Related
My friend moved back to Pakistan from Canada recently and brought his phone back with him. Since the phone was purchased from Rogers, it was locked to Rogers network in Canada.
He brought it to Pakistan and had it unlocked for 10 USD at a store.
He isn't familiar with rooting and all so he didn't pay attention as to how the unlock was done and is not sure if it was a factory unlock or not.
He showed me his phone recently and I noticed they had rooted it.
He wants to update his phone to 4.3 Jellybean but he can't use OTA because his device status has been changed to 'Modified'.
If I download a 4.3 firmware for the I747M and flash it will the phone get locked again? On SamMobile, there is a firmware that shows Canda (Rogers) on one of the firmwares, if I download it and flash it will the phone get locked again or will it stay unlocked even though its being flashed with a Rogers firmware.
There is also another firmware with the Country/Carrier showing as 'Unknown' as SamMobile. If I flash this firmware, will the device get locked? What does 'Unknown' mean on a firmware?
Thanks
What OS is on the phone right now? If the phone is running 4.3, do not flash any stock firmware unless it is 4.3 or higher.
I don't think it makes a difference as to whether the phone was unlocked via rooting or code, it will remain unlocked after flashing.
I unlocked my Bell s3, as have many others, using a free method and the phone has remained unlocked, even though I reloaded a stock Bell 4.1.1 rom and then a stock Bell 4.1.2 rom.
audit13 said:
What OS is on the phone right now? If the phone is running 4.3, do not flash any stock firmware unless it is 4.3 or higher.
I don't think it makes a difference as to whether the phone was unlocked via rooting or code, it will remain unlocked after flashing.
I unlocked my Bell s3, as have many others, using a free method and the phone has remained unlocked, even though I reloaded a stock Bell 4.1.1 rom and then a stock Bell 4.1.2 rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's on 4.1.1 right now. So if I flash a Rogers 4.3 firmware?
Sent from my Galaxy S III using Tapatalk
You can flash it but I would not do it. The 4.3 ROM will install Knox which can make rooting more difficult and harder to unbrick.
You can install a custom recovery and just flash a custom 4.4.2 ROM. This allows you to easily return to a stock ROM in the future.
Flashing a 4.4.2 ROM
audit13 said:
You can flash it but I would not do it. The 4.3 ROM will install Knox which can make rooting more difficult and harder to unbrick.
You can install a custom recovery and just flash a custom 4.4.2 ROM. This allows you to easily return to a stock ROM in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend does want KitKat on his phone, so how do I flash a 4.4.2 ROM?
Can I flash the CWM Recovery meant for the I747? Will it make a difference if my device is the I747M?
Will I747 ROMs work on the I747M?
Thanks for the help BTW
You can flash Philz Touch Recovery via Odin. Once that is flashed correctly, you can download a ROM, save it on the phone's internal or external memory, boot into recovery, wipe Dalvik Cache, cache, and data. Then flash the rom and reboot.
audit13 said:
You can flash Philz Touch Recovery via Odin. Once that is flashed correctly, you can download a ROM, save it on the phone's internal or external memory, boot into recovery, wipe Dalvik Cache, cache, and data. Then flash the rom and reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you suggest a KitKat ROM that looks like a Nexus device?
Thanks.
Sent from my Galaxy S III using Tapatalk
I just started flashing ROMs onto my s3 and prefer an aosp interface.
I don't know of any that look like stock kit Kat but you could use as theme chooser to find something you like.
I recommend that you not update to 4.3.
audit13 said:
I just started flashing ROMs onto my s3 and prefer an aosp interface.
I don't know of any that look like stock kit Kat but you could use as theme chooser to find something you like.
I recommend that you not update to 4.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've decided against updating to 4.3 but I'm looking for an AOSP 4.4 KitKat ROM.
I tried Themer on my phone but didn't like it.
Sent from my Galaxy S III using Tapatalk
murtaza02 said:
I've decided against updating to 4.3 but I'm looking for an AOSP 4.4 KitKat ROM.
I tried Themer on my phone but didn't like it.
Sent from my Galaxy S III using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can search for themes on the play store. Many of them require a certain launcher. When you find a theme you like, just download the required launcher and install the theme.
