootloader open.
So my question is, why does Verizon lock the phone in the first place? There's a number of people in these forums who keep saying "Verizon sucks, I'm leaving" over the issue, and while I know XDA Users are >5% of the total ownership, how does Verizon benefit from keeping us out of our phones? We had the day 0 unlock, so it's not like HTC is against it.
Thoughts? I'm curious as to know the motivation behind hindering open development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well one simple answer is for warranty issue purposes... You have quiet a few people who don't know what they are doing when unlocking their devices whether it be s-off or just unlock in general and can have a bad flash depending on the process rendering the phone unusable (aka bricked) at that point the users first thought is "well I'm just going to go to Verizon and tell them my phone is borked and get a free one" .....
It's a terrible thing to do because you are basically stealing from the company that is providing you for your own error/negligence.
Another for a lot of users is free tethering apps that require root privileges where as Verizon wants you to use their own tethering app where they can monitor the use and charge you for the data usage as well..
Their is a number of different reasons they do it and it's all BS because quite frankly we are paying good money for these things and should have every right to do what we please with them!
piratekingdan said:
Hey guys,
Just got my One and I love it, but I was hoping for an AOSP release. Due to some hurdles regarding keeping my unlimited data (long story short, my university has a corporate contract with Verizon that lets me keep unlimited data and get new phones, so I pay them) I missed the day 1 release.
I know we don't have an unlocked bootloader or S-Off, and while I know my way around a command line, I'm far from the talent that will eventually crack the bootloader open.
So my question is, why does Verizon lock the phone in the first place? There's a number of people in these forums who keep saying "Verizon sucks, I'm leaving" over the issue, and while I know XDA Users are >5% of the total ownership, how does Verizon benefit from keeping us out of our phones? We had the day 0 unlock, so it's not like HTC is against it.
Thoughts? I'm curious as to know the motivation behind hindering open development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It cuts down on warranty fraud, service frauds (wifi tether etc), and potential network abuses.
Locked bootlaoders/secure phones are also a must for the business class customer, which they cater to
Murrda said:
Well one simple answer is for warranty issue purposes... You have quiet a few people who don't know what they are doing when unlocking their devices whether it be s-off or just unlock in general and can have a bad flash depending on the process rendering the phone unusable (aka bricked) at that point the users first thought is "well I'm just going to go to Verizon and tell them my phone is borked and get a free one" .....
It's a terrible thing to do because you are basically stealing from the company that is providing you for your own error/negligence.
Another for a lot of users is free tethering apps that require root privileges where as Verizon wants you to use their own tethering app where they can monitor the use and charge you for the data usage as well..
Their is a number of different reasons they do it and it's all BS because quite frankly we are paying good money for these things and should have every right to do what we please with them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is also what I believe the reason is as well.
I like talking about rooting/modding on social media with other involved Android users. But there's also the people that have an Android and see us talking about the benefits then asking if we can root their phone for them. My usual reply is that if you can't figure out how to do it yourself, you shouldn't be messing with your phone's file system.
Many of these people are the kind that would try to exploit the warranty if they screwed up their own phone. I personally know a few that have tried and failed rooting their phone but got a replacement from VZW.
Every device they have to give out due to failed rooting is a device they could have made $200+contract on.
I mean realistically if you think about it HTC basically gave us the go ahead with htcdev it's Verizon that is being the pain in the you know what. If they really wanted to be tool bags then let us do what we please as using the htcdev site we are already agreeing that we understand the consequences of agreeing to unlocking the device and for those that decide to do so should not be granted support for our device if anything goes wrong... That's how I feel!
It would be kind of nice if we could sign something with Verizon basically waiving any right to any kind of warranty replacement if they would allow is to unlock. I'd sign it. I'm always careful about what I flash so I would happily agree. I never thought about the tethering thing though.
Sent from my HTC One
I agree with the last two posts. We already agreed to void our warranty by using htcdev in the first place. I can halfway understand the tethering. They already keep track of the data we use. I pay for 4 gigs, I should be able to use it via tethering if I want to.
