Hey guys, I'm interested in buying an htc m8 but I DO NOT want to buy a locked phone with a locked bootloader. So quick simple question, if i provide this amazon link, will you guys tell me if this will have an unlocked bootloader? There's no mention of it on the site or description, so I figured you guys might know.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...de_a_smtd&showDetailTechData=1#technical-data
ATalkingRock said:
Hey guys, I'm interested in buying an htc m8 but I DO NOT want to buy a locked phone with a locked bootloader. So quick simple question, if i provide this amazon link, will you guys tell me if this will have an unlocked bootloader? There's no mention of it on the site or description, so I figured you guys might know.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...de_a_smtd&showDetailTechData=1#technical-data
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I don't see any information about bootloader there. It's probably locked if it has warranty
Saleen28 said:
I don't see any information about bootloader there. It's probably locked if it has warranty
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Click to collapse
Darn the price was very tempting. =\ find it difficult to find one that has an unlocked boot loader except maybe the one from htc themselves. The T-Mobile ones can be unlocked can they?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
ATalkingRock said:
Darn the price was very tempting. =\ find it difficult to find one that has an unlocked boot loader except maybe the one from htc themselves. The T-Mobile ones can be unlocked can they?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dev edition has it unlocked by default.
I think they should be unlockable as there is this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2725099
Some links are probably outdated, like twrp, since I remember few threads asking about bootloader unlock and they were directed to this one but with info that some things are outdated
Even the ones with locked bootloaders (excepting Verizon's) are easily unlockable through HTCdev. If you luck out and get one with KitKat, you can skip that step and use Sunshine to S-off as well as unlock the bootloader.
jshamlet said:
Even the ones with locked bootloaders (excepting Verizon's) are easily unlockable through HTCdev. If you luck out and get one with KitKat, you can skip that step and use Sunshine to S-off as well as unlock the bootloader.
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Sorry, I've never heard of this. Other carrier HTC m8's can be unlock the booloader on the htc site without any issues? I've also never heard of S-off is that something which is mandatory if i plan on rooting/flashing roms?
ATalkingRock said:
Sorry, I've never heard of this. Other carrier HTC m8's can be unlock the booloader on the htc site without any issues? I've also never heard of S-off is that something which is mandatory if i plan on rooting/