If my device was originally AT&T branded but then bootloader unlocked, then S-off, and super-CID....... ... and now has latest developer firmware flashed with Custom 5.01 ROM , like LeeDroid's latest Sense 7 -- will that phone be "carrier unlocked" if I were to try to use another SIM like from T-Mobile??
I don't have another carrier SIM to test it -- planning to sell
jcrompton said:
If my device was originally AT&T branded but then bootloader unlocked, then S-off, and super-CID....... ... and now has latest developer firmware flashed with Custom 5.01 ROM , like LeeDroid's latest Sense 7 -- will that phone be "carrier unlocked" if I were to try to use another SIM like from T-Mobile??
I don't have another carrier SIM to test it -- planning to sell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. SIM locking is separate from CID/MID locking. Unfortunately, since you have flashed the most recent firmware, the one hack that used to work is probably unsafe to attempt at this point. Instead, you will need to get an unlock code from AT&T or buy one from a service. (or inform the buyer that it is still SIM locked to AT&T, but that's going to cut the value a lot)
Related
currently on ariel rom, with an unlocked att gs3. would like to restore device to stock and upgrade to JB to sell on ebay. will switching roms or upgrading android version cause me to lose carrier unlock?
Anyone?
Which method did you use to unlock the device? (For example, standard SIM unlock, dialer code/"ServiceMenu" method, etc)?
The phone was used on t mobile briefly but I couldn't stand edge speeds. I called att and they gave me a code to enter after inserting the t mobile sim card. When you turn the device on with another network sim card it automatically prompts you to "enter unlock code"
No. Switching roms or upgrading android version will NOT cause you to lose carrier unlock.
cnewsgrp said:
No. Switching roms or upgrading android version will NOT cause you to lose carrier unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much
How do I unlock the phone? I currently have Cm11 on it.
I want to ditch rogers (terrible service) so what do I need to do to unlock it?
side note, when I got the phone it was via future-shop warranty and they gave me a fido version and put my rogers sim in it, did they unlock it then?
SpacePotato said:
How do I unlock the phone? I currently have Cm11 on it.
I want to ditch rogers (terrible service) so what do I need to do to unlock it?
side note, when I got the phone it was via future-shop warranty and they gave me a fido version and put my rogers sim in it, did they unlock it then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since Fido is really owned by Rogers, your Rogers SIM may work in the phone if it was originally locked to Fido. To check whether it's unlocked or not, try putting in a non-compatible SIM (like Bell or Telus) and see whether it prompts you for an unlock code. If it does, you would need to purchase a code online or request one from the carrier. If it wasn't on Android 4.3 prior to the CM11 installation, you may be able to install stock Android 4.1.1 and free unlock. Either way, whether you are free unlocking or using an unlock code, you have to be on a stock ROM for it work. You can check your phone's settings and see what baseband and bootloader versions you have. This will tell us know whether you should flash stock 4.1.1 or 4.3
Larry2999 said:
Since Fido is really owned by Rogers, your Rogers SIM may work in the phone if it was originally locked to Fido. To check whether it's unlocked or not, try putting in a non-compatible SIM (like Bell or Telus) and see whether it prompts you for an unlock code. If it does, you would need to purchase a code online or request one from the carrier. If it wasn't on Android 4.3 prior to the CM11 installation, you may be able to install stock Android 4.1.1 and free unlock. Either way, whether you are free unlocking or using an unlock code, you have to be on a stock ROM for it work. You can check your phone's settings and see what baseband and bootloader versions you have. This will tell us know whether you should flash stock 4.1.1 or 4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Baseband is I747MVLUEMK5 bootloader I have no idea, I just used odin to flash CWM.
I'm open to flashing 4.1 to get a free unlock then going back to CM11
SpacePotato said:
Baseband is I747MVLUEMK5 bootloader I have no idea, I just used odin to flash CWM.
I'm open to flashing 4.1 to get a free unlock then going back to CM11
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I747MVLUEMK5 is ver. 4.3 and you almost certainly have the 4.3 bootloader as well. With this, unfortunately, you can't downgrade to 4.1.1 where the free unlock option is available as any attempt to do this could brick your phone. You would need to request an unlock code from the carrier, if eligible, or purchase one online. There have been reports also that the unlock codes don't work when you are on a custom ROM so if you buy one online and it doesn't work, you will have to flash stock 4.3.
