what is simlock from a technical point of view?
i know it's purely software, but where? if i flash a custom rom, is the lock gone? or is it in built deeper in the system, for example the bootloader? is it somehow the carrier, who can identify the phone? there is a specific code involved, i think. i'm bloody confused. :silly:
what do these (dubious) websites do?
i'm sorry for my lack of patience, but i didn't immediately find an answer using forum search and google. usually people only want to know what they have to do, not what they have to do.
i know there are people on this forum knowing the answer. earn yourselves a thanks!
BigFatTony said:
what is simlock from a technical point of view?
i know it's purely software, but where? if i flash a custom rom, is the lock gone? or is it in built deeper in the system, for example the bootloader? is it somehow the carrier, who can identify the phone? there is a specific code involved, i think. i'm bloody confused. :silly:
what do these (dubious) websites do?
i'm sorry for my lack of patience, but i didn't immediately find an answer using forum search and google. usually people only want to know what they have to do, not what they have to do.
i know there are people on this forum knowing the answer. earn yourselves a thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sim lock is a network specific lock that carriers place on the phone to prevent you from using another carriers sim card in your device. the lock is unique to a carrier so only their network will work.
flashing custom roms will not remove the simlock. it is built deeper in the system, not even the bootloader, in the sensation the unlock code was written in the nand memory and we were able to find it in some devices
What these dubious unlocking websites do is provide you with an unlocking code, a sim locked device will have a specific 8 digit code, by entering that code, you authorize the device to allow sim cards from other networks to work on your phone.
Not sure where the websites get there codes from but usually they are correct and unique.
Related
Hi everyone
i am brand new to android and just my self a brand new arc from rogers.
what should i do with?
i am one of those guys who really cant sit straight with the default ... lol
thanks
the all in one namaste guide was my first good read...
cryogenix said:
the all in one namaste guide was my first good read...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks alot
do you by chance have a link to it?
and also, i need to unlock it so i can use it on a different carrier
thanks
its stickied at this section. the top thread.
easiest and cheapest way to unlock is to use omnius but this will also unlock your bootloader but it can always be locked again.
here is link to the guide about arc
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1133650
Not much to do except themeing and rooting at the moment for a stable phone.
My suggestion is to just use it as it is because the battery life is awesome with stock ROM. I had timescape and other junk uninstalled.
There is not as much development going on for arc as for the x10 at the moment.
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
If u are willing then check this out-
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1102523
its still in development but .....as u said
i am one of those guys who really cant sit straight with the default ... lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can unlock the bootloader then you should look at installed doomlords kernel... allows you to overclock the CPU.. amongst other things!
thanks everyone for your help
i really appreciate it
i followed the namaste tutorial and now have a rooted arc with 3.0.A.2.181 generic firmware
my next question and probably most important one
how do i unlock the phone to use on a different carrier?
when i insert my sim from other carrier it asks for SIM unlock code? do i have to call them to get this?
thanks again
No mate, you must buy an unlock code from a trusted website.
I highly doubt the carriers will give you an unlock code.
any recommendations for a site to get the unlock code?
Not sure why you bought a brand new locked phone to a carrier you don't use? How strange. Anyway, your carrier should sell you an unlock code. In the UK this is usually GBP15.
I would also avoid fiddling too much with custom firmware - what little exists is very early in development and rather rough. The stock SE firmware is actually very good.
The most I would do if you want to debrand is to flash a generic stock SE ROM and then actually use your phone and enjoy it.
thanks alot
i did flash it with generic rom. so thats good to go
i still dont know why i rooted it because i dont see a use for it so far... will have to wait and see
any experience with Cellunlocker.net?
Yes - I used them. I got the code in the end but it took ages - maybe it will be different now. It was expensive though. Doesn't Omnius-Server unlock phones and you get the bootloader unlocked at the same time - its way cheaper than cellunlocker too.
for unlocking a sim-locked arc in the most cost efficient way and helping the community, contact Blagus for his service.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/member.php?u=2645841
jtdc said:
for unlocking a sim-locked arc in the most cost efficient way and helping the community, contact Blagus for his service.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/member.php?u=2645841
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
eset is blocking this guys website. its harmful
whats the different between simunlock and bootloader unlock?
i want to be able to use it on a different network? which one do i need?
thanks
> eset is blocking this guys website. its harmful
whats the different between simunlock and bootloader unlock?
i want to be able to use it on a different network? which one do i need?
not sure why its blocked but just contact him directly here in xda-forums.
