[Q] Bootloader Questions - T-Mobile, Samsung Galaxy SIII

I have the Canadian SGH-T999V on Mobilicity, and I just flashed stock 4.4.2 and used towelroot to get my phone rooted. I am now planning on installing TWRP back onto my phone after having removed it a while back so that I can install ROMS. I just have some questions regarding the bootloader.
1. Does the bootloader only needs to be unlocked when flashing custom roms? ( I have read in old posts that it was required unlocked to get root but I am going to guess and say that this now starting to be a thing of the past?)
2. I have flashed custom recovery (back when i was on 4.1.1) and my bootloader was locked ( I am assuming it is because Qualcomm Secureboot:Enabled; why does flashing custom recovery not brick the phone with a locked bootloader?
3.Can you always flash stock android with a locked bootloader?
4.Can you point me to a guide that shows how to unlock the bootloader for GS3 SGH-T999V
5. OT:I updated from 4.1.2 --> 4.4.2 and I skipped 4.3 does that mean I can still downgrade, because I have read once you update to 4.3 you can't downgrade because of KNOX. Is it the same deal with 4.4.2.

1) don't know what device you read this about but its always been unlocked
2) it didn't brick because it was not locked
3) yes
4) no need to because it is unlocked
5) you still cannot downgrade, its the same with KK

serio22 said:
1) don't know what device you read this about but its always been unlocked
2) it didn't brick because it was not locked
3) yes
4) no need to because it is unlocked
5) you still cannot downgrade, its the same with KK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what does Qualcomm Secure Boot mean? I'm surprised the bootloader comes unlocked, I thought Samsung would lock it. Thanks for the info really helps.

The locking is up to the carriers in most cases. So far T-Mobile and the Canadian carriers have been very good about this.
But just a quick correction to serio22's post (depending on interpretation). On a locked bootloader you cannot flash kernels or recoveries, so in turn you cannot flash many custom roms. If by stock android you meant vanilla aosp, no you could not. If you meant it like we use it, stock = touchwiz, then yes, there are ways to flash on a locked bootloader.
Qualcomm Secure Boot is intended to prevent tampering to access Knox encrypted containers if I'm not mistaken. Can't remember if that was there before knox.

DocHoliday77 said:
The locking is up to the carriers in most cases. So far T-Mobile and the Canadian carriers have been very good about this.
But just a quick correction to serio22's post (depending on interpretation). On a locked bootloader you cannot flash kernels or recoveries, so in turn you cannot flash many custom roms. If by stock android you meant vanilla aosp, no you could not. If you meant it like we use it, stock = touchwiz, then yes, there are ways to flash on a locked bootloader.
Qualcomm Secure Boot is intended to prevent tampering to access Knox encrypted containers if I'm not mistaken. Can't remember if that was there before knox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant touchwiz stock, thanks a lot guys i wanted to make sure I was in the clear before I started to go and flash Cyanogen Mods.