Sent from my phone using an app
For one, they want you to fall prey to the pre-installed bloat. But also because it costs them money if you have to keep using their customer service resources to figure out problems concerning your phone that it was never meant to do in the first place. They don't want to pay someone to be on the phone with a guy who hacked his device into oblivion unnecessarily. The costs of warranties is in addition to that. It does make business sense, as much as it irks the rest of us. And boy does it irk us... I planned to debloat my device the hour I got it but missed the HTCDev window by 12 hours thanks to a f**k up at my local retail store.
corporate customers, id believe
Lykarsis said:
It would be kind of nice if we could sign something with Verizon basically waiving any right to any kind of warranty replacement if they would allow is to unlock. I'd sign it. I'm always careful about what I flash so I would happily agree. I never thought about the tethering thing though.
Sent from my HTC One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is basically what the HTCDev.com unlock entailed. You agree to voiding your warranty upon unlocking the device. I'm totally cool with this and it's why I proceed with caution and carry insurance.
As far as tethering and security, these concerns exist with devices that are solely rooted and it seems root exploits are frequently found in even the most "secure" devices. Do locked bootloaders stand in the way of root? From what I've seen the answer seems to be no. That said, how does locking the bootloader make the phone that much more "secure" for the corporate clientele?
mlin said:
This is basically what the HTCDev.com unlock entailed. You agree to voiding your warranty upon unlocking the device. I'm totally cool with this and it's why I proceed with caution and carry insurance.
As far as tethering and security, these concerns exist with devices that are solely rooted and it seems root exploits are frequently found in even the most "secure" devices. Do locked bootloaders stand in the way of root? From what I've seen the answer seems to be no. That said, how does locking the bootloader make the phone that much more "secure" for the corporate clientele?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually on HTC's, locked bootloader does prevent root exploits (not the exploit themselves, but maintaining root after the initial attack on the device) by having write protection as well as a write lock on the device from the bootloader as well (write protection is from the kernel)
mlin said:
This is basically what the HTCDev.com unlock entailed. You agree to voiding your warranty upon unlocking the device. I'm totally cool with this and it's why I proceed with caution and carry insurance.
As far as tethering and security, these concerns exist with devices that are solely rooted and it seems root exploits are frequently found in even the most "secure" devices. Do locked bootloaders stand in the way of root? From what I've seen the answer seems to be no. That said, how does locking the bootloader make the phone that much more "secure" for the corporate clientele?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, in the case of most HTC devices, and unlocked bootloader does stand in the way of permanent root. Nothing you change holds through a reboot. I don't know for sure if it stop you from tethering.
It doesn't stop you from tethering, just makes it a bit harder. FoxFi is a good example, I'm locked yet foxfi still allows me to tether and set up a hotspot. I think PDAnet also works for USB tethering but not totally sure on that one.
Sent from my gimped not yet unlocked Verizon One
Indirect said:
Actually on HTC's, locked bootloader does prevent root exploits (not the exploit themselves, but maintaining root after the initial attack on the device) by having write protection as well as a write lock on the device from the bootloader as well (write protection is from the kernel)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lykarsis said:
Well, in the case of most HTC devices, and unlocked bootloader does stand in the way of permanent root. Nothing you change holds through a reboot. I don't know for sure if it stop you from tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, good to know. Thanks, I didn't realize this though now that you mention it, it does remind me of the EVO3D days when we were having trouble maintaining root through a reboot.
Its all tethering or hotspot you can cancell your home internet and just use lte
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 06:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:23 AM ----------
RebelShadow said:
It doesn't stop you from tethering, just makes it a bit harder. FoxFi is a good example, I'm locked yet foxfi still allows me to tether and set up a hotspot. I think PDAnet also works for USB tethering but not totally sure on that one.
