[Q] How to Network Unlock Galaxy S3 sgh-T999 - T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII

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?

Related

[Q] Unlock OTA 4.3 - Any methods working yet?

I currently have OTA 4.3 installed (Rogers version from SamMobile -SGH-i747M). I would like to unlock the phone. The only methods I could find involve reverting to 4.1.1, which is impossible after OTA 4.3 update (according to many other XDA threads). So, 2 questions:
1) Are there any known 4.3 unlock methods presently?
2) Are there any known methods for reverting 4.3 to 4.1.1 presently? (to use old unlock methods)
Thanks!
Update: I've been able to downgrade from 4.3 to 4.1.1 by using Mobile Odin ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1347899 ), which does not flash the bootloader (so the bootloader stays at 4.3, bypassing the failures when trying to downgrade with regular Odin). It required rooting 4.3, which I achieved with method 2 here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2538991
However, now when I attempt to use the unlock method posted here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2014982 - when I get into the Service Mode screen, there are NO options (instead of the 3 before or the 4 required to complete the unlock). I've attempted flashing modems from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1831898 to no avail.
Suggestions?
sabrinaela said:
Update: I've been able to downgrade from 4.3 to 4.1.1 by using Mobile Odin ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1347899 ), which does not flash the bootloader (so the bootloader stays at 4.3, bypassing the failures when trying to downgrade with regular Odin). It required rooting 4.3, which I achieved with method 2 here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2538991
However, now when I attempt to use the unlock method posted here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2014982 - when I get into the Service Mode screen, there are NO options (instead of the 3 before or the 4 required to complete the unlock). I've attempted flashing modems from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1831898 to no avail.
Suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You downgraded? What 4.1.1 Rom or file did you flash with mobile Odin to downgrade?
shortydoggg said:
You downgraded? What 4.1.1 Rom or file did you flash with mobile Odin to downgrade?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried both the 4.1.1 AT&T and the 4.1.1 Rogers files from SamMobile (the phone is locked to Rogers). In both cases, in About Phone the "baseband" shows as "unknown", which I'm guessing is why the Service Mode menu shows nothing: something about being unable to detect the modem? Using regular Odin to flash the Rogers 4.3 ROM puts it back to its normal state with the baseband showing normally.
Another possibility is that the 4.3 bootloader (which cannot be downgraded) does something funny so that even if you're running 4.1.1 for everything else (bootloader still at 4.3), it screws things up? Not sure how that would work.
Tried another method - No luck
Update:
I've tried the 4.3 method suggested by Mr. X in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2529200
Unfortunately it didn't work for me (a couple other posters report that it didn't work for their 4.3 devices either).
I have seen some variants of the Service Mode unlock with different menu options (since 4.3 doesn't have the 4 required that are visible in 4.1.1). Any suggestions on other menu options that might work?
Any other ideas for unlocking 4.3 devices?
Bump - Lots of people have same issue
I've been watching the forums and this thread keeps coming up. Lots of people want to unlock from OTA 4.3. I'm bumping this thread because I've detailed what I've already tried with links so that things don't get repeated too much.
Anyone found a way to unlock from 4.3 yet?
sabrinaela said:
I've been watching the forums and this thread keeps coming up. Lots of people want to unlock from OTA 4.3. I'm bumping this thread because I've detailed what I've already tried with links so that things don't get repeated too much.
Anyone found a way to unlock from 4.3 yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked the same question a while ago and no answers came up. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2541909
I ended up paying one these services that give you the code. If you do that make sure you are on stock ROM or it won't work. Hope some solution comes up.
I think we can rule out unlocking phone ourselves.
Thanks for info. So cellunlocker works.
I looked at sammobile unlocker as well... but was uncertain if they service US customers, as they charge in uk currency.
Has someone in US tried sammobile unlock service on s3 on 4.3 successfully?
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk
You guys try "galaxSim unlock" from the play store...says it has 4.3 support. Worth a try. I think there is actually a thread on xda that the developer lets you use the app for free.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=30541172
Edit... nevermind says US qualcomm devices not supported at this time.