Were you able to load a custom rom onto the phone?
audit13 said:
You can search for themes on the play store. Many of them require a certain launcher. When you find a theme you like, just download the required launcher and install the theme.
Were you able to load a custom rom onto the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried yet since the phone is not with me.
To be honest, I've used 3-4 launchers from the Play Store but they still don't give the same experience as the Custom ROM.
Thanks
Every ROM uses some sort of launcher and certain themes only support certain launchers.
Personally, I like Cyanfox because of its dark UI.
Free Unlocking method
audit13 said:
I unlocked my Bell s3, as have many others, using a free method and the phone has remained unlocked, even though I reloaded a stock Bell 4.1.1 rom and then a stock Bell 4.1.2 rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I'm trying to unlock my Galaxy S3 I747M and I see that you were able to do so via a free method, now would that free method be via a survey, or a magazine deal or Netflix? I'm currently in Trinidad and it comes up with something like, Deals are not available in your country. I would like to use this phone while here on a work assignment so if you could please tell me how you were able to do this it would muchly be appreciated. Its on a Canadian carrier and with Rogers. Also on 4.1.2
draziw_1 said:
Hi, I'm trying to unlock my Galaxy S3 I747M and I see that you were able to do so via a free method, now would that free method be via a survey, or a magazine deal or Netflix? I'm currently in Trinidad and it comes up with something like, Deals are not available in your country. I would like to use this phone while here on a work assignment so if you could please tell me how you were able to do this it would muchly be appreciated. Its on a Canadian carrier and with Rogers. Also on 4.1.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The free method is not any sort of offer from any company. In order to use the free method, you need to flash a stock Rogers 4.1.1 ROM via Odin 3.07 because a stock 4.1.1 ROM is the only ROM that has the necessary menu options to do it. If you flash a stock ROM, you will loose all of the data and apps on your phone.
The i747m is a Bell phone. I think Rogers is an i747r.
audit13 said:
The free method is not any sort of offer from any company. In order to use the free method, you need to flash a stock Rogers 4.1.1 ROM via Odin 3.07 because a stock 4.1.1 ROM is the only ROM that has the necessary menu options to do it. If you flash a stock ROM, you will loose all of the data and apps on your phone.
The i747m is a Bell phone. I think Rogers is an i747r.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No no.
I747M is Rogers and Bell.
I747U is for Telus.
Sent from my Galaxy S III using Tapatalk
murtaza02 said:
No no.
I747M is Rogers and Bell.
I747U is for Telus.
Sent from my Galaxy S III using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stand corrected. Thanks for the information.
audit13 said:
I stand corrected. Thanks for the information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem man.
I should be thanking you for all the help in this thread.
I guess this thread can be locked now.
Thanks again.
Sent from my Galaxy S III using Tapatalk
Just curious, did you install a custom ROM? As I mentioned before, avoid 4.3.
audit13 said:
Just curious, did you install a custom ROM? As I mentioned before, avoid 4.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still not yet. Phone is still with a friend.
Will probably install a 4.4.2 ROM.
Sent from my Galaxy S III using Tapatalk
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.
Can i downgrade urooted I747 from 4.4.2 to 4.1.1 using odin without bricking my phone?
My build number is KOT49H.I747UCUFNJ1
And also can i update that to 4.4.2 OTA again?
Please reply soon.
You can downgrade the ROM but not the bootloader. Attempts to downgrade the bootloader will probably brick the phone.
audit13 said:
You can downgrade the ROM but not the bootloader. Attempts to downgrade the bootloader will probably brick the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sort for noob question. But whats a bootloader and how can I downgrade to 4.1.1 without flashing bootloader?
Are you trying to downgrade to 4.1.1 to sim unlock the phone using the free method? If you are, this will not work because the 4.1.1 modem will not work on a 4.4.2 bootloader. You will need to obtain an unlock code.
audit13 said:
Are you trying to downgrade to 4.1.1 to sim unlock the phone using the free method? If you are, this will not work because the 4.1.1 modem will not work on a 4.4.2 bootloader. You will need to obtain an unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MY phone is already sim unlocked I am just trying to fresh install stock Rom on my phone which is on 4.4.2. Can you help me with links please. AND THANKS for the quick reply
You will not be able to downgrade the rom to 4.1.1 while keeping the bootloader at 4.4.2 because the modem will not work on a 4.4.2 bootloader which means you probably can't run ota updates.
