Develop Bugs

[Q] Much needed unlock method for Galaxy S3 running 4.3

Hey guys, not trying to make the 100th thread this week asking for this, but I've looked through all of them without any close answers. I'm in need of a solution to unlock my AT&T Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-I747 phone on 4.3 firmware to be able to use a T-Mobile SIM card.
It was unlocked before running 4.4.2 on Quantum ROM and I decided to fresh clean the phone to start new. I so happened to soft-bricked my phone accidentally, but brought it back now to 4.3. Now under baseband version and IMEI it says UNKNOWN.
1) I read that it is possible to downgrade to 4.1.1 without downgrading the bootloader using ODIN. I have no ideas on what ROM to use, and what program to downgrade with since I can't use ODIN.
2) I read that you can call AT&T and request an unlock code. For this to work, do I need to be an AT&T customer? I'm currently using T-Mobile.
Any solutions?

Try and fix your imei/baseband problem first.
Maybe this will help: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1804117

audit13 said:
Try and fix your imei/baseband problem first.
Maybe this will help: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1804117
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'm in the middle of trying to restore my IMEI, however when I dial the number for the service mode, I only have two options under UART: PDA and MODEM. I'm not able to select MODEM either.

JohnnyCrawl said:
Thanks! I'm in the middle of trying to restore my IMEI, however when I dial the number for the service mode, I only have two options under UART: PDA and MODEM. I'm not able to select MODEM either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO you have a custom recovery installed? Maybe install a custom ROM and see if you have those options available?
Your imei and baseband may be missing because you don't have a modem image installed.

audit13 said:
DO you have a custom recovery installed? Maybe install a custom ROM and see if you have those options available?
Your imei and baseband may be missing because you don't have a modem image installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I don't believe I installed a modem. I used Looserskaters S3Rx ROM from the "[HOW TO GUIDE] How To Unbrick AT&T I747 and I747M After 4.3 OTA" thread. The rom is located here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2252932
I don't know which modem to use. There's a MJ2 and MJB one.

Try either one. I believe the MJB is the most recent. Flashing a modem doesn't affect the bootloader.

audit13 said:
Try either one. I believe the MJB is the most recent. Flashing a modem doesn't affect the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was it! Thanks for the help. Safe to say I'm able to update to 4.4.2 using the Quantum ROM?

JohnnyCrawl said:
That was it! Thanks for the help. Safe to say I'm able to update to 4.4.2 using the Quantum ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just make sure you're running the latest version of your recovery. I prefer Philz Touch as I had some troubles using TWRP.

So I was sondering how to unlock if you are on stock mjb... Do the sketchy downgrade to 4.1.1 then use the dial unlock?

JohnnyCrawl said:
Thanks! I'm in the middle of trying to restore my IMEI, however when I dial the number for the service mode, I only have two options under UART: PDA and MODEM. I'm not able to select MODEM either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
instead of using the code *#7284#.. try *#0808#
and once you're on 4.3 bootloader, you can't use free unlock
so buy unlock code or trick AT&T for one somehow

blu422 said:
So I was sondering how to unlock if you are on stock mjb... Do the sketchy downgrade to 4.1.1 then use the dial unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the mjb bootloader, do not attempt to downgrade the bootloader as it may brick your phone. You will have to buy an unlock code as there is no free method available at the moment.

unlock
pcshano said:
instead of using the code *#7284#.. try *#0808#
and once you're on 4.3 bootloader, you can't use free unlock
so buy unlock code or trick AT&T for one somehow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have a 4.3 bootloader and been given a unlock code by telus
now whats next
*#197328640# does not work

Because you're on aosp.. go back to touchwiz
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

audit13 said:
If you have the mjb bootloader, do not attempt to downgrade the bootloader as it may brick your phone. You will have to buy an unlock code as there is no free method available at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im talking about the method to downgrade w/o ovrwriting the bl

blu422 said:
im talking about the method to downgrade w/o ovrwriting the bl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can downgrade the ROM and leave the bootloader untouched but this will not allow you to unlock the phone using the free method. You need to be running the 4.1.1 bootloader with the 4.1.1 stock ROM.

just the modem
will that work can anybody explain how to do it?

What bootloader is on your phone? If you have 4.3 or higher, flashing just the modem won't work to use the free method. If you have a 4.4 bootloader, mixing modems could brick the phone.

[Q] Selling phone...need help please!