Sent from my gimped not yet unlocked Verizon One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So foxfi does work? Pay app or free? Only reason I want to root unlock is for this my note 2 is rooted unlocked. So I can use that for my flash addiction
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
bulvine420 said:
Its all tethering or hotspot you can cancell your home internet and just use lte
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 06:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:23 AM ----------
So foxfi does work? Pay app or free? Only reason I want to root unlock is for this my note 2 is rooted unlocked. So I can use that for my flash addiction
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe if your home internet consists of one device, but LTE is too variable to be a viable home internet solution for me. I'll keep my cable 50 connection (hopefully upping to 100 in the next year).
as far as the tethering goes I"m not so certain that's the issue if you think about it AT&T and Verizon offer free tethering via their carrier apps so no point in making that an issue also to add to that you are given a set limit on how much data you use (I.E 2GB,4GB,6GB, & Etc) not like in Sprint's case where they offer you "Unlimited Data" (Albeit at a slower speed) still gives you the opportunity to abuse it. So as i see it they are two different cases so it shouldn't make a difference whether you use their app or a third party app.and going with what every one else has stated if we are going thru the TRUE manufacturer of the phone and they are allowing us a viable option to get what we seek with their disclaimers included then why block us out from getting what we require and what we paid for ?
djnarcotics said:
as far as the tethering goes I"m not so certain that's the issue if you think about it AT&T and Verizon offer free tethering via their carrier apps so no point in making that an issue also to add to that you are given a set limit on how much data you use (I.E 2GB,4GB,6GB, & Etc) not like in Sprint's case where they offer you "Unlimited Data" (Albeit at a slower speed) still gives you the opportunity to abuse it. So as i see it they are two different cases so it shouldn't make a difference whether you use their app or a third party app.and going with what every one else has stated if we are going thru the TRUE manufacturer of the phone and they are allowing us a viable option to get what we seek with their disclaimers included then why block us out from getting what we require and what we paid for ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what are you talking about? He has unlimited data as do alot of us. Verizon required those on unlimited data to pay 30 a month for tethering.
It's all to force you to pay more.
They killed the FM radio so that you have to use more data and run over your cap (if you're in that sad lot with limited data). And they block bootleg hotspots so that you have to pay for that too. Etc, etc.
If we can root, we can have devices that are as good and cheap to use as the ones on the other carriers, and that's not allowed.
Hey there, currently I am using Roger's Samsung Galaxy S3, I747M. I was using the stock 4.1.1 for a long time and then I rooted my device. Sometime after, I grew bored of 4.1.1 and upgraded to the new 4.3. I currently have Clockwork Recovery installed, though I don't remember which version (If it's relevant, I will get it). That being said, from what I remember, I got a stock version of 4.3 from SamsMobile or something like that. BUT, when I go to Settings > About > Software Update > Update, I get a message saying "Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available". Whether or not that means I have a proper stock ROM or not, I don't know. I'm fairly new at this.
All that being said, I'm looking to unlock my device so that I can use either a T-Mobile SIM while visiting the USA or a Wind SIM. Both companies have significantly better cellphone plans with USA Roaming.
That being said, Rogers charges $50 for a unlock. I've found numerous website that also unlock the phone for an average of $20 to $35. There's a local Kiosk in the mall near my house which also does it for $30 or $35 (I forget which). After extensive Google and XDA searching, I've also found a few different methods, though I don't know their effectiveness.
The first and most obvious one is the disabling of the SHA256. Referring to this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2176719
From what I understand, I'm not able to do this unless I downgrade my Android from 4.3 to 4.0.1 or 4.1.1 . I really don't want to do this as I really like 4.3 . Also, I'm not sure if I'm able to as I am aware that upgrading to 4.3 might have changed my bootloader type, preventing me from downgrading. How to check that, I don't know.