Larry2999 said:
I747MVLUEMK5 is ver. 4.3 and you almost certainly have the 4.3 bootloader as well. With this, unfortunately, you can't downgrade to 4.1.1 where the free unlock option is available as any attempt to do this could brick your phone. You would need to request an unlock code from the carrier, if eligible, or purchase one online. There have been reports also that the unlock codes don't work when you are on a custom ROM so if you buy one online and it doesn't work, you will have to flash stock 4.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, which carrier would I have to talk to, it was a fido phone as mentioned previously. Also is their a possibility I could downgrade to 4.1, or is it a guaranteed brick?
SpacePotato said:
ok, which carrier would I have to talk to, it was a fido phone as mentioned previously. Also is their a possibility I could downgrade to 4.1, or is it a guaranteed brick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would need to contact Fido since it was originally on their network. I'm afraid nobody has yet posted a method to allow you successfully downgrade to 4.1.1 and still preserve the free unlock functionality. You could follow some instructions posted in this forum to downgrade to 4.1.1. However, this wouldn't allow you downgrade the bootloader/modem which is required for the unlock.
Larry2999 said:
You would need to contact Fido since it was originally on their network. I'm afraid nobody has yet posted a method to allow you successfully downgrade to 4.1.1 and still preserve the free unlock functionality. You could follow some instructions posted in this forum to downgrade to 4.1.1. However, this wouldn't allow you downgrade the bootloader/modem which is required for the unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thanks.
Larry2999 said:
I747MVLUEMK5 is ver. 4.3 and you almost certainly have the 4.3 bootloader as well. With this, unfortunately, you can't downgrade to 4.1.1 where the free unlock option is available as any attempt to do this could brick your phone. You would need to request an unlock code from the carrier, if eligible, or purchase one online. There have been reports also that the unlock codes don't work when you are on a custom ROM so if you buy one online and it doesn't work, you will have to flash stock 4.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found a way to downgrade from 4.3 to 4.1.1 or 4.0.4 stock. (for Bell).
I bought and used Mobile Odin (available on the play store). Anyhow, it flashes the stock rom and not the old bootloaders. Once you're on 4.1.1 or 4.0.4 the problem is that *#197328640# no longer works. Basically when you type that ServiceMode comes up, but all the options are gone. I believe this is because they locked those features on the new bootloader (which is still on the phone after the Mobile Odin downgrade...)
Unlocking this phone has become a major pain in the ass.
htc_softbank said:
I found a way to downgrade from 4.3 to 4.1.1 or 4.0.4 stock. (for Bell).
I bought and used Mobile Odin (available on the play store). Anyhow, it flashes the stock rom and not the old bootloaders. Once you're on 4.1.1 or 4.0.4 the problem is that *#197328640# no longer works. Basically when you type that ServiceMode comes up, but all the options are gone. I believe this is because they locked those features on the new bootloader (which is still on the phone after the Mobile Odin downgrade...)
Unlocking this phone has become a major pain in the ass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are quite right. Sam and the networks are winning this time. You can indeed use Mobile Odin to downgrade the system (ROM). However, there hasn't been any reports of a successful downgrade of the bootloader. Therefore, even if you downgrade without bricking the phone, you can't free unlock. Tough but you will need a carrier unlock code.
I have a Canadian Bell S3 i747m which broke and I got some random guy to fix it for me. He frustratingly ended up installing a ROGERS circuit board(or so he says) without bothering to check the fact my phone was loaded with Bell bloatware or just asking me my carrier.
I now need to unlock the SIM in order to use it properly and I just want to be sure I have the correct information and I don't end up paying for an unlock code that will not work since I didn't provide the proper carrier.
My SIM card (not sure if that matters): BELL
My board/IMEI: ROGERS (Apparently)
I wanted to determine which carrier I was tied to but I see 0 bloatware in my phone which makes me think the guy is wrong/lying and it's not actually a Rogers board. Is there another way to determine which carrier my phone is tied to?
