Develop Bugs

[Q] How to Network Unlock Galaxy S3 sgh-T999

I'm a bit of a noob, so apologies if this is in the wrong section. I've had a very difficult time finding threads that focus on those who have (stupidly!) applied the OTA 4.3 jellybean update, and what they can do to network unlock the phone. So here goes:
Samsung Galaxy SIII
SGH-T999
Android Version 4.3
Baseband Version T999UVUEMJC
Stock build. No root.
The closest step-by-step I've come across:
Remove T-Mobile SIM. Replace with ATT SIM. Reboot phone.
*#197328640# which successfully puts me into service mode.
This brings up the following menu:
MAIN MENU
[1]UMTS
[2]CDMA
[3]LTE
[4]SIM
From there its
[1]UMTS
[1] DEBUG SCREEN
[8]PHONE CONTROL
[6]NETWORK UNLOCK
[3]PERSO SHA256 OFF ...
Now, that's as far as I can get. The guide then says to go back to [6] and there should be an option, [4] NV INITIALIZZ.
This option is not there for me. (Note: at this point the PERSO SHA256 status is indeed set to SHA256_ENABLE_FLAG [0]).
Another guide suggested BACKing to the MAIN MENU and selecting option [5] run EFS SYNC() after selecting [3]PERSO SHA256 OFF.
I have done this and the screen reads: SYNC success. please reboot.
I do so, heart aflutter... only to be met with a SIM unlock PIN code entry screen.
Unlock fail.
Other threads have suggested downgrading to 4.1.1 in order for this to work and the necessary options be made available. Most of what I have read has said that attempts to downgrade from OTA 4.3 (with big brother KNOX) will result in a hard brick.
So, if you've made it this far... Has anyone figured out how to SIM unlock this particular phone running OTA 4.3 without rooting/downgrading?
If there is a more suitable thread discussing SIII's that are running 4.3 please direct me there.
Many thanks!

You could try and flash a 4.1.1 Modem. After that, try the above process.
Note - In that process, you are required to be super patient at each step.

Perseus71 said:
You could try and flash a 4.1.1 Modem. After that, try the above process.
Note - In that process, you are required to be super patient at each step.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Appreciate the response.
Yes, most of what I have come across has indicated that I would need to get 4.1.1 by hook or by crook in order to network unlock the phone, having upgraded to 4.3.
I have some experience fiddling with such things, but many posts have also indicated that, with the new KNOX package in tow, backing down from 4.3 will hard brick this device. I am hoping that, with access to Service Mode, someone will discover a way to network unlock without root/flashing.
Thanks again!

Are you Rooted ? If so flashing the LJC modem from Doc's thread won't brick your device.

Perseus71 said:
Are you Rooted ? If so flashing the LJC modem from Doc's thread won't brick your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is not currently rooted, no. Most rooting instructions I've seen are for 4.1.1 or 4.1.2. My guess is I'm going to have to root to unlock...
Could you direct me to instructions for rooting OTA 4.3?
Again, many thanks for taking the time to help.

etrash310 said:
The phone is not currently rooted, no. Most rooting instructions I've seen are for 4.1.1 or 4.1.2. My guess is I'm going to have to root to unlock...
Could you direct me to instructions for rooting OTA 4.3?
Again, many thanks for taking the time to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow these. Effectively Flash Custom Rom using ODIN then flash SuperUser Zip.