I am selling my S3, and I have been out of the loop for quite a while because I've had a Nexus 5 for the past few months. My S3 is rooted, unlocked, and running Cyanogen 4.2.2. I had AT&T give me the unlock code a while back, so its unlocked.
My question is, how do I go about restoring the phone to stock, without loosing my carrier unlock? I dont care about losing root, but I sold the phone as "unlocked" so its pretty important I keep that.
Does flashing another rom effect the unlock status at all?

Once a phone is unlocked. Its unlocked permanently no matter what you do to it. I would suggest restoring back to stock 4.1.2 after running triangle away to reset flash count. Then sell it and let the nre owner choose If he wants to update to the new 4.3 if they want
Sent from my SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

rkant18 said:
Once a phone is unlocked. Its unlocked permanently no matter what you do to it. I would suggest restoring back to stock 4.1.2 after running triangle away to reset flash count. Then sell it and let the nre owner choose If he wants to update to the new 4.3 if they want
Sent from my SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Restoring to stock would depend on what firmware it was on prior to the custom ROM installation. If it was already on 4.3, then a restoring stock 4.1.2 would not be an option. Also, you may not be able to find a stock image for 4.1.2 flashable via Odin as the only route to 4.1.2 -after OTA- is via a manual update from stock 4.1.1. Therefore, if it wasn't already on 4.3, the best option may be to flash stock 4.1.1 via Odin. The required files and instructions may be found here ... http://fortedge.com/downgrade.html
A correct factory unlock (e.g. via carrier assigned unlock code) would indeed survive all firmware changes.

[Q] Network unlock request unsuccessful (SGH-I747M - Running SlimKat 4.4.4)

Just purchased an unlock code from Telus but it does not work. I know some posts mentioned it only works with a stock dialer app.
Is there anything else I can try before attempting that?
If not, what stock rom can I even use? And is there a guide available?
Sorry if this has been asked before. I had trouble finding any answers.
Thank you.

Just flash your stock firmware with Odin.

The boot loader on your phone will determine which firmware to load on your phone.
If you have the 4.3 bootloader, don't flash 4.1.1 or 4.1.2.

Flashed stock rom, booted with sim inserted, and entered the unlock code when asked. It worked! Thanks for the reassurance, I was hesitant.
Here are some links I came across that might help others.
Downloaded latest ROM for my carrier: http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SGH-I747m
Got Odin from this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1722686
Followed these threads to flash with Odin:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-odin-flash-guide-t1671969
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2789917
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1722686
Read the CyanogenMod guide to install SlimKat: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Install_CM_for_d2att
SlimKat XDA thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2758209
Root: http://slimroms.net/index.php/faq/slimbean/441-how-do-i-enable-root
Downloaded Texdroider DPI from the play store to change to S3 default (320)
Then I thanked everyone I could! :victory:
Notes
* I forgot to wipe my device before and it still worked.
* TWRP would not read my SD card for some reason.
* Good info threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1725839
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1802160

Glad to hear you got it to work! Couple things for extra knowledge. ..
You can also get firmware from http://sammobile.com/firmwares. Their downloads are much faster than samsung-updates IME.
Easiest root method ever! - Towelroot (shouldn't trip the warranty bit either)
If I'm not mistaken, the recoveries having problems reading the sd card is due to your hardware version. I believe they found a solution in the Sprint forums, but I haven't had a chance to read up on it yet. If its something I can do I'll probably try to fix the T-Mobile and AT&T recoveries. I may be mistaken on some of that, but its how I understood it after a quick search the other day.

Need help for flashing stock rom
Hi,
Can you please clarify few things for me?
I have an ATT Galaxy S3 (SGH-i747).
I am running CM11 Android 4.4.4 Baseband I747UCDMG2.
I need to go back to stock to SIM unlock the phone.
Latest ATT stock rom is 4.1.1 with I747UCDLK3.
Will flashing to stock ATT ROM brick the phone?
What is the best way to go back to stock ROM?
Thanks,

I have an ATT Galaxy S3 (SGH-i747).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone was the same; except being the Canadian version.
I am running CM11 Android 4.4.4 Baseband I747UCDMG2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I had CM 4.4.4 before going back to stock. It was kitkat for sure tho.
Will flashing to stock ATT ROM brick the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It shouldn't. But of course anything can happen.
What is the best way to go back to stock ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using ODIN I believe. I read through all the links I posted above but I guess this one was the easiest to follow.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-odin-flash-guide-t1671969
Hope that helps, it has been a while lol. Maybe someone with more experience will chime in :good:

brando9 said:
My phone was the same; except being the Canadian version.
I think I had CM 4.4.4 before going back to stock. It was kitkat for sure tho.
It shouldn't. But of course anything can happen.
Using ODIN I believe. I read through all the links I posted above but I guess this one was the easiest to follow.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-odin-flash-guide-t1671969
Hope that helps, it has been a while lol. Maybe someone with more experience will chime in :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for quick reply.
Bootloader on mine is I747UCDMG2 which is from 4.1.2. Hence I should be ok to go to stock 4.1.1 ROM.
I am reading few other posts before making the move.