Related

[q] 4.3 jellybean ota questions

I've got a Galaxy S3 I747 it is currently running 4.1.1, I747UCDLK3 Baseband. I'm not exactly a noob when it comes to flashing and rooting, I know my way around CWM and Odin pretty well. But I have a few questions on this 4.3 OTA. (I am a forum noob)
-Will I still be able to root? (I heard CF works for it)
-Can I install CWM? (Is the Bootloader locked??)
-Will I be be able to I flash other roms than the 4.3 TW like CM11Snapshot? (Is the bootloader locked?)
-What the h*ll is knox and why should I be worried?
-What is with the boot loader downgrading thing? (Have to do with locked bootloader??)
I AM NOT AT ALL WORRIED ABOUT A FLASH COUNTER OR VOIDING A WARRANTY I AM NOT ON A CONTRACT . I JUST DO NO WANT TO HARD BRICK MY PHONE.
If you take the OTA 4.3 update, it will install Knox and the 4.3 bootloader.
The 4.3 bootloader cannot be downgraded and attempts to do so will probably brick the phone.
You can root the stock 4.3 ROM with auto root but Knox may interfere with the process of cause issues after the fact.
You can still install CWM. I rrefer Philz Touch which is CWM-based.over TWRP.
So can I still flash roms?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Yes, you can flash ROMs. Is your phone unlocked? Since you're on 4.1.1 stock, you can unlock it for free.
Personally, I avoided the 4.3 update because it installs knox and the 4.3 bootloader which can cause problems when using Odin to get back to stock.
I have a Canadian version of the s3 and I'm able to run KK ROMs with a stock 4.1.2 bootloader.
audit13 said:
Yes, you can flash ROMs. Is your phone unlocked? Since you're on 4.1.1 stock, you can unlock it for free.
Personally, I avoided the 4.3 update because it installs knox and the 4.3 bootloader which can cause problems when using Odin to get back to stock.
I have a Canadian version of the s3 and I'm able to run KK ROMs with a stock 4.1.2 bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked as in Bootloader? Yeah I've been able to flash roms via CWM and Odin on 4.1.1 and as in Carrier unlocked? Yes I use Straight Talk on this ATT S3
If I got the 4.3OTA I wouldn't need Odin to go back stock if I flashed a ROM would I? I could just make a back up via CWM then restore later if I wanted right rather than using ODIN?
See I can't use KK roms because I have the 4.1.1 BL so is there a way I can upgrade my boot loader to the 4.1.2 version??
Would I lose my carrier unlock if I upgraded to 4.3 or if I upgrade my bootloader??
I suggest downloading a ROM you want to try, then unzip the ROM and look at the updater script to see which bootloaders are supported. The updater-script file is located in \META-INF\com\google\android\updater-script. You can use a text editor to open the updater-script file.
The first few lines will list the bootloaders that are supported. I run Validus which is a KK ROM using a stock 4.1.2 i747m bootloader.
Do you know about this > "If I got the 4.3OTA I wouldn't need Odin to go back stock if I flashed a ROM would I? I could just make a back up via CWM then restore later if I wanted right rather than using ODIN?"
Also couldn't I just upgrade my Bootloader and Modem from here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2321310
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1831898
I feel like if I upgrade my boot loader then I won't have to worry about restrictions.
Would I lose my carrier unlock if I upgraded to 4.3 or if I upgrade just my bootloader??
I ended up flashing the MG2 Modem and Bootloader, I'm good now, also if I want 4.3 I saw loserskater has a leak version that will be good and wont not let me downgrade my bootloader.

[Q] bootloader question

re 7100 bootloaders
(please forgive my lack of knowledge)
i am on phoenix 17 rom currently, bootloader MJ5 (no knox as far as i understand. later bootloaders ie MK4 are knoxed IIRC)
am I understanding correctly that custom roms do not install bootloaders (ie 4.3 roms or 4.4 based on stock or leaked stock)?
and that is why it is possible to still revert backwards if one has a non knoxed BL?
do stock roms install bootloaders (via kies or odin)?
so if for some reason i installed a stock 4.3 i would then be stuck with a knoxed bootloader?
thanks for the info
entdoc said:
am I understanding correctly that custom roms do not install bootloaders (ie 4.3 roms or 4.4 based on stock or leaked stock)?
and that is why it is possible to still revert backwards if one has a non knoxed BL?
do stock roms install bootloaders (via kies or odin)?
so if for some reason i installed a stock 4.3 i would then be stuck with a knoxed bootloader?
thanks for the info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Custom Roms does NOT include bootloaders(as far as I know). I'm still in MJ5 BL even after installing DN3 4 Kitkat.
-Yup, i believe you can still revert back if you want to, as long as the bootloader does NOT have knox.
-It depends with what version you will install. Be informed by the "bootloader version" of the 4.3 stock rom that you will install(visible in sammobile). As long as the included bootloader is lower than MJ5(and NOT MK4 onwards) everything will be fine, I hope.
Hope I help. ^.^
erljayp said:
-Custom Roms does NOT include bootloaders(as far as I know). I'm still in MJ5 BL even after installing DN3 4 Kitkat.
-Yup, i believe you can still revert back if you want to, as long as the bootloader does NOT have knox.
-It depends with what version you will install. Be informed by the "bootloader version" of the 4.3 stock rom that you will install(visible in sammobile). As long as the included bootloader is lower than MJ5(and NOT MK4 onwards) everything will be fine, I hope.
Hope I help. ^.^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where is bootloader version listed in sammobile details i see PDA CSC MODEM
also are any stock sammy roms available without bootloader (new ones)
if not is there a way to install a stock rom without the newer bootloader (can the necessary files EXCEPT the bootloader be extracted out of the .tar files and somehow be installed
thanks

[Q] Is it possible to install a stock ROM if 4.3 and a locked bootloader is in place