Perseus71 said:
Follow these. Effectively Flash Custom Rom using ODIN then flash SuperUser Zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. I will try this tonight.

etrash310 said:
Awesome. I will try this tonight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, no luck. Followed all the directions I could (provided by some awesome contributors including Doc) including:
1)Rooting using the aforementioned method and installing 4.3 with SU and no KNOX. Then just flashing stock modem 4.1.1 UVDLJC, in order to reveal the [4] NV INITIALIZZ option that is not present in Servicemode on jellybean 4.3 firmware.
--- This resulted in very slowed down system with no WiFi capability and no startup or shutdown sounds. Logging into Servicemode just resulted in a blank screen that said Servicemode.
--- Ultimately had to emergency restore firmware via KIES. (Thanks to reading a post by Doc on another thread). This got me up and running again.
2) Rooting using aforementioned method. And searching for stock 4.1.1 firmware in order to downgrade...
--- This has proven to be impossible. I can not find stock 4.1.1 anywhere. All links that have turned up have either been dead hotfile.com links or corrupted .zip files.
--- Additionally, I have been informed that once you upgrade to 4.3 OTA it is IMPOSSIBLE to flash an earlier firmware using ODIN. (Is is possible using CWM perhaps?)
In the end, it appears that the jellybean 4.3 OTA update currently has the community stumped as to how to unlock the SGH-T999 for use on another network with your only option to either convince T-Mobile to give you an unlock code or ordering one online. (And I've read of too many folks getting bogus codes ordering online...)
Still having fun trying, and its very cool to see all the hard work and info that folks like Doc are compiling on here. Maybe somebody is on the way to cracking this nut!!!

etrash310 said:
In the end, it appears that the jellybean 4.3 OTA update currently has the community stumped as to how to unlock the SGH-T999 for use on another network with your only option to either convince T-Mobile to give you an unlock code or ordering one online. (And I've read of too many folks getting bogus codes ordering online...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So after all that, what is your current Rom and Firmware ? Can you try Root66 of 4.2 Rom ? Doc has Re-Hosted with mirrors.

I followed cLogic's guide that you linked to above and am running 4.3 rooted w/o Knox garbage.
Ended up getting phone network unlocked at a local hole in the wall phone shoppe. Figured it was worth a couple extra bucks to have it unlocked face to face in case code didn't work rather than fish out a reputable online source on my own.
Will be curious to compare its power usage to stock 4.3. Phone is working well, although it seems I will have to play with the APN settings as I am unable to send MMS messages... hmmm. Any advice off the top of your head?
I'd given root66 a try and also gave Doc's reposts another shot, but no dice.
So the sum of my endeavors are as follows:
1) If you want to network unlock your galaxy s3 on your own, DO NOT upgrade to jellybean 4.3 OTA until you do. It does not seem anyone has figured a way to ala ServiceMode in 4.1.1 yet.
2) If you have upgraded to 4.3 OTA you can use cLogic's guide linked to above to root your phone sans Knox.
3) If you have already upgraded to 4.3 OTA and want your phone network unlocked, you will have to pay to have it factory unlocked.
4) XDA is the bomb.

UPDATE:
Looks like the MMS messages I was trying to send finally went through... it just took an inordinately long time for them to do so.. not sure why yet.

Of dubious help to the OP, who had his phone commercially unlocked, but for others reading this thread or the OP's curiosity.. the 4.3 update has caused all kinds of grief. Amongst various bugs and battery drain issues, 4.3 has changed dialer codes or shuffled menus around. I can confirm the same results as the OP up to the point where he found that the initialize NV menu missing.
To progress further, I found that I needed:
An active SIM from a different carrier, with said SIM needing to be the phone throughout. This is in contrast to the previous method that worked without a SIM in the phone during the unlock procedure. I successfully unlocked a Note 2 with 4.3 using the steps in this techbeasts.com post.
And was successful with a 4.3 S4 using a slight variation (no NV initialize menu!.. back.. key input.. 1.. back). Both phones were M (Canadian) models.​
Reading between the lines of various reports in addition to first hand experience implies that there may be several different carrier specific dodges being employed here. Playing musical chairs with the missing menu items that now have different dialer codes, are now found on hidden sub menus (key input = 1) or in back up files.
The commercial unlock guys are using proprietary tools such as Samsung tool v 16.8. Which usually seem to be database based factory unlocks fetched (or calculated?) from their servers.
.