GL
Sent from my SGH-I747M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Just unlocked my s3 from cellunlocker, so can comfirm that.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
Bump - Seeing lots of threads. Anything yet?
Bump. I'm still seeing this thread appear a lot. Anyone have an unlock method for OTA 4.3 yet?
sabrinaela said:
Bump. I'm still seeing this thread appear a lot. Anyone have an unlock method for OTA 4.3 yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bump
sabrinaela said:
Bump. I'm still seeing this thread appear a lot. Anyone have an unlock method for OTA 4.3 yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still not possible.
Ive just tried 4.1.1 - success
second one with Mr.X methodon 4.3 NO success.
The z3x box team reports unlocking on rooted 4.3 firmware by imei re-write method = success.
Code:
http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/f453/samsung-i747-4-3-unlocked-1750949/index2.html
Thanks.
Has anyone tried RegionLock Away?
iBowToAndroid said:
Has anyone tried RegionLock Away?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't know that these phones were region-locked. Does this mean that a Canadian s3 that has been sim unlocked may not work in Europe?
audit13 said:
I didn't know that these phones were region-locked. Does this mean that a Canadian s3 that has been sim unlocked may not work in Europe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
US phones aren't region locked because they're already SIM locked (I have no idea what the situation is with the Verizon Note 3). I'm not sure about Canadian phones - the region lock appears to exist on phones that are sold unlocked. (All you have to do is activate the phone in the region it was intended to be sold/used in and the region lock is removed - you only encounter issues when the first service you try to use the phone with is outside of its region.) But someone found that RegionLock Away SIM unlocked his T-Mo Note 3, and since then it's been found to remove the SIM lock on quite a few Samsung devices

HOW TO: How I SIM unlocked my N7105, Includes downgrading to 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 insts

How to SIM unlock and/or roll back firmware on Samsung Note 2 N7105.
This is how I did it. It worked for me. That's all I can say. It may or may not work for you. I'm no 'expert' so I can't answer any tech question. I found this by trial and error. None fatal. ( So far) I will take it for granted you know how to Root and use Odin. I'm also assuming you have installed the Samsung USB Drivers.
http://uploaded.net/file/xdloq4jw
If you are using one machine to do this remember to disable Kies before using Odin.
My phone was updated to 4.3 using Kies. I did this on my laptop as I didn't want Kies messing up anything on my computer that I was going to use for the rest of the process.
So stating with a stock phone.
Using Odin
http://uploaded.net/file/o2xcp01n
I rooted my Phone with
CF-Root
http://download.chainfire.eu/255/CF-Root/CF-Auto-Root/CF-Auto-Root-t0lte-t0ltexx-gtn7105.zip
I then downloaded SuperSu from the market and ran that. It runs a fix to stop Knox.
I then installed ES File Explorer from the market.
Then I downloaded My Phone Explorer. I like this program and use it a lot.
http://www.fjsoft.at/en/
Using ES I backed up my EFS folder to my Sd Card
Using MyPhoneExplorer I backed it up again to my computer.
Better safe than sorry.
I then used Odin again to install the 4.1.1 Firmware.
I got it from here. There's 4.1.2 there as well for those that asked.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=GT-N7105&pcode=EVR#firmware
I then installed 4.1.1 by unzipping the file and using Odin.
I then use CF-Root again.
Using the *#Codes as below
Step 1. Insert a SIM on your Note 2, you should find the familiar “SIM network unlock PIN” window.
Step 2. Dial “*#197328640#” on your Note 2 to enter special menus.
Step 3. Choose “UMTS”.
Step 4. Next choose “Debug screen”.
Step 5. Choose “Phone Control”.
Step 6. Choose “Network Lock”.
Step 7. Choose “Perso SHA256 OFF” and wait about 30 seconds.
Step 8. Press the Menu button then choose “Back”.
Step 9. Choose “NW Lock NV Data Initiallize” and wait about 1 minute. *Then reboot your Note 2.
Step 10. Once rebooted, you should no longer get the Network Lock window any more and you should be able to get signal and data. *If you have trouble getting 3G/HSPA+ data, try setting the APN to your carrier’s settings although it should set automatically.