Flashing the USA version of the s3 (i747) with any i747 firmware from sammobile in Odin can brick your phone us you have a 4.3 bootloader or higher.
Since you are on 4.1.2 bootloader, flash the stock ATT 4.1.1 ROM from sammobile.com using Odin. After flashing, do a full wipe in recovery. Boot the phone and use the free method to permanently sim unlock your phone.
After unlocking your phone, you can run OTA updates to get to the latest stock ROM, bootloader, and modem.

Just confirmed bootloader and baseband are I747UCDMG2.
I will update here how everthing goes.
PS: I DON'T want to go to I747UCUEMJB bootloader after unlock. That will mean, I will not be able to downgrade in future. AFAIK, I747UCUEMJB bootloader is also locked.

yoonus said:
Just confirmed bootloader and baseband are I747UCDMG2.
I will update here how everthing goes.
PS: I DON'T want to go to I747UCUEMJB bootloader after unlock. That will mean, I will not be able to downgrade in future. AFAIK, I747UCUEMJB bootloader is also locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
correct in that you will not be able to downgrade (serious risk of bricking your device).
bootloader is not locked on the S3 AFAIK. (bricked my s3 on mj2 trying to 'unlock' an already unlocked bootloader.).
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"

mrrocketdog said:
correct in that you will not be able to downgrade (serious risk of bricking your device).
bootloader is not locked on the S3 AFAIK. (bricked my s3 on mj2 trying to 'unlock' an already unlocked bootloader.).
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that the bootloader is unlocked.
I think at times people are calling the newer bootloaders locked because they are unable to downgrade them. Whereas we are calling them unlocked because we can still root them and flash custom/unsigned ROMs.

ATT has been locking the bootloader on other phones such as the Note 3, HTC One XL, and the Moto G so I'm not surprised that owners think their bootloader is locked.

audit13 said:
ATT has been locking the bootloader on other phones such as the Note 3, HTC One XL, and the Moto G so I'm not surprised that owners think their bootloader is locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. I have an ATT S5 and is really annoyed with locked bootloader.

flash to stock successful
yoonus said:
Just confirmed bootloader and baseband are I747UCDMG2.
I will update here how everthing goes.
PS: I DON'T want to go to I747UCUEMJB bootloader after unlock. That will mean, I will not be able to downgrade in future. AFAIK, I747UCUEMJB bootloader is also locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks all for the assurance and support.
I was able to ODIN to stock ROM and SIM unlock the phone.
Background: My ATT S3 i747 was running CM11 Android 4.4.4. Baseband and Bootloader was I747UCDMG2.
Steps:
1. Flashed rooted stock ROM (root66_ATT_I747UCDLK3.7z) using odin from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426
Followed the steps in OP.
After flash ODIN showed PASS and phone rebooted. It was stuck in Samsung logo. I booted into recovery. Performed a wipe cache and factory restore.
Phone rebooted successfully after that.
2. Inserted non-ATT SIM and it asked for the unlock code. I had obtained the code from ATT before. Used the code and phone was unlocked.
The same code did not work while I was running CM11.
NOTE: When running stock ROM you can follow steps in below threads if direct unlock did not work for you.
1. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58671214&postcount=152
2. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38767845#post38767845 This works only with stock 4.1.1 image (LK3 modem).
See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=59029460&postcount=323
NOTE: If you need TWRP recovery, see http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426 and search for "Odin Flashable TWRP Recovery" in OP.
You can download ODIN flashable TWRP from there.

[Q] sgh-i747 original updates

Hi all, I have an SGH-i747 with ver 4.0.4 which has been rooted. I will like to update my version systematically with the original updates i believe there where from 4.0.4 to 4.1.1 then 4.1.2. then 4.3, 4.4.2 etcc.. its there a place where i can find the original ups, my phone will not take the original firmware updates on its own. Reason is once i try to flash any ROM pass 4.1.1 i loose the Mobile Data getting the no sim inserted msg and no signal, forcing me to go back the original state in order to work. seems there is a problem with the modem once i go pass 4.1.1. .. thank you.