since this worked on a note2, would it work on a sgs3 t999 that is already on 4.3?
fffft said:
Of dubious help to the OP, who had his phone commercially unlocked, but for others reading this thread or the OP's curiosity.. the 4.3 update has caused all kinds of grief. Amongst various bugs and battery drain issues, 4.3 has changed dialer codes or shuffled menus around. I can confirm the same results as the OP up to the point where he found that the initialize NV menu missing.
To progress further, I found that I needed:
An active SIM from a different carrier, with said SIM needing to be the phone throughout. This is in contrast to the previous method that worked without a SIM in the phone during the unlock procedure. I successfully unlocked a Note 2 with 4.3 using the steps in this techbeasts.com post.
And was successful with a 4.3 S4 using a slight variation (no NV initialize menu!.. back.. key input.. 1.. back). Both phones were M (Canadian) models.​
Reading between the lines of various reports in addition to first hand experience implies that there may be several different carrier specific dodges being employed here. Playing musical chairs with the missing menu items that now have different dialer codes, are now found on hidden sub menus (key input = 1) or in back up files.
The commercial unlock guys are using proprietary tools such as Samsung tool v 16.8. Which usually seem to be database based factory unlocks fetched (or calculated?) from their servers.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

etrash310 said:
Well, no luck. Followed all the directions I could (provided by some awesome contributors including Doc) including:
1)Rooting using the aforementioned method and installing 4.3 with SU and no KNOX. Then just flashing stock modem 4.1.1 UVDLJC, in order to reveal the [4] NV INITIALIZZ option that is not present in Servicemode on jellybean 4.3 firmware.
--- This resulted in very slowed down system with no WiFi capability and no startup or shutdown sounds. Logging into Servicemode just resulted in a blank screen that said Servicemode.
--- Ultimately had to emergency restore firmware via KIES. (Thanks to reading a post by Doc on another thread). This got me up and running again.
2) Rooting using aforementioned method. And searching for stock 4.1.1 firmware in order to downgrade...
--- This has proven to be impossible. I can not find stock 4.1.1 anywhere. All links that have turned up have either been dead hotfile.com links or corrupted .zip files.
--- Additionally, I have been informed that once you upgrade to 4.3 OTA it is IMPOSSIBLE to flash an earlier firmware using ODIN. (Is is possible using CWM perhaps?)
In the end, it appears that the jellybean 4.3 OTA update currently has the community stumped as to how to unlock the SGH-T999 for use on another network with your only option to either convince T-Mobile to give you an unlock code or ordering one online. (And I've read of too many folks getting bogus codes ordering online...)
Still having fun trying, and its very cool to see all the hard work and info that folks like Doc are compiling on here. Maybe somebody is on the way to cracking this nut!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well try this link .... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1949687

well i dont know if it will work for me because my t999 is running cyanogenmod 12.1

The phone must be running stock 4.1.1 in order to sim unlock using the free method. Once the phone is on a 4.3 or newer bootloader, sim unlocking must be done using a code specific to the phone's imei. In order to enter the unlock code, the phone must be running a stock ROM or possibly a custom ROM based on a tw kernel.

audit13 said:
The phone must be running stock 4.1.1 in order to sim unlock using the free method. Once the phone is on a 4.3 or newer bootloader, sim unlocking must be done using a code specific to the phone's imei. In order to enter the unlock code, the phone must be running a stock ROM or possibly a custom ROM based on a tw kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I previously rooted my s3. It is locked to tmobile. Then I unrooted and tried to unlock it but of course after 4.3 update (LUVUBOH1 Big mistake I see! I tried to flash a different 4.3 stock baseband just to make sure I flashed stock rom but odin failed. I kept trying and even updated odin, but no dice. Any ideas??

Do you have an unlock code? If not, you'll have to buy an unlock code and enter the code while running a stock ROM.

audit13 said:
Do you have an unlock code? If not, you'll have to buy an unlock code and enter the code while running a stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I did purchase an unlock code. I'm going to try a different sim. I THINK I'm running stock rom 4.3 LUVUBOH1.