I've also found a tool that can unlock your device for you, though the original thread has been locked:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/17-02-2013-samsung-network-sim-unlock-t1731931
That being said, I've found a wordpress that contains the newer version of the unlocker tool, but whether or not it works and is safe, I haven't the slightest. Having tried downloading the tool, you need a login which comes from a text file, which you have to like something on Facebook for, etc. I did that but the password text wouldn't send so I wasn't able to try. Here's the site:
http://samsungnetworksimunlock.wordpress.com/
Myriad of unlock sites; which are good/trustworthy? I have no idea:
http://samsung-updates.com/
http://www.unlockediphone.me/
http://www.unlockyourphone.me/
http://www.unlocksamsungonline.com/
There are tons more that I've seen and been to that I haven't listed. Don't know which to use, if any.
SO, what it comes down to. What should I do to unlock my device? What is the best method? I would like to do it for free if possible obviously but I'm not sure how to go about it. Has anyone tried any of the above methods with success? Baring in mind my 4.3 circumstances and that I live in Canada on Rogers. Thoughts? Suggestions? Questions?
TL;DR - Need to unlock my phone, there's some complications. Unfortunately i can't condense the whole story, what do?
Isuress said:
Hey there, currently I am using Roger's Samsung Galaxy S3, I747M. I was using the stock 4.1.1 for a long time and then I rooted my device. Sometime after, I grew bored of 4.1.1 and upgraded to the new 4.3. I currently have Clockwork Recovery installed, though I don't remember which version (If it's relevant, I will get it). That being said, from what I remember, I got a stock version of 4.3 from SamsMobile or something like that. BUT, when I go to Settings > About > Software Update > Update, I get a message saying "Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available". Whether or not that means I have a proper stock ROM or not, I don't know. I'm fairly new at this.
All that being said, I'm looking to unlock my device so that I can use either a T-Mobile SIM while visiting the USA or a Wind SIM. Both companies have significantly better cellphone plans with USA Roaming.
That being said, Rogers charges $50 for a unlock. I've found numerous website that also unlock the phone for an average of $20 to $35. There's a local Kiosk in the mall near my house which also does it for $30 or $35 (I forget which). After extensive Google and XDA searching, I've also found a few different methods, though I don't know their effectiveness.
The first and most obvious one is the disabling of the SHA256. Referring to this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2176719
From what I understand, I'm not able to do this unless I downgrade my Android from 4.3 to 4.0.1 or 4.1.1 . I really don't want to do this as I really like 4.3 . Also, I'm not sure if I'm able to as I am aware that upgrading to 4.3 might have changed my bootloader type, preventing me from downgrading. How to check that, I don't know.
I've also found a tool that can unlock your device for you, though the original thread has been locked:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/17-02-2013-samsung-network-sim-unlock-t1731931
That being said, I've found a wordpress that contains the newer version of the unlocker tool, but whether or not it works and is safe, I haven't the slightest. Having tried downloading the tool, you need a login which comes from a text file, which you have to like something on Facebook for, etc. I did that but the password text wouldn't send so I wasn't able to try. Here's the site:
http://samsungnetworksimunlock.wordpress.com/
Myriad of unlock sites; which are good/trustworthy? I have no idea:
http://samsung-updates.com/
http://www.unlockediphone.me/
http://www.unlockyourphone.me/
http://www.unlocksamsungonline.com/
There are tons more that I've seen and been to that I haven't listed. Don't know which to use, if any.
SO, what it comes down to. What should I do to unlock my device? What is the best method? I would like to do it for free if possible obviously but I'm not sure how to go about it. Has anyone tried any of the above methods with success? Baring in mind my 4.3 circumstances and that I live in Canada on Rogers. Thoughts? Suggestions? Questions?
