This is the first android phone I have, so I hope I am not asking stupid question.
I purchased a tmobile S3 seperately with a not qualified data plan. (the old 2G plan).
Whenever I access the internet , tombile will ask me to change plan instead of the page.
I am now thinking to unlock.
1. Is Rooting = unlocking the phone?
2. What is the best and safe way to Root the phone?
Rooting gives the user access to system files. Unlocking allows your device to function with other SIM cards.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
elesbb said:
Rooting gives the user access to system files. Unlocking allows your device to function with other SIM cards.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So after rooting i need to do an unlockingprocess? do u have a good tutorial?
You only need to unlock if you plan on using a different carrirer. Youll need to purchase an unlock code
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
To unlock dial 611.
kingfung_lam said:
So after rooting i need to do an unlockingprocess? do u have a good tutorial?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you bought your phone thru T-Mobile you can call T-Mobile and ask them for the unlocking code. I simply told T-Mobile I was traveling to Europe and wanted to put a European sim card in my phone and use it over there which was true. Within 24 hours I was sent the unlocking code. I can now put just about any sim card into my phone and I am all set. I can also put AT&T's sim card in my phone and get their HSPA+ network without any problems. No rooting needed, just unlock the phone, put the AT&T sim card in and the T-Mobile SGS3 is on the AT&T Network. The T-Mobile version of the SGS3 IMO is the most versatile version of the SGS3, you can get it with 32GB of int memory, 2GB of ram and use it on all Networks, The T-Mobile SGS3 is the only version of the SGS3 that can do all these things.
Rooting is basically the same thing as "jailbreaking*". It removes the restriction to having all files acessable on the phone. Nothing more nothing less.
And unlocking is when you want to use a simcard from a different carrier on your phone.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
kingfung_lam said:
So after rooting i need to do an unlockingprocess? do u have a good tutorial?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you call T-Mobile and ask them for the unlock code, they'll email you the unlock code so you can unlock the phone. I've done it before with my MyTouch4G and am going to call them to unlock my SGS3, as I travel to Canada and use Rogers SIM cards.
Related
Well like the name implies, I'm a noob. INC2 is my first smartphone, and it's been a learning process, but I'm comfortable with it. Either way, my service is currently cut off(by choice) there is a billing issue, and unless I stop being stubborn or they give my the credit I deserve I'm not paying.
Anyway it's been cut off a month, and I've still been using it over wifi just fine with 2.99 skype calling and text plus it's been no problem. Anyway, I took out the sim card and it's still working fine. Is that normal, even when I tried to make a call it sent me to Verizon cust. service like it normally does, and it still says in service in the settings.I was under the impression, that once the sim card is taken out nothing could be done with the phone. Can Verizon track what I'm doing without the sim card in? Or even when it is in and the GPS is turned off, can they track it?
Noob03 said:
Well like the name implies, I'm a noob. INC2 is my first smartphone, and it's been a learning process, but I'm comfortable with it. Either way, my service is currently cut off(by choice) there is a billing issue, and unless I stop being stubborn or they give my the credit I deserve I'm not paying.
Anyway it's been cut off a month, and I've still been using it over wifi just fine with 2.99 skype calling and text plus it's been no problem. Anyway, I took out the sim card and it's still working fine. Is that normal, even when I tried to make a call it sent me to Verizon cust. service like it normally does, and it still says in service in the settings.I was under the impression, that once the sim card is taken out nothing could be done with the phone. Can Verizon track what I'm doing without the sim card in? Or even when it is in and the GPS is turned off, can they track it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sim is for world phone use......
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
knipp21 said:
The sim is for world phone use......
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To expand on that, your SIM isn't required to use the phone in the US on big red's network. CDMA carriers don't use SIM cards; GSM carriers do. The Inc2 is a dual mode/hybrid/whatever you want to call it because it has a CDMA radio for domestic use and a GSM radio for use abroad.
Sent from my DInc2 using XDA App
I hear that Gingerbread has been patched to support RUIM cards (CDMA SIMs) so with the patch you can run a RUIM. Then depending on whether you are on CDMA or GSM select, switch off, put in the corresponding card into the slot and start.
yea pulled mine out a long time ago...but keeping it just incase...