Is it possible to install a stock ROM once 4.3 and a locked bootloader is in place. I've looked all over and I seem to read conflicting stories. So...
I have a Samsung S3 Telus (AT&T) version running the latest 4.3 as of May1st, my bootloader is locked and I have a tripped flash counter.
If someone actually posts a I747MVLUEND2 rooted image can I flash it?
Can I flash an older version I747MVLUEM series?
Oh yeah my phone is NOT rooted.
Check post #5, 11, 27 here Guide: How I unlocked my ATT S3 [ 1 2 3 ... Last ]
Thread By: Jasonator
I think you didn't understand the question. You pointed me to a thread about unlocking.
With a 4.3 bootloader, you will need to install a custom recovery to flash ROMs. If you want to restore a stock 4.3 ROM, try this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2658486
With a 4.3 bootloader, you cannot use Odin to flash a stock ROM unless that ROM was specifically compiled for flashing via Odin.
No this is not possible. I have a LOCKED boot loader. I can't flash a custom recovery as far as I know.
Also how would one know a ROM is made to be flashed by Odin even if it was possible? Maybe I missed something here.
I re-read your original post and I'm a bit confused. You have a Telus s3 (i747m) or AT&T s3 (i747)?
I have never heard of an s3 having a locked bootloader. All of the phones with a stock 4.3 ROM have a bootloader that cannot be downgraded.
audit13 said:
I re-read your original post and I'm a bit confused. You have a Telus s3 (i747m) or AT&T s3 (i747)?
I have never heard of an s3 having a locked bootloader. All of the phones with a stock 4.3 ROM have a bootloader that cannot be downgraded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I have a Telus I747M.
It seems all AT&T and Telus S3's have a locked boot loader after the upgrade to 4.3. This means you cannot flash CWM recovery to the phone anymore.
So, I beleive I can't fix it to put CWM recovery on but I may be able to flash a stock rom, I'm just not sure at this point what I can do. Based on your response it is not surprising I'm confused, there seems to be a LOT of conflicting information.
There are some stock ROMS that have already been rooted and I'm hoping I can flash one of those without bricking my phone.
horga_83 said:
Sorry, I have a Telus I747M.
It seems all AT&T and Telus S3's have a locked boot loader after the upgrade to 4.3. This means you cannot flash CWM recovery to the phone anymore.
So, I beleive I can't fix it to put CWM recovery on but I may be able to flash a stock rom, I'm just not sure at this point what I can do. Based on your response it is not surprising I'm confused, there seems to be a LOT of conflicting information.
There are some stock ROMS that have already been rooted and I'm hoping I can flash one of those without bricking my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sir, the one who got the wrong idea is you
the only S3 with locked bootloader is the verizon version
i747/M doesn't regardless of which version
which occurs to me that you might have done something wrong trying to root your device
though i've never tried this tool to root but many people succeeded rooting their phone with this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1963790
so try it out
but again, you said to flash a stock rom... you can do it via Kies(is that how it is called? it had been so long since i last used it) or you can just use ODIN to flash it
Regardless of the subject of that thread, the posts I indicated directly speak to your 747m downgrade question.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Free mobile app
horga_83 said:
Sorry, I have a Telus I747M.
It seems all AT&T and Telus S3's have a locked boot loader after the upgrade to 4.3. This means you cannot flash CWM recovery to the phone anymore.
So, I beleive I can't fix it to put CWM recovery on but I may be able to flash a stock rom, I'm just not sure at this point what I can do. Based on your response it is not surprising I'm confused, there seems to be a LOT of conflicting information.
There are some stock ROMS that have already been rooted and I'm hoping I can flash one of those without bricking my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can understand why some may be confused about the question. If you have stock 4.3 already (which is the latest version available), why would you want to flash another stock ROM? If you are talking about flashing an older stock ROM, yes it is possible, and there have been several posts on how you can successfully downgrade the system only without altering the bootloader. Attempting to downgrade the bootloader will, of course, cause a brick so downgrading ROM only is a rather complicated process that should be attempted only if there is a very worthwhile reason for this. So far, there are very few arguments, if any, for downgrading from 4.3 to any older stock ROM version. If you are trying to flash a rooted version of the same stock, you need to be sure it's one with the same bootloader. You may, however, find it easier simply keeping the current system and rooting via Safe Root. You can, however, flash a custom ROM if it won't attempt to mess with your bootloader . As far as recovery goes, even if you have stock 4.3, you can still flash custom recovery via Odin or other prescribed installation route. I'm not aware of 4.3 preventing the flashing of a custom recovery. I have an AT&T i747 with stock 4.3 and I've flashed custom recovery several times.
pcshano said:
sir, the one who got the wrong idea is you
the only S3 with locked bootloader is the verizon version
i747/M doesn't regardless of which version
which occurs to me that you might have done something wrong trying to root your device
though i've never tried this tool to root but many people succeeded rooting their phone with this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1963790
so try it out
but again, you said to flash a stock rom... you can do it via Kies(is that how it is called? it had been so long since i last used it) or you can just use ODIN to flash it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So when my bootloader says Qualcomm secure boot = 1, that means what exactly?
I haven't tried to root my phone yet.
Well actually it's a stock ROM that has been rooted. As per this page:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426&__utma=248941774.1179961654.1399404439.1400082744.1400099749.11&__utmb=248941774.1.10.1400099749&__utmc=248941774&__utmx=-&__utmz=248941774.1400099749.11.3.utmcsr=forum.xda-developers.com|utmccn=%28referral%29|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/galaxy-s3-att/&__utmv=-&__utmk=261245838
horga_83 said:
So when my bootloader says Qualcomm secure boot = 1, that means what exactly?
I haven't tried to root my phone yet.
Well actually it's a stock ROM that has been rooted. As per this page:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426&__utma=248941774.1179961654.1399404439.1400082744.1400099749.11&__utmb=248941774.1.10.1400099749&__utmc=248941774&__utmx=-&__utmz=248941774.1400099749.11.3.utmcsr=forum.xda-developers.com|utmccn=%28referral%29|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/galaxy-s3-att/&__utmv=-&__utmk=261245838
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that means secure booting has been enabled. Secure booting has nothing to do with having a locked bootloader. From what I have read in other forums, a locked bootload would not allow you to load a custom kernel.