TL;DR - Need to unlock my phone, there's some complications. Unfortunately i can't condense the whole story, what do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my 2 cents, the 2 links for unlock tools (not unlock websites in which you gotta pay) are useless... first one is for international, second is fake since it require surveys
and I've never used any unlock sites to buy unlock keys so I can't tell you
though back to my question, if you were on 4.1.1, why didn't you unlock it then before you update to 4.3..
pcshano said:
my 2 cents, the 2 links for unlock tools (not unlock websites in which you gotta pay) are useless... first one is for international, second is fake since it require surveys
and I've never used any unlock sites to buy unlock keys so I can't tell you
though back to my question, if you were on 4.1.1, why didn't you unlock it then before you update to 4.3..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there! I think the tools might actually work if I don't find some weird survey version. for example, the unlocker on the SamsungUpdat site is actually one of the earlier release versions that did jellybean. I'd need to find testimonials for that though before I decide to drop a 3 euro donation. And to answer your other question, at the time I wasn't aware I was ever going to be interested in unlocking my phone. Let alone spending this much time to figure it out. That being said, say I did know I'd want to unlock in the future, I still wasn't aware that if I updated I would be able to keep the phone unlocked. As in, keeping the unlock through the update. I only just found out that the unlock involved another partition of the phone other than the one the OS takes place on. So, if I do manage to downgrade, if I were to unlock and the update back to 4.3 it would keep the unlock?
Isuress said:
Hey there! I think the tools might actually work if I don't find some weird survey version. for example, the unlocker on the SamsungUpdat site is actually one of the earlier release versions that did jellybean. I'd need to find testimonials for that though before I decide to drop a 3 euro donation. And to answer your other question, at the time I wasn't aware I was ever going to be interested in unlocking my phone. Let alone spending this much time to figure it out. That being said, say I did know I'd want to unlock in the future, I still wasn't aware that if I updated I would be able to keep the phone unlocked. As in, keeping the unlock through the update. I only just found out that the unlock involved another partition of the phone other than the one the OS takes place on. So, if I do manage to downgrade, if I were to unlock and the update back to 4.3 it would keep the unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you're unlock, it'll stay unlock but if your bootloader is mjb, as of now, there's no possible downgrade yet
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
pcshano said:
Once you're unlock, it'll stay unlock but if your bootloader is mjb, as of now, there's no possible downgrade yet
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I go about checking what version my bootloader is? Also, if I do end up downgrading, which method is the best for unlocking?
It's in setting->about phone under baseband version
And there's a free unlock method which had been floating around but it required stock 4.1.1 in order to do it
and again if your bootloader is MJB (most likely be the case), I'd advice you not to be foolish and downgrade cuz it'd brick your phone
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
pcshano said:
It's in setting->about phone under baseband version
And there's a free unlock method which has been floating around but it requires stock 4.1.1 in order to do it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're referring to this:
isuress; said:
The first and most obvious one is the disabling of the SHA256. Referring to this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2176719
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already mentioned that in the original post. That looks to me like a software related unlocked which I would feel would get reset when I upgrade back to 4.3. Is this not true? That being said, what exactly does disabling SHA256 do? From what I understand, it's actually an encryption algorithm. Is my data no longer encrypted once turning this feature off?
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Here's my About. Not sure what I'm looking for.
Isuress said:
If you're referring to this:
I already mentioned that in the original post. That looks to me like a software related unlocked which I would feel would get reset when I upgrade back to 4.3. Is this not true? That being said, what exactly does disabling SHA256 do? From what I understand, it's actually an encryption algorithm. Is my data no longer encrypted once turning this feature off?