Is it possible for my friend then essentially to take my phone and throw his AT&T Sim in my phone and he is able to use it on there service? Or is there a SIM Unlock for instance when I'm in Thailand and don't want Verizon to charge me $1,000,000.00 just to make phone calls because normally i end up buying a cheap Nokia and SIM for only 50.00 and it lasts me for about 2 days on minutes when im overseas. I pretty much want to be able to use the SIM and not have Verizon charging me for International use when i'm using a different Carrier's SIM
faehsemc said:
Is it possible for my friend then essentially to take my phone and throw his AT&T Sim in my phone and he is able to use it on there service? Or is there a SIM Unlock for instance when I'm in Thailand and don't want Verizon to charge me $1,000,000.00 just to make phone calls because normally i end up buying a cheap Nokia and SIM for only 50.00 and it lasts me for about 2 days on minutes when im overseas. I pretty much want to be able to use the SIM and not have Verizon charging me for International use when i'm using a different Carrier's SIM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already covered in the forums
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
knipp21 said:
Already covered in the forums
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your not referring to this thread are you? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1122896 that one is about Driod 2.. I dont see any other Unlock sections. Would you mind posting a link to the correct one because i havent found it
Disregard..
The SIM is for foreign use for most of us in the US. I went to the UK recently, bought a $15 SIM card which gave me a new phone number over there, phone minutes, unlimited text and unlimited data. I got the unlock code from Verizon before I left. I was able to get the unlimited data by having a rooted phone and selecting my own APN settings.
I'll do the same later this year in Italy. Right now I am using a Virtuous Unity ROM which does not recognize SIM cards, but I'll just switch back to my stock Gingerbread ROM before I go.
lair12 said:
The SIM is for foreign use for most of us in the US. I went to the UK recently, bought a $15 SIM card which gave me a new phone number over there, phone minutes, unlimited text and unlimited data. I got the unlock code from Verizon before I left. I was able to get the unlimited data by having a rooted phone and selecting my own APN settings.
I'll do the same later this year in Italy. Right now I am using a Virtuous Unity ROM which does not recognize SIM cards, but I'll just switch back to my stock Gingerbread ROM before I go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you obtain the APN settings for the new network?
Just trying to get ready for my trip to Europe this summer
Sent from my Incredible using Tapatalk
mihneagabriel said:
How did you obtain the APN settings for the new network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The network provider has to give you that info. I got it from the company that rented me the European SIM card. I used iPhoneTrip.com, for what it's worth. Good coverage and no sneaky charges after the trip was over.
lair12 said:
The SIM is for foreign use for most of us in the US. I went to the UK recently, bought a $15 SIM card which gave me a new phone number over there, phone minutes, unlimited text and unlimited data. I got the unlock code from Verizon before I left. I was able to get the unlimited data by having a rooted phone and selecting my own APN settings.
I'll do the same later this year in Italy. Right now I am using a Virtuous Unity ROM which does not recognize SIM cards, but I'll just switch back to my stock Gingerbread ROM before I go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mind sharing which sim you got? That sounds like a good deal next time I go to the UK.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using XDA App
I got ny inc 2 used and don't have a sim how do you think I should get one. (Didn't want to start a new thread) thanks.
Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk
aardvark502 said:
I got ny inc 2 used and don't have a sim how do you think I should get one. (Didn't want to start a new thread) thanks.
Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call Verizon
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
what's meant by unlocking and do i have to unlock my phone if i get it from another country just to use the GSM network of my country
and if so, then how can i unlock my phone ?????
mosta_9741 said:
what's meant by unlocking and do i have to unlock my phone if i get it from another country just to use the GSM network of my country
and if so, then how can i unlock my phone ?????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking it will allow you to use different networks. Eg. If you got a phone off at&t but want to use verizon network then unlock the phone and you can use verizon and at&t
Sent From The Phone Of Gamers
gmaster1 said:
Unlocking it will allow you to use different networks.
unlock the phone and you can use verizon and at&t
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so how shall i unlock it?????
There are apps on the market and also guides on you tube just look a little and you can fond anything between YouTube and Google
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA
mosta_9741 said:
so how shall i unlock it?????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First you need a sim from another network provider. Once you have it put it in then enter the pin you got given. Its now unlocked. Lastly some networks do work with others so to check if you have an unlocked network already go into call settings and network service (may be called something different on your phone depending on current network) unlocked networks appear with a home sign/any sign that isnt a red cross (again depending on network) or go to a place that unlocks phones. Simplez.
Sent From The Phone Of Gamers
The process seems simple enough, but from where would I obtain the PIN? I know there are various websites and whatnot, but is there one that people have used in the past with success? I just want to be sure, because I'm looking at buying a used Galaxy W, but don't want to be stuck with it locked on Bell..
Tyfighter said:
The process seems simple enough, but from where would I obtain the PIN? I know there are various websites and whatnot, but is there one that people have used in the past with success? I just want to be sure, because I'm looking at buying a used Galaxy W, but don't want to be stuck with it locked on Bell..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The pin will come on the paper the sim comes with. If you buy it off a contract it will be unlocked for you as long as you only use the network providers sim that you got the contract off.