I did try this using 4.1.2 but Step 7 was missing.
I then updated back to 4.3 using Kies on the laptop and then CF-Root again through Odin on my computer. Fixing Knox by re downloading SuperSU and running that.
One SIM unlocked phone.
I then used Titanium to freeze all the Samsung and Google stuff I didn't want and also froze Knox.
MY phone is running stable and good. Auto update though says it has been modified so now it will not OTA. Which isn't a bad thing.
Thank you to the respective developers of the software I used.
I hope this helps others.
BorgCymru said:
How to SIM unlock and/or roll back firmware on Samsung Note 2 N7105.
This is how I did it. It worked for me. That's all I can say. It may or may not work for you. I'm no 'expert' so I can't answer any tech question. I found this by trial and error. None fatal. ( So far) I will take it for granted you know how to Root and use Odin. I'm also assuming you have installed the Samsung USB Drivers.
http://uploaded.net/file/xdloq4jw
If you are using one machine to do this remember to disable Kies before using Odin.
My phone was updated to 4.3 using Kies. I did this on my laptop as I didn't want Kies messing up anything on my computer that I was going to use for the rest of the process.
So stating with a stock phone.
Using Odin
http://uploaded.net/file/o2xcp01n
I rooted my Phone with
CF-Root
http://download.chainfire.eu/255/CF-Root/CF-Auto-Root/CF-Auto-Root-t0lte-t0ltexx-gtn7105.zip
I then downloaded SuperSu from the market and ran that. It runs a fix to stop Knox.
I then installed ES File Explorer from the market.
Then I downloaded My Phone Explorer. I like this program and use it a lot.
http://www.fjsoft.at/en/
Using ES I backed up my EFS folder to my Sd Card
Using MyPhoneExplorer I backed it up again to my computer.
Better safe than sorry.
I then used Odin again to install the 4.1.1 Firmware.
I got it from here. There's 4.1.2 there as well for those that asked.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=GT-N7105&pcode=EVR#firmware
I then installed 4.1.1 by unzipping the file and using Odin.
I then use CF-Root again.
Using the *#Codes as below
Step 1. Insert a SIM on your Note 2, you should find the familiar “SIM network unlock PIN” window.
Step 2. Dial “*#197328640#” on your Note 2 to enter special menus.
Step 3. Choose “UMTS”.
Step 4. Next choose “Debug screen”.
Step 5. Choose “Phone Control”.
Step 6. Choose “Network Lock”.
Step 7. Choose “Perso SHA256 OFF” and wait about 30 seconds.
Step 8. Press the Menu button then choose “Back”.
Step 9. Choose “NW Lock NV Data Initiallize” and wait about 1 minute. *Then reboot your Note 2.
Step 10. Once rebooted, you should no longer get the Network Lock window any more and you should be able to get signal and data. *If you have trouble getting 3G/HSPA+ data, try setting the APN to your carrier’s settings although it should set automatically.
I did try this using 4.1.2 but Step 7 was missing.
I then updated back to 4.3 using Kies on the laptop and then CF-Root again through Odin on my computer. Fixing Knox by re downloading SuperSU and running that.
One SIM unlocked phone.
I then used Titanium to freeze all the Samsung and Google stuff I didn't want and also froze Knox.
MY phone is running stable and good. Auto update though says it has been modified so now it will not OTA. Which isn't a bad thing.
Thank you to the respective developers of the software I used.
I hope this helps others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the same problem,after updating to 4.3 version my phone asking for Sim network unlock PIN.
You mean flashing 4.1.1 from 4.3 got no failure?
Currently downloading 4.1.1 version..after attempting to flash 4.1.2 it failed in Odin,due to a new bootloader
Edit:
Confirmed I successfully flashed 4.1.1 and successfully unlock network.
Tnx dude!
cz4r3n said:
I got the same problem,after updating to 4.3 version my phone asking for Sim network unlock PIN.
You mean flashing 4.1.1 from 4.3 got no failure?
Currently downloading 4.1.1 version..after attempting to flash 4.1.2 it failed in Odin,due to a new bootloader
Edit:
Confirmed I successfully flashed 4.1.1 and successfully unlock network.