Here's my About. Not sure what I'm looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry, I forgot your phone is i747M not i747
but in any case MK4 is the same as MJB
if you want free unlock, you have to wait for someone to find a way to remove KNOX so that you can downgrade to 4.1.1 for free unlock
although if you're looking for a way to downgrade the rom to 4.1.1 there is a way, but the bootloader still stay as 4.3 and with the 4.3 bootloader, you won't be able to do the free unlocking method
and to answer your question, no it's not. and I do not know what disabling SHA256 do as I've never used such software to help me unlock, also the link you posted gave me a 404 error
this might be a good read for you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2625461
pcshano said:
I'm sorry, I forgot your phone is i747M not i747
but in any case MK4 is the same as MJB
if you want free unlock, you have to wait for someone to find a way to remove KNOX so that you can downgrade to 4.1.1 for free unlock
although if you're looking for a way to downgrade the rom to 4.1.1 there is a way, but the bootloader still stay as 4.3 and with the 4.3 bootloader, you won't be able to do the free unlocking method
and to answer your question, no it's not. and I do not know what disabling SHA256 do as I've never used such software to help me unlock, also the link you posted gave me a 404 error
this might be a good read for you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2625461
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If we're still taking about the "SHA256[OFF]" method, I'm not sure if I feel comfortable doing that one. I also feel like once I downgrade, disable SHA256 and then go back to 4.3, that those settings will not carry over. Are there really no other methods?
Isuress said:
If we're still taking about the "SHA256[OFF]" method, I'm not sure if I feel comfortable doing that one. I also feel like once I downgrade, disable SHA256 and then go back to 4.3, that those settings will not carry over. Are there really no other methods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and no as long as KNOX is present
the only current working unlock is sadly to say, you have to pay for unlock code and the prices are varies
and as for that, I won't be of help because as I mentioned, I've never pay for any unlock code so I have no say in what will work and what not
Sorry.
pcshano said:
and no as long as KNOX is present
the only current working unlock is sadly to say, you have to pay for unlock code and the prices are varies
and as for that, I won't be of help because as I mentioned, I've never pay for any unlock code so I have no say in what will work and what not
Sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming KNOX is that little triangle notification thing that shows up on certain pages that says how many times you've messed with your device? I wasn't aware this little counter was a determent to anything?
Well, thanks anyway I suppose. Hopefully more people will start looking at the thread. Unfortunately it seems like this board moves slowly. I'm afraid of paying for an unlock for the most part. I'd need someone with unlocking experience to give me some feedback before anything.
Isuress said:
I'm assuming KNOX is that little triangle notification thing that shows up on certain pages that says how many times you've messed with your device? I wasn't aware this little counter was a determent to anything?
Well, thanks anyway I suppose. Hopefully more people will start looking at the thread. Unfortunately it seems like this board moves slowly. I'm afraid of paying for an unlock for the most part. I'd need someone with unlocking experience to give me some feedback before anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming so myself, I know what knox is but have never actually experience it.. my bootloader is still MJ2 which is the leaked version 4.3 that doesn't come with knox
and with that being said, don't get your hope up, because there hasn't any success in downgrading from 4.3 bootloader without bricking your phone
pcshano said:
I'm assuming so myself, I know what knox is but have never actually experience it.. my bootloader is still MJ2 which is the leaked version 4.3 that doesn't come with knox
and with that being said, don't get your hope up, because there hasn't any success in downgrading from 4.3 bootloader without bricking your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've read, it's near to impossible to fully brick your Samsung Galaxy S3 phone? I've seen a bunch of threads regarding unbricking it regardless of situation. Here's an example:
http://smartphonerepairsdiy.weebly....r-unbrick-samsung-galaxy-s3-all-versions.html
Isuress said:
From what I've read, it's near to impossible to fully brick your Samsung Galaxy S3 phone? I've seen a bunch of threads regarding unbricking it regardless of situation. Here's an example:
http://smartphonerepairsdiy.weebly....r-unbrick-samsung-galaxy-s3-all-versions.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that might be true, but i'm sure you don't want to risk it, because whether it's soft brick or hard brick, it's still a pain to fix it
pcshano said:
that might be true, but i'm sure you don't want to risk it, because whether it's soft brick or hard brick, it's still a pain to fix it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I just wish the form was more active.
Isuress said:
I'm assuming KNOX is that little triangle notification thing that shows up on certain pages that says how many times you've messed with your device? I wasn't aware this little counter was a determent to anything?
