Question about Network Unlock - AT&T, Rogers, Bell, Telus Samsung Galaxy S III

Hello all,
I have a Samsung Galaxy S III from AT&T.
I plan on traveling so, I wanted to unlock it. I followed the steps on Android 4.1.1 I believe and it seemed to work (my menus looked identical to the tutorial I followed, but I don't have another SIM to test with). But, I have had the phone for a while and it is really sluggish, so I backed it up and decided to do a hard reset. The phone is running much smoother now, but I did do an AT&T software update which brought it to Android 4.3, and now when I look at the menu after typing *#197328640# and following the steps, when I get to Network Unlock, it looks different. Did the update relock my phone to the AT&T network. Is there a way to verify? Should I just hard reset again and stick with 4.1? Pleas let me know as soon as possible as I am traveling soon.
Thanks for all the help

If your phone was unlocked using any method, it should not relock. You can test it with a non att sim.

audit13 said:
If your phone was unlocked using any method, it should not relock. You can test it with a non att sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I test if I don't have access to a non ATT sim, I have one Korean SIM card, but I don't know how to test with it because it is not currently being serviced.

Put in the non-ATT sim, power up the phone. If it does not ask you to enter an network or carrier unlock code, the phone is unlocked.

audit13 said:
Put in the non-ATT sim, power up the phone. If it does not ask you to enter an network or carrier unlock code, the phone is unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it shows no signal, but does not ask me for a network or a code. So it should be fine right?

Related

Foreign SIM doesn't prompt for unlock code -- how to unlock?

