Planning to buy a BAD IMEI Note 2 - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note II

So, I was reading up on things and from what I've read was that if you have a BAD IMEI phone on t-mobile - it's going to be bad on AT&T as well...
What prepaid services, if any, can I flash the phone to so that it works?
Thanks,

as far as i know i think only cricket will do it but then again you might be able to get it on simple mobile or something.

Mrascend said:
as far as i know i think only cricket will do it but then again you might be able to get it on simple mobile or something.
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Click to collapse
Yea, I was thinking Straight Talk uses AT&T and T-mobile - so that's out of the question..
I know Page Plus uses Verizon (I believe) so that is a possibility.. I just don't know about TracFone, Net 10, Cricket, Boost, and any others that may be out there.

platinumn23 said:
Yea, I was thinking Straight Talk uses AT&T and T-mobile - so that's out of the question..
I know Page Plus uses Verizon (I believe) so that is a possibility.. I just don't know about TracFone, Net 10, Cricket, Boost, and any others that may be out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon and Boost are CDMA phones as far as I know. Had a Net 10 phone years ago but don't remember who's network they used, I want to say Sprint's but I could be wrong. Cricket might be CDMA also, I'm not sure.

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Just buy a good imei
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I used to have a bad and blocked imei phone I got on eBay for tmo. I had it unlocked and was able to use it in att straight talk just fine with no problems. I even tried to put my wife's att SIM card in and it worked on it too.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

AT&T and T-Mobile did not initially share their blacklists, they reportedly have begun doing it in late 2012 from what I recall reading here, so you're really taking a chance in that department. Canadian carriers are supposed to implement blacklists by November of this year as well. I wouldn't be surprised if those were all eventually plugged into the GSM Association's Central Equipment Identity Register.
"Flashing" for prepaid services is a CDMA thing. I'm not familiar with the specifics, but one thing that needs to be changed is the PRL, a.k.a. preferred roaming list, to tell the phone to connect to a given set of towers instead of the one it initially used. (That info is on the SIM card for GSM-lineage devices.) So long as the ESN/MEID remains intact, I can't think of anything illegal about it, as other CDMA carriers could still check the phone's serial number versus the blacklist.
Changing the IMEI on that phone to try and circumvent the blacklist is legally dubious at best. Stateside, some are pushing for legislation to make it a federal felony.

Related

Can you flash verizon phones to sprint??