Tnx dude!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any update on that process.
would this work on a sgs3 t999 4.3? will downgrading to 4.1.1 result in a brick like on the att i747?
BorgCymru said:
How to SIM unlock and/or roll back firmware on Samsung Note 2 N7105.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
n0013z said:
would this work on a sgs3 t999 4.3? will downgrading to 4.1.1 result in a brick like on the att i747?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely no idea mate. I only tried it on my phone.
ive been looking for this
im having the same problem and hopefully this fixes it.
but about the updating to 4.3 using Kies, wont it trigger the SIM network Unlock Code again?
Hi, what android PDA did you have before doing the downgrade. I have read some posts that say that you can not downgrade if you have MK4 or later... I have a Galaxy note 2 GT-N7100 and I would like to test what you did with mine, but I'm not sure if its possible
Regards
maggr91 said:
Hi, what android PDA did you have before doing the downgrade. I have read some posts that say that you can not downgrade if you have MK4 or later... I have a Galaxy note 2 GT-N7100 and I would like to test what you did with mine, but I'm not sure if its possible
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.3 and then went back to 4.3
butirog said:
im having the same problem and hopefully this fixes it.
but about the updating to 4.3 using Kies, wont it trigger the SIM network Unlock Code again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It didn't on mine.
It doesn't seem to work on SG Note 2 N7100.
Tried all the 4.1.1 fw from sammobile for all carriers here in PH (Globe, Smart, Sun and Open Line)
The menu code doest lead me to the Perso SHA256.
After the Network Lock menu it says Command don't exist or something like that.
Help me what to do please.
Zyrele said:
It doesn't seem to work on SG Note 2 N7100.
Tried all the 4.1.1 fw from sammobile for all carriers here in PH (Globe, Smart, Sun and Open Line)
The menu code doest lead me to the Perso SHA256.
After the Network Lock menu it says Command don't exist or something like that.
Help me what to do please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I can comment on is how I did it on mine. I don't have any other phone. Sorry.
Maybe try the UK one that I used. Once it's SIM unlocked you can put a local to you ROM on.
BorgCymru said:
All I can comment on is how I did it on mine. I don't have any other phone. Sorry.
Maybe try the UK one that I used. Once it's SIM unlocked you can put a local to you ROM on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I followed the instructions properly. I rooted my 4.3 with CF auto root, and then I tried to flash the 4.1.1 firmware onto my phone.
Now it is stuck at the boot screen, and I'm so shocked because I did everything correctly.
I can still get to "ODIN Mode" by holding volume down, home and power, and it says:
Current Binary: Custom
System Status: Custom
Knox warranty void: 1
What have I done wrong?
Thank you.
help me !
i have a Note 2 N7105.i did the exact steps.on the notification bar, i can see that i have signal, the phone is unlocked, but still, i cant use the network. it says NOT REGISTERED ON NETWORK. what do you think is the problem ?
cz4r3n said:
I got the same problem,after updating to 4.3 version my phone asking for Sim network unlock PIN.
You mean flashing 4.1.1 from 4.3 got no failure?
Currently downloading 4.1.1 version..after attempting to flash 4.1.2 it failed in Odin,due to a new bootloader
Edit:
Confirmed I successfully flashed 4.1.1 and successfully unlock network.
Tnx dude!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must say.... you are my SUPER STAR..... I have search everywhere and looked every corner of the website..... apart for paying around £20 to 40 to unlock the phone from someone... you have made my day.... I have been trying to unloack a phone that I have bought from ebay... it was locked to EE network in UK, your way of downgrading the firmware to 4.1.1 and use the code “*#197328640#” had worked... the phone has been upgraded wot 4.3 Jellybean, and the code does not work at all. However after down graded to 4.1.1 (as you have done) , I was able to use the code “*#197328640#” and unlock the phone, then I upgrade it back to 4.3 and now doing a firmware upgrade to 4.4..... the network block has ceased... so I guess the phone is now completely utterly unlocked forever....REALLY Thanks to your logical trial and error...