Cyclone112 said:
I have a Canadian Bell S3 i747m which broke and I got some random guy to fix it for me. He frustratingly ended up installing a ROGERS circuit board(or so he says) without bothering to check the fact my phone was loaded with Bell bloatware or just asking me my carrier.
I now need to unlock the SIM in order to use it properly and I just want to be sure I have the correct information and I don't end up paying for an unlock code that will not work since I didn't provide the proper carrier.
My SIM card (not sure if that matters): BELL
My board/IMEI: ROGERS (Apparently)
I wanted to determine which carrier I was tied to but I see 0 bloatware in my phone which makes me think the guy is wrong/lying and it's not actually a Rogers board. Is there another way to determine which carrier my phone is tied to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The carrier doesn't matter. Once unlocked, it's unlocked for every carrier (unless it's unlocked by code).
You could go check the APN to see which carrier it's from.
BWolf56 said:
The carrier doesn't matter. Once unlocked, it's unlocked for every carrier (unless it's unlocked by code).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really? I was looking at the gsmliberty site for unlocking and it asks for a carrier. I can't post the link since I'm a new account but here it is split:
gsmliberty(dot)net/shop/samsung-galaxy-s3-unlock-codes-p-3528.html
I then went into their Terms of Service and it specifies that if I provide an incorrect carrier and the unlock code doesn't work then I won't get a refund. Does this mean this site is BS and I should avoid it and find another?
EDIT: Oh I see you added info about checking the APN. Don't know what that is but I'll Google it. Assuming I find it should I still avoid gsmliberty or should I give them a shot?
BWolf56 said:
The carrier doesn't matter. Once unlocked, it's unlocked for every carrier (unless it's unlocked by code).
You could go check the APN to see which carrier it's from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to Settings > Connections > More networks > Mobile Networks and it tells me this: Insert SIM card to access network services
EDIT: Ok I finally found the AP and CSC by dialing *#1234# and then comparing it to sammobiles firmware to find out which carrier it is tied to. Still worried about the fact I get the SIM error above but hopefully that will go away when I attempt to unlock it
Cyclone112 said:
I went to Settings > Connections > More networks > Mobile Networks and it tells me this: Insert SIM card to access network services
EDIT: Maybe I'm looking at the wrong spot. Here is my phone's about in case that helps:
View attachment 2807396
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm I though you'd have access to it w/o a sim card.
I'm not sure how else you could determine which carrier the motherboard is locked to.
BWolf56 said:
Umm I though you'd have access to it w/o a sim card.
I'm not sure how else you could determine which carrier the motherboard is locked to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just ended up editing my last post a minute before you posted this. I did determine the carrier and it is in fact Rogers. I was planning on just getting an unlock code through a website. You mentioned that means it will only be unlocked for them which I'm fine with but I'm just concerned about the fact I have a Bell SIM. Will that cause any problems with the unlock process or future dealings with BELL?
Actually I have a better question. Can I just put Bell's firmware on my phone instead of Rogers using Odin and then get an unlock for Bell and theoretically I'll be back to where I was?
What bootloader is on the phone? If you have the 4.3 bootloader, you'll have to buy an unlock code. If you have the 4.1.1 bootloader and you are running a stock ROM (doesn't matter about the carrier), you can use the free method to unlock it. If you have the 4.1.2 bootloader, downgrade to the Rogers 4.1.1 ROM and unlock it using the free method.
audit13 said:
What bootloader is on the phone? If you have the 4.3 bootloader, you'll have to buy an unlock code. If you have the 4.1.1 bootloader and you are running a stock ROM (doesn't matter about the carrier), you can use the free method to unlock it. If you have the 4.1.2 bootloader, downgrade to the Rogers 4.1.1 ROM and unlock it using the free method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running 4.3 so I know I need an unlock code unfortunately. I have a Bell SIM card but have Rogers firmware. The site I was looking to buy an unlock code from asks for my carrier so I presume I need to use Rogers. Will that be fine or am I able to just throw Bell firmware on my phone and buy an unlock code specifying Bell as my carrier?
I am not sure of you can load the stock Bell firmware and change the phone so it is locked to Bell. If this were the case, owners could switch carriers by flashing different firmware.