"sim unlock" allows your phone to use any networks and not just where your phone was subsidized from. means can use any sim card and network worldwide. of course if you will just stick to your current provider and not intend to go to other country and use the sims there, maybe you will not need sim unlock. also, a sim unlocked phone has more value in terms of resale.
"bootloader unlock" allows your phone to be programmed to use other software or system which is either a modified form of software from Sony Ericssson (often with enhancement) or even a whole new system for the phone which makes it look and work differently from the original. it is for more technically expert users.
For me, i am ok with Sony Ericsson stock, but I do appreciate the bootloader unlock as it allows me to flash doomlord's kernel makes downclock phone max speed possible to save battery life. it also gives root access already which offers full control of the programs running in the phone.
For your requirement, sim unlock is enough. But I believe Blagus solution when done, does already a sim unlock AND enables the phone to be bootloader unlocked. Note that it just "enables unlocking", its still choice to have it remained in locked state. Because sim locked phones have locked bootloaders and cannot be unlocked using the Sony Ericsson publicly provided procedures.
So I've heard about bootloader unlocking which, I guess, enables me to have full control over the device (not like rooting, I understand that) and to do stuff like flashing new ROMs, etc.
But what about network unlocking? I mean, I'd like to be able to use my phone on any network I wish, do I need to unlock the bootloader for that? Do the network restrictions automatically disappear if I unlock the bootloader?
Also, is there anyway I can disable network restrictions by myself (without using something like a special SIM card or asking for remote unlocking) without having to pay for any unlocking service or ask someone to do it for me?
Thanks in advance! :3
positiveh said:
So I've heard about bootloader unlocking which, I guess, enables me to have full control over the device (not like rooting, I understand that) and to do stuff like flashing new ROMs, etc.
But what about network unlocking? I mean, I'd like to be able to use my phone on any network I wish, do I need to unlock the bootloader for that? Do the network restrictions automatically disappear if I unlock the bootloader?
Also, is there anyway I can disable network restrictions by myself (without using something like a special SIM card or asking for remote unlocking) without having to pay for any unlocking service or ask someone to do it for me?
Thanks in advance! :3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, so to answer your question, when you unlock the bootloader the sim lock remains, also afaik there are no "free" ways in which to remove the sim lock at this moment in time, the only way is to get the unlock code from your service provider or pay a remote unlocking service.
I think i may have seen on the arc forum somewhere for a small fee you can get your boot loader unlocked and sim unlocked at the same time.
One last note if your arc is sim locked there is a chance that you wont be able to unlock the bootloader via sony ericsson developer world, depending on your carrier
furrabbit.nh said:
I think i may have seen on the arc forum somewhere for a small fee you can get your boot loader unlocked and sim unlocked at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That means it's also possible to unlock the boot loader remotely?
Also, if there's someone who can do it for us (small fees inc.), that means there's actually a way to do it, right?
positiveh said:
That means it's also possible to unlock the boot loader remotely?
Also, if there's someone who can do it for us (small fees inc.), that means there's actually a way to do it, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is a way to do it, i cant remember how much it costs exactly, but it's done remotely and sim unlocks and boot loader unlocks at the same time
And is it something I can do by myself?
positiveh said:
And is it something I can do by myself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No its done remotely, im trying to find you a link hold on.
furrabbit.nh said:
No its done remotely, im trying to find you a link hold on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's posted in the stickys. ;-)
Sent from my LT15i using XDA App
furrabbit.nh said:
Hi, so to answer your question, when you unlock the bootloader the sim lock remains, also afaik there are no "free" ways in which to remove the sim lock at this moment in time, the only way is to get the unlock code from your service provider or pay a remote unlocking service.
I think i may have seen on the arc forum somewhere for a small fee you can get your boot loader unlocked and sim unlocked at the same time.