What bootloader version is on the phone? Where did you get the firmware to flash? You're using desktop Odin to flash?

Are ota updates an option for you? If they are you can unroot and flash the stock recovery; it might be easiest just to Odin back to stock.
Otherwise enewman has posted firmware updates to xda. They are bootloader + modem zips you can flash in custom recovery. You have to flash them incrementally, mjb then ne4 then nj1. Search the forum here and you'll find them. Just be careful and read read read those threads. Messing with bootloaders is the best way to hard brick this phone.

I'm in a similar situation - I've been on a custom version of the Stock ROM for 4.1.2 - never bothered to update the bootloader because I had the soft unlock done, didn't want to lose it. Now I'm bored with it. I'd love to get up to 4.4, or even a 5.0 ROM... but not sure the steps needed to do so. I'm vaguely aware that I have to update the bootloader/kernel, etc... but it seems like I'm 4 years behind the curve with all the ROMs and threads about bootloaders, and I've lost my touch.
That thread with the list of bootloaders sounds good though, I'll go looking for it to start I guess.

gfinockio said:
I'm in a similar situation - I've been on a custom version of the Stock ROM for 4.1.2 - never bothered to update the bootloader because I had the soft unlock done, didn't want to lose it. Now I'm bored with it. I'd love to get up to 4.4, or even a 5.0 ROM... but not sure the steps needed to do so. I'm vaguely aware that I have to update the bootloader/kernel, etc... but it seems like I'm 4 years behind the curve with all the ROMs and threads about bootloaders, and I've lost my touch.
That thread with the list of bootloaders sounds good though, I'll go looking for it to start I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go. This TLDR post has all enewman's firmware update threads linked to it.

jason2678 said:
Here you go. This TLDR post has all enewman's firmware update threads linked to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'll give it a look, down a couple of shots of liquid courage, and give it a go this weekend.
EDIT: Yikes, didn't take long for that to fizzle out. I'm using a i747M. Noticed that my current baseband version isn't listed anywhere on that thread. Hmmm. Oh well, guess I'll do some more digging later...

With an i747m, you can flash the latest 4.4.2 using firmware from sammobile.com and desktop Odin.

Do I need to do them in sequence, or can I jump to the latest? I'm assuming once I've flashed the stock firmware, I can load any current custom ROM?

@gfinockio, is your phone sim unlocked? If not and you don't see any mention of the warranty bit in download mode, you could flash back to stock 4.1.1, use the free method to sim unlock, and then run OTA updates until you are running the latest ROM. OTA updates are the safest route to upgrade the phone.
If you phone is sim unlocked already, you could flash directly to the latest ROM; however, you will not be able to downgrade the bootloader as any attempts to downgrade the bootloader could hard brick you phone.

audit13 said:
@gfinockio, is your phone sim unlocked? If not and you don't see any mention of the warranty bit in download mode, you could flash back to stock 4.1.1, use the free method to sim unlock, and then run OTA updates until you are running the latest ROM. OTA updates are the safest route to upgrade the phone.
If you phone is sim unlocked already, you could flash directly to the latest ROM; however, you will not be able to downgrade the bootloader as any attempts to downgrade the bootloader could hard brick you phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the "free unlock" in 4.1.2 (so it's unlocked) but I thought when you upgraded the bootloader you lost that lock. Now that I believe that isn't the case (and I've used a different tool to unlock as well), I may just try the OTA updates. I was with MTS (Manitoba), but now I'm with Rogers, so I guess I would just use the Rogers OTA images to upgrade from 4.1.2 to 4.4? Do I use Odin or whatever to do that? Once I upgrade to a "stock" image, won't the updater just prompt me to upgrade again and again until I'm "up to date"?

Unlocking the phone via code or the free method is permanent even after upgrading the ROM, bootloader, and modem.
The carrier ROMs for the i747m are pretty much identical but I always recommend sticking with the original carrier's ROM. If you download the stock image from sammobile.com, use Odin to flash the ROM.
OTA updates will not work with a rooted stock ROM too.

When i search for the stock firmware on sammobile for the i747m, it doesn't have any listings. Are you able to find it on there? I don't see it.