Well, thanks anyway I suppose. Hopefully more people will start looking at the thread. Unfortunately it seems like this board moves slowly. I'm afraid of paying for an unlock for the most part. I'd need someone with unlocking experience to give me some feedback before anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox is really a security system designed mostly with enterprise systems in mind. The problems with free unlocking your phone goes beyond Knox and really underscores the ongoing cycle of 'catch-up' games between Ol' Sam and the development community. The unlock exploit was first discovered in Android 4.1.1. Then Sam tried to close the exploit by removing it in JB 4.1.2. No problem. We simply went round by downgrading to 4.1.1, utilizing the exploit then upgraded back to 4.1.2. Now Sam went further by closing the downgrade loophole. It would appear the unlock exploit is really in the 4.1.1 radio. By linking the 4.3JB modem tightly to the bootloader and making the latter so secure as to be non-modifiable, the exploit appears closed - at least, for now. Please don't risk bricking your phone by trying any methods that may not work. The only sure thing for now is to get unlock code from the carrier or purchase one online.
If you are looking for a reliable service, you can try maingsmserver.com. I am not making any endorsements but I have used them several times with success each time.
Larry2999 said:
Knox is really a security system designed mostly with enterprise systems in mind. The problems with free unlocking your phone goes beyond Knox and really underscores the ongoing cycle of 'catch-up' games between Ol' Sam and the development community. The unlock exploit was first discovered in Android 4.1.1. Then Sam tried to close the exploit by removing it in JB 4.1.2. No problem. We simply went round by downgrading to 4.1.1, utilizing the exploit then upgraded back to 4.1.2. Now Sam went further by closing the downgrade loophole. It would appear the unlock exploit is really in the 4.1.1 radio. By linking the 4.3JB modem tightly to the bootloader and making the latter so secure as to be non-modifiable, the exploit appears closed - at least, for now. Please don't risk bricking your phone by trying any methods that may not work. The only sure thing for now is to get unlock code from the carrier or purchase one online.
If you are looking for a reliable service, you can try maingsmserver.com. I am not making any endorsements but I have used them several times with success each time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This clears up a lot of my curiosity on how the whole process works. I'm still curious as to what disabling SHA256 does. I'm aware it's a form of encryption but does that mean afterwards, my dad is all transferred and synced unencrypted?
Yeah, at this point, I might just have to go with getting a code somewhere but it really comes down to where. I just want something cheap. Less than $20. I'd part with $15 or something from a website. I'd love to go with my carrier but unfortunately Rogers is charging $50 for that. I was on the phone with a rep for a good hour discussing the possibility of it getting waived and all that business. She was very kind and offered other things but she was unable to waive the fee unfortunately. Even after talking with 3 different departments and her supervisor, lol.
There's a Kiosk in my local mall that does it for $30 but that's $10 more than I want to spend, haha. The site you linked is somewhat confusing and from what I'm seeing, it might be a bit too expensive? Also, I think the prices are in USD, not CAD so they'd be more probably.
Out of curiosity, do you know, or anyone reading this thread, know the process these companies, Kiosks or Carriers go through to obtain the unlock code? Is it a program? Do they call someone? The manufacturer maybe? I'd definitely work around this process if I knew how. I'm very interested in how the whole thing works.
Isuress said:
If we're still taking about the "SHA256[OFF]" method, I'm not sure if I feel comfortable doing that one. I also feel like once I downgrade, disable SHA256 and then go back to 4.3, that those settings will not carry over. Are there really no other methods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you unlock, it stays unlocked forever. It doesn't matter how you unlock it.
Isuress said:
This clears up a lot of my curiosity on how the whole process works. I'm still curious as to what disabling SHA256 does. I'm aware it's a form of encryption but does that mean afterwards, my dad is all transferred and synced unencrypted?
Yeah, at this point, I might just have to go with getting a code somewhere but it really comes down to where. I just want something cheap. Less than $20. I'd part with $15 or something from a website. I'd love to go with my carrier but unfortunately Rogers is charging $50 for that. I was on the phone with a rep for a good hour discussing the possibility of it getting waived and all that business. She was very kind and offered other things but she was unable to waive the fee unfortunately. Even after talking with 3 different departments and her supervisor, lol.