One last note if your arc is sim locked there is a chance that you wont be able to unlock the bootloader via sony ericsson developer world, depending on your carrier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If someone else can do this as a paid service. Why can't someone explain how its done and make it available for free?
somedude67 said:
If someone else can do this as a paid service. Why can't someone explain how its done and make it available for free?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for that i cannot answer.. But at a guess a lot of hard work will have gone into this. It keeps drm intact, provides Sim unlock and enables fast boot on handsets which didn't have it before, if i was in that situation with my arc i would have gladly paid, and i myself think the Dev/Devs are entitled to some hard earned cash
somedude67 said:
If someone else can do this as a paid service. Why can't someone explain how its done and make it available for free?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly my point, that's what I wanted to say ;_;
furrabbit.nh said:
As for that i cannot answer.. But at a guess a lot of hard work will have gone into this. It keeps drm intact, provides Sim unlock and enables fast boot on handsets which didn't have it before, if i was in that situation with my arc i would have gladly paid, and i myself think the Dev/Devs are entitled to some hard earned cash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The boot loader can be unlocked whilst keeping drm intact?
Now that is something id be interested in paying for know anyone who would be able to do this?
In brief:
I recently upgraded to the r800at on AT&T, and I've already come to root the phone on .270 using flashtools, (can't get OTA update due to specific circumstances, irrelevant) and I'm confused on the status of whether my bootloader is locked or able to be flashed with custom roms/recovery. After using the instructions at (unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions), I was stuck after the first few steps, as in the configuration file, the only items displayed were the IMEI, IMEI software version, Speech codecs, and working bands. Picture: (i.imgur.com/GTBLE.jpg)
I've done my best to try and search the forums for the same problem that clarify it, but due to either this being an isolated incident or my own incapability, I have been unable to locate a solid answer. Can anyone provide clarification?
Thanks.
Type the following in the dialed *#*#7378423#*#* then go to Service Info -> Configuration info. Where it says bootloader unlock allowed will probably say no which means you can't unlock it the Sony way. You have to do the test point method and pay one of the few members on the forums to u lock it for you. You are paying for the credits used for the software to unlock the phone.
Search the forums a bit. There is tons of info on unlocking the r800at.
Spectre51 said:
Type the following in the dialed *#*#7378423#*#* then go to Service Info -> Configuration info. Where it says bootloader unlock allowed will probably say no which means you can't unlock it the Sony way. You have to do the test point method and pay one of the few members on the forums to u lock it for you. You are paying for the credits used for the software to unlock the phone.
Search the forums a bit. There is tons of info on unlocking the r800at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this exactly as you stated. As posted above, the only things showing are the IMEI, IMEI software version, Speech Codecs, and Working bands. There's no info showing via the bootloader. I was just curious as to what that meant.
I just checked on mine and I don't see that there either. My bootloader was already unlocked. Odd. I wonder if that goes away once the bootloader is unlocked.
You could always check and see if you have access to fastboot.
Hello! I've been trying to figure out how to sim unlock my phones for quite a while now. I've asked everywhere, even unlocking sites how they get these codes (to no avail of course) and I never tried asking here for some reason. I want to learn how it's done, and how I can do it myself. My Dad jumps from phone to phone and always needs to get them unlocked. I don't want to pay for them anymore, I'd rather do them myself!
I just found this thread: [TUTORIAL] Unlock Samsung [GT-S5570 / i5500 / Galaxy Ace] which will help me unlock my aunt's phone which is nice I guess, but it looks to be a Samsung only method. Am I able to use a similar method with a phone that has an EFS folder? Is it in the nv_data file? How do unlocking websites retrieve the unlock code with just the model, network and imei? Do they simply ask the carrier?
I'd love for any sort of help! Just a guiding light, a path to follow, anything! Please and thank you!
Some phones can be unlocked using software exploits however most require a unlock code that is generated based on the imei as far as I know you can not generate these codes yourself
The short answer is that there are very few ways to get free unlock codes for phones these days. Samsung sometimes leaves system directories wide open which allows for a few tweaks to get the phone unlocked, but most other manufacturers have things locked down pretty tight.
The databases from SIM unlock services are filled with unlock codes which they purchase from manufacturers or component makers.
They have a app now that does it on the market but for how long who knows. U have to b rooted for it to work
unlock codes
Do you know what the name of that app is?
Hi everyone !
Hope I'm not making any double post but I couldn't find any explanation for this very specific situation.