Cyclone112 said:
I just ended up editing my last post a minute before you posted this. I did determine the carrier and it is in fact Rogers. I was planning on just getting an unlock code through a website. You mentioned that means it will only be unlocked for them which I'm fine with but I'm just concerned about the fact I have a Bell SIM. Will that cause any problems with the unlock process or future dealings with BELL?
Actually I have a better question. Can I just put Bell's firmware on my phone instead of Rogers using Odin and then get an unlock for Bell and theoretically I'll be back to where I was?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking is permanent and unlocks to every carrier. Knowing which one you're locked to only matters to get a unlock code, after that, it's free for all.
BWolf56 said:
Unlocking is permanent and unlocks to every carrier. Knowing which one you're locked to only matters to get a unlock code, after that, it's free for all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha, so there's no point in flashing Bell firmware at all. I just need the correct one for getting an unlock code in the first place. Thanks for helping a noob out.
Is there a way to SIM unlock a T-Mobile HTC One M8 without getting a code? The phone is S-Off and Super CID. I understand that I can get a code from T-Mobile but I wanted to know if it's possible to unlock the phone without contacting T-Moble or getting a code from someone else.
Thanks!
Super CID = Unlocked
janderia said:
Is there a way to SIM unlock a T-Mobile HTC One M8 without getting a code? The phone is S-Off and Super CID. I understand that I can get a code from T-Mobile but I wanted to know if it's possible to unlock the phone without contacting T-Moble or getting a code from someone else.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have Super CID, your phone is basically unlocked. You should be able to use on other carriers without a problem as long as it's got a clean IMEI (never reported stolen, etc).
I also have a T-Mobile M8. I did Super CID (CID = all 1's) and was able to successfully use it on AT&T network.
fastbyte27 said:
If you have Super CID, your phone is basically unlocked. You should be able to use on other carriers without a problem as long as it's got a clean IMEI (never reported stolen, etc).
I also have a T-Mobile M8. I did Super CID (CID = all 1's) and was able to successfully use it on AT&T network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone does have all 1's for its CID but when I try a SIM from another carrier, I'm prompted to enter a code. Everything on the phone appears to be locked after inserting the SIM card. The same SIM card was tried in my wife's Moto X with no issues. Any ideas on what might cause this?
janderia said:
My phone does have all 1's for its CID but when I try a SIM from another carrier, I'm prompted to enter a code. Everything on the phone appears to be locked after inserting the SIM card. The same SIM card was tried in my wife's Moto X with no issues. Any ideas on what might cause this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a difference between the CID "locked" (which relates to which firmware/software the phone will load while S-on), and SIM locked (which relates to which SIM cards are allowed). The phone's bootloader manages CID locking, while the radio firmware manages SIM locking.
If you are brave (or stupid), there is a method that used to work for S-off'ed phones, but it quit being safe at some point. If your phone's firmware is old enough, you might try it. I did it to my M8, and it worked fine, but I'm on AT&T and they never bothered to release an update beyond what the phone shipped with. That said, note that there are reports of permanent lockouts on 4.4.4 and later firmware, so only attempt it if your phone is still running something prior to that (4.4.2 or 4.4.3). It goes without saying that you should tread carefully, but I'll point you to the forum post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2708567
Otherwise, it's the standard rigamorole for getting a SIM unlock code just like always.
jshamlet said:
That said, note that there are reports of permanent lockouts on 4.4.4 and later firmware, so only attempt it if your phone is still running something prior to that (4.4.2 or 4.4.3).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well darn. I'm kicking myself for not looking into this when I first got the phone a year ago. I've already upgraded the phone to 4.4. Guess i'll have to wait and get the code.
I recently bought this phone on Vodafone (UK) which obviously came locked. I had it unlocked but there are still network restrictions on the device ie can't connect to mobile data on other services but I can call and text just fine. APN settings are restricted as well. Would it be best to try a different stock Rom? And if so, how:
Unlocked bootloader is something completely different to s-off
S-off does not give you sim unlock !
I mean, will trying to flash a fully stock Rom do the trick aa my stock is branded by hybrid carrier I bought the device from.
sensation lover said:
I mean, will trying to flash a fully stock Rom do the trick aa my stock is branded by hybrid carrier I bought the device from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try and find out