I have heard of people using a evo on verizon i been eyeing the droid razr so if possible i wanna flash it to sprint. I called a store they said no but they prolly just want me to spend money on a new phone. So is it possible?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
AFAIK, this is impossible because Sprint will not activate a phone from outside their network.
I believe the CDMA frequencies are incompatible, but don't quote me on that.
Are you sure the Evos are in Verizon? I've heard of them on Cricket and other smaller carriers that use the Sprint network, but not Verizon.
I do not believe this is possible due to Sprint being a jerk. You COULD buy the Droid Razr unlocked and plead with a Sprint rep, but I would say you have next to no chance of getting them to activate it for you. Sprint will only activate a phone that has an ESN number that is in their database, they COULD activate it, but that is against their TOS and no rep even has the power to do it for you, you would have to practically get Dan Hesse on the phone to do it
My advice would be to wait a little bit (unless your current phone is on the fritz and you need a new one now, and in that case, go with the Epic 4G Touch, I love mine!!) and see what is out there, the Galaxy Nexus MAY or MAY NOT come to Sprint, but I would expect at least 2 or 3 top of the line Android devices by the end of Q1 2012...... Ultimately the choice is up to you... Best of luck!!
It is being done you have to unlock the phone so the freg can be changed to work on a different carrier. You do not tell what type of phone u just give the ESN number after you hack the hardware info. You would be surprised how often this is being done. Most of your local cell phone providers have the software to make this happen and when i mean your local cell phone provider. I am talking about the ones that offer service cheap or have the phone in the store that you can buy. the mom and pops.
I have to "lol" at some of the replies. Sprint and Verizon use the same cdma frequencies, 800mhz/1900mhz. Why do you think Sprint phones can voice and data roam on VZW?
Anyway, what the OP wants to do is achievable via *wink* *wink* methods, and it's not easily done anyway but possible.
Google is your friend.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G
I thought there was a law against them not allowing this?
When I was with T Mobile (GSM) they were required by federal to give you the subsidy unlock code and could not deny the usage of any other GSM phone on their network so long as the IMEI wasn't blacklisted for being stolen/lost. I could call AT&T to unlock one of their phones to use on T Mobile - obviously data was a nogo because of the AWS band.
So there's nothing like that for CDMA carriers?
Like what newalker91, none Sprint ESN will not work. But any Verizon phone will work on Sprint. You will have to do the same thing as they are doing to the EVO's.
Look for a broken or older Android phone with a good ESN.
huh? Google it!
newalker91 said:
For one, the 3G frequencies on Sprint are locked out to phones not registered in the ESN database and the phone will NOT work on Sprint's network. Calling Sprint a jerk for this is ridiculous and shows how little research has been done by the complainant.
For two, this has nothing to do with the Epic 4G Touch, therefore this thread is being reported as spam/incorrect section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's the case, how can we load certain PRL's and roam on Verizon's network using 3G? Or is roaming a different story? It would seem we're not exactly "lock out" due to the ESN not being registered, maybe mildly restricted?
There seems to be some major gaps in what you said but I could be wrong, care to elaborate?
As far as reporting this thread, that's a douchey move. The OP has a legitimate question, it just seems people have heard different *facts* about the topic so there's a few different answers. That's no reason to report the thread and try to have it deleted - obviously there's an information issue on this subject that needs to be resolved. Even more of a reason to keep this thread open.
CDMA phones are essentially unlocked. You can get your SPC/MSL, for my Vogue and Mogul, I called sprint ant they gave the MSL even though at the time I was under contract. Now I just use CDMAWS. Everyone knows Verizon's MSL code, 000000. With your msl you can change configurations to your hearts content, provided you have the software.
The problem is that Verizon and Sprint will not activate a meid/esn that is not in their system. Yes they are both protecting their interests by making sure you live up to your agreement but I also think they do not want to take the to time trouble shoot every stinking phone that some yahoo wants to put on their network. Keep in mind every phone they release has been tested and configured to work on their network, they don't some strange phone coming from a Korean/Chinese CDMA network with who knows what settings configured on their network. There are a ton of configuration options that other carriers can use. Thankfully Verizon and Sprint keep the configs on the simple side.
Getting a E4GT on Verizon/MetroPC/Virgin/Boost is a piece of cake. Its one of the easiest phones to do. Many HTC phone are harder to do but can be done. LGs look simple but the Optimus seems to require using LGNPST to unlock some entries before you can get changes to stick. I was using a Droid Incrdible on my Sero plan for 6 months before I changed phones. Going in to details on how is discouraged and I have been warned against doing so by a mod.
rruss said:
I have heard of people using a evo on verizon i been eyeing the droid razr so if possible i wanna flash it to sprint. I called a store they said no but they prolly just want me to spend money on a new phone. So is it possible?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's possible. When I worked at Sprint I had a customer come in with an Evo on Verizon (he later came back to Sprint). You take a Verizon smartphone and swap ESN's with the phone you want to put on. It's not illegal if you swap them, and it's not like anyone's going to know, because on their system, it'll show up as the other phone, not what you're actually using. It's not a straight-forward process but if you can follow directions it's not too hard.