I have a SaskTel Samsung Galaxy S3 (SGH-I747M, baseband version I747MVLLE8) that is locked, and I want to unlock it. But when I insert a foreign SIM (from AT&T) I get no prompt for an unlock code. Instead it just says "No SIM card. Emergency calls only." I've contacted several of the online unlock code suppliers and they say without this prompt I can't unlock the phone. I've also tried to enter variations of the *7465625* code, but they do nothing at all. SaskTel says they don't provide unlock code. This despite the fact that I purchased the phone outright, and have no contract with them. Am I totally hooped, or is there some way I can get this phone unlocked?
ddice said:
I have a SaskTel Samsung Galaxy S3 (SGH-I747M, baseband version I747MVLLE8) that is locked, and I want to unlock it. But when I insert a foreign SIM (from AT&T) I get no prompt for an unlock code. Instead it just says "No SIM card. Emergency calls only." I've contacted several of the online unlock code suppliers and they say without this prompt I can't unlock the phone. I've also tried to enter variations of the *7465625* code, but they do nothing at all. SaskTel says they don't provide unlock code. This despite the fact that I purchased the phone outright, and have no contract with them. Am I totally hooped, or is there some way I can get this phone unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try another SIM, maybe the one you're using is borked.
Try this
#7465625*638*# (Insert Network Lock Keycode)
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda app-developers app
cue_32 said:
Try this
#7465625*638*# (Insert Network Lock Keycode)
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already tried that, the phone doesn't respond to this keystroke sequence.
dLo GSR said:
try another SIM, maybe the one you're using is borked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possible, but I doubt it, since it works just fine in another phone. In any case I don't have another one to try.
Misread
#7465625*638*UNLOCKCODE#
I noticed in an earlier post, the place of the unlock code was after the #, it should be before. On the right track though. Probably just a typo.
unless you already tried that.
lamsik said:
#7465625*638*UNLOCKCODE#
I noticed in an earlier post, the place of the unlock code was after the #, it should be before. On the right track though. Probably just a typo.
unless you already tried that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That and probably every variation of it I can think of! I am wondering though, is this code internal only to the phone, or does it go to the cellular network? When I do type it, it does nothing, though if I send it I get an "Invalid USSD" message returned from the network.
lamsik said:
#7465625*638*UNLOCKCODE#
I noticed in an earlier post, the place of the unlock code was after the #, it should be before. On the right track though. Probably just a typo.
unless you already tried that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this code doesn't work on the LTE variants of the SGS3. most of the multi-stage codes (####*###) don't work, you just end up with an error.
Correct as stated. Additionally, if you have a foreign micro sim, and you are not on a stock ROM, the unlock screen prompt will not show. I was running AOKP, and could not get the prompt to show, so I flashed back to stock, unlocked phone, then flashed back to AOKP, bc TW sucks!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Gerbowski said:
Correct as stated. Additionally, if you have a foreign micro sim, and you are not on a stock ROM, the unlock screen prompt will not show. I was running AOKP, and could not get the prompt to show, so I flashed back to stock, unlocked phone, then flashed back to AOKP, bc TW sucks!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I was starting to suspect. Can you refer me to a good, really clear step by step procedure to do this? I've never done this with a phone, and since I live in a small town, I doubt I can find anyone to help me here. So a step by step would be nice. Thanks.
ddice said:
This is what I was starting to suspect. Can you refer me to a good, really clear step by step procedure to do this? I've never done this with a phone, and since I live in a small town, I doubt I can find anyone to help me here. So a step by step would be nice. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you on a stock ROM?
i have a i747M and unlocked it with the at&t micro sim, so i know it works,