Search for the sgh-i747m.

komali2 said:
When i search for the stock firmware on sammobile for the i747m, it doesn't have any listings. Are you able to find it on there? I don't see it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check here: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SGH-I747M/
you can sort by carrier or country.

delete

How do you unlock an i747M locked to Fido? [OctOS L 5.1.1]

So I'm planning to switch carriers and I'm wondering how I can unlock my i747M locked to Fido that's running OctOS L 5.1.1. If I have to downgrade, how do I transfer all my current app data and pic's. Also, is it possible to keep the unlock if you were to update you phone to a higher version or install a custom ROM or install the nandroid backup you made before unlocking? Please leave me with some important things to know about while unlocking your phone if possible!

If the phone is running a 4.3 or newer bootloader, you'll have to buy an unlock code.
In order to enter the unlock code, the phone should be running a stock samsung ROM from sammobile.
I suggest creating a nandroid backup with TWRP, copy the backup to your computer, flash the stock ROM, perform a factory reset after flashing stock, unlock, flash TWRP, restore nandroid.

audit13 said:
If the phone is running a 4.3 or newer bootloader, you'll have to buy an unlock code.
In order to enter the unlock code, the phone should be running a stock samsung ROM from sammobile.
I suggest creating a nandroid backup with TWRP, copy the backup to your computer, flash the stock ROM, perform a factory reset after flashing stock, unlock, flash TWRP, restore nandroid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so, in a nutshell, i just need to downgrade my phone to a stock rom of 4.3 or below and just search up a video of how to unlock it using the keypad method?
than if i wanted to, i could use the nandroid backup i did before and flash it and still have an unlocked phone?

You cannot use the free method once the phone is running a 4.3 or newer bootloader because you cannot properly run the 4.1.1 modem on a 4.3 or 4.4.2 bootloader and the 4.3 or 4.4.2 bootloader cannot be downgraded to a 4.1.1 bootloader.
Before flashing anything, which bootloader is on the phone?

audit13 said:
You cannot use the free method once the phone is running a 4.3 or newer bootloader because you cannot properly run the 4.1.1 modem on a 4.3 or 4.4.2 bootloader and the 4.3 or 4.4.2 bootloader cannot be downgraded to a 4.1.1 bootloader.
Before flashing anything, which bootloader is on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the noob question, but how do i found out my bootloader?
If this helps, my baseband is I747MVLUFOB3

I actually just logged on to get similar clarification. I have an unlock code, but it does not work when I enter it using OctOS-M. Do I need to be on a stock rom to unlock? Can I easily jump back to a stock rom, then back again to a marshmallow rom?

JoshMcMadMac said:
I actually just logged on to get similar clarification. I have an unlock code, but it does not work when I enter it using OctOS-M. Do I need to be on a stock rom to unlock? Can I easily jump back to a stock rom, then back again to a marshmallow rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what ive heard, you have to be on a stock rom. As of google, even then, some users have problems or cant, which from what ive heard, can be fixed by downgrading to 4.3 (make sure ur bootloader is the same or your phone WILL be bricked).
Please note that this is from what ive heard and may not be accurate.

Install the Samsung phone info app from the play store as it will tell you a lot.

audit13 said:
Install the Samsung phone info app from the play store as it will tell you a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My boot loader seems to be the same as my baseband.

What is the bootloader version?

GamingDevilsCC said:
From what ive heard, you have to be on a stock rom. As of google, even then, some users have problems or cant, which from what ive heard, can be fixed by downgrading to 4.3 (make sure ur bootloader is the same or your phone WILL be bricked).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds problematic...I am on NJ2. I am not having any luck finding anything about getting back to stock on the newest bootloader.

audit13 said:
If the phone is running a 4.3 or newer bootloader, you'll have to buy an unlock code.
In order to enter the unlock code, the phone should be running a stock samsung ROM from sammobile.
I suggest creating a nandroid backup with TWRP, copy the backup to your computer, flash the stock ROM, perform a factory reset after flashing stock, unlock, flash TWRP, restore nandroid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think this one would work?
https://z3x-team.com/forum/topic.php?id=9505
Whats a CWM anyways?

CWM is Clockworkmod with is a custom recovery. CWM is outdated as it has not been updated for quite some time. Many recent custom ROMs now require TWRP.
You may be able to software unlock the phone but you'll probaby need a UART cable and Samsung Pro tools. I don't believe Pro Tools is free.
The linked thread is from 2014 and, in 2014, many phones were running 4.1.2 which meant the phone could be downgraded to 4.1.1 using and sim unlocked using the dialler's menu options.