To downgrade without touching the bootloader and modem, you need to use mobile Odin. Also, you will have to find a source for the 4.1.1 stock rom since att pulled it from sammobile.com.
audit13 said:
You will not be able to downgrade the rom to 4.1.1 while keeping the bootloader at 4.4.2 because the modem will not work on a 4.4.2 bootloader which means you probably can't run ota updates.
To downgrade without touching the bootloader and modem, you need to use mobile Odin. Also, you will have to find a source for the 4.1.1 stock rom since att pulled it from sammobile.com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Willl this work If i flash with mobile odin?
sammobile,com/firmwares/database/SGH-I747/
You may be able to flash 4.1.1 with mobile Odin but ota updates probably won't work due to a mismatch between the bootloader and rom. Also, the ota updates normally get applied in order: first, 4.3, then 4.4.2.
So in Theory If we flashed back and was a success...
Then we can do the unlock and flash back to 4.2.2 then rom it again ?
stunna946 said:
So in Theory If we flashed back and was a success...
Then we can do the unlock and flash back to 4.2.2 then rom it again ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am still not certain. But thanks for your time and effort )
stunna946 said:
So in Theory If we flashed back and was a success...
Then we can do the unlock and flash back to 4.2.2 then rom it again ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, can't unlock using the free method if the phone is running a 4.3 or newer bootloader. Even if you downgrade the rom to 4.1.1.
audit13 said:
Nope, can't unlock using the free method if the phone is running a 4.3 or newer bootloader. Even if you downgrade the rom to 4.1.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, Ive tried going thru ATT to unlock phones in the past its like pulling teeth. I have a 0 success rate. :crying: I Just have this Brand new T mobile sim I want to use.
Furthermore, I've even tried the I'm going over seas trick.. They say they will send it to my email, an nothing; Ive even called back to confirm the correct email too..
stunna946 said:
Thanks, Ive tried going thru ATT to unlock phones in the past its like pulling teeth. I have a 0 success rate. :crying: I Just have this Brand new T mobile sim I want to use.
Furthermore, I've even tried the I'm going over seas trick.. They say they will send it to my email, an nothing; Ive even called back to confirm the correct email too..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any chance their emails are ending up in a spam/advertising folder and not making it to your inbox?
I've had no problems with AT&T unlocking phones in past. As long as you're "eligible" (I assume that means off contract) they email the codes and instructions, no fuss.
I have Pac Rom Android 5.1.1 installed on my rooted sg3 and I need to do a carrier unlock. I contacted ATT to get the unlock code and the code they provided didn't work. Now I want to downgrade to Android 4.1 and try the UMTS menu trick as described here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2176719
I have tried Odin many times (with many versions, different computers, USB cables, etc) and every time Odin fails to flash Android 4.1. with a Fail AUTH error. I have used Odin successfully in the past many times with this phone but am unable to get it to work this time around.
Does anyone know how to downgrade the sg3 from 5.1.1 to 4.1? Or even better does anyone how to carrier unlock the sg3 when it has 5.1.1 installed on it?
Thanks!
Odin is probably failing because you have a 4.3 or 4.4.2 bootloader on your phone. I recommend you not flash anymore ROMs using Odin as repeat attempts to flash the 4.1.1 ROM via Odin may hard brick the phone.
Once a phone is running and 4.3 or 4.4.2 bootloader, you cannot use the free/hidden menu method to unlock the phone.
You cannot use a custom ROM to enter an unlock code. You'll have to go back to a stock ROM, enter the code, and return to a custom ROM.
Thanks for the reply. Do you know how I can go back to stock 4.1.1 without using Odin?
You need the 4.1.1 bootloader in order to use the free method. Once a phone is on 4.3 bootloader or higher, you can't go back to 4.1.1. Don't try because attempts to do so could brick the phone.
A stock 4.1.1 rom on a 4.3 bootloader will not work.