I must say, it took me some trial and error to reinstall the stock ROM, whick I had to use Philz recovery to completely clean up the device before I reinstall the stock rom.....
Any thanks again, and when I get a chance, I'll post my steps which had worked.
Cheers Mate,
Dave
Am glad to hear that
works great
Big thanks to BorgCymru for the how-to.
Just got a n7105 that was locked on EE/Orange (UK) that had KitKat 4.4.2 installed. Followed all the instructions but used cwmrecovery (to make backup rom) and it worked great for me. Tested with tesco, 3, o2 sim and all work.
Only thing to add that after installing firmware 4.1.1, the phone went to reboot but the screen became locked on the 'Samsung' logo. I removed the battery and booted into recovery to wipe partition and wipe cache. Rebooted and all was fine.
i been having issues unlocking with running 4.4.2 indeed to downgrade was the correct step, i am now unlocked
I know you posted the original post a while back, however I purchased a note 2 7105t off eBay and it was locked to Vodafone Australia. I actually got a code off their unlocking site and of course it did not work. I then contacted their customer service and waited 4 days for a call back with a unlock code and master reset code, once again did not work and I was told to take it to a Vodafone shop and they will send it away. One again, brick wall, as the shop said, "have you a proof of purchase from Vodafone". Nope I do not so they refused to send away and told me I was,"stuck with Vodafone".
Now I want to thank you for assisting me in unlocking my galaxy note N7105T 4.2.2 with your information. It worked like a charm.
The only question I have is if I now put an update firmware from 4.1.1 will the lock come back on? I see here a couple of members said they were fine, can I get verification on this please.
Hi Tamate. Once you unlocked it is permanent.
vadimo said:
Hi Tamate. Once you unlocked it is permanent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No so... Did that way back, and last it while travelling, it locked itself! Still trying to find a way to unlock it (I'm now on Marshmallow!) Afraid downgrade back to 4.1.1 will do more damage (bricking the phone for good!)
BTW, how can I tell if my bootloader ever got upgraded?

How to Unlock T-Mobile Galaxy Note 2 any Firmware Root Required

There seems to be a lot of confusion on how to unlock the T-Mobile note 2. This unlock is dependent on what modem you have not necessarily the rom or software that is on the phone. However i HIGHLY RECOMMEND you use a stock rom for this unlock procedure. this tutorial assumes you already have rooted your device, and a custom recovery installed. Do that before following this guide
I am not responsible to anything that happens to your device.
You must be rooted on a custom recovery for this guide to work.
This guide is only for the t-mobile note 2 ​
You will lose 4GLTE when you downgrade your modem don't be alarmed it will come back when we update the modem at the end of the guide
1. First you need to downgrade your modem
UVALJ1_Modem
You will download the flash able zip and flash it via recovery.
2. Reboot your device and then follow these instructions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cmiEZcw1z8
T-Mobile Users might have to downgrade to unlock your device. I have listed all the phones and providers that worked. If you have a different carrier and a different model, and if it works please leave a comment on my YouTube video! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cmiEZcw1z8) Thanks.
Unlock your Samsung Galaxy S3, Note 2 and Ruby. Free. No Rooting. No Hacking.
Just dial the following keys *#197328640#
Main Menu
[1] UMTS
[1] Debug Screen
[8] Phone Control
[6] Network Lock
Options [3]Perso SHA256 OFF
(after choosing this option, wait about 30 seconds, then go back one step by pressing the Menu button then select Back, now you are in
[6] Network Lock then choose
[4] NW Lock NV Data INITIALLIZ ..... wait for a minute then reboot your phone
Don't pay high unlocking fee's on eBay! Say no to them with a big smile
Comfirm Works on:
Rogers Note 2
Bell Note 2
Bell Galaxy Rugby LTE
Telus Note 2
Wind Mobile Note 2 Thanks Deafmented for confirming this
Mobilicity Note 2 Thanks liveevil for confirming this
Wind Mobile S3
Mobilicity S3 YMMV
Bell S3
Koodo S3
Telus S3
Rogers S3
(http://forums.redflagdeals.com/free-...-bell-1266487/)
Thanks DaveenJay for posting the method
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3. After you reboot verify that your device is unlocked, i had a blank att laying around if it does not ask you for an unlock code it should be good
4. Reboot Into recovery and re-flash the new modem.
4.3 Modem
4.1.2 Modem Latest (anyone has minor it would be great)
Congratulations you have now unlocked your Note 2 for use with any carrier. the main point of this guide was to explain it all in one post. i hope this answered any questions that people were having about unlocking this phone.
