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I've had my phone for roughly 15 months. It has been my first foray into Android and I absolutely it. What I don't like is TouchWiz. It makes the phone a hassle to use because of how slow it runs. I've heard rooting makes a phone faster but I've always been hesitant to root it because of how it voids your warranty. However, since I'm eligible for an upgrade come February so I figure I should root my phone to experience rooting. I don't want to do it if it prevents me from getting a new phone.
Can anyone help me out here?
Hero746 said:
I've had my phone for roughly 15 months. It has been my first foray into Android and I absolutely it. What I don't like is TouchWiz. It makes the phone a hassle to use because of how slow it runs. I've heard rooting makes a phone faster but I've always been hesitant to root it because of how it voids your warranty. However, since I'm eligible for an upgrade come February so I figure I should root my phone to experience rooting. I don't want to do it if it prevents me from getting a new phone.
Can anyone help me out here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can always unroot your phone and im pretty sure that if you are eligable for an upgrade that they arent going to search your phone, more than likely is they send straight to factory and just flash it and send your phone to people who broke theirs lol
just saying from what i heard of, but you can root your phone and unroot if you want to experience how it is to have a rooted device, my phones een rooted for about year and a little more than half, soft bricked so many times but thats the fun part
flashing gets pretty addicting lol, im like a flashaholic
but trust me you'll enjoy it
Don't phone carriers have a way of knowing if you've rooted your phone in the past? The last thing I want to happen is to be told that I have to pay full price for a new phone after having it for like a week.
Straight from t-mobile website:
"As long as the phone you're trading in powers on, is not cracked, and has no water damage, you only have to pay a down payment for the next phone when you’re ready to upgrade."
At the same time it also mentions this:
"Once the used phone is received at the Trade-in Center, it will be tested and inspected. All personal data and corporate IT policies will be removed."
I would recommend reverting to stock first.
Thank you very much.
With this info in mind, I plan on rooting my device using Cyanogenmod. Can anyone confirm if triangle away works with the T-Mobile SII? How would I return to stock?
I've upgraded a few phones that were rooted and had different Roms I just flashed to stock and didn't even unroot they didn't check but might wanna just in case lol plus custom recovery is kinda a give away lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk
I've heard that if they find it rooted, even if it is a big IF, they are able to void the warranty. Don't think anything it matters for an upgrade though. Either way, they probably won't check it, and even if they do, I don't think they will do anything about it. You can always go back to stock to be safe.
I heard for the Note 3 they are adding a detection hardware that cannot be undone once rooted, even if you go back to stock. These kinds of things are made for people who like to find ways around them though, and these people usually win.
So, does TriangleAway work with the Samsung Galaxy S2? (I have the SGHT989D unlocked and rooted)?
Hey there, currently I am using Roger's Samsung Galaxy S3, I747M. I was using the stock 4.1.1 for a long time and then I rooted my device. Sometime after, I grew bored of 4.1.1 and upgraded to the new 4.3. I currently have Clockwork Recovery installed, though I don't remember which version (If it's relevant, I will get it). That being said, from what I remember, I got a stock version of 4.3 from SamsMobile or something like that. BUT, when I go to Settings > About > Software Update > Update, I get a message saying "Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available". Whether or not that means I have a proper stock ROM or not, I don't know. I'm fairly new at this.
All that being said, I'm looking to unlock my device so that I can use either a T-Mobile SIM while visiting the USA or a Wind SIM. Both companies have significantly better cellphone plans with USA Roaming.
That being said, Rogers charges $50 for a unlock. I've found numerous website that also unlock the phone for an average of $20 to $35. There's a local Kiosk in the mall near my house which also does it for $30 or $35 (I forget which). After extensive Google and XDA searching, I've also found a few different methods, though I don't know their effectiveness.
The first and most obvious one is the disabling of the SHA256. Referring to this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2176719
From what I understand, I'm not able to do this unless I downgrade my Android from 4.3 to 4.0.1 or 4.1.1 . I really don't want to do this as I really like 4.3 . Also, I'm not sure if I'm able to as I am aware that upgrading to 4.3 might have changed my bootloader type, preventing me from downgrading. How to check that, I don't know.
I've also found a tool that can unlock your device for you, though the original thread has been locked:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/17-02-2013-samsung-network-sim-unlock-t1731931
That being said, I've found a wordpress that contains the newer version of the unlocker tool, but whether or not it works and is safe, I haven't the slightest. Having tried downloading the tool, you need a login which comes from a text file, which you have to like something on Facebook for, etc. I did that but the password text wouldn't send so I wasn't able to try. Here's the site:
http://samsungnetworksimunlock.wordpress.com/
Myriad of unlock sites; which are good/trustworthy? I have no idea:
http://samsung-updates.com/
http://www.unlockediphone.me/
http://www.unlockyourphone.me/
http://www.unlocksamsungonline.com/
There are tons more that I've seen and been to that I haven't listed. Don't know which to use, if any.
SO, what it comes down to. What should I do to unlock my device? What is the best method? I would like to do it for free if possible obviously but I'm not sure how to go about it. Has anyone tried any of the above methods with success? Baring in mind my 4.3 circumstances and that I live in Canada on Rogers. Thoughts? Suggestions? Questions?
TL;DR - Need to unlock my phone, there's some complications. Unfortunately i can't condense the whole story, what do?
Isuress said:
Hey there, currently I am using Roger's Samsung Galaxy S3, I747M. I was using the stock 4.1.1 for a long time and then I rooted my device. Sometime after, I grew bored of 4.1.1 and upgraded to the new 4.3. I currently have Clockwork Recovery installed, though I don't remember which version (If it's relevant, I will get it). That being said, from what I remember, I got a stock version of 4.3 from SamsMobile or something like that. BUT, when I go to Settings > About > Software Update > Update, I get a message saying "Your device has been modified. Software updates are not available". Whether or not that means I have a proper stock ROM or not, I don't know. I'm fairly new at this.