After thorough research it, it seems that most of samsung devices has a secret setting called "OEM unlock" that we have to use to do the first step of rooting the device. In some cases that setting is missing but can be displayed again by some "date settings" tricks or waiting 7 days. In some other cases which seems to be mine, the "OEM unlock" setting is simply removed by probably the carrier of the phone and can't be reinstated.
In that last case which seems to be mine, I can't find any precise information wether we can or we simply can't unlock bootloader by other way and therefore root the phone.
Could anyone enlighten me ?
Thank you very much in advance !
-sofiann- said:
Hi everyone !
Hope I'm not making any double post but I couldn't find any explanation for this very specific situation.
After thorough research it, it seems that most of samsung devices has a secret setting called "OEM unlock" that we have to use to do the first step of rooting the device. In some cases that setting is missing but can be displayed again by some "date settings" tricks or waiting 7 days. In some other cases which seems to be mine, the "OEM unlock" setting is simply removed by probably the carrier of the phone and can't be reinstated.
In that last case which seems to be mine, I can't find any precise information wether we can or we simply can't unlock bootloader by other way and therefore root the phone.
Could anyone enlighten me ?
Thank you very much in advance !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume you know that the OEM unlock toggle is in the developer settings? To enable developers settings, tap build number repeatedly until it says you are now a developer. You will need no fancy trick to show it as the lock that hides OEM unlock, only came out in oreo. I don't think carriers disable OEM unlock on Samsung's but I could be wrong. Lastly, if you get it figured out, go over here to the right thread and get it rooted. Good luck! https://forum.xda-developers.com/sa.../how-to-root-twpr-flash-a300fu-a300y-t3494362
SnowFuhrer said:
I assume you know that the OEM unlock toggle is in the developer settings? To enable developers settings, tap build number repeatedly until it says you are now a developer. You will need no fancy trick to show it as the lock that hides OEM unlock, only came out in oreo. I don't think carriers disable OEM unlock on Samsung's but I could be wrong. Lastly, if you get it figured out, go over here to the right thread and get it rooted. Good luck! https://forum.xda-developers.com/sa.../how-to-root-twpr-flash-a300fu-a300y-t3494362
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the answer.
You assume right. I enabled developers settings first, saw that I didn't have OEM unlock option visible, then started to look about this issue. It is quick to see that in many case, even for phone not on OREO (I'm with Marshmallow 6.0.1), this OEM unlock is missing. But based on internet available data, it seems that in most of the case there is a trick to make it visible again. It is a sort of samsung security against thief that hide this option for seven days.
The trick didn't work for me and by looking more I saw that some people seems to be facing the same situation as mine. Some suggest that it is disabled by carrier.
But I couldn't find a solution anywhere for that context.
My question remains.
Here is a more detailed explanation :
from https://www.howtogeek.com/239798/how-to-unlock-your-android-phones-bootloader-the-official-way/
""There are two kinds of phones in this world: Those that let you unlock your bootloader, and those that don’t.
Whether you’re allowed to unlock your bootloader depends on the manufacturer of your phone, the model you have, and even your carrier. Nexus phones are all unlockable by nature, and many phones from Motorola and HTC allow you to unlock your bootloader through a similar process as the Nexus.
Other phones, however–and some carriers–don’t allow you to unlock your bootloader the official way, which means you have to wait for developers to exploit a security vulnerability if you want to root and flash ROMs. If you have one of those phones, this guide will sadly not help you.
The best way to find out which category your phone falls into is to browse its section at XDA Developers. If you have an HTC or Motorola phone, you may be able too research its unlockability on HTC or Motorola’s website. If it doesn’t support unlocking, you’ll have to use an unofficial unlocking or rooting method, which you’ll usually find on the XDA Developers forums.""
-sofiann- said:
Thank you for the answer.
You assume right. I enabled developers settings first, saw that I didn't have OEM unlock option visible, then started to look about this issue. It is quick to see that in many case, even for phone not on OREO (I'm with Marshmallow 6.0.1), this OEM unlock is missing. But based on internet available data, it seems that in most of the case there is a trick to make it visible again. It is a sort of samsung security against thief that hide this option for seven days.
The trick didn't work for me and by looking more I saw that some people seems to be facing the same situation as mine. Some suggest that it is disabled by carrier.
But I couldn't find a solution anywhere for that context.
My question remains.