Sent From The Phone Of Gamers
Alright, I got my Rogers SIM card last year, but I don't know where any of the packaging currently resides. But if I call rogers, they should be able to provide me with this information?
Sorry, it just seems counter intuitive that information with my sim card would unlock a newer, off carrier phone.
Tyfighter said:
Alright, I got my Rogers SIM card last year, but I don't know where any of the packaging currently resides. But if I call rogers, they should be able to provide me with this information?
Sorry, it just seems counter intuitive that information with my sim card would unlock a newer, off carrier phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might (only might) get the pin off them. There should be a default pin set for every sim at the start. All sims coming from the same mobile network provider have one pin.
Sent From The Phone Of Gamers
I need some help. At&t won't unlock the Sim claiming "exclusivity" although this device is released by every provider known to man. Anyways, the voodoo sim unlock app for the international S3 is not compatible yet for the At&t 747. What should I do? I need to use straight talk and would like to be able to use t mobiles network. Should I return it or wing it? Anyone been in this position before? Does anyone have any info on whether voodoo app developer can or is working on building an unlock app for US versions?
r3a1ist said:
I need some help. At&t won't lock the Sim claiming "exclusivity" although this device is released by every provider known to man. Anyways, the voodoo sim unlock app for the international S3 is not compatible yet for the At&t 747. What should I do? I need to use straight talk and would like to be able to use t mobiles network. Should I return it or wing it? Anyone been in this position before? Does anyone have any info on whether voodoo app developer can or is working on building an unlock app for US versions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So even if you paid full retail they won't unlock it? That sucks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
I did pay full retail and the answer is no, they won't.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Cellunlocker.net I have att and got mine unlocked by them.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
lgkahn said:
Cellunlocker.net I have att and got mine unlocked by them.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How long did it take for you to get your code? I just processed an order with them.
done, unlocked. now i need some t mobile hspa radio's to flash.
Hey when I enter the *# code to see if my ATT GS3 is locked I don't get that screen that pops up on the vid showing its locked. How can I tell the phone is locked to ATT?
Thanks
U check by putting a non att sim in. It will ask for unlock code. You dial *#06# to bring up your phones IMEI number not to check if its locked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Well there was a video on the website that had a *# code to show if your phone was locked, so I tried that and got nothing so maybe I need a dif SIM other than the ATT one
yea i think it only works on international one. doesnt work on mine either
Ummm... Straight Talk uses AT&T's network. You don't need to unlock the phone to use it with them.
Edit: you're using it with ST's T-Mo sim? Why?
root it, then go here. id stay away from direct patching, but it shouldnt harm by plugging it in, reading the nvram.bin and generating a code
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1731931
entropism said:
Ummm... Straight Talk uses AT&T's network. You don't need to unlock the phone to use it with them.
Edit: you're using it with ST's T-Mo sim? Why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering the same thing. I thought I read you could use either an Att phone or a TMO phone on straight talk with their sims. Also in the TMO GS2 threads there are people saying they didn't even need an unlock code to use the GS2 on straight talk. I've never used Att or TMO but I'm taking a close look at straight talk. In general is it true Att has better coverage than TMO? I know they are both better than Sprint.
ExTREmE99 said:
root it, then go here. id stay away from direct patching, but it shouldnt harm by plugging it in, reading the nvram.bin and generating a code
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1731931
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would be great, if the required nv_data.bin file was actually in efs like in the international version, i checked for the file in /efs and it doesnt exit.
djkinetic said:
Would be great, if the required nv_data.bin file was actually in efs like in the international version, i checked for the file in /efs and it doesnt exit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here.
There's differences in coverage. T mobile more hspa speed 6-7 mb/s, at&t 2-4 mb/s. At&t has more coverage overall coverage tho.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
But the AT&T version can't run on T-Mobile's bands. Nobody even knows if it will eventually be able to, either. Until then, you're not even going to get 3G
Well,bought the unlock code from cellunlocker instead,well see how it goes.I want to use the att version on the Rogers network.
Got the unlock code works fine,now using the att cersion on rogers's 4G network !
Thanks for the info on the two networks. I am thinking about waiting for the next GSM unlocked Nexus phone and running that on a prepaid plan that uses TMO or ATT's network. Hopefully we'll see one before the holidays.
Do you need a new SIM unlock code every time you change the SIM card?