All that being said, I'm looking to unlock my device so that I can use either a T-Mobile SIM while visiting the USA or a Wind SIM. Both companies have significantly better cellphone plans with USA Roaming.
That being said, Rogers charges $50 for a unlock. I've found numerous website that also unlock the phone for an average of $20 to $35. There's a local Kiosk in the mall near my house which also does it for $30 or $35 (I forget which). After extensive Google and XDA searching, I've also found a few different methods, though I don't know their effectiveness.
The first and most obvious one is the disabling of the SHA256. Referring to this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2176719
From what I understand, I'm not able to do this unless I downgrade my Android from 4.3 to 4.0.1 or 4.1.1 . I really don't want to do this as I really like 4.3 . Also, I'm not sure if I'm able to as I am aware that upgrading to 4.3 might have changed my bootloader type, preventing me from downgrading. How to check that, I don't know.
I've also found a tool that can unlock your device for you, though the original thread has been locked:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/general/17-02-2013-samsung-network-sim-unlock-t1731931
That being said, I've found a wordpress that contains the newer version of the unlocker tool, but whether or not it works and is safe, I haven't the slightest. Having tried downloading the tool, you need a login which comes from a text file, which you have to like something on Facebook for, etc. I did that but the password text wouldn't send so I wasn't able to try. Here's the site:
http://samsungnetworksimunlock.wordpress.com/
Myriad of unlock sites; which are good/trustworthy? I have no idea:
http://samsung-updates.com/
http://www.unlockediphone.me/
http://www.unlockyourphone.me/
http://www.unlocksamsungonline.com/
There are tons more that I've seen and been to that I haven't listed. Don't know which to use, if any.
SO, what it comes down to. What should I do to unlock my device? What is the best method? I would like to do it for free if possible obviously but I'm not sure how to go about it. Has anyone tried any of the above methods with success? Baring in mind my 4.3 circumstances and that I live in Canada on Rogers. Thoughts? Suggestions? Questions?
TL;DR - Need to unlock my phone, there's some complications. Unfortunately i can't condense the whole story, what do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my 2 cents, the 2 links for unlock tools (not unlock websites in which you gotta pay) are useless... first one is for international, second is fake since it require surveys
and I've never used any unlock sites to buy unlock keys so I can't tell you
though back to my question, if you were on 4.1.1, why didn't you unlock it then before you update to 4.3..
pcshano said:
my 2 cents, the 2 links for unlock tools (not unlock websites in which you gotta pay) are useless... first one is for international, second is fake since it require surveys
and I've never used any unlock sites to buy unlock keys so I can't tell you
though back to my question, if you were on 4.1.1, why didn't you unlock it then before you update to 4.3..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there! I think the tools might actually work if I don't find some weird survey version. for example, the unlocker on the SamsungUpdat site is actually one of the earlier release versions that did jellybean. I'd need to find testimonials for that though before I decide to drop a 3 euro donation. And to answer your other question, at the time I wasn't aware I was ever going to be interested in unlocking my phone. Let alone spending this much time to figure it out. That being said, say I did know I'd want to unlock in the future, I still wasn't aware that if I updated I would be able to keep the phone unlocked. As in, keeping the unlock through the update. I only just found out that the unlock involved another partition of the phone other than the one the OS takes place on. So, if I do manage to downgrade, if I were to unlock and the update back to 4.3 it would keep the unlock?
Isuress said:
Hey there! I think the tools might actually work if I don't find some weird survey version. for example, the unlocker on the SamsungUpdat site is actually one of the earlier release versions that did jellybean. I'd need to find testimonials for that though before I decide to drop a 3 euro donation. And to answer your other question, at the time I wasn't aware I was ever going to be interested in unlocking my phone. Let alone spending this much time to figure it out. That being said, say I did know I'd want to unlock in the future, I still wasn't aware that if I updated I would be able to keep the phone unlocked. As in, keeping the unlock through the update. I only just found out that the unlock involved another partition of the phone other than the one the OS takes place on. So, if I do manage to downgrade, if I were to unlock and the update back to 4.3 it would keep the unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you're unlock, it'll stay unlock but if your bootloader is mjb, as of now, there's no possible downgrade yet
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
pcshano said:
Once you're unlock, it'll stay unlock but if your bootloader is mjb, as of now, there's no possible downgrade yet
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I go about checking what version my bootloader is? Also, if I do end up downgrading, which method is the best for unlocking?
It's in setting->about phone under baseband version
And there's a free unlock method which had been floating around but it required stock 4.1.1 in order to do it
and again if your bootloader is MJB (most likely be the case), I'd advice you not to be foolish and downgrade cuz it'd brick your phone
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
pcshano said:
It's in setting->about phone under baseband version
And there's a free unlock method which has been floating around but it requires stock 4.1.1 in order to do it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're referring to this:
isuress; said:
The first and most obvious one is the disabling of the SHA256. Referring to this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2176719
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already mentioned that in the original post. That looks to me like a software related unlocked which I would feel would get reset when I upgrade back to 4.3. Is this not true? That being said, what exactly does disabling SHA256 do? From what I understand, it's actually an encryption algorithm. Is my data no longer encrypted once turning this feature off?
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Here's my About. Not sure what I'm looking for.
Isuress said:
If you're referring to this:
I already mentioned that in the original post. That looks to me like a software related unlocked which I would feel would get reset when I upgrade back to 4.3. Is this not true? That being said, what exactly does disabling SHA256 do? From what I understand, it's actually an encryption algorithm. Is my data no longer encrypted once turning this feature off?