Things to note:
The unlock will stay regardless of what ROM or update you flash.
If you have unlocked a ATT Note 2 than you need to follow these instructions to allow LTE:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2068041
I just rooted my device with the method that will not set off Knox. Is there a way to flash a modem without cwm?
Downgraded and still getting the Connection problem or Invalid MMI code. I am on CM 10.2
Help!
Thanks!
steve45058 said:
Downgraded and still getting the Connection problem or Invalid MMI code. I am on CM 10.2
Help!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use twrp / cwm and backup your cm10.2. Wipe data / system / dalvik / cache. Install a stock based touchwiz rom ( I used jedi x1 ... but whatever you use CHECK THE MD5!! ). Downgrade modem and follow the steps. After successful unlock, restore your backup.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Blacklisted??
***If this question is not allowed I'm sorry***
I'm curious does this unlock it from the Blacklist?
I have a Note 2 that is Blacklisted, thats why i'm asking.
Thanks
Lem
chi_tilt said:
***If this question is not allowed I'm sorry***
I'm curious does this unlock it from the Blacklist?
I have a Note 2 that is Blacklisted, thats why i'm asking.
Thanks
Lem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are two ways to get a blacklisted device running. One is to get the phone legit again by getting the blacklisting lifted if the original owner was a deadbeat. I recommend this though it can be *difficult*.
The other is to fraudulently change the IMEI ("IMEI Repair") which is not OK to discuss here. This is the only option for people who possess stolen phones and don't mind being criminals. Those people have no place in our community.
I suggest approaching T Mobile and asking them why the device was blacklisted. After that you will be able to discern your next course of action.
Apparently this doesn't work if you are on a 4.4 rom even with the suggested modem. I don't currently have a 4.3 or lower rom available to try this with. Just and FYI
I was able to get my phone unlocked. So my downgrade from 4.4 Rom and install a 4.3 touchwiz Rom with the modem listed in the first post. Thank you so much for this!!
Good to know about the KK vs JB nuances. Thanks.
Coug76 said:
Good to know about the KK vs JB nuances. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. Thanks, Chavist. I had been struggling with this for several years till you finally put the pieces together for me. Once I used the 4.3 ROM and the ...J1 modem, it worked like a champ!
I know this is a very old thread. However, I just replaced the motherboard on my T-Mobile Note II and brought it back to life. Does anyone have the old modem flashable file for download? All the links above aren't working. Thanks in advance!
Disregard, found it here in case anyone else needs it.
T889UVALJ1_Modem-Nov_02_12-teshxx.zip | by teshxx for Galaxy Note 2
Download GApps, Roms, Kernels, Themes, Firmware, and more. Free file hosting for all Android developers.
androidfilehost.com

[Q] T-Mobile branded S3 somehow became AT&T.

When I received my S3, it was on a T-Mobile branded stock firmware 4.1.1. I wanted to try CyanogenMod, so I installed it, but didn't like it.
Here's where my problem begins. Upon wiping my phone back to stock to get rid of CyanogenMod, I find that it's now AT&T branded, despite the physical phone being a T-Mobile T999.
I tried rooting it and using CSC changers, but those tell me that the PreconfigUI is SingleCSC, and thus apparently unchangeable.
What I want to do is somehow get my phone back to T-Mobile branded stock.
P.S. I do not have a MicroSIM yet.
GraphicsApathy said:
When I received my S3, it was on a T-Mobile branded stock firmware 4.1.1. I wanted to try CyanogenMod, so I installed it, but didn't like it.
Here's where my problem begins. Upon wiping my phone back to stock to get rid of CyanogenMod, I find that it's now AT&T branded, despite the physical phone being a T-Mobile T999.