No it's based on phone
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Teo032 said:
No it's based on phone
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I am specifically thinking of a T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 3. I know from reading that T-Mobile will give out unlock codes but it sounds like they are only one time use codes.
sonwon said:
Okay, I am specifically thinking of a T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 3. I know from reading that T-Mobile will give out unlock codes but it sounds like they are only one time use codes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, they're one time use. They are for the particular phone that the code is requested for, they can't work on another phone since each phone has a unique code.
A SIM unlock code does not unlock a SIM card. It unlocks the phone to allow that particular phone to use SIM cards from other carriers.
SIM cards are not locked.
Only carrier branded phones are "SIM locked" to their respective carrier.
Once a phone is SIM unlocked the first time it remains SIM unlocked forever - at least it is supposed to stay SIM unlocked forever.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium HD app
dayv said:
A SIM unlock code does not unlock a SIM card. It unlocks the phone to allow that particular phone to use SIM cards from other carriers.
SIM cards are not locked.
Only carrier branded phones are "SIM locked" to their respective carrier.
Once a phone is SIM unlocked the first time it remains SIM unlocked forever - at least it is supposed to stay SIM unlocked forever.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually SIM cards are locked. They are encrypted by an encryption key to prevent people from cloning them. Its pretty much impossible to clone a SIM these days. The brute force methods used in the past cause the SIM card to self destruct.
But in the OP's situation, the SIM unlock code, as stated by the quoted text, will unlock the phone to use other SIM cards. But its a one time use as in you only need to unlock the phone ONCE. and it will be unlocked indefinately.
So just to clarify if T-Mobile gives me an unlock code the phone will always be unlocked?
sonwon said:
So just to clarify if T-Mobile gives me an unlock code the phone will always be unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Forever. After unlocking, it will accept any SIM card.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2
sonwon said:
Do you need a new SIM unlock code every time you change the SIM card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessary.If once you unlock your phone from network lock,then you can use your phone with any GSM network.To unlock your phone visit Unlocking4free.com .Here you need to specify Manufacturer name,Model,Country name and service provider of your phone.Then you can get unlock code.This is reliable and secure.
Here for unlocking instructions, no need to pay.
Actually this is a two part question.
1. I called sprint to see if i can get my phone unlocked so that I could test it on another carrier. At first they refused, then they said ok and gave me the MSL # for the phone. Is that all that is needed if i wanted to go to t-mobile or some other carrier and switch the phone to them? Can I unlock the phone myself if i have the MSL #?
2. if the phone were unlocked, and I had a sim card from another carrier, could i just swap sim cards and use the phone on the other carrier? Or does the phone have to be activated with the carrier first? I've got a friend with a note 4 from t-mobile and i was hoping i could just pop his sim card into my phone to test my phone out on t-mobiles network. I don't really want to sign up for service unless i know for sure the service is better.
Thanks
merkk said:
Actually this is a two part question.
1. I called sprint to see if i can get my phone unlocked so that I could test it on another carrier. At first they refused, then they said ok and gave me the MSL # for the phone. Is that all that is needed if i wanted to go to t-mobile or some other carrier and switch the phone to them? Can I unlock the phone myself if i have the MSL #?
2. if the phone were unlocked, and I had a sim card from another carrier, could i just swap sim cards and use the phone on the other carrier? Or does the phone have to be activated with the carrier first? I've got a friend with a note 4 from t-mobile and i was hoping i could just pop his sim card into my phone to test my phone out on t-mobiles network. I don't really want to sign up for service unless i know for sure the service is better.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What i know of the MSL code dosen't unlock phones, sprint lies. It just opens up a hidden menu. There's a forum on here that shows how to domestic unlock the Note 4. To answer your second question, yes if it's unlocked you can just put the sim card in and if you did the unlocking right it should get the signal from T-mobile.
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
arielovin said:
What i know of the MSL code dosen't unlock phones, sprint lies. It just opens up a hidden menu. There's a forum on here that shows how to domestic unlock the Note 4. To answer your second question, yes if it's unlocked you can just put the sim card in and if you did the unlocking right it should get the signal from T-mobile.
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow so is sprint support completely incompetent or liars? They told me the MSL code was all that was needed to unlock the phone. and that i would NOT be able to just swap out the sim card to test it - i'd have to actually sign up for service with the other carrier and register/activate my phone under that plan
merkk said:
wow so is sprint support completely incompetent or liars? They told me the MSL code was all that was needed to unlock the phone. and that i would NOT be able to just swap out the sim card to test it - i'd have to actually sign up for service with the other carrier and register/activate my phone under that plan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're just liers. They don't want you going to another company. Heres the forum that shows how to domestic unlock
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3119322
[GUIDE] SIM Unlock Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Lollipop 5.0.x
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app