Here's my About. Not sure what I'm looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry, I forgot your phone is i747M not i747
but in any case MK4 is the same as MJB
if you want free unlock, you have to wait for someone to find a way to remove KNOX so that you can downgrade to 4.1.1 for free unlock
although if you're looking for a way to downgrade the rom to 4.1.1 there is a way, but the bootloader still stay as 4.3 and with the 4.3 bootloader, you won't be able to do the free unlocking method
and to answer your question, no it's not. and I do not know what disabling SHA256 do as I've never used such software to help me unlock, also the link you posted gave me a 404 error
this might be a good read for you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2625461
pcshano said:
I'm sorry, I forgot your phone is i747M not i747
but in any case MK4 is the same as MJB
if you want free unlock, you have to wait for someone to find a way to remove KNOX so that you can downgrade to 4.1.1 for free unlock
although if you're looking for a way to downgrade the rom to 4.1.1 there is a way, but the bootloader still stay as 4.3 and with the 4.3 bootloader, you won't be able to do the free unlocking method
and to answer your question, no it's not. and I do not know what disabling SHA256 do as I've never used such software to help me unlock, also the link you posted gave me a 404 error
this might be a good read for you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2625461
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If we're still taking about the "SHA256[OFF]" method, I'm not sure if I feel comfortable doing that one. I also feel like once I downgrade, disable SHA256 and then go back to 4.3, that those settings will not carry over. Are there really no other methods?
Isuress said:
If we're still taking about the "SHA256[OFF]" method, I'm not sure if I feel comfortable doing that one. I also feel like once I downgrade, disable SHA256 and then go back to 4.3, that those settings will not carry over. Are there really no other methods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and no as long as KNOX is present
the only current working unlock is sadly to say, you have to pay for unlock code and the prices are varies
and as for that, I won't be of help because as I mentioned, I've never pay for any unlock code so I have no say in what will work and what not
Sorry.
pcshano said:
and no as long as KNOX is present
the only current working unlock is sadly to say, you have to pay for unlock code and the prices are varies
and as for that, I won't be of help because as I mentioned, I've never pay for any unlock code so I have no say in what will work and what not
Sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming KNOX is that little triangle notification thing that shows up on certain pages that says how many times you've messed with your device? I wasn't aware this little counter was a determent to anything?
Well, thanks anyway I suppose. Hopefully more people will start looking at the thread. Unfortunately it seems like this board moves slowly. I'm afraid of paying for an unlock for the most part. I'd need someone with unlocking experience to give me some feedback before anything.
Isuress said:
I'm assuming KNOX is that little triangle notification thing that shows up on certain pages that says how many times you've messed with your device? I wasn't aware this little counter was a determent to anything?
Well, thanks anyway I suppose. Hopefully more people will start looking at the thread. Unfortunately it seems like this board moves slowly. I'm afraid of paying for an unlock for the most part. I'd need someone with unlocking experience to give me some feedback before anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming so myself, I know what knox is but have never actually experience it.. my bootloader is still MJ2 which is the leaked version 4.3 that doesn't come with knox
and with that being said, don't get your hope up, because there hasn't any success in downgrading from 4.3 bootloader without bricking your phone
pcshano said:
I'm assuming so myself, I know what knox is but have never actually experience it.. my bootloader is still MJ2 which is the leaked version 4.3 that doesn't come with knox
and with that being said, don't get your hope up, because there hasn't any success in downgrading from 4.3 bootloader without bricking your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've read, it's near to impossible to fully brick your Samsung Galaxy S3 phone? I've seen a bunch of threads regarding unbricking it regardless of situation. Here's an example:
http://smartphonerepairsdiy.weebly....r-unbrick-samsung-galaxy-s3-all-versions.html
Isuress said:
From what I've read, it's near to impossible to fully brick your Samsung Galaxy S3 phone? I've seen a bunch of threads regarding unbricking it regardless of situation. Here's an example:
http://smartphonerepairsdiy.weebly....r-unbrick-samsung-galaxy-s3-all-versions.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that might be true, but i'm sure you don't want to risk it, because whether it's soft brick or hard brick, it's still a pain to fix it
pcshano said:
that might be true, but i'm sure you don't want to risk it, because whether it's soft brick or hard brick, it's still a pain to fix it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I just wish the form was more active.
Isuress said:
I'm assuming KNOX is that little triangle notification thing that shows up on certain pages that says how many times you've messed with your device? I wasn't aware this little counter was a determent to anything?
Well, thanks anyway I suppose. Hopefully more people will start looking at the thread. Unfortunately it seems like this board moves slowly. I'm afraid of paying for an unlock for the most part. I'd need someone with unlocking experience to give me some feedback before anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox is really a security system designed mostly with enterprise systems in mind. The problems with free unlocking your phone goes beyond Knox and really underscores the ongoing cycle of 'catch-up' games between Ol' Sam and the development community. The unlock exploit was first discovered in Android 4.1.1. Then Sam tried to close the exploit by removing it in JB 4.1.2. No problem. We simply went round by downgrading to 4.1.1, utilizing the exploit then upgraded back to 4.1.2. Now Sam went further by closing the downgrade loophole. It would appear the unlock exploit is really in the 4.1.1 radio. By linking the 4.3JB modem tightly to the bootloader and making the latter so secure as to be non-modifiable, the exploit appears closed - at least, for now. Please don't risk bricking your phone by trying any methods that may not work. The only sure thing for now is to get unlock code from the carrier or purchase one online.
If you are looking for a reliable service, you can try maingsmserver.com. I am not making any endorsements but I have used them several times with success each time.