Product F(RED) said:
Yes, it's possible. When I worked at Sprint I had a customer come in with an Evo on Verizon (he later came back to Sprint). You take a Verizon smartphone and swap ESN's with the phone you want to put on. It's not illegal if you swap them, and it's not like anyone's going to know, because on their system, it'll show up as the other phone, not what you're actually using. It's not a straight-forward process but if you can follow directions it's not too hard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So If I were to call sprint and Had a droid razr that I want to use and I'm currently using a palm pre I Just give them my pre esn and they will use that to activate it? How is this possible because doesn't each phone have a specific ESN that allows that specific phone to be activated?
Applestoandroid-fandroid said:
So If I were to call sprint and Had a droid razr that I want to use and I'm currently using a palm pre I Just give them my pre esn and they will use that to activate it? How is this possible because doesn't each phone have a specific ESN that allows that specific phone to be activated?
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Click to collapse
It's not that simple. You have to use programs to swap the ESNs. As in take the ESN from the Pre and put it on the Droid Razr. And then you give them the Pre ESN (which is really the Droid Razr) and it'll work on Sprint. You'll still need to change some stuff like the APN/MMS settings, among other things, but out of the box, it should make calls/SMS texts.
A little bit of a downer...
Theres only one problem with that... Droid Razr uses a Sim card for network identification. I know its CDMA, but all LTE phones on Verizon require a sim card, also it has no ESN number. So, until Sprint gets LTE, then no Razr on Sprint, unless someone hacks the sim card to have an ESN number (which I have seen with the HTC ThunderBolt), but if Sprint does get LTE, then you have to change the IMEI number with a 4G LTE phone on Sprints Network, and even then, you still only get Sprint 3G, unless they plan to use the same bands as Verizon, but good luck trying to get it on Sprint!
ok here's the breakdown.. because 90% of the info in here isnt correct. few guys said some worthwhile stuff tho.. so everyone dont hate
the droid razr isnt getting on sprint... youre not editing the moto meid. not possible. there are some scripts out there that edit the moto meid on bootup but its buggy and does not work on all motos. unless youre super mobile hacker.. youre not touching this method.
other phones... samsungs/htc/lg... as gedster314 said... can all be easily edited. each individual phone may have its quirks but in general.. they all generally use the same methods to edit meid/3g profiles.
now... as for what Jayjaymac said above about it not being able to work without a sim card. generally this is correct.. when doing everything by the book. but you can remove the sim card and rewrite the serial built into the phone and rewrite it as the meid.. and then youre on cricket/metro/boost etc. now again... youre not editing the moto meid... but its because of how moto locks down their phones.. NOT because of the lte sim. the samsung charge has a weird chipset so no one has interfaced it with QPST yet.. so no meid change there either. the htc thunderbolt can easily be put on any cdma network.. that has a sim. any htc device wouldnt be a problem putting on other networks... vzw gnex would work as well.
tl;dr
the moto cant be done... but not for the reasons people specified in this thread. if u wanna edit meid's.. dont ever choose moto.
Yes, like auto said, the MEID was created as an ESN replacement. You cannot "clone" and MEID to another device to fool Sprint anymore. Old ESN devices could be done that way, but that is no longer the case with MEID
Korey_Nicholson said:
Yes, like auto said, the MEID was created as an ESN replacement. You cannot "clone" and MEID to another device to fool Sprint anymore. Old ESN devices could be done that way, but that is no longer the case with MEID
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Click to collapse
i didnt say that
you can certainly edit meid's on phones still. any htc device, 99% of samsung devices, 90% of lg devices... all editable. you can even force meid phones back to use esn-only if you must.
the issue in this thread is that the OP wanted to edit the motorola droid razr, but you are unable to edit it due to how motorola locks their phones down.
and to everyone else reading this thread.. no this thread will NOT be used for directions on how to do any of this. we're merely discussing whether something is technically possible or not.
autoprime said:
i didnt say that
you can certainly edit meid's on phones still. any htc device, 99% of samsung devices, 90% of lg devices... all editable. you can even force meid phones back to use esn-only if you must.
the issue in this thread is that the OP wanted to edit the motorola droid razr, but you are unable to edit it due to how motorola locks their phones down.
and to everyone else reading this thread.. no this thread will NOT be used for directions on how to do any of this. we're merely discussing whether something is technically possible or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh misunderstood.
autoprime said:
you can certainly edit meid's on phones still. any htc device, 99% of samsung devices, 90% of lg devices...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can Vouch
check this out
or this or this or this if your lazy
rruss said:
I have heard of people using a evo on verizon i been eyeing the droid razr so if possible i wanna flash it to sprint. I called a store they said no but they prolly just want me to spend money on a new phone. So is it possible?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/estore/certifieddevice/cd
Why didn't you just reply to the thread this was in?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Galaxy Nexus on Page Plus? I want that unlimited talk/sms/1GB data for $55