When you insert a non T-Mobile sim, you're not prompted to enter a network unlock code?

Going back to 4.1.1 Stock Help!

Hi All,
I just picked up a i317m Note II - It's locked to Rogers and I need to use it with Telus (I'm in Canada). The phone is stock 4.3 Rom.
I've unlocked a few S3's/Note II's in the past using the "free method" through the service menu's, but remember at the time the phone needed to be on 4.1.1 to work. (Even the updated 4.1.2 didn't have the proper menu items)
Can I simply revert back to 4.1.1 from 4.3 without issue using Odin and the Rogers 4.1.1 Firmware from SamMobile? Will it cause any issues?
I'm new to this whole Knox thing, need to do some reading this weekend about what's changed in the past 6 months here, but for now, I need to get the phone unlocked so I can at least use it.
Any help/comments ASAP would be great.

If your simply trying to unlock the device from the hidden menu. Then your best bet would be too flash the older modem. That was released with the 4.1.1 firmware. Then that menu will show up for you to do the unlock...
Or another option is to go to http://www.sammobile.com/
to get your stock firmware...
SENT FROM MY SAMMY i317 USING TAPATALK

Bajanman said:
If your simply trying to unlock the device from the hidden menu. Then your best bet would be too flash the older modem. That was released with the 4.1.1 firmware. Then that menu will show up for you to do the unlock...
Or another option is to go to http://www.sammobile.com/
to get your stock firmware...
SENT FROM MY SAMMY i317 USING TAPATALK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - I was just wanting to confirm there were no issues downgrading this method from 4.3 to 4.1.1 - I've done it before but not since official 4.3 had hit.
Turns out this thread was not needed. I just bought the used Note II and was told it was locked to Rogers. I just put my Telus sim in it and all is working fine, it's already been unlocked. Strange, but good enough.

bigystyle84 said:
Thanks - I was just wanting to confirm there were no issues downgrading this method from 4.3 to 4.1.1 - I've done it before but not since official 4.3 had hit.
Turns out this thread was not needed. I just bought the used Note II and was told it was locked to Rogers. I just put my Telus sim in it and all is working fine, it's already been unlocked. Strange, but good enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't downgrade after having the official 4.3 firmware/bootloader.
And that person you got it from must have unlocked it when it was on 4.1.1
That's good it's working:thumbup:
SENT FROM MY SAMMY i317 USING TAPATALK

Sim Unlock Method for T999L (LTE version) (4.1.2 Only)

I didnt see this on the other thread about sim unlock for the original t-mobile S3 so my apologies if this method has been posted before.
I have tested this on SGH-T999L aka theLTE version of the S3 for T-Mobile. I did this on 4.1.2 and it will more likely not work on 4.3. I havent tested it on T999N (Metro PCS version) but if someone does and it works, let us know
1. Go to https://towelroot.com/ and download towelroot. Install it and run it. Now you are rooted.
2. Install RegionLock Away
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2470551
3. Run it and grant root and reboot and now you are unlocked.
Optional step
4. Update through Kies to 4.3 and it will work despite being rooted (Device Status shows "Official" if rooted through towelroot). Update fails if you do it through the settings so this is the only to update besides odin/flashing
I test it an AT&T Straight Talk and everything was working with LTE

Thanks! I had run Region Lock Away to confirm it was safe to try a while back, but was never able to test if it actually SIM unlocked the device. If it worked on 4.1.2, I think there is a good chance it would also work on 4.3. This needs confirmation though.
Also, SIM unlocking is permanent, so it should remain unlocked regardless of how you update or if you flash any custom roms.

It may also be possible to unlock 4.3 this way, I suggested a couple people to try this but they never replied with any feedback so don't know if it worked or not. This method works on the S4 with 4.3 but I think you have to downgrade the modem if I remember correctly, or it may only be needed for 4.4.2. The same might apply here

I am guessing that you need to have a stock based ROM. I attempted it with Carbon ROM and got "Could not locate CSC data!"