Larry2999 said:
Knox is really a security system designed mostly with enterprise systems in mind. The problems with free unlocking your phone goes beyond Knox and really underscores the ongoing cycle of 'catch-up' games between Ol' Sam and the development community. The unlock exploit was first discovered in Android 4.1.1. Then Sam tried to close the exploit by removing it in JB 4.1.2. No problem. We simply went round by downgrading to 4.1.1, utilizing the exploit then upgraded back to 4.1.2. Now Sam went further by closing the downgrade loophole. It would appear the unlock exploit is really in the 4.1.1 radio. By linking the 4.3JB modem tightly to the bootloader and making the latter so secure as to be non-modifiable, the exploit appears closed - at least, for now. Please don't risk bricking your phone by trying any methods that may not work. The only sure thing for now is to get unlock code from the carrier or purchase one online.
If you are looking for a reliable service, you can try maingsmserver.com. I am not making any endorsements but I have used them several times with success each time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This clears up a lot of my curiosity on how the whole process works. I'm still curious as to what disabling SHA256 does. I'm aware it's a form of encryption but does that mean afterwards, my dad is all transferred and synced unencrypted?
Yeah, at this point, I might just have to go with getting a code somewhere but it really comes down to where. I just want something cheap. Less than $20. I'd part with $15 or something from a website. I'd love to go with my carrier but unfortunately Rogers is charging $50 for that. I was on the phone with a rep for a good hour discussing the possibility of it getting waived and all that business. She was very kind and offered other things but she was unable to waive the fee unfortunately. Even after talking with 3 different departments and her supervisor, lol.
There's a Kiosk in my local mall that does it for $30 but that's $10 more than I want to spend, haha. The site you linked is somewhat confusing and from what I'm seeing, it might be a bit too expensive? Also, I think the prices are in USD, not CAD so they'd be more probably.
Out of curiosity, do you know, or anyone reading this thread, know the process these companies, Kiosks or Carriers go through to obtain the unlock code? Is it a program? Do they call someone? The manufacturer maybe? I'd definitely work around this process if I knew how. I'm very interested in how the whole thing works.
Isuress said:
If we're still taking about the "SHA256[OFF]" method, I'm not sure if I feel comfortable doing that one. I also feel like once I downgrade, disable SHA256 and then go back to 4.3, that those settings will not carry over. Are there really no other methods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you unlock, it stays unlocked forever. It doesn't matter how you unlock it.
Isuress said:
This clears up a lot of my curiosity on how the whole process works. I'm still curious as to what disabling SHA256 does. I'm aware it's a form of encryption but does that mean afterwards, my dad is all transferred and synced unencrypted?
Yeah, at this point, I might just have to go with getting a code somewhere but it really comes down to where. I just want something cheap. Less than $20. I'd part with $15 or something from a website. I'd love to go with my carrier but unfortunately Rogers is charging $50 for that. I was on the phone with a rep for a good hour discussing the possibility of it getting waived and all that business. She was very kind and offered other things but she was unable to waive the fee unfortunately. Even after talking with 3 different departments and her supervisor, lol.
There's a Kiosk in my local mall that does it for $30 but that's $10 more than I want to spend, haha. The site you linked is somewhat confusing and from what I'm seeing, it might be a bit too expensive? Also, I think the prices are in USD, not CAD so they'd be more probably.
Out of curiosity, do you know, or anyone reading this thread, know the process these companies, Kiosks or Carriers go through to obtain the unlock code? Is it a program? Do they call someone? The manufacturer maybe? I'd definitely work around this process if I knew how. I'm very interested in how the whole thing works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't worry myself too much about the SHA256 protocol. There's a lot we are still learning about the unlock process. The key thing to understand is that, when the unlock is properly done, it survives all firmware changes and is impossible to reverse. For the commercial online services, it's always one of two options - either they have access to the official database or they've been able to figure out the key algorithm for generating the unlock codes. There is nothing random about how IMEIs are generated and there is always a key relationship between all the different parameters (phone model, carrier, country, unlock code, unfreeze code etc.).
The unlock codes for Samsung Canada on maingsmserver.com costs $28. You could try the Canada networks service which is much less but may not be as sure. From what I've seen around though, you should be wary about anything going for less than $20. Plenty of scams out there.
petenatas said:
Once you unlock, it stays unlocked forever. It doesn't matter how you unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that mean once you've disabled SHA256, which causes the phone to unlock, when you upgrade back to 4.2 or 4.3 that the unlock is retained AND SHA256 is re-enabled? Or does it just retain the unlock and SHA256 stays disabled? If the first situation is the case, then I might consider going through the hassle of downgrading and then re-upgrading?
Larry2999 said:
I wouldn't worry myself too much about the SHA256 protocol. There's a lot we are still learning about the unlock process. The key thing to understand is that, when the unlock is properly done, it survives all firmware changes and is impossible to reverse. For the commercial online services, it's always one of two options - either they have access to the official database or they've been able to figure out the key algorithm for generating the unlock codes. There is nothing random about how IMEIs are generated and there is always a key relationship between all the different parameters (phone model, carrier, country, unlock code, unfreeze code etc.).
The unlock codes for Samsung Canada on maingsmserver.com costs $28. You could try the Canada networks service which is much less but may not be as sure. From what I've seen around though, you should be wary about anything going for less than $20. Plenty of scams out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the impression they probably had some sort of Database or something of that caliber. I can't imagine they have some sort of generator because if that was the case, I'm sure something like that would have leaked by now by some employee, no?
For $28, I might as well go to the local Kiosk in my mall and have it done there. If I could find it for $15 or less, then maybe I'd do it online? Though, the SHA256 option is looking more promising. Though, that's assuming SHA256 re-enables itself while retaining unlock once the phones been updated. The idea of having some sort of data encryption disable bothers me for some reason. Unless you can explain how it's really no different than having it on?