I'm a brand new Galaxy Nexus owner! Actually I bought it for my girlfriend; there's no way I could give up my Note. Anyone know how to get this thing set up on Page Plus? The first thing they asked for is an ESN or MEID #, so I pulled the battery and there's only an IMEI # listed. The customer service rep said they can't do anything without an ESN or MEID; but then how does it work on Verizon? If it works with Verizon, it should work with Page Plus.
I'm starting to worry now, because I also just found a thread here where they're trying the same thing but stuck because they can't find the diagnostic menu for manual programming. Anyone know anything about that? Now that I have it in my hands, I reallllly want to get it working!!!
I like how you bought the phone and then decided to do the research on it.
And why did you decide to go for the Verizon version and go with Page Plus? You'd be better off getting the GSM version anyway and using that. There are many many many more MVNO and prepaid options if you just bought GSM. Its not like you were going to get LTE on any prepaid network anyways. Buying a Galaxy Nexus and parking it on EVDO is kinda ****ty.
That being said, looks like you're gonna have to do some research on this one. My guess is theres an issue because Verizon activates and registers phones on their network using the LTE SIM, rather than traditional CDMA methods (afaik).
Err...Verizon uses the MicroSIM. It contains an MEID number, so it can easily be attached to the network when it's plugged in.
Also, the CDMA/LTE Nexus is carrier-locked, so even if you had an MEID number it wouldn't be allowed on Page Plus' network.
Did you seriously spend $650 without even doing a minute of research?
It was a great deal I couldn't pass up: $300! (though it does have a little road rash on the bottom edge.) That's why I bought it right away without first doing the research. I'm sure I can re-sell it if I have to, but I'd really rather not.
After posting I went to About in settings and found that it does have an MEID #, which happens to be the same as the IMEI, but missing the last digit.
So there's no unlock for it yet? I assumed that it being google's Android flagship would mean almost immediate root and unlock.
Yes, I know I still have some reading to do; I just got home and immediately posted because I couldn't wait!
maxh said:
So there's no unlock for it yet? I assumed that it being google's Android flagship would mean almost immediate root and unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But its a CDMA phone... Just resell it and buy the GSM model. Save yourself the trouble.
Do you think it might help if I went by a Verizon store and got a SIM card?
martonikaj said:
But its a CDMA phone... Just resell it and buy the GSM model. Save yourself the trouble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will if I have to, but I'm gonna try to make it work first. She's pretty happy with Page Plus (Verizon service) where she travels for work.
maxh said:
Do you think it might help if I went by a Verizon store and got a SIM card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are you gonna convince them to do that when you have no indication whatsoever of signing a contract or using their service? lol.
And that still doesn't remove the fact that it registers on the network with the SIM, which Page Plus (in my reading) does not do, as they don't have LTE.
martonikaj said:
How are you gonna convince them to do that when you have no indication whatsoever of signing a contract or using their service? lol.
And that still doesn't remove the fact that it registers on the network with the SIM, which Page Plus (in my reading) does not do, as they don't have LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured I'd do some sweet talking... And maybe ask to get set up for Verizon prepaid.
So are you saying if you're in an area where Verizon hasn't yet rolled out LTE the GNexus won't fall back to CDMA or EV-DO, or whatever those non GSM people use?
maxh said:
I figured I'd do some sweet talking... And maybe ask to get set up for Verizon prepaid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But their SIM is provisioned for their network. Not Page Plus' network. That's like saying you're going to walk into an AT&T store just to get a SIM, then try to go over to T-Mobile and use their network. That's not how it works.
So are you saying if you're in an area where Verizon hasn't yet rolled out LTE the GNexus won't fall back to CDMA or EV-DO, or whatever those non GSM people use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course it will. It does EVDO and LTE. Not everywhere has LTE yet. What I'm saying is why deal with EVDO (you'll never get LTE on Page Plus) when you could have HSPA+ with the GSM model.
martonikaj said:
But their SIM is provisioned for their network. Not Page Plus' network. That's like saying you're going to walk into an AT&T store just to get a SIM, then try to go over to T-Mobile and use their network. That's not how it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Page Plus's network is Verizon's network. (though I don't think LTE is included. People on AT&T MVNOs (such as straight talk) regularly get SIM cards from AT&T stores to fix service issues...
I found these guys who claim to flash all sorts of devices including Android for Page Plus, and they have a huge Galaxy Nexus picture front and center; I contacted them and hope it's not false advertising.
maxh said:
Page Plus's network is Verizon's network. (though I don't think LTE is included. People on AT&T MVNOs (such as straight talk) regularly get SIM cards from AT&T stores to fix service issues...
I found these guys who claim to flash all sorts of devices including Android for Page Plus, and they have a huge Galaxy Nexus picture front and center; I contacted them and hope it's not false advertising.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes its the same network, I'm aware of how an MVNO works... what I'm saying is Page Plus doesn't activate phones using SIM cards because it doesn't have LTE or that system in place, whereas Verizon does. Which leads to issues.
Just makes more hurdles. As I said, you're going through extra trouble to just get a EVDO-stuck Galaxy Nexus. But that's your choice...
And ouch, those guys charge $50 to flash your phone? Kinda lame...
Anyways, good luck to you.
maxh said:
It was a great deal I couldn't pass up: $300! (though it does have a little road rash on the bottom edge.) That's why I bought it right away without first doing the research.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you (really) ended up with a used, slightly damaged Verizon Galaxy Nexus for that price, and can't use it without signing a contract with Verizon. I say you're pretty much screwed since the price of Verizon's Galaxy Nexus just went down to $99 only.
http://wireless.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Nexus-Android-Wireless/dp/B0061R2A1S
martonikaj said:
Yes its the same network, I'm aware of how an MVNO works... what I'm saying is Page Plus doesn't activate phones using SIM cards because it doesn't have LTE or that system in place, whereas Verizon does. Which leads to issues.
Just makes more hurdles. As I said, you're going through extra trouble to just get a EVDO-stuck Galaxy Nexus. But that's your choice...
And ouch, those guys charge $50 to flash your phone? Kinda lame...
Anyways, good luck to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for taking the time to comment in my thread. I started it with hopes of generating conversation that could lead to clues on overcoming the hurdles of putting the GNex on Page Plus. I don't need suggestions for other courses of action; my girlfriend is very happy with Page Plus (and the Verizon network) where she travels for work. I wanted to get her a new phone, the best one that'll work on Page Plus, and I found a smoking deal on it so I bought it.
So what it won't achieve LTE speeds; there's still many other things to like about it, and nothing else will achieve LTE on Page Plus, either. It's a perfectly good plan; not everyone's willing to pay twice as much or more just for LTE, but may still want a top notch phone.
I'll give it a week or two then sell it if nobody can figure out diagnostics mode on it, but I have high hoped.
And if it took paying $50, it'd still be dirt cheap compared to going to Verizon! You'd make that money back and then some on the first month with Page Plus instead of Verizon!
CyberPunk7t9 said:
If you (really) ended up with a used, slightly damaged Verizon Galaxy Nexus for that price, and can't use it without signing a contract with Verizon. I say you're pretty much screwed since the price of Verizon's Galaxy Nexus just went down to $99 only.
http://wireless.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Nexus-Android-Wireless/dp/B0061R2A1S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, it'd move. Looking at completed listings on Ebay and craigslist offerings, I'm pretty sure it'd be snatched up rapidly at $300. $99 is with 2-year commitment and those subsidies tend to translate to street value around $350 (i.e. that's the discount you get for signing a contract.) Anyways, I have a habit of giving old devices to friends/family.
Edit: especially with the terms/conditions Amazon puts on top of Verizon's in the contracts...
Edit 2: of course neither I nor anyone else would have to sign a Verizon contract on this phone, since the original guy who got the subsidized price did it.
Anybody know anything more about this yet?
maxh said:
Anybody know anything more about this yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I highly doubt anyone is doing much research on this, since it's such a rare request. Most people will just get the GSM model, if they do not want to use Verizon.
If you have a local shop willing to do this for you, I recommend contacting them - but I wouldn't pay a cent until you've verified functionality.
Cheers
Hi!
I am doing my own research too cause I too own a Verizon Galaxy nexus, and want to get it working with my local carrier in Mexico. Still looking to get it in diagnostic mode but wit no possitive results yet. As always, there will be a solution, but as things are going until now, it could take some time to appear.
And as yomuppet says, dont pay a cent until you see the thing workin!
I'd pay the 50 bucks to get it flash by that website or another site called beige something...
Otherwise you need CDMA workshop.
Look up HTC Thunderbolt on pageplus on these forums and you'll find a video on how to do it on that fone. I image it would be similar process for the sammy
did anyone ever get this working?
I totally understand original posters issue. I like the nexus and would like to get one but I too am a happy pageplus customer and would like to see if there's a way to make it work. Lame that people can't address the issue at hand but instead try to ridicule your decision. I tried setting up the droid charge (also a 4g lte phone) on pageplus but with no success - and ended up selling it. And yes, I walked into the verizon store and asked and they just gave me a sim card. but it still wouldn't register - and I also gave them the imei #minus the last digit. Too bad... I really like the new lte phones but I haven't seen many of then work on pageplus yet. If anyone figures it out, please post it here.