I tried rooting it and using CSC changers, but those tell me that the PreconfigUI is SingleCSC, and thus apparently unchangeable.
What I want to do is somehow get my phone back to T-Mobile branded stock.
P.S. I do not have a MicroSIM yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you go to your phone's settings => about device and check what the firmware settings are? Let's see what you have under firmware version, baseband version & build number. If possible, you may post a screen shot. Did you say you returned to stock by wiping your phone? Hardly seems likely and you would have probably needed to flash some firmware. Would you recall what you flashed?
Thanks for stepping up. My phone's info is:
Android Version is 4.1.1
Baseband is I747UCDLK3
Build is JRO03L.I747UCDLK3
I did not flash any firmware, as I had no reason to.
GraphicsApathy said:
Thanks for stepping up. My phone's info is:
Android Version is 4.1.1
Baseband is I747UCDLK3
Build is JRO03L.I747UCDLK3
I did not flash any firmware, as I had no reason to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's definitely on AT&T firmware. Apologies if I sound like I'm doubting you but are you certain it had T-Mobile firmware when you acquired it? I'd guess it was probably already an AT&T phone. If you bought it in the secondary market, there could have been some previous repairs involving parts swaps. Your safest bet may be to leave it as is and unlock for you use on T-Mobile. Trying to force on T-Mobile firmware now could result in a brick. As it is on 4.1.1, you can easily free unlock it by following the well tested method you'll find elsewhere in this forum.
No apologies needed. I forgot to state that the phone was purchased with the T-Mobile boot animation and bloatware already present, and that the model number printed below the battery is T999. I've got no clue if there was a parts swap or not. Is the method to unlock that's posted elsewhere that you're referring to the one that begins with you dialing *#197328640#? If so, i've tried it but never got the unlock message to show.
GraphicsApathy said:
No apologies needed. I forgot to state that the phone was purchased with the T-Mobile boot animation and bloatware already present, and that the model number printed below the battery is T999. I've got no clue if there was a parts swap or not. Is the method to unlock that's posted elsewhere that you're referring to the one that begins with you dialing *#197328640#? If so, i've tried it but never got the unlock message to show.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There could have been a previous JTag operation involving forced firmware installation on the MB. I've seen previous hybrid firmware involving one or other partition belonging to a different model - e.g. the modem, bootloader or something else but not the complete system.
Yes, that's the unlock method I was referring to. You won't get any confirmation that the process worked at the end. However, if you did it correctly, you would know it worked when you insert a non-compatible SIM card and it works. You should also be able to install T-Mobile apps especially the Wi-Fi calling app which is a really nice feature of T-Mobile.
I'm getting it microSIM'ed tomorrow. I'll see how that goes.
UPDATE: Successfully obtained and installed T-Mobile microSIM. Still wish to replace AT&T boot animation and bloatware with T-Mobile's, though.
GraphicsApathy said:
I'm getting it microSIM'ed tomorrow. I'll see how that goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. I'd be interested in knowing the outcome but I'll be surprised if it isn't unlocked already. Did some further research and there have been some reports of people successfully 'flashing' AT&T firmware on T-Mobile phones, and vice versa. Not sure why this should happen and conventional logic suggests the result should be a hard brick which is indeed the most common outcome. I'll also suggest you boot into download mode and see the information under bootloader. If the device has a T-Mobile bootloader, it may be possible to remove the OS via custom recovery and re-flash T-Mobile firmware.
Download mode currently gives Product Name as SGH-I747. Wiping AT&T OS via custom recovery and then installing the proper one sounds like a good lead. I eagerly await your instruction
GraphicsApathy said:
Download mode currently gives Product Name as SGH-I747. Wiping AT&T OS via custom recovery and then installing the proper one sounds like a good lead. I eagerly await your instruction
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If download mode info shows secure bootloader enabled, the phone is, to all intents and purposes, now an AT&T phone. Attempting to flash T-Mobile firmware may likely result in a brick which would require a JTag fix. I was hoping download mode would show it still had a T-Mobile bootloader which could have allowed for safe firmware installation but this does not appear to be the case. Likely the motherboard was previously replaced or it suffered a brick and AT&T firmware was JTagged on. Either way, it would be safer to leave it as is.