The note 3 is a great piece of hardware but it was a nightmare for devs I hope they backtrack on that with this one. Not getting my hopes up though.
powdered_donuts said:
The note 3 is a great piece of hardware but it was a nightmare for devs I hope they backtrack on that with this one. Not getting my hopes up though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably...Maybe...Absolutely and most Definitely LOCKED.
powdered_donuts said:
The note 3 is a great piece of hardware but it was a nightmare for devs I hope they backtrack on that with this one. Not getting my hopes up though.
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Click to collapse
Of course it will be locked down!!! Us consumers never really OWN our phone that WE purchase!!! So tired of AT&T and others. I sure hope Geohot can bring us some towelroot
chrispyutec said:
Of course it will be locked down!!! Us consumers never really OWN our phone that WE purchase!!! So tired of AT&T and others. I sure hope Geohot can bring us some towelroot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root took a long time for the note 3 but in the end the real fight was and still is the bootloaders. No custom kernels means even with root all you get is basically a bunch of differently themed semi customized stock Roms to play with
powdered_donuts said:
Root took a long time for the note 3 but in the end the real fight was and still is the bootloaders. No custom kernels means even with root all you get is basically a bunch of differently themed semi customized stock Roms to play with
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Click to collapse
That's right. I gave up my AT&T note 3 for T-Mobile S5 just for the unlocked bootloader. Although I really would like to see the bootloader unlocked, I can kinda live without unlocked bootloader if I have at least root. I will no longer buy a phone if I can't at least get root. I always wait until root has been achieved before making any purchase. Gotta love HTC for not locking down, but I just don't like their phones that much.
99.999% sure the ATT version will have a locked bootloader. This means it will always be a cat and mouse game with root.
My advice is to wait and not pre-order anything yet. Let the dust settle and see which device will work for you and have root available.
1. You have to ask yourself how long do you normally keep phones? Can you afford to wait 6 months or more (or never if you accidentally take an update) for root on an ATT device you are going to have for 1-2 years?
2. The Tmobile version will most likely have an unlocked bootloader which means you never have to worry about root. It will also most likely work on ATT like the GS5 and the Note3 before it and it will have updates long after Tmobile and Samsung stop supporting it.
If you have Tmobile in your area and you want root it really is the best way to go and cheaper. Why not give them a try? The next best is a Tmobile device on ATT, and third, well.... forget about root.
I have the same very question.
Being on ATT, will the Note 4 be able to be Rooted, and even more important, allow Custom Recovery for ROM's ? If not, NO WAY I can get the Note 4. And Safestrap is not an option, that's a handicapped and gimped wannabe recovery.
Nice thing with HTC, they openly and officially allow their One M8 to have the bootloader unlocked directly through HTC's own website. I did just that with my ATT carrier One M8, and converted it to a GPE. Would like to see Samsung allow that too.
Without a doubt it will be locked.
Ikr! I had T-Mobile but we moved a few years back to an area where they don't have service really at all. I wish I could let them pay my termination fees and bring my four lines there I would save money too. Oh well..
powdered_donuts said:
Ikr! I had T-Mobile but we moved a few years back to an area where they don't have service really at all. I wish I could let them pay my termination fees and bring my four lines there I would save money too. Oh well..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the Tmobile device instead and use it on ATT. Don't be pulled in by the ATT Next hype\propaganda either. You still pay full price for the device. Why not get one that you actually own.
mircury said:
Get the Tmobile device instead and use it on ATT. Don't be pulled in by the ATT Next hype\propaganda either. You still pay full price for the device. Why not get one that you actually own.
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Click to collapse
Yeah I know I'm not falling for the next plan and all that crap not interested in adding more to my monthly bill. I thought about getting the T-Mobile version but I'm starting to just lean towards getting a nexus from google when the new one comes out. Hate to leave Samsung behind but I'm feeling like the time has come to move on
mircury said:
99.999% sure the ATT version will have a locked bootloader. This means it will always be a cat and mouse game with root.
My advice is to wait and not pre-order anything yet. Let the dust settle and see which device will work for you and have root available.
1. You have to ask yourself how long do you normally keep phones? Can you afford to wait 6 months or more (or never if you accidentally take an update) for root on an ATT device you are going to have for 1-2 years?
2. The Tmobile version will most likely have an unlocked bootloader which means you never have to worry about root. It will also most likely work on ATT like the GS5 and the Note3 before it and it will have updates long after Tmobile and Samsung stop supporting it.
If you have Tmobile in your area and you want root it really is the best way to go and cheaper. Why not give them a try? The next best is a Tmobile device on ATT, and third, well.... forget about root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a good idea. If you want the phone, go get it now. I remember very well that after someone root the HTC phone with s-off, they make it not rootable with it being s-off. It took many months and ransom money for hacker to find it get rid of the s-off.
chong67 said:
Not a good idea. If you want the phone, go get it now. I remember very well that after someone root the HTC phone with s-off, they make it not rootable with it being s-off. It took many months and ransom money for hacker to find it get rid of the s-off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very, very bad advise. You are basically advising people to buy and hope that an exploit will be found, and it's a bad gamble at most. Have you gotten any recent Samsung phones? We aren't talking HTC here. Look at the Note 3, Galaxy S4 and S5 history. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy the phone. I'm saying you should not pre-order it or get it on day one. With the Tmobile note 3 it took a week and a half after release to confirm that it had an unlocked bootloader. At that point a custom recovery was ODIN flashable and root was forever available. It was even faster to confirm that the ATT version was locked down and as of today the bootloader has NEVER been cracked! No CM or AOSP! Only stock kernels are usable. The same with the ATT S5. The bootloader is still locked down. Root has been obtained through an exploit that has since been patched. So if you take an update you are screwed. A bootloader exploit for the latest samsung devices has not been found for the ATT S4, S5, and Note 3 for 1.5 years now.