Non-Windmobile Note ll. Please.

Hi
I don't know if I am asking in the right place but if someone knows the answer I would really appreciate it.
I found a good deal on a Note ll that would save me a lot of money, only thing is I'm with Windmobile/Canada (which uses 1700/2100 frequency/bands and AWS network similar to T-Mobile in the USA as some of you know) but the phone isn't (works with Rogers, Bell, Fido...).
Now, I'm just dying to know, is there ANYTHING I can do to make the phone work with Wind? I've read and read and read I can't find a definitive answer. Some people selling Note ll phones on Craigslist claim their phones work with any carrier including Wind or Mobilicity. But some people say no way in hell that's possible.
So, please, can someone give me an answer to my question? Yes or no?
Thanks.
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Questions and help issues go in Q&A and Help sections
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Electroman365 said:
Hi
I don't know if I am asking in the right place but if someone knows the answer I would really appreciate it.
I found a good deal on a Note ll that would save me a lot of money, only thing is I'm with Windmobile/Canada (which uses 1700/2100 frequency/bands and AWS network similar to T-Mobile in the USA as some of you know) but the phone isn't (works with Rogers, Bell, Fido...).
Now, I'm just dying to know, is there ANYTHING I can do to make the phone work with Wind? I've read and read and read I can't find a definitive answer. Some people selling Note ll phones on Craigslist claim their phones work with any carrier including Wind or Mobilicity. But some people say no way in hell that's possible.
So, please, can someone give me an answer to my question? Yes or no?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is possible. There is an unlock method before upgrading to 4.1.2. When the Note II came out with 4.1.1, there is a method used (go to the general forums to find more about this) without rooting the device.
If I were you, though, I would not trust online purchases of the Note II. Some people claim it stolen after you buy it so they get compensation for it if they have insurance for their phone.
Sent from my SGH-T889V using xda app-developers app
Caveat emptor. There are stolen devices out there, and fraudulent sellers.
With this disclaimer out of the way, your sellers with I317Ms claiming they'll work on Wind and Mobilicity have simply applied the mod outlined in this thread which you could do yourself.
If I were to buy another Note 2 via classifieds now, I'd pick a locked I317M (I'd avoid a locked BMA3 running T889V due to its modem-related bootloop issues), flash its initial release modem with Odin, unlock, update, and apply the AWS mod. (Granted I'm using Virgin Mobile, but having AWS could come in handy stateside with a T-Mobile prepaid SIM.)
Thanks kennyglass for moving my question to the right place. I wasn't sure where to ask because I'm not a frequent user of this site.
Thanks a million to Crinkypops and Darkshado for answering my question. I appreciate that. The good news is that now I know it is possible to make the phone work on an AWS network. The bad news is I have no clue how to do any of that stuff myself. I have zero experience or knowledge in this stuff, which means l'll probably have to get someone else with the necessary expertise to do this for me.....if l can find one.
Now a couple of things, if I get a new phone (factory unlocked) and it's already 4.1.2, would it be possible to change it to the older 4.1.1 ?
Is doing all the stuff you guys told me about involve rooting or whatever? I really don't want to mess up the phone with changing all kinds of things on it because I don't want to get stuck without a phone if something goes wrong and like I said I don't know anything about this stuff.
So, what if I buy a phone that was made to work with Wind or T-Mobile, would it be possible to modify it to make it work with other companies too? I really don't know why things have to be this complicated.
You have to start somewhere, it'll take a fair amount of reading, but it can be done.
Aside from their previous Nexus models, as of writing these lines, there's no such thing as a "factory unlocked" phone for Samsung Canada. All the SIM-unlocked devices you encounter were sold through carriers, and originally locked. Some sellers might also have grey market imports that were indeed never locked, but that's beyond the scope of this discussion, since we're interested in the North American variants of the Note 2.
You can downgrade the ROM back to 4.1.1 on all Canadian Note 2 variants, although I wouldn't try it on the T889V because it's been known to cause issues. Seems like there's a bug specific to this model.
You said you didn't want to be stuck without a phone if things went wrong, how about having a backup phone? The nice thing with two Android phones is that it's easy to keep their contacts and calendars synchronized.
The downgrade-to-unlock procedure can be done entirely using official (leaked) Samsung ROM images and tools, and does not require root. Done properly it will not trip the custom flash counter.
The AWS mod uses hidden factory built-in menus with leaked (QPST/QXDM) or reverse engineered tools (NV reader-writer / CDMA Workshop / EFS Pro). Again, it doesn't involve root and won't trip the flash counter. I317Ms that have had the AWS HSPA mod applied still work with their original carriers as before.
Thanks again, darkshadow.
Quick question. How do I know if the phone is I317M or BMA3 and running T889V ? Is l317M or BMA3 written on the back (once the cover is removed)?
Electroman365 said:
Thanks again, darkshadow.
Quick question. How do I know if the phone is I317M or BMA3 and running T889V ? Is l317M or BMA3 written on the back (once the cover is removed)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can check it at the bottom of the box with the IMEI. I would advise you to actually go on the phone, though, and go to settings>about phone and then you'll see the IMEI, baseband, and model number in there. Make sure that the IMEI matches with the box. Some people steal phones and then just buy boxes so beware.