did u cut ur at&t sim down to size ? maybe u did it wrong and it wont recognize, or ur sim slot is ****ed up ....
ur best bet right now is to try another micro sim
Ok, I've now got my phone rooted. Can someone suggest how I can get the ROM set so that it will allow me to enter the unlock code when I insert a foreign SIM.
There's a 3rd potential method that hasn't been mentioned on here that we see working for most Samsung handsets. In fact, for some Samsung handsets (usually older ones) it is the only unlocking method that will work.
It is:
1. Turn on the phone with a non accepted or accepted SIM card inserted
2. Type #0111*CODE# replacing CODE with your network unlock code
However, if your service provider lock is active, then you'll need to use the code #0133*CODE# instead.
All unlocking methods (once you have the unlock code) are available here: http://www.mobileunlocked.co.uk/samsung-instructions.asp
Hope that helps.
Did you manage to unlock?
I'm facing the exact same issue. My S3 doesn't show the network unlock prompt when I insert a foreign SIM. Mine is locked to AT&T. It's also SGH-I747 model
You could try and unlock your phone as per this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2033225
Then try the SIM card after the phone is unlocked.
Oh, I believe this only works on Stock ROMS.
Tybalt said:
You could try and unlock your phone as per this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2033225
Then try the SIM card after the phone is unlocked.
Oh, I believe this only works on Stock ROMS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the link Tybalt quoted, you will unlock your phone and the sim won't ask for an unlock code because well, it's unlocked.... Follow the instructions, you need to be on JB 4.11 for this to work, some have had success on custom roms but not many....you don't need to root to do this and make sure when you see the success code you have 40 at the end not 30... i did this a couple times... 30 I think basically means you have locked it again ... and in the instructions when it says wait 30 or 60 seconds... you really do have to wait.. don't be impatient....it's a huge thread with many many successes.....
Samsung Galaxy S3
I have the same issue but I have a sgh-i747 Samsung galaxy S3 i brought it to koodo and was told it was a compatible phone with the company when unlocked. The problem/question i have is When i insert my new simcard the screen will not display any prompt to input a unlock code. It just says emergency calls only or unregistered sim. I inserted my sim card into another s3 same model, software versions, different provider, and the phone asked for the unlock code right when powered on. So i tried and flashed a new firmware but its doing the same thing.
I called koodo and they gave me instructions to create a new apn of Koodo SP it did not make my phone prompt me for an unlock code.
When i send an email to any website about unlocking my phone they advice me not to purchase there product if my phones not prompting me for a unlock code that will it more then likely not work.
I've seen methods online of using these to input an unlock code "#0111*UNLOCKCODE#" or "#7465625*638*UNLOCKCODE#" but when i tell the unlock website this information this still tell me not to purchase there product and i mean many numerous websites. I do not want to buy an unlock code only to try to input it with these methods and have it not work. Which i highly dought it would because the normal 7465625 command doesnt work either.
I also tried this factory unlock and it did nothing
PLEASE HELP!?!?
mobileunlocked said:
There's a 3rd potential method that hasn't been mentioned on here that we see working for most Samsung handsets. In fact, for some Samsung handsets (usually older ones) it is the only unlocking method that will work.
It is:
1. Turn on the phone with a non accepted or accepted SIM card inserted
2. Type #0111*CODE# replacing CODE with your network unlock code[/URL]
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for this!
Whenever I typed any variation of the #7465625 code I would get the "emergency calls only" message. #0111*CODE# did the trick!
The provider didn't even know this, the best they could come up with after numerous calls to their hotline is that the phone was broken and/or that the SIM card was badly inserted, thus I should mail them the phone to the other side of the country for unlocking. Would they even have known how to do it over there?
My grandma says thanks!