I have a huge info thread over in the ATT Note 3 section if you want to read it.
My point is, wait for confirmation that a particular device is bootloader unlocked before you put down $750 on a device.
mircury said:
Very, very bad advise. You are basically advising people to buy and hope, and it's a bad gamble at most. Have you gotten any recent Samsung phones? We aren't talking HTC here. Look at the Note 3, Galaxy S4 and S5 history. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy the phone. I'm saying you should not pre-order it or get it on day one. With the Tmobile note 3 it took a week and a half after release to confirm that it had an unlocked bootloader. At that point a custom recovery was ODIN flashable and root was forever available. It was even faster to confirm that the ATT version was locked down and as of today the bootloader has NEVER been cracked! No CM or AOSP! Only stock kernels are usable. The same with the ATT S5. The bootloader is still locked down. Root has been obtained through an exploit that has since been patched. So if you take an update you are screwed. A bootloader exploit for the latest samsung devices has not been found for the ATT S4, S5, and Note 3 for 1.5 years now.
I have a huge info thread over in the ATT Note 3 section if you want to read it.
My point is, wait for confirmation that a particular device is bootloader unlocked before you put down $750 on a device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
better advice! But you can certainly blindly guarantee that at&t is locked down.
Am I wanting Root for wrong reasons?
I have been rooting and installing custom ROMS for a few years now. All Samsung phones.
I'm growing tired of custom ROMS. While some are very solid, I have not tried any at all that don't have one problem or another. So, I'm hoping I can be satisfied with just rooting and maybe even staying on TW. I'll be trying to analyze the features I'd lose from Nova if I stay on TW, vs the TW features of the Note 4 I'd lose by going to Nova.
But my main question is do I really NEED root? I'm thinking I want it in order to do true backups (with more concern about data than backing up apps). I am of the impression that data backups may not be possible w/o root. True? Or, depending on App? I know that TIBU seems to want root...I've never tried to use TIBU w/o root.
Also, I use other apps that seem to work better with root, ie. Lightflow, TIBU, Tasker (a must), ES File Explorer, Gravity Box, Notification Shortcuts, Utter, Widget Locker, and others I suppose.
Seems to me I NEED root. Am I misinformed?
Maybe the T-Mobile version of the Note 4 is what I should look for.
ewingr said:
Also, I use other apps that seem to work better with root, ie. Lightflow, TIBU, Tasker (a must), ES File Explorer, Gravity Box, Notification Shortcuts, Utter, Widget Locker, and others I suppose.
Maybe the T-Mobile version of the Note 4 is what I should look for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget adaway, my number 1 use for root, and ya you should be looking at the tmo note. That's coming from someone who did it on the 3rd gen note.
mircury said:
..., and ya you should be looking at the tmo note. That's coming from someone who did it on the 3rd gen note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll probably look into that. I typically take advantage of subsidy, but may be worth going with TMO. If the Note 4 had 4GB mem, that would make it easier to make the extra spend. I was hoping for a phone that I may be happy with for longer than 2 years. (Of course the root issue may be the driving factor for purchasing the TMO version, irrespective of other considerations).
ewingr said:
I have been rooting and installing custom ROMS for a few years now. All Samsung phones.
I'm growing tired of custom ROMS. While some are very solid, I have not tried any at all that don't have one problem or another. So, I'm hoping I can be satisfied with just rooting and maybe even staying on TW. I'll be trying to analyze the features I'd lose from Nova if I stay on TW, vs the TW features of the Note 4 I'd lose by going to Nova.
But my main question is do I really NEED root? I'm thinking I want it in order to do true backups (with more concern about data than backing up apps). I am of the impression that data backups may not be possible w/o root. True? Or, depending on App? I know that TIBU seems to want root...I've never tried to use TIBU w/o root.
Also, I use other apps that seem to work better with root, ie. Lightflow, TIBU, Tasker (a must), ES File Explorer, Gravity Box, Notification Shortcuts, Utter, Widget Locker, and others I suppose.
Seems to me I NEED root. Am I misinformed?
Maybe the T-Mobile version of the Note 4 is what I should look for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree with you on all points. Except not sure we "have to root". The Note 4 will be able to handle all "Bloatware" and still fly. Koush's Helium does a good job backing up apps/data. No Nandroid, but if you are not rooting and running the risk of soft bricking and needing to restore a Nandroid, they won't be needed. The cloud for Google will always be there to restore those accounts. The rest you can backup to your sdcard and pc. Not sure I need theming like Xposed offers. As, I am liking the stock look of the S5 which I am running on my S4.
That all being said I would probably get a TMO one on ATT if LTE runs fine and root/flash roms since it is in the blood at this point--
Off topic...
rugmankc said:
..Koush's Helium does a good job backing up apps/data...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you posted this. I had not heard of Helium. I'll have to check it out.
One thing I like to be able to do is backup and restore just data. I'll have to see if that can be done. It's interesting that it doesn't require root, when everything else does.
....
Just went to Play Store, and leaves me a bit confuse. The instructions are a bit confusing, as 1a says "Root user? You're done", then goes on to say to install on the PC, which implies to me if non-rooted, you must do backups to PC.
I'll go and read the Wiki.
[Update]
A few things that are discouraging, from the WIKI, re: Helium:
If you're using a non-root device, you MUST connect to a PC via the USB port of your device to enable ADB backup permissions.
In problematic applications, ALL Google Apps are listed
...you are using a non-root device, you need to enable Helium at every reboot of the device. This is a PITA
You made a backup to a removable SD card. Again, not advisable as mounting then re-mounting a physical card between devices is problematic for backups. Use PC Download, a cloud destination or device-to-device sync.
Those are just the issues I'm not sure I'd want to mess with. So, hoping to ultimately achieve ROOT.
ewingr said:
Glad you posted this. I had not heard of Helium. I'll have to check it out.