Here is a more detailed explanation :
from https://www.howtogeek.com/239798/how-to-unlock-your-android-phones-bootloader-the-official-way/
""There are two kinds of phones in this world: Those that let you unlock your bootloader, and those that don’t.
Whether you’re allowed to unlock your bootloader depends on the manufacturer of your phone, the model you have, and even your carrier. Nexus phones are all unlockable by nature, and many phones from Motorola and HTC allow you to unlock your bootloader through a similar process as the Nexus.
Other phones, however–and some carriers–don’t allow you to unlock your bootloader the official way, which means you have to wait for developers to exploit a security vulnerability if you want to root and flash ROMs. If you have one of those phones, this guide will sadly not help you.
The best way to find out which category your phone falls into is to browse its section at XDA Developers. If you have an HTC or Motorola phone, you may be able too research its unlockability on HTC or Motorola’s website. If it doesn’t support unlocking, you’ll have to use an unofficial unlocking or rooting method, which you’ll usually find on the XDA Developers forums.""
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The trick didn't work for you because there is no security thing on marshmallow. What carrier are you on if you don't mind telling? Samsung's aren't bootloader unlocked like other phones.
-sofiann- said:
Hi everyone !
Hope I'm not making any double post but I couldn't find any explanation for this very specific situation.
After thorough research it, it seems that most of samsung devices has a secret setting called "OEM unlock" that we have to use to do the first step of rooting the device. In some cases that setting is missing but can be displayed again by some "date settings" tricks or waiting 7 days. In some other cases which seems to be mine, the "OEM unlock" setting is simply removed by probably the carrier of the phone and can't be reinstated.
In that last case which seems to be mine, I can't find any precise information wether we can or we simply can't unlock bootloader by other way and therefore root the phone.
Could anyone enlighten me ?
Thank you very much in advance !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Galaxy A3 2015 (SM-A300FU) has no OEM unlock as A3 from 2015 don't even have FRP Lock, neither it has RMM state. That means there is no lock which prevents you to flash any custom binaries like TWRP recovery with Odin. You'll only lose access to knox apps/services (because of knox 0x1), rest remains the same.
SnowFuhrer said:
The trick didn't work for you because there is no security thing on marshmallow. What carrier are you on if you don't mind telling? Samsung's aren't bootloader unlocked like other phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi !
About my device, here are details :
Samsung A300FU
Android 6.0.1
BASEBAND VERSION : A300FUXXU1CPH3
Build number : MMB29M.A300FUXXS1CQD5
Carrier was French company called Bouygues.
About bootloader lock or not, I can see on various website that many samsung are bootloader locked but can be unlocked easily by this OEM unlock option. Sometimes it is missing. Two reasons for that : Security check that is removed after 7 days or apparently permanently removed by carrier or geographic area control.
If i'm in that last case, is there any other solution to unlock the boatloader ?Or the phone is just unrootable. It seems strange to me that some phone are just unrootable.
Thanks again !
-sofiann- said:
Hi !
About my device, here are details :
Samsung A300FU
Android 6.0.1
BASEBAND VERSION : A300FUXXU1CPH3
Build number : MMB29M.A300FUXXS1CQD5
Carrier was French company called Bouygues.
About bootloader lock or not, I can see on various website that many samsung are bootloader locked but can be unlocked easily by this OEM unlock option. Sometimes it is missing. Two reasons for that : Security check that is removed after 7 days or apparently permanently removed by carrier or geographic area control.
If i'm in that last case, is there any other solution to unlock the boatloader ?Or the phone is just unrootable. It seems strange to me that some phone are just unrootable.
Thanks again !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you read @prototype74 's post it explains it quite well. I think your bootloader is already unlocked if I read right.
SnowFuhrer said:
If you read @prototype74 's post it explains it quite well. I think your bootloader is already unlocked if I read right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi !
Thank you very much both of you for your help. Indeed there was no OEM unlock.
Many posts talking about OEM unlock existing on that A3 and the fact that I couldn't check if it was locked or not using the two methods advised (with adb or with a special code to dial up on the phone interface) led me to stop at that step to be sure before going on.
It is advises not to root a divise with a bootloader locked to avoid bricking it.
Anyway, trusting your input I did the whole process of rooting and putting a custom rom and it's all great !