will updating to JB relock phone?

currently on ariel rom, with an unlocked att gs3. would like to restore device to stock and upgrade to JB to sell on ebay. will switching roms or upgrading android version cause me to lose carrier unlock?
Anyone?
Which method did you use to unlock the device? (For example, standard SIM unlock, dialer code/"ServiceMenu" method, etc)?
The phone was used on t mobile briefly but I couldn't stand edge speeds. I called att and they gave me a code to enter after inserting the t mobile sim card. When you turn the device on with another network sim card it automatically prompts you to "enter unlock code"
No. Switching roms or upgrading android version will NOT cause you to lose carrier unlock.
cnewsgrp said:
No. Switching roms or upgrading android version will NOT cause you to lose carrier unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much

[Q] How to determine which carrier I'm locked to when there are no bloatware apps?

I have a Canadian Bell S3 i747m which broke and I got some random guy to fix it for me. He frustratingly ended up installing a ROGERS circuit board(or so he says) without bothering to check the fact my phone was loaded with Bell bloatware or just asking me my carrier.
I now need to unlock the SIM in order to use it properly and I just want to be sure I have the correct information and I don't end up paying for an unlock code that will not work since I didn't provide the proper carrier.
My SIM card (not sure if that matters): BELL
My board/IMEI: ROGERS (Apparently)
I wanted to determine which carrier I was tied to but I see 0 bloatware in my phone which makes me think the guy is wrong/lying and it's not actually a Rogers board. Is there another way to determine which carrier my phone is tied to?
Cyclone112 said:
I have a Canadian Bell S3 i747m which broke and I got some random guy to fix it for me. He frustratingly ended up installing a ROGERS circuit board(or so he says) without bothering to check the fact my phone was loaded with Bell bloatware or just asking me my carrier.
I now need to unlock the SIM in order to use it properly and I just want to be sure I have the correct information and I don't end up paying for an unlock code that will not work since I didn't provide the proper carrier.
My SIM card (not sure if that matters): BELL
My board/IMEI: ROGERS (Apparently)
I wanted to determine which carrier I was tied to but I see 0 bloatware in my phone which makes me think the guy is wrong/lying and it's not actually a Rogers board. Is there another way to determine which carrier my phone is tied to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The carrier doesn't matter. Once unlocked, it's unlocked for every carrier (unless it's unlocked by code).
You could go check the APN to see which carrier it's from.
BWolf56 said:
The carrier doesn't matter. Once unlocked, it's unlocked for every carrier (unless it's unlocked by code).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really? I was looking at the gsmliberty site for unlocking and it asks for a carrier. I can't post the link since I'm a new account but here it is split:
gsmliberty(dot)net/shop/samsung-galaxy-s3-unlock-codes-p-3528.html
I then went into their Terms of Service and it specifies that if I provide an incorrect carrier and the unlock code doesn't work then I won't get a refund. Does this mean this site is BS and I should avoid it and find another?
EDIT: Oh I see you added info about checking the APN. Don't know what that is but I'll Google it. Assuming I find it should I still avoid gsmliberty or should I give them a shot?
BWolf56 said:
The carrier doesn't matter. Once unlocked, it's unlocked for every carrier (unless it's unlocked by code).
You could go check the APN to see which carrier it's from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to Settings > Connections > More networks > Mobile Networks and it tells me this: Insert SIM card to access network services
EDIT: Ok I finally found the AP and CSC by dialing *#1234# and then comparing it to sammobiles firmware to find out which carrier it is tied to. Still worried about the fact I get the SIM error above but hopefully that will go away when I attempt to unlock it
Cyclone112 said:
I went to Settings > Connections > More networks > Mobile Networks and it tells me this: Insert SIM card to access network services
EDIT: Maybe I'm looking at the wrong spot. Here is my phone's about in case that helps:
View attachment 2807396
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm I though you'd have access to it w/o a sim card.
I'm not sure how else you could determine which carrier the motherboard is locked to.
BWolf56 said:
Umm I though you'd have access to it w/o a sim card.
I'm not sure how else you could determine which carrier the motherboard is locked to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just ended up editing my last post a minute before you posted this. I did determine the carrier and it is in fact Rogers. I was planning on just getting an unlock code through a website. You mentioned that means it will only be unlocked for them which I'm fine with but I'm just concerned about the fact I have a Bell SIM. Will that cause any problems with the unlock process or future dealings with BELL?
Actually I have a better question. Can I just put Bell's firmware on my phone instead of Rogers using Odin and then get an unlock for Bell and theoretically I'll be back to where I was?
What bootloader is on the phone? If you have the 4.3 bootloader, you'll have to buy an unlock code. If you have the 4.1.1 bootloader and you are running a stock ROM (doesn't matter about the carrier), you can use the free method to unlock it. If you have the 4.1.2 bootloader, downgrade to the Rogers 4.1.1 ROM and unlock it using the free method.
audit13 said:
What bootloader is on the phone? If you have the 4.3 bootloader, you'll have to buy an unlock code. If you have the 4.1.1 bootloader and you are running a stock ROM (doesn't matter about the carrier), you can use the free method to unlock it. If you have the 4.1.2 bootloader, downgrade to the Rogers 4.1.1 ROM and unlock it using the free method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running 4.3 so I know I need an unlock code unfortunately. I have a Bell SIM card but have Rogers firmware. The site I was looking to buy an unlock code from asks for my carrier so I presume I need to use Rogers. Will that be fine or am I able to just throw Bell firmware on my phone and buy an unlock code specifying Bell as my carrier?
I am not sure of you can load the stock Bell firmware and change the phone so it is locked to Bell. If this were the case, owners could switch carriers by flashing different firmware.
Cyclone112 said:
I just ended up editing my last post a minute before you posted this. I did determine the carrier and it is in fact Rogers. I was planning on just getting an unlock code through a website. You mentioned that means it will only be unlocked for them which I'm fine with but I'm just concerned about the fact I have a Bell SIM. Will that cause any problems with the unlock process or future dealings with BELL?
Actually I have a better question. Can I just put Bell's firmware on my phone instead of Rogers using Odin and then get an unlock for Bell and theoretically I'll be back to where I was?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking is permanent and unlocks to every carrier. Knowing which one you're locked to only matters to get a unlock code, after that, it's free for all.
BWolf56 said:
Unlocking is permanent and unlocks to every carrier. Knowing which one you're locked to only matters to get a unlock code, after that, it's free for all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha, so there's no point in flashing Bell firmware at all. I just need the correct one for getting an unlock code in the first place. Thanks for helping a noob out.

