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?

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?

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

[Q] Cannot Update My S3

Hello fellas! It's my first post here, but I've been a member for quite a while now. Anyway my question is how do I update my Samsung galaxy s3. It's an At&t s3 but I use T-Mobile on it. I'm stuck with the 4.1.1 because I can't update it. Whenever I try it says software update interrupted check again in 48 hours. I did search through the forums about this and someone fixed this by using another sim, I tried that but it didn't work.
A couple things to note, I did root my S3 with the cyanogenmod but I went back to stock rom and did the triangle away. I also unlocked my phone using that dial method. Please help me guys. Thanks!
Oh and here's a picture, the continue update is grayed out.

FreaKeyy said:
Hello fellas! It's my first post here, but I've been a member for quite a while now. Anyway my question is how do I update my Samsung galaxy s3. It's an At&t s3 but I use T-Mobile on it. I'm stuck with the 4.1.1 because I can't update it. Whenever I try it says software update interrupted check again in 48 hours. I did search through the forums about this and someone fixed this by using another sim, I tried that but it didn't work.
A couple things to note, I did root my S3 with the cyanogenmod but I went back to stock rom and did the triangle away. I also unlocked my phone using that dial method. Please help me guys. Thanks!
Oh and here's a picture, the continue update is grayed out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have 2 options ...
1) Find a valid AT&T SIM and temporarily place that in your phone to get an OTA update via Wi-Fi
2) Install custom recovery (TWRP or CWM) and manually update to 4.3 using the stock restore image posted in the thread below
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2658486
This will unroot your phone (if currently rooted), update your system to full stock 4.3, reinstate stock recovery and reset your flash counter.

Larry2999 said:
You have 2 options ...
1) Find a valid AT&T SIM and temporarily place that in your phone to get an OTA update via Wi-Fi
2) Install custom recovery (TWRP or CWM) and manually update to 4.3 using the stock restore image posted in the thread below
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2658486
This will unroot your phone (if currently rooted), update your system to full stock 4.3, reinstate stock recovery and reset your flash counter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Larry. I tried using another sim before and it didn't work. But then again that sim wasn't At&t. Hopefully the first option works. Now I'll have to look for an At&t sim card.

FreaKeyy said:
Thanks Larry. I tried using another sim before and it didn't work. But then again that sim wasn't At&t. Hopefully the first option works. Now I'll have to look for an At&t sim card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using an AT&T SIM should be fail proof to receive the OTA.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

FreaKeyy said:
Thanks Larry. I tried using another sim before and it didn't work. But then again that sim wasn't At&t. Hopefully the first option works. Now I'll have to look for an At&t sim card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to add that OTA update could take anything from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the speed of your Wi-Fi connection so if you are 'borrowing' someone's SIM, to have an idea of how long you'll be needing it.

I need 4.1.1 firmware for Koodo i-317M

Hello guys,
For some reason, my phone shows that my SIM is locked ( I was on RR 6.0). I need to flash the 4.1.1 firmware for Koodo to unlock the SIM.
Can anyone send me a link for this firmware?
Thank you!

You don't need Koodo to unlock the sim. Just flash the stock LJ2 firmware with Odin and use the dialler menu to permanently network unlock the phone.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2014982
Maybe this will work: http://rapidgator.net/file/0207e341...yos.com/samsung-galaxy-note-2-stock-firmware/

I know it's been a long time, but did this procedure actually WORK? AFAIK, Koodo Note 2s never came with less than KitKat, and we all know that Samsung has blocked downgrading though its bootloader starting then.
The reason I ask is I'm looking for a spare phone for mine as a backup and can't seem to find one on which I can load my Jellybean 4.1.2 CM based phone image.