[Q] Network unlock request unsuccessful (SGH-I747M - Running SlimKat 4.4.4)

Just purchased an unlock code from Telus but it does not work. I know some posts mentioned it only works with a stock dialer app.
Is there anything else I can try before attempting that?
If not, what stock rom can I even use? And is there a guide available?
Sorry if this has been asked before. I had trouble finding any answers.
Thank you.
Just flash your stock firmware with Odin.
The boot loader on your phone will determine which firmware to load on your phone.
If you have the 4.3 bootloader, don't flash 4.1.1 or 4.1.2.
Flashed stock rom, booted with sim inserted, and entered the unlock code when asked. It worked! Thanks for the reassurance, I was hesitant.
Here are some links I came across that might help others.
Downloaded latest ROM for my carrier: http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SGH-I747m
Got Odin from this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1722686
Followed these threads to flash with Odin:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-odin-flash-guide-t1671969
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2789917
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1722686
Read the CyanogenMod guide to install SlimKat: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Install_CM_for_d2att
SlimKat XDA thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2758209
Root: http://slimroms.net/index.php/faq/slimbean/441-how-do-i-enable-root
Downloaded Texdroider DPI from the play store to change to S3 default (320)
Then I thanked everyone I could! :victory:
Notes
* I forgot to wipe my device before and it still worked.
* TWRP would not read my SD card for some reason.
* Good info threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1725839
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1802160
Glad to hear you got it to work! Couple things for extra knowledge. ..
You can also get firmware from http://sammobile.com/firmwares. Their downloads are much faster than samsung-updates IME.
Easiest root method ever! - Towelroot (shouldn't trip the warranty bit either)
If I'm not mistaken, the recoveries having problems reading the sd card is due to your hardware version. I believe they found a solution in the Sprint forums, but I haven't had a chance to read up on it yet. If its something I can do I'll probably try to fix the T-Mobile and AT&T recoveries. I may be mistaken on some of that, but its how I understood it after a quick search the other day.
Need help for flashing stock rom
Hi,
Can you please clarify few things for me?
I have an ATT Galaxy S3 (SGH-i747).
I am running CM11 Android 4.4.4 Baseband I747UCDMG2.
I need to go back to stock to SIM unlock the phone.
Latest ATT stock rom is 4.1.1 with I747UCDLK3.
Will flashing to stock ATT ROM brick the phone?
What is the best way to go back to stock ROM?
Thanks,
I have an ATT Galaxy S3 (SGH-i747).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone was the same; except being the Canadian version.
I am running CM11 Android 4.4.4 Baseband I747UCDMG2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I had CM 4.4.4 before going back to stock. It was kitkat for sure tho.
Will flashing to stock ATT ROM brick the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It shouldn't. But of course anything can happen.
What is the best way to go back to stock ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using ODIN I believe. I read through all the links I posted above but I guess this one was the easiest to follow.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-odin-flash-guide-t1671969
Hope that helps, it has been a while lol. Maybe someone with more experience will chime in :good:
brando9 said:
My phone was the same; except being the Canadian version.
I think I had CM 4.4.4 before going back to stock. It was kitkat for sure tho.
It shouldn't. But of course anything can happen.
Using ODIN I believe. I read through all the links I posted above but I guess this one was the easiest to follow.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/guide-odin-flash-guide-t1671969