One thing I like to be able to do is backup and restore just data. I'll have to see if that can be done. It's interesting that it doesn't require root, when everything else does.
....
Just went to Play Store, and leaves me a bit confuse. The instructions are a bit confusing, as 1a says "Root user? You're done", then goes on to say to install on the PC, which implies to me if non-rooted, you must do backups to PC.
I'll go and read the Wiki.
[Update]
A few things that are discouraging, from the WIKI, re: Helium:
If you're using a non-root device, you MUST connect to a PC via the USB port of your device to enable ADB backup permissions.
In problematic applications, ALL Google Apps are listed
...you are using a non-root device, you need to enable Helium at every reboot of the device. This is a PITA
You made a backup to a removable SD card. Again, not advisable as mounting then re-mounting a physical card between devices is problematic for backups. Use PC Download, a cloud destination or device-to-device sync.
Those are just the issues I'm not sure I'd want to mess with. So, hoping to ultimately achieve ROOT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try MyBackUp Pro from Play Store--Have used it for years. Assuming it updates for Note 4--sure it will. You can email them--
Just a friendly reminder that there aren't many of us smart enough to figure out how to root this beast. If we throw a bunch of cash at them that might motivate them to work even harder. Plus, it's totally worth it! What's $50? Too much? Fine, give $5. Whatever you can afford! I bet if we got that pot up to 100k it would get solved pretty darned quick. Let's do it! Don't be a cheapskate!
Thanks for reading. I promise not to tell you what to do other than this one time. Ha!
I agree man
Just sucks so sad that ATT screwing us like this, while T-Mobile gets all the root Recovery love they want, and even Sprint is better, and dare I say Verizon not as bad as ATT is lately
I remember just two years ago, the ATT Note 2 had root and Recovery immediately after release, and the ATT XDA Note 2 forums were jammed packed with ROM's and kernels. Why did ATT make such a drastic change to lock it down so hard now ? Where as T-Mobile allows it to be unlocked with ease ?
ATT allows HTC to still be unlocked, you can buy the ATT One M8 and root it and install custom Recovery out of the box with ease. But no way is that possible with the ATT S5 or Note 4, but why ATT ?
tfpHumorBlog said:
Just a friendly reminder that there aren't many of us smart enough to figure out how to root this beast. If we throw a bunch of cash at them that might motivate them to work even harder. Plus, it's totally worth it! What's $50? Too much? Fine, give $5. Whatever you can afford! I bet if we got that pot up to 100k it would get solved pretty darned quick. Let's do it! Don't be a cheapskate!
Thanks for reading. I promise not to tell you what to do other than this one time. Ha!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just thinking out loud...but at this time shouldn't you all wait for Lollipop to be released on this beast? Word is that it has more security and will be even tougher to root. So say someone roots KitKat..claims the Bounty, then Lollipop comes along and kills root again and those buying new phones with Lollipop preinstalled would be SOL. JM2C...but I also know it takes time to build up pledges.
Umm.. iiif we gain root I'm sure people would be smart enough not to upgrade to Lollipop but wait for a dev to make a Lollipop ROM.
Android300ZX said:
Umm.. iiif we gain root I'm sure people would be smart enough not to upgrade to Lollipop but wait for a dev to make a Lollipop ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That won't help people buying phones after the update with Lollipop preinstalled though. They will be stuck without root and have to start another bounty...just thinking out loud. And you would be surprised how many just hit that "update" button while rooted and get stuck in a boot loop.
Assuming root is achieved and someone bought a new note4 it came w 5.0.. couldnt one of those just take the official NIE firmware and flash it via odin.. then they could root and install a 5.0 custom rom?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
xlr8shun said:
Assuming root is achieved and someone bought a new note4 it came w 5.0.. couldnt one of those just take the official NIE firmware and flash it via odin.. then they could root and install a 5.0 custom rom?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In theory..however Samsung has been matching bootloaders, basebands and OS release. So as seen on other models not having the 5.0 bootloader and baseband will cause the 5.0 ROM to be stuck in a boot loop. So it may be some time before developers crack that. Even an unlocked rootable phone like the Sprint S3 required you to Odin 4.4 before running any stock 4.4 ROMs...the wrong baseband there caused a hard brick. So it is not as simple as it sounds.
Zorachus said:
I agree man
Just sucks so sad that ATT screwing us like this, while T-Mobile gets all the root Recovery love they want, and even Sprint is better, and dare I say Verizon not as bad as ATT is lately
I remember just two years ago, the ATT Note 2 had root and Recovery immediately after release, and the ATT XDA Note 2 forums were jammed packed with ROM's and kernels. Why did ATT make such a drastic change to lock it down so hard now ? Where as T-Mobile allows it to be unlocked with ease ?
ATT allows HTC to still be unlocked, you can buy the ATT One M8 and root it and install custom Recovery out of the box with ease. But no way is that possible with the ATT S5 or Note 4, but why ATT ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably has everything to do with Gov't contracts... Samsung has been singing the praises of it's KNOX system to businesses and the Gov't, to to truly make KNOX effective, it needs to be locked so that you can't disable or remove it. This way if one of their phones gets lost or stolen (and they are using the enterprise security packages) it is even more difficult to get to the data.
Why not allow the folks who want them locked and secure buy special ones so the rest of us can have free and open devices you ask? Because it costs more (time as well as money) to divide up your inventory that way. you'd have to forecast how many of the secured phones you will need and order them that way. But what if that big gov't contract falls through? you are now sitting on potentially thousands of phones that your general users won't want given that they can choose to get the unlocked version. OEM won't simply take them back, unless you pay some sort of restock fee. You could re-flash them yourself with the unlocked ROM, but now you are talking about manually unboxing, flashing and then re-sealing thousands of phones. (Not optimal,)
In the end, you're better off buying an unlocked device up front as opposed to hoping that someone can crack the bootloader later on after the release. It's obviously getting harder and harder for even the truly talented DEVs to crack these bootloaders. I honestly doubt that root will be achieved on this thing prior to Lollipop beginning it rollout. There is a build for it being tested right now with very few issues remaining.