Good luck on your purchase!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Crinkypops said:
You can check it at the bottom of the box with the IMEI. I would advise you to actually go on the phone, though, and go to settings>about phone and then you'll see the IMEI, baseband, and model number in there. Make sure that the IMEI matches with the box. Some people steal phones and then just buy boxes so beware.
Good luck on your purchase!
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, crinkypops. I appreciate it and thanks for the info. If I buy a used phone I'll ask for the receipt and the box too.
Electroman365 said:
Thanks, crinkypops. I appreciate it and thanks for the info. If I buy a used phone I'll ask for the receipt and the box too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just trying to help a fellow Canadian PM me how the purchase goes.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Thanks again, crinkypops. I will. I first have to find out if the phone the guy can get me is an i317m and I'll go from there.
Well, looks like the only option I have is to buy a used Note II on CL. My "friend" who was going to hook me up with a new phone through a buddy of his is an unreliable scum bag of a "friend" and I'm not going to bother with him any more.
So now I'm looking on CL but I'm trying not to buy any phone unless the seller has the sales receipt to make sure I'm not buying something that's stolen.However, some sellers don't want to give the receipt -although willing to show it- because it has their personal information and my question is, would the receipt have the ID # (if that's what it's called) of the particular phone printed on it? If the phone is still under warranty, would it be possible to get it repaired (if there's a need) without a receipt?
Any other advice on how to avoid getting scammed buying a phone on CL?
Thanks.
Which city are you from? I am in vancouver and might consider selling if the price is right. I have the box and receipt. Phone is rooted running x14 with wind. Its still locked though.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I don't know what the problem is. I tried to send private messages to vseslija and crinkypops but I don't think they went through.
vseslija, was your phone purchased from Wind?
---
I'm a bit confused. Some guy is telling me I need to get the T889 and not the i317m if I want to use my phone with Wind, but from the answers here and from what I see on CL that can't be correct. Am I right? He says the i317m will be slow and unstable. Speed of T889 vs i317m : 42 mbps vs 21 mbps. Any thoughts?
Thanks.
Yup mine was purchased directly from wind.
That guy is bsing you
Sent from SGH-T889v Canadian Wind Mobile
Hmm, the guy isn't completely wrong, but he's not completely right either...
The (Canadian) T889V and I317M as well as the (US) T889 and I317 are all capable of 42 Mbps DC-HSPA. The 21 Mbps numbers you might have seen are due to AT&T's HSPA network not supporting dual channel operation, unlike most (all?) Canadian HSPA networks.
The T889 and T889V work on AWS HSPA carriers like Wind, Mobilicity, Videotron or T-Mobile USA out of the box. (The T889V won't work on LTE if you decide to switch back to Robellusfivirkoo, but that's another story, and there's also a way to enable that.)
The I317 and I317M won't, but are very easy to modify in order to enable the AWS HSPA you'll need. There have been a handful of reports of flaky connections on the AWS mod thread, but the ratio is so low that I'm lead to wonder if: there's an undocumented hardware revision for which the mod won't work, their phones or cellular networks had other issues, or if those trying to apply it did something wrong along the way.
I haven't checked Kijiji or CL for phones in a while, but I do recall the T889V commanding a slight premium over the I317M at one point because they were rarer.
Thanks again guys for replying. Man this has given me a lot of headache. Get a Wind Note and get it over with or get an i317m and mod it (have someone do it for me) to get it to work with AWS? I guess listening to what you guys had to say, plus asking a local cell phone shop is making me feel confident that it IS possible to get an i317m work on the AWS without any problems. Now, I think I'm going to take my chances and look for one on CL. In the worst case scenario if for some reason it gives me a headache I'm assuming I can have the process reversed (restore it to its original system) and I'll just sell it and get me a Note that was made specifically for Wind.
To those who helped me and answered my questions, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Just noticed the i317. So I guess there's an i317 and an i317m. Did some reading but the only difference I can see is that the "M" model is for the Canadian market. Am I right? Does an i317 work in Canada just fine?
The AT&T I317 should work just fine. But, (there's always one, isn't it?) its baseband has some "annoying" limitations (RAT lock is the term you'll want to search) that prevent you from toggling between network modes easily, i.e. you can't switch it between GSM only, WCDMA only, GSM/WCDMA/LTE like you can the Canadian model. Plus there are all the import related considerations you have to keep in mind (taxes and brokerage fees), plus buying something expensive sight-unseen.
The other differences are more benign and software-related. Nothing that can't be fixed with some ROM-flashing, like non-Robellusfivirkoo CSC settings.
Darkshado said:
The AT&T I317 should work just fine. But, (there's always one, isn't it?) its baseband has some "annoying" limitations (RAT lock is the term you'll want to search) that prevent you from toggling between network modes easily, i.e. you can't switch it between GSM only, WCDMA only, GSM/WCDMA/LTE like you can the Canadian model. Plus there are all the import related considerations you have to keep in mind (taxes and brokerage fees), plus buying something expensive sight-unseen.
The other differences are more benign and software-related. Nothing that can't be fixed with some ROM-flashing, like non-Robellusfivirkoo CSC settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply and the info. I just got an i317m. Finally.