There's a Kiosk in my local mall that does it for $30 but that's $10 more than I want to spend, haha. The site you linked is somewhat confusing and from what I'm seeing, it might be a bit too expensive? Also, I think the prices are in USD, not CAD so they'd be more probably.
Out of curiosity, do you know, or anyone reading this thread, know the process these companies, Kiosks or Carriers go through to obtain the unlock code? Is it a program? Do they call someone? The manufacturer maybe? I'd definitely work around this process if I knew how. I'm very interested in how the whole thing works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't worry myself too much about the SHA256 protocol. There's a lot we are still learning about the unlock process. The key thing to understand is that, when the unlock is properly done, it survives all firmware changes and is impossible to reverse. For the commercial online services, it's always one of two options - either they have access to the official database or they've been able to figure out the key algorithm for generating the unlock codes. There is nothing random about how IMEIs are generated and there is always a key relationship between all the different parameters (phone model, carrier, country, unlock code, unfreeze code etc.).
The unlock codes for Samsung Canada on maingsmserver.com costs $28. You could try the Canada networks service which is much less but may not be as sure. From what I've seen around though, you should be wary about anything going for less than $20. Plenty of scams out there.
petenatas said:
Once you unlock, it stays unlocked forever. It doesn't matter how you unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that mean once you've disabled SHA256, which causes the phone to unlock, when you upgrade back to 4.2 or 4.3 that the unlock is retained AND SHA256 is re-enabled? Or does it just retain the unlock and SHA256 stays disabled? If the first situation is the case, then I might consider going through the hassle of downgrading and then re-upgrading?
Larry2999 said:
I wouldn't worry myself too much about the SHA256 protocol. There's a lot we are still learning about the unlock process. The key thing to understand is that, when the unlock is properly done, it survives all firmware changes and is impossible to reverse. For the commercial online services, it's always one of two options - either they have access to the official database or they've been able to figure out the key algorithm for generating the unlock codes. There is nothing random about how IMEIs are generated and there is always a key relationship between all the different parameters (phone model, carrier, country, unlock code, unfreeze code etc.).
The unlock codes for Samsung Canada on maingsmserver.com costs $28. You could try the Canada networks service which is much less but may not be as sure. From what I've seen around though, you should be wary about anything going for less than $20. Plenty of scams out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the impression they probably had some sort of Database or something of that caliber. I can't imagine they have some sort of generator because if that was the case, I'm sure something like that would have leaked by now by some employee, no?
For $28, I might as well go to the local Kiosk in my mall and have it done there. If I could find it for $15 or less, then maybe I'd do it online? Though, the SHA256 option is looking more promising. Though, that's assuming SHA256 re-enables itself while retaining unlock once the phones been updated. The idea of having some sort of data encryption disable bothers me for some reason. Unless you can explain how it's really no different than having it on?
Hi, I have a couple of phones, 1 used and 1 unused, that I want to sell. I am not much of an expert on flashing ROM's and rooting and all of that, but I managed to unlock the used one using the stickied method. There are occasional temporary freeze-ups, but I am not sure if it's related to the unlock method. The carrier screen still shows up when powering on, but I heard that can be eliminated by rooting. Other than that it works fine.
At first, I didn't think this unlock method was permanent for some reason, but it looks like it is. I am looking for advice on the best state to keep my phone for selling to get the most. Should I flash the used one back to stock and then unlock both phones using unlock codes? Or should I unlock the new one using the free method and then root both phones?
I feel like this phone has little resale value.. maybe like 50 to 100 bucks unlocked, "like new"?
As for rom I would go back to t-mobile touchwiz 4.1.2. It's what people are going to be familiar with in a samsung product.
If they know how to flash, it wouldnt matter to them to put whatever rom they wanted on it.