[Q] Pls Help! Need to determine unlock status asap. Also, USSD codes failing

Hi.
I am unsure if my phone is unlocked and can proceed with porting my number over to Metro PCS. Please help me with advice how to proceed. I decided to move my service to Metro PCS since they are now a Tmobile company and after lots of research, I found that I can use my current phone/software as long as it was unlocked. I recently purchased my Galaxy s4 second hand and assumed it was not unlocked. I had immediately rooted it and flashed a new rom (Insane Kitkat 4.4.4). The phone has been working well. I already have requested and have my unlock code from Tmobile.
When I went to the Metro PCS store to port over my number, the phone did not request an unlock code when inserting their Metro PCS sim card (not activated). They said that my phone may already be unlocked or that it may not need to be unlocked since Metro is now owned by T-mobile. They stated that it may work if they go through the entire registration process, port over my number and activate it but that it would be a gamble. If it did not work, then I would not be able to go back and reactivate my sim immediately with Tmobile since it would then be in deactivated status with them.
I tried to find out if it is already unlocked by *#7465625# but my phone will not run this or any other USSD codes to verify. I keep getting errors when trying any USSD codes. A message says 'USSD code running' then "unable to process request".
A friend of mine has an activated Galaxy S4 on Metro PCS and I tried inserting her sim card to prompt for the unlock code but my GS4 just booted normally then showed 'not registered on network'. It did, however, have cellular signal bars. When I inserted my Tmobile sim into her GS4 it did ask for the unlock code normally.
I am at a loss now..
funny, I like to know if there is a way to check carrier unlock status for simcard without having to put a simcard in.
T-Mobile phones work with metropcs without the need to unlock
Could the custom rom be suspect?
Maybe need a stock rom to get carriers sorted out, then go to custom roms.
Pp.
serio22 said:
T-Mobile phones work with metropcs without the need to unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ended up contacting Tmobile and they stated that the phone showed unlocked status already but I think you are correct. I wasn't aware they could tell me this. It was very fast and super easy to find out.
I have the phone working great on Metro PCS now. USSD codes still failing though...

Need help network unlocking, flashed to stock

I got a new phone, the LM-G820UM AT&T version. I followed this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tutorial-crossflash-bypass-opid-mismatched-error.4345963/ to flash the stock firmware. With my SIM card in it says "network locked", it doesn't prompt for the unlock code. I have the unlock code and I've tried the various unlock commands (2945#*71001# and 2945#*20001#), but nothing comes up when I do these. Do I need to get it back to the AT&T firmware to be able to unlock it? If so, how can I do this?
gunnerone007 said:
I got a new phone, the LM-G820UM AT&T version. I followed this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tutorial-crossflash-bypass-opid-mismatched-error.4345963/ to flash the stock firmware. With my SIM card in it says "network locked", it doesn't prompt for the unlock code. I have the unlock code and I've tried the various unlock commands (2945#*71001# and 2945#*20001#), but nothing comes up when I do these. Do I need to get it back to the AT&T firmware to be able to unlock it? If so, how can I do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, yeah, that's unfortunate. First, yes, it's the at&t firmware that the unlock code works with, not any other firmware.
second, at&t doesn't make their kdz available, so you have no easy way to get back to their firmware.
you might get lucky and find someone who has backed up all their partitions from at&t. Then u would flash ea one back via qfil.
Important lesson: don't buy a locked phone. if u get a locked phone, don't to anything to the firmware until u unlock the phone.
cheers
@AsItLies would this phone work in it's current state with AT&T?
gunnerone007 said:
@AsItLies would this phone work in it's current state with AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To the best of my knowledge, no. At&t is one of the carriers that has restrictions for their networks. Last I read (have never used them personally), they only allow phones that have their IMEI (they check that), and it's using their ROM, to access volte and vowifi.
so, would it work? yes and no. Volte and Vowifi may or may not be important to you.
Additionally, I'm absolutely no expert with at&t, so u might just try and find out, my info could be outdated.

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