Yup, gotta be stock to unlock, whether you are using a dialer code or any other methods.

DocHoliday77 said:
Yup, gotta be stock to unlock, whether you are using a dialer code or any other methods.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, StockMod or S3Rx should work?

Not sure tbh. The dialer has to be unmodified stock. And I'm not certain if one of the system apps like keystring or factoryapp, or one of the others would be needed. Some custom roms debloated these, not sure about those two. (They probably didnt, but I can't say for sure. ) you could try it, but if it doesn't take, try flashing stock with Odin. Root66 should be ok if you do

DocHoliday77 said:
Not sure tbh. The dialer has to be unmodified stock. And I'm not certain if one of the system apps like keystring or factoryapp, or one of the others would be needed. Some custom roms debloated these, not sure about those two. (They probably didnt, but I can't say for sure. ) you could try it, but if it doesn't take, try flashing stock with Odin. Root66 should be ok if you do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give it a try just to see if it works and give feedback,

The patch returns with Successful on S3Rx. I will have to wait til I get home to test it with another Sim card to see if it actually works.

DocHoliday77 said:
Thanks! I had run Region Lock Away to confirm it was safe to try a while back, but was never able to test if it actually SIM unlocked the device. If it worked on 4.1.2, I think there is a good chance it would also work on 4.3. This needs confirmation though.
Also, SIM unlocking is permanent, so it should remain unlocked regardless of how you update or if you flash any custom roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does not work on 4.3 build NC1.
I get a hold of alot of phones and work at cell phone repair shop so i always try to find ways to unlock them instead of wasting money on unlock codes. On the S4 you have to downgrade the modem and sometimes roms on 4.3/4.4 to unlocked them. So if we can downgrade the modem, i think we can unlock on 4.3.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

Well, it wont brick, but downgrading the modem simply just doesnt work. No signal or anything. That's why the free unlock no longer works on 4.3.

kali323 said:
So if we can downgrade the modem, i think we can unlock on 4.3.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try it, I know downgrading modem to unlock works with the S4 but don't know about the S3, we haven't found anyone willing to do it, or provide the feedback
edit: well I meant unlocking with regionunlock

kali323 said:
1. Go to https://towelroot.com/ and download towelroot. Install it and run it. Now you are rooted.
2. Install RegionLock Away http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2470551
3. Run it and grant root and reboot and now you are unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm it works. Thanx. I just followed your steps and unlocked my cousin's S3 T999 running:
Stock Android 4.1.2
Baseband T999UVDMD5

[Q] Currently have 4.3 and trying to unlock

Hi i'm attempting to unlock my Brother's S4 for him. I haven't unlocked anything manually in nearly 2 years back when I did my EVO. But his phone is currently 4.3 and it's M919. The couple guides that I found that seemed simple enough require I be at 4.4.2. But my problem is when I try to update his phone manually, it will update it to 4.4.4, which is clearly newer. So my problem is, How do I go about this? Is anything available for 4.3 that I didn't find yet or is there something i'm missing?
Any guidance would be appreciated.
Thanks

No unlocking with Tmobile.
Read the threads. ???
Pp.

You trying to carrier unlock? I just did this last night mine also came 4.3 there are some great guides that explain how to do this. Basically you need to download the stock 4.2.2 firmware and flash it in Odin then you need to flash the UAV modem file then you can get into the service menu and unlock(this did not work for me) if this doesn't work you need to root then install regionaway apk and this will region and carrier unlock you this worked for me. Next you need to flash stock 4.3 or 4.4.4 its been over 10 days since you made this post so if you still trying to unlock your brothers phone reply here and I will find the guides and post them.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app

Sim unlock?