Bummer. I'll leave it as is then. Thank you for all the help.

SGH-M919N

Hi. i have a Galaxy S4 SGH-M919N version 4.2.2 From Metro PCS.
I live in Denmark. I cannot use the phone here because it's locked to Metro PCS' network
So how can i unlock it?
Can i install the latest U.S. firmware for the phone, or is there any way to install a Nordic firmware through Odin?
If there are any Nordic Firmwares for the phone that are compatible with this phone i would be so thrilled if you would share the solution with me.
:fingers-crossed:
You can just try calling MetroPCS for an unlock code, which they should give if the phone meets the requirements:
https://www.metropcs.com/terms-conditions/phone-unlock-policy.html
http://www.wikihow.com/Unlock-a-MetroPCS-Phone
Since you're on 4.2.2 I believe there might be another way to do it, maybe try
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2283068
or
http://www.brainchamber.com/2013/10/14/sim-unlock-galaxy-s4-t-mobile-sgh-m919-att-sgh-i337/
I have a small problem. I by mistake upgraded to 4.4.4 KitKat
And all i can find on the internet is version 4.3
Are there any chance that you know where i can find the 4.2.2 firmware for my phone again so that i can downgrade it through odin.
I think that theres a difference between the SGH-M919 and the SGH-m919N versions.
I tried to enter the system menu by dialing *#0011# but the menu that shows up are not the right one, then i tried to write Q1 instead, then i got into the UMTS menu but when i try to do changes it goes right back to the main screen.
Patrickhtx53 said:
I have a small problem. I by mistake upgraded to 4.4.4 KitKat
And all i can find on the internet is version 4.3
Are there any chance that you know where i can find the 4.2.2 firmware for my phone again so that i can downgrade it through odin.
I think that theres a difference between the SGH-M919 and the SGH-m919N versions.
I tried to enter the system menu by dialing *#0011# but the menu that shows up are not the right one, then i tried to write Q1 instead, then i got into the UMTS menu but when i try to do changes it goes right back to the main screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you'll be able to downgrade because 4.4.4 likely has a knox bootloader, but I could be wrong. I personally have a T-Mobile M919 but am assuming hardware is same.
Perhaps try setting up a US-based VOIP number via google voice or ring.to or the like, and try calling MetroPCS for the code during business hours. As long as the phone was originally used on their service for 90 days you should be ok.
I searched the internet, and for what i can see the SGH-M919N came with 4.2.2 so any chance that you or anyone else in here know where i can get the 4.2.2 stock rom? Will it maybe help to flash a custom rom to my phone, will that remove the network limits?
And by the way. YOu wrote that i couldn't downgrade because of the Knox Bootloader, if i can manage to root my phone Knox will automatically be deactivated on the phone, shouldn't it then be possible to downgrade?
Patrickhtx53 said:
And by the way. YOu wrote that i couldn't downgrade because of the Knox Bootloader, if i can manage to root my phone Knox will automatically be deactivated on the phone, shouldn't it then be possible to downgrade?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox won't be deactivated; it will be "tripped" and you can never go back to "untripped" knox. But that won't matter; the thing is, your Bootloader now has Knox, and as I understand it, you cannot downgrade from a Knox bootloader to a non-knox bootloader. Doing so will possibly brick the phone. I'm fairly certain about this..
Knox won't affect your ability to unlock the phone in the traditional way (i.e. getting the unlock code from the original carrier). Honestly, you should just try calling MetroPCS first, if you can get an unlock code that way then you won't have to worry about any of this other stuff.
You can also just buy an unlock code for like $14 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Unlock-Code...-M819N-SGH-T599N-T399N-MetroPCS-/221595996855 which is worth it if you're going to spend more than an hour trying to figure this out. Because I assume an hour of your time is worth more than $14
If you want to do things the hard way, this forum likely contains all the knowledge you need to figure out how to solve your problem. Just do some searching in general, Q&A, and development sections.

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