So you're saying once the sg3 is on a version above 4.3 there is no way to go back to 4.1.1?
slipnslider said:
So you're saying once the sg3 is on a version above 4.3 there is no way to go back to 4.1.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once it is on the 4.3 or higher bootloader, there is no going back to an older bootloader and it is the older 4.1.1 bootloader and stock 4.1.1 ROM that is required to unlock using the free method.
Since you have the code, you can flash a stock ROM from recovery.
audit13 said:
Once it is on the 4.3 or higher bootloader, there is no going back to an older bootloader and it is the older 4.1.1 bootloader and stock 4.1.1 ROM that is required to unlock using the free method.
Since you have the code, you can flash a stock ROM from recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. What do you mean by free method?
Also you suggesting if I put the 4.1.1 stock rom .zip on my sg3 I can flash it via CWM just like I would the latest 5.1.1 Pac Rom release?
The free method is the method you linked in your original post. This is the only free method available and it requires a 4.1.1 bootloader that your phone doesn't have. Installing 4.1.1 via cwm is not going to help you unlock it.
Since you have the code, you can flash a stock ROM from recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How would I do this? Do I just flash 4.1.1 from cwm?
Flashing 4.1.1 onto your phone will not allow you to enter the code.
Before flashing anything, you need to verify the bootloader that is running on your phone. Until you do that, I would not flash any bootloaders or modems. An incompatible modem/bootloader combination can also brick your phone.
Sorry, one last question.
You'll have to go back to a stock ROM, enter the code, and return to a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I go back to the stock rom?
You can flash a stock rom from the general thread using twrp or cwm.
Awesome, thanks again. I was worried about going that route since I'm on 5.1.1 but I'll give it a shot
slipnslider said:
Awesome, thanks again. I was worried about going that route since I'm on 5.1.1 but I'll give it a shot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you pick a stock ROM, make sure you pick one with the same bootloader and modem that are currently on your device. You probably have either the NE4 or NJ1 bootloader and modem pair. You DO NOT have a 5.1.1 bootloader and modem, they do not exist for the SGS3. Check your versions from a Terminal Emulator app or check them with the Phone Info - Samsung - app from the PlayStore.
Both NE4 and NJ1 stock ROMs are available in the forum. enewman17 posted them form image dumps, they have been used successfully by many.
The Terminal Emulator commands are:
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
getprop | grep version.baseband
Thanks, I did this and both the bootloader and modem ended with NJ1 so I downloaded UCUFNJ1_Rooted.zip from enewman17's thread using CWM 6.0.4. The flash was successful but now the phone is frozen at the AT&T logo when I turn it on.
Any thoughts as to why its stuck booting up?
slipnslider said:
Thanks, I did this and both the bootloader and modem ended with NJ1 so I downloaded UCUFNJ1_Rooted.zip from enewman17's thread using CWM 6.0.4. The flash was successful but now the phone is frozen at the AT&T logo when I turn it on.
Any thoughts as to why its stuck booting up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More than once I have seen reports of this happening when going from a 5.x.x ROM back to 4.4.x. The most common solution has been to include formating the internal sdcard before flashing the stock ROM.
If I flash the sd card as well I will lose the UCUFNJ1_Rooted.zip file. So in that case should I use adb via CWM to flash it?
slipnslider said:
If I flash the sd card as well I will lose the UCUFNJ1_Rooted.zip file. So in that case should I use adb via CWM to flash it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Put the zip file on the external sdcard and then flash it with your recovery.
I actually didn't have an external SD card. I wound up taking it to the ATT store that had an ATT repair shop inside it and they reset it back to stock 4.4 for me and now everything works great! After unlocking the carrier on the phone I did have to manually enter the t-mobile APN to get the data connection working but that was simple (the info is listed on t-mobile's site)
slipnslider said:
I actually didn't have an external SD card. I wound up taking it to the ATT store that had an ATT repair shop inside it and they reset it back to stock 4.4 for me and now everything works great! After unlocking the carrier on the phone I did have to manually enter the t-mobile APN to get the data connection working but that was simple (the info is listed on t-mobile's site)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to see you are up and running. Also glad to hear the AT&T guys helped out.
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.