Well this an interesting post, I have a similar problem, I have 2 exact Note 2 phones one with custom firmware (4.1.1) one without, I would like to copy/clone the stock firmware to my other (as I somehow managed to delete the stock firmware on it)
Now I have made a backup with TWRP and copied it to the other phone but TWRP refuses to install it, it tries to install and gets most of the way but at the very end I get the 255 error "install failed"
Why can't I copy/ install this backup?
Do I need to to use some other recovery software or make a backup some other way.
Thanks

Old faithful said:
I know it's been a long time, but did this procedure actually WORK? AFAIK, Koodo Note 2s never came with less than KitKat, and we all know that Samsung has blocked downgrading though its bootloader starting then.
The reason I ask is I'm looking for a spare phone for mine as a backup and can't seem to find one on which I can load my Jellybean 4.1.2 CM based phone image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The note 2 sgh-i317m was used by Telus, Rogers, and Bell.
This downgrade method works. I've used it to network unlock four note 2 models.
The stock 4.1.1 firmware from sammobile.com did not contain a bootloader file which allowed me to flash it using Odin on a phone running a stock 4.4.2 rom.

audit13 said:
The note 2 sgh-i317m was used by Telus, Rogers, and Bell.
This downgrade method works. I've used it to network unlock four note 2 models.
The stock 4.1.1 firmware from sammobile.com did not contain a bootloader file which allowed me to flash it using Odin on a phone running a stock 4.4.2 rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, if this really works it's going to solve all my problems. Are you saying you can flash the 4.1.x ROM on top of the the 4.4.2 bootloader (presumably one could deselect the bootloader from the 4.1.x ROM if it was included - sorry I'm quite rusty at this, haven't used Odin in years), so that the phone may be running ICS or JB despite having a 4.4.2 encrypted (locked) bootloader?
The idea is being able to load Clockworkmod recovery and from it, the rooted 4.1.2 backup on my external sd card...
Sorry if it's been asked before and if I may be confused - Thing is, I haven't done this type of tweaking in 5 years

I could flash a stock 4.1.1 ROM from sammobile.com on top of a stock 4.4.2 ROM because the stock 4.1.1 ROM didn't contain a bootloader. I did this to use the menu method to network unlock the sgh-i317m; however, the phone cannot stay on a stock 4.1.1 ROM with a 4.4.2 bootloader because the phone cannot connect to a cellular network with this 4.1.1 ROM/4.4.2 bootloader combination. After I unlocked the phone, I either re-flashed a stock 4.4.2 ROM or a new custom ROM.
The bootloader on the Canadian Note 2 was never locked the way it was with some USA carriers.

audit13 said:
The bootloader on the Canadian Note 2 was never locked the way it was with some USA carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying the Koodo/Rogers.... 4.4.2 Note 2 bootloader is NOT locked on our phones, ergo, that I could downgrade to 4.1.1 including its bootloader successfully?! If so I'm set, I could purchase a used one on kijiji and simply reload my old Bell based ROM backup on it I simply look for a way to load my 5 year old Rooted ROM onto a newer version of the phone. I have on it apps that won't run on 4.4.2 that I sorely miss on my tablet (which runs 4.4.4)

The bootloader is not locked which allows for the installation of TWRP and cwm but it cannot be downgraded.

audit13 said:
The bootloader is not locked which allows for the installation of TWRP and cwm but it cannot be downgraded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In other words it does allow for installing the 4.1.1 ROM for unlocking the phone, but it can't can't actually be used with the 4.1.1 ROM... What if I simply reinstalled the 4.4.2 modem, wouldn't that work?
I now I'm asking quite a lot - but in my case if I haven't been able to find a used phone that hadn't been at some point 'upgraded' and consequently became shackled (I've been looking for over a year now) in which case I might as well mourn it and move on to a new phone and start the fight for freedom all over again Honestly, I've grown tired of having to fight for the basic right of ownership against the relentless push for slavery that is the general trend in technology, to force people away from freedom of using the software they prefer and force them into a system where they must follow the dictates of corporate giants so perfectly exemplified by the cell phone, computer and browser based service industry.
Like Frederick Douglass famously said "Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never had and never will"... In other words if you want freedom and true control, you MUST FIGHT the providers and the manufacturers whose prime interest is to keep you enslaved

Installing the 4.4.2 modem will install but the stock 4.1.1 dialer doesn't work with a 4.4.2 modem and 4.4.2 bootloader from what I recall. It's been a long time since I had a note 2.