Hope that helps, it has been a while lol. Maybe someone with more experience will chime in :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for quick reply.
Bootloader on mine is I747UCDMG2 which is from 4.1.2. Hence I should be ok to go to stock 4.1.1 ROM.
I am reading few other posts before making the move.
Flashing the USA version of the s3 (i747) with any i747 firmware from sammobile in Odin can brick your phone us you have a 4.3 bootloader or higher.
Since you are on 4.1.2 bootloader, flash the stock ATT 4.1.1 ROM from sammobile.com using Odin. After flashing, do a full wipe in recovery. Boot the phone and use the free method to permanently sim unlock your phone.
After unlocking your phone, you can run OTA updates to get to the latest stock ROM, bootloader, and modem.
Just confirmed bootloader and baseband are I747UCDMG2.
I will update here how everthing goes.
PS: I DON'T want to go to I747UCUEMJB bootloader after unlock. That will mean, I will not be able to downgrade in future. AFAIK, I747UCUEMJB bootloader is also locked.
yoonus said:
Just confirmed bootloader and baseband are I747UCDMG2.
I will update here how everthing goes.
PS: I DON'T want to go to I747UCUEMJB bootloader after unlock. That will mean, I will not be able to downgrade in future. AFAIK, I747UCUEMJB bootloader is also locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
correct in that you will not be able to downgrade (serious risk of bricking your device).
bootloader is not locked on the S3 AFAIK. (bricked my s3 on mj2 trying to 'unlock' an already unlocked bootloader.).
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
mrrocketdog said:
correct in that you will not be able to downgrade (serious risk of bricking your device).
bootloader is not locked on the S3 AFAIK. (bricked my s3 on mj2 trying to 'unlock' an already unlocked bootloader.).
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that the bootloader is unlocked.
I think at times people are calling the newer bootloaders locked because they are unable to downgrade them. Whereas we are calling them unlocked because we can still root them and flash custom/unsigned ROMs.
ATT has been locking the bootloader on other phones such as the Note 3, HTC One XL, and the Moto G so I'm not surprised that owners think their bootloader is locked.
audit13 said:
ATT has been locking the bootloader on other phones such as the Note 3, HTC One XL, and the Moto G so I'm not surprised that owners think their bootloader is locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. I have an ATT S5 and is really annoyed with locked bootloader.
flash to stock successful
yoonus said:
Just confirmed bootloader and baseband are I747UCDMG2.
I will update here how everthing goes.
PS: I DON'T want to go to I747UCUEMJB bootloader after unlock. That will mean, I will not be able to downgrade in future. AFAIK, I747UCUEMJB bootloader is also locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks all for the assurance and support.
I was able to ODIN to stock ROM and SIM unlock the phone.
Background: My ATT S3 i747 was running CM11 Android 4.4.4. Baseband and Bootloader was I747UCDMG2.
Steps:
1. Flashed rooted stock ROM (root66_ATT_I747UCDLK3.7z) using odin from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426
Followed the steps in OP.
After flash ODIN showed PASS and phone rebooted. It was stuck in Samsung logo. I booted into recovery. Performed a wipe cache and factory restore.
Phone rebooted successfully after that.
2. Inserted non-ATT SIM and it asked for the unlock code. I had obtained the code from ATT before. Used the code and phone was unlocked.
The same code did not work while I was running CM11.
NOTE: When running stock ROM you can follow steps in below threads if direct unlock did not work for you.
1. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58671214&postcount=152
2. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=38767845#post38767845 This works only with stock 4.1.1 image (LK3 modem).
See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=59029460&postcount=323
NOTE: If you need TWRP recovery, see http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1739426 and search for "Odin Flashable TWRP Recovery" in OP.
You can download ODIN flashable TWRP from there.