Clock is ticking.... Me? I personally could care less for root at this point. I get un-Godly battery life and performance as it is based upon my usage. Not a popular view with many in this forum, I know. I used to long for root and flash ROMs like crazy myself. It was almost like an addiction.
But seriously, I have a year-old review unit here and I don't use Sprint personally. So I can use it to play with Android distros, or as a very small tablet, or make it into a remote-control for my TV. What's the most amusement one can get from an off-the-air M8?
And is the Harmon-Kardon branding just advertising, or does it actually have better sound than other phones?
WyomingKnott said:
But seriously, I have a year-old review unit here and I don't use Sprint personally. So I can use it to play with Android distros, or as a very small tablet, or make it into a remote-control for my TV. What's the most amusement one can get from an off-the-air M8?
And is the Harmon-Kardon branding just advertising, or does it actually have better sound than other phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use it as a phone.
And yeah, it's just an advertisement. Only difference is some addition of their software which can be installed on other M8s too.
Why not just use it as the great phone that it is or is this just a wind up?
ashyx said:
Why not just use it as the great phone that it is or is this just a wind up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No wind-up, just that it's locked to Sprint, I have ATT, and so I'd have to SIM-unlock it before I could use it. It was a leftover review unit.
WyomingKnott said:
No wind-up, just that it's locked to Sprint, I have ATT, and so I'd have to SIM-unlock it before I could use it. It was a leftover review unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if your sprint m8 is s-off,then you can sim unlock by following this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2718150
WyomingKnott said:
No wind-up, just that it's locked to Sprint, I have ATT, and so I'd have to SIM-unlock it before I could use it. It was a leftover review unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Review unit? Can you please link me the review?
And what phone do you use currently? It might be wworth to get it unlocked.
You can use it as a music player too. It's one of the best Android music phone.
Surely it would be well worth unlocking the phone, where else are you going to get such a top spec device for the small price of an unlock?
I paid a ton of money for this phone 12 months ago and it is still one of the best on the market.
@crazykas
Not s-off yet. I haven't found a method other than sunshine which is $25 and, from what I read, has a spotty reputation. A question: If I got it s-off, instead of that sim unlock (that article is in my list for the m8) should I change the CIM and (DIM?) so it thinks it's an ATT Developer phone? Would that let it use ATT?
EDIT: Now that I re-read this, the $25 isn't that much, and the worst that can happen is that I'm left with a brick that I didn't pay for! But do you know of any self S-off method?
@edios123
From Tom's Hardware.
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/htc-one-m8-features-review,26384.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/htc-one-m8-samsung-galaxy-s5-comparison-review,26373.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/htc-one-m8-e8-android,3871.html
A year later they're just dust-gatherers.
I'm pretty happy with my current Galaxy S4, but it's great having a phone that I can load anything on to and not worry that if I brick it I'll be left without a phone or lose a couple of hundred dollars. For example, installing assorted versions of TWRP on this particular phone makes it hang permanently, power and display on, entering recovery. But it works with Clockwork Mod. Now I'm playing with CyanogenMod for the first time.
WyomingKnott said:
@crazykas
@edios123
From Tom's Hardware.
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/htc-one-m8-features-review,26384.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/htc-one-m8-samsung-galaxy-s5-comparison-review,26373.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/htc-one-m8-e8-android,3871.html
A year later they're just dust-gatherers.
I'm pretty happy with my current Galaxy S4, but it's great having a phone that I can load anything on to and not worry that if I brick it I'll be left without a phone or lose a couple of hundred dollars. For example, installing assorted versions of TWRP on this particular phone makes it hang permanently, power and display on, entering recovery. But it works with Clockwork Mod. Now I'm playing with CyanogenMod for the first time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're using an S4, IMHO, you must upgrade to this phone. It's plenty fast (I bet miles better in performance than S4) for 2015. Only thing you'll miss is the pretty cool camera in your current phone.
Thanks for the links.
Smelly feet! SunShine doesn't work with CyanogenMod; it asks for a stock rom. Fortunately, lots of stocks to choose from. Back to stock, run Sunshine, S-OFF, back to Cyanogen. Here goes...
EDIT: Well, I gave up. I've flashed four different ROMs and had startup hang at four different places. CyanogenMod works fine. Since I can't get back to stock (some idiot forgot to do a backup before flashing Cyanogen, no excuse, I've been in this business for decades) and Sunshine won't run under Cyanogen, no S-off.
If anyone can point me to a back-to-stock or a ROM that I can load with Clockwork or RUU, it would make me happy. I've got the Harmon Kardon Sprint model, which may be a problem. I've tried roms from Bad Seed, the ND8_STOCK_DEODEXED_ROOTED rom, Renovate_5.0, and cm-11-20141112-SNAPSHOT-M12-m8 . I got so frustrated that I didn't keep page links for these, which I know I should put for reference. The only reason I want to go back to stock is that Sunshine seems to require it. I'm awfully glad that, as I've posted before, this is a don't-care device.
EDIT TWO: Anyone sick of my train-of-thought posting process can leave now. I left Renovate in its stuck mode for a while, and half an hour later it was on. Hurrah! Now to try Sunshine...
Update - it needed a recent RUU from HTC. Year-old firmware was slow with current ROMs and not compatible with TWRP at all. Recent RUU, good behavior. It's s-off, and I'll go for sim unlock tomorrow.