Hi guys I am running into a delema here ive been searching and searching for a way to unlock this thing.
Im now running latest cwmr and have installed a custom 4.4.2 rom ....came from stock 4.4.2 so I already had a problem with unlocking do the locked bootloader....anyhow I have tried changing the modem via a thread right here in the forum I download all 6 modems he had listed but every time I get installation aborted.
Ill keep searching but am wondering if anyone can give me any pointers.
Thanks, Carl

Shortbus-Driver said:
Hi guys I am running into a delema here ive been searching and searching for a way to unlock this thing.
Im now running latest cwmr and have installed a custom 4.4.2 rom ....came from stock 4.4.2 so I already had a problem with unlocking do the locked bootloader....anyhow I have tried changing the modem via a thread right here in the forum I download all 6 modems he had listed but every time I get installation aborted.
Ill keep searching but am wondering if anyone can give me any pointers.
Thanks, Carl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) the SGHI747 comes with unlocked bootloader. (bricked my first trying to "unlock" it. lol. now anyways).
2) do you know your current bootloader/modem version ?
3) you know this is the att thread , right?
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"

Its running the bootloader for 4.4.2 it was already upgraded to kk all ive done sofar is to root it and flash a custom 4.4.2 rom on it.
Yes its the att s3 its actually a friend of mines phone hes on tmobile but his mother is on att from which he got the phone from.
I had no problems doing this to my note 2 but this s3 seems to be a little bit more finicky

We talked to att customer service just a few minutes ago and they said his mom needs to be the one to fill out the form online which is an option.....but he really needs his phone up now and att csr said it will take another 3-5 days to get the code.....I jist figured I could do it easily and faster lol since i am a flashaholic and unlocked many of the other GS phones

I have found a thread about a modified downgrade firmware to odin back to 4.1.2 that will allow me to unlock from there....

Shortbus-Driver said:
I have found a thread about a modified downgrade firmware to odin back to 4.1.2 that will allow me to unlock from there....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well if bootloader is NE4 or NJ1 all i've ever read says that to downgrade will brick the phone. but..... if you can get to 4.1.1 there is a code to enter from the dial pad that will unlock. if someone has found a workaround to downgrade that would be awesome. save a lot of people a lot of trouble. if you dont mind please post results and the link to the thread.:good:
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"

I'm also on KK. My device is a I747M. I tried the 4.1.1 downgrade few minutes ago. The Service mode code works but one option is not available because modem cannot be downgraded.
Screenshot 1 > 4.1.1 with KK modem. modem downgrade gives :baseband unknown"
Screenshot 2 > Under Network Lock, "NW Lock NV Data INITIALLIZ" option not available
mrrocketdog said:
well if bootloader is NE4 or NJ1 all i've ever read says that to downgrade will brick the phone. but..... if you can get to 4.1.1 there is a code to enter from the dial pad that will unlock. if someone has found a workaround to downgrade that would be awesome. save a lot of people a lot of trouble. if you dont mind please post results and the link to the thread.:good:
"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

Hmm not good.....yea im on ne4 and was hoping that worked....guess my buddy is going to have to go the other route.
That was the way I was planning to go....downgrade and use the menu code

Downgrade from 4.4.2 to 4.1.1 i747
does any tried downgrading from this? 4.4.2 to 4.4.1
im using i747 kitkat 4..4.2
can i downgrade it using samsung kies3?

In order to unlock, you need to be running the 4.1.1 bootloader. Once the phone is running a 4.3 or higher bootloader, you can't downgrade the bootloader.

Thats where Sammy pisses off its main users

At&t sent him the unlock code but its not working and also has the warning that if you try 5 or more times that the device will be permanently locked to at&t.
Any ideas there?

Are you getting the prompt to enter the unlock code? Are you running a stock dialler?

audit13 said:
Are you getting the prompt to enter the unlock code? Are you running a stock dialler?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the phone gets the promt to enter the code .
He has a custom 4.4.2 tw rom....I dont recall which one but he wanted as close to stock as possible with s5 feel so thats what I installed.
This one ... http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...x-4-0-touchwiz-4-4-2-ucufne4-8-12-14-t2848080

Maybe try this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3-att/general/rooted-ucufnj1-stock-rom-t2985006

Thanks ill give that a shot