How do you unlock an i747M locked to Fido? [OctOS L 5.1.1]

So I'm planning to switch carriers and I'm wondering how I can unlock my i747M locked to Fido that's running OctOS L 5.1.1. If I have to downgrade, how do I transfer all my current app data and pic's. Also, is it possible to keep the unlock if you were to update you phone to a higher version or install a custom ROM or install the nandroid backup you made before unlocking? Please leave me with some important things to know about while unlocking your phone if possible!
If the phone is running a 4.3 or newer bootloader, you'll have to buy an unlock code.
In order to enter the unlock code, the phone should be running a stock samsung ROM from sammobile.
I suggest creating a nandroid backup with TWRP, copy the backup to your computer, flash the stock ROM, perform a factory reset after flashing stock, unlock, flash TWRP, restore nandroid.
audit13 said:
If the phone is running a 4.3 or newer bootloader, you'll have to buy an unlock code.
In order to enter the unlock code, the phone should be running a stock samsung ROM from sammobile.
I suggest creating a nandroid backup with TWRP, copy the backup to your computer, flash the stock ROM, perform a factory reset after flashing stock, unlock, flash TWRP, restore nandroid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so, in a nutshell, i just need to downgrade my phone to a stock rom of 4.3 or below and just search up a video of how to unlock it using the keypad method?
than if i wanted to, i could use the nandroid backup i did before and flash it and still have an unlocked phone?
You cannot use the free method once the phone is running a 4.3 or newer bootloader because you cannot properly run the 4.1.1 modem on a 4.3 or 4.4.2 bootloader and the 4.3 or 4.4.2 bootloader cannot be downgraded to a 4.1.1 bootloader.
Before flashing anything, which bootloader is on the phone?
audit13 said:
You cannot use the free method once the phone is running a 4.3 or newer bootloader because you cannot properly run the 4.1.1 modem on a 4.3 or 4.4.2 bootloader and the 4.3 or 4.4.2 bootloader cannot be downgraded to a 4.1.1 bootloader.
Before flashing anything, which bootloader is on the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the noob question, but how do i found out my bootloader?
If this helps, my baseband is I747MVLUFOB3
I actually just logged on to get similar clarification. I have an unlock code, but it does not work when I enter it using OctOS-M. Do I need to be on a stock rom to unlock? Can I easily jump back to a stock rom, then back again to a marshmallow rom?
JoshMcMadMac said:
I actually just logged on to get similar clarification. I have an unlock code, but it does not work when I enter it using OctOS-M. Do I need to be on a stock rom to unlock? Can I easily jump back to a stock rom, then back again to a marshmallow rom?
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From what ive heard, you have to be on a stock rom. As of google, even then, some users have problems or cant, which from what ive heard, can be fixed by downgrading to 4.3 (make sure ur bootloader is the same or your phone WILL be bricked).
Please note that this is from what ive heard and may not be accurate.
Install the Samsung phone info app from the play store as it will tell you a lot.
audit13 said:
Install the Samsung phone info app from the play store as it will tell you a lot.
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My boot loader seems to be the same as my baseband.
What is the bootloader version?
GamingDevilsCC said:
From what ive heard, you have to be on a stock rom. As of google, even then, some users have problems or cant, which from what ive heard, can be fixed by downgrading to 4.3 (make sure ur bootloader is the same or your phone WILL be bricked).
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That sounds problematic...I am on NJ2. I am not having any luck finding anything about getting back to stock on the newest bootloader.
audit13 said:
If the phone is running a 4.3 or newer bootloader, you'll have to buy an unlock code.
In order to enter the unlock code, the phone should be running a stock samsung ROM from sammobile.
I suggest creating a nandroid backup with TWRP, copy the backup to your computer, flash the stock ROM, perform a factory reset after flashing stock, unlock, flash TWRP, restore nandroid.
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Do you think this one would work?
https://z3x-team.com/forum/topic.php?id=9505
Whats a CWM anyways?
CWM is Clockworkmod with is a custom recovery. CWM is outdated as it has not been updated for quite some time. Many recent custom ROMs now require TWRP.
You may be able to software unlock the phone but you'll probaby need a UART cable and Samsung Pro tools. I don't believe Pro Tools is free.
The linked thread is from 2014 and, in 2014, many phones were running 4.1.2 which meant the phone could be downgraded to 4.1.1 using and sim unlocked using the dialler's menu options.

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