[Q] Help to root a Straight Talk GSIII?

Hi all,
I have been guided to this section regarding my Straight Talk Samsung Galaxy SIII because it's model number indicates it operates through Sprint. It is a SCH-S960L. I have had it for about a week. Came with 4.1.2. Does anyone have any information on how I can root this phone? I have searched everywhere and can't find any solid info about it.
I thank you ahead for any guidance you can give!
Lisa
Rooting for all S3 is pretty much the same. The thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38172219 has almost all the answers to questions you will have. #2 thing mentioned is rooting it will take you to the guide with video just watch the video several times read everything it's rather simple in less than 5 minutes you will have it rooted and custom recovery installed.
Sent from the future via Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
Thanks for the response, Ed. I haven't heard much other info about rooting this, so I appreciate the info. Really don't want to brick it, but I also am anxious to get rooted and set it up the way I want it....
Lisa
Sent from my SCH-S960L using Tapatalk 4 Beta
i beleive that youre phone is probably more related to the t-mobile variant since straight talk runs off of tmobile... check the model number under the battery
eisawi99 said:
i beleive that youre phone is probably more related to the t-mobile variant since straight talk runs off of tmobile... check the model number under the battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I think ST runs off Sprint. This was what I was told. I have this model as well. Please correct me if I'm mistaken. There isnt much info around about the SCH-S960L
Sent from my SCH-S960L using xda app-developers app
you might be right but i remember a commercial saying that you get t mobiles national coverage... but you may be right
ST runs on the Sprint network.
actually, i looked it up and it appears it uses all major carriers... its a part of tracfone which makes it a subsidiary of a subsidiary... but tracfone has contracts with all major carriers
I was able to confirm this phone does run through Sprint, and got it rooted using Skunkape1's excellent rooting directions in the Sprint SG3 forum...
Sent from my SCH-S960L using Tapatalk 4 Beta
did you rom it????????
ScrapHappy said:
I was able to confirm this phone does run through Sprint, and got it rooted using Skunkape1's excellent rooting directions in the Sprint SG3 forum...
Sent from my SCH-S960L using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the S3 through straight talk runs on sprint.... if you rooted, did you use a rom?
I bought my wife and daughter these phones through straight talk. The box had the red verizon map on it, and the network type is LTE/ cdma. I'm on regular verizon and can get LTE, but they can't.They stay on 3g most of the time. Sucks. But I am curious if you were able to find a rom to run after you rooted it? I'm not really satisfied with straight talk service. Family seems to have a lot more dropped calls than me. Anything that can make these phones more bearable would be nice.
eisawi99 said:
i beleive that youre phone is probably more related to the t-mobile variant since straight talk runs off of tmobile... check the model number under the battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight Talk doesn't "run" on T-mobile. Straight Talk is a Tracfone service, which depending on the specific device, runs on a variety of towers through a variety of companies. Verizon and At&t are the most commonly used towers.
Well, I finally gave up and put my family back on Verizon. Weird thing was when vz sales rep was swapping numbers, he put the straight talk phone info into the computer and it said the phone was using sprint and some verizon variant network for data.
Was wondering if anyone has ever found a rom to run on this phone. Friend wants the phone, but rooted.
moejoe88 said:
Was wondering if anyone has ever found a rom to run on this phone. Friend wants the phone, but rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running everything (flashaholic) on my S960L. After I bricked I got it back to life and have been happily flashing since.
And yes, it does run off Sprint networks
Sent from my N800 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Yeah, I'll probably just sell it to him and be done with it. It's a shame straight talk didn't work out for me. Might have better coverage in a city. But where I live, it's crap.
Now on Verizon
The FIRST GS3 offered by Straight Talk WAS on the Sprint network. But after S/T got absolutely blasted by upset customers (and POTENTIAL customers) they finally pulled their heads out of their butts and now they offer a CDMA-V variant...that's VERIZON for those who don't know the codes. There is a code on the lower left corner of the packaging that will say CDMA-S (Sprint), CDMA-V (Verizon) and GSM which will be either T-Mobile or AT&T (not sure of the codes after the GSM as I'm not familiar with those, but the person in electronics would (should) know if you ask).
So now you can have one of the best phones on the market, behind only the S4, on Verizon's network. I got this phone the day after the Black Friday sales, and it still rang up at the sale price of $299. I was prepared to pay the regular price of $399 so you can imagine my surprise and delight when it rang up at the sale price. So what if it only has 3G. I constantly hear people complaining about this fact, so they can either have their 4G LTE on Sprint and get no coverage, or have a contract and pay 3 times what I pay, or have one of the best phones out there with 3G and $45 a month for everything unlimited on the best network with no contract. The choice seems obvious to me. And I'm an ex-Verizon contract customer. Our bill was just too high. I'm happy to pay more for a phone with no contract.
Now, hopefully somebody can answer my question...would it be the same process to root this phone as the one on the Sprint network? Is there any possibility you could screw up your phone with no chance of recovery? I would like to root my phone but I do not want to be in a situation where I'm looking at my phone with a blank screen and no way to recover, or it won't turn on or it changes to Japanese...etc...you get what I'm asking. If there's any risk I'm not going to do it, it just wouldn't seem worth it to me. But if it's something that it works or doesn't and no in between then I would like to try it. Thank you for any advice.
Wow! Great advice
edfunkycold said:
Rooting for all S3 is pretty much the same. The thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38172219 has almost all the answers to questions you will have. #2 thing mentioned is rooting it will take you to the guide with video just watch the video several times read everything it's rather simple in less than 5 minutes you will have it rooted and custom recovery installed.
Sent from the future via Xparent Green Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! Top answer here. Too bad it was a complete fail for the straight talk version.

[Q] How to unlock Note 4 from Sprint

Hello:
I have a note 4 from sprint and needs to be unlocked to be used with a different Carrier
Can you please advise how to be able to do this ? additionally how can remove the sprint start up and sprint apps ?
ali.sulaiman1980 said:
Hello:
I have a note 4 from sprint and needs to be unlocked to be used with a different Carrier
Can you please advise how to be able to do this ? additionally how can remove the sprint start up and sprint apps ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on what carrier you are planing to use it? You cannot use sprint Galaxy note 4 on domestic GSM carriers like AT&T, T-mobile and their MVNOs (Straighttalk , etc). The phone can be unlocked for international GSM use (voice and 3G only, not LTE). Internationla unlock can be done officially through Sprint or unofficially via app in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...print-samsung-unlocker-unlock-sprint-t2928250
My question is how did you come across a Sprint Note 4? Did you not do your homework before acquiring the Sprint Note 4? Maybe you somehow got the phone for free? Why would somebody actually pay for a nice phone (released only a month or so ago) without knowing if it will work on a completely different network/carrier... then turn around and look for help on how to activate it on a GSM carrier? This makes no sense to me.
Im curious too.
Can a Sprint phone be unlocked and set up for use on ANY other carrier in the USA,
ie: Verizon?
No no no
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
I am pretty sure that if the phone had a clean ESN that you can activate it on Ting Mobile. I have also saw a thread where someone had flashed a T-Mobile Rom to the Sprint note 4 but they where not getting LTE of course I'm sure in time someone will come out with something stable.
tx_dbs_tx said:
My question is how did you come across a Sprint Note 4? Did you not do your homework before acquiring the Sprint Note 4? Maybe you somehow got the phone for free? Why would somebody actually pay for a nice phone (released only a month or so ago) without knowing if it will work on a completely different network/carrier... then turn around and look for help on how to activate it on a GSM carrier? This makes no sense to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Off topic here.
I came up for upgrade in June. I was gonna go Nexus 5 and then the Nexus 6 rumors started to fly. So I waited and along came the Note 4. After much research I ended up with arguably the best phone on the planet. Imo it is.
Unlock Code
I am in Canada, got this as xmas gift from my father in law
You can root and try Galaxy Tools 4 root users https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.idone.galaxymenu
Or you can use this app from the S5 thread you don't need root with this app http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2928250
Hope this helps a little
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
sliverr7x said:
No no no
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So...Sprint phones can ONLY be used on Sprint carrier here is the good 'ol U,S of A???..
if unlocked, then another Sprint user can use it.. but other carriers?? correct???
Once Sprint, Always Sprint???
thanks...
jimmbomb said:
So...Sprint phones can ONLY be used on Sprint carrier here is the good 'ol U,S of A???..
if unlocked, then another Sprint user can use it.. but other carriers?? correct???
Once Sprint, Always Sprint???
thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which question would you like answered?
xxSTARBUCKSxx said:
Which question would you like answered?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about you answer what you can. Starbucks
see. I just answered your question,
so take a stab at answering too...
even if its a wrong answer, id like to hear .
thanks
jimmbomb said:
So...Sprint phones can ONLY be used on Sprint carrier here is the good 'ol U,S of A???..
if unlocked, then another Sprint user can use it.. but other carriers?? correct???
Once Sprint, Always Sprint???
thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No
2. Customers can switch devices by calling on a different phone to CS or going into store and switch devices, no unlocking necessary.
3. Just switch Sim cards and edit and tweak where necessary or pay someone if you dont know how.
4. Correct, but no unlocking necessary.
5. That depends on the person.
Thank you for your answers
sliverr7x said:
No no no
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes yes yes it can be used with other carriers in the USA. Are people forgetting about flashing of modems and firmware. What decade are we in 1960? Our maybe 1950 when phone were still two way radios. Remember sprint can't stop everything Samsung does in making their phone. Ask the right questions to right people get right answer. If someone in XDA hasn't figured it out yet just wait & keep on looking. XDA is also not the only place to look for answers to everything Samsung, sometimes Samsung is were to look or Samsung blogs. All I hear is everyone that talks about Samsung first thing everyone says is it CAN'T be done. When are the tech, crackers, & hackers of this world going to stop saying everything is impossible & realize we are the ones that make everything possible. If we are going to do that why do we become techs or crackers or hackers or even developers in the every first place?.... LET'S STOP PUTTING LIMITS ON OU OURSELVES & SHOW SPRING WHAT WE CAN DO! Sprint is not GODZ. We created what sprint & Every carrier in the world uses to try to put limitations one everyone with. Are we going to let the carriers use or phones against us or are we going to use them the way the phone manufactures wanted the phones to be used ( without restrictions of the carriers of the world.)
after unlocking your sprint device you can only use it with carriers outside the USA. If you are planning to use it with local sim cards after unlocking like at&t and t-mobile (gsm) then you cannot.
rscooldesire said:
after unlocking your sprint device you can only use it with carriers outside the USA. If you are planning to use it with local sim cards after unlocking like at&t and t-mobile (gsm) then you cannot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm if its not under payments u can
Yep once the phone is paid for per new laws that went active in Feb or March if you ask the carrier to domestic unlock your phone they are required to do it by law. Some models this will not be possible but the note 4 should. I think the carriers have a grace period to make this available. Not sure how long. I could quote the legislation but Id have to search for it.
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
B to the S. If you can unlock a 720t a note 4 can be unlocked!! Period!! It picks up signal just no antenna for that signal because the phone antenna is tuned in the wrong station or radius degree. I think if the people who can unlock 720t s can try the same methods with busy box or Verizon modems. Like guy said earlier " Si se puede"!! It can be done!! Just need to tweak frequency angles and remove face security options a little.
By law you can have it unlocked for a limited time, but that will not make the LTE radio magically work on your carriers band unless they support the same band. Or unless you know someone who can JTAG flash the radio to another carrier as well you will not be able to use the LTE/DATA band on a carrier that does not support the frequency. This is nothing something that can be done over USB or by a new kernel. This will have to be done with JTAG and by someone who has access to the various carriers radio firmware which is tightly guarded. So basically you will be using a Note 4 on 3G only. Might as well just sign up with SPRINT then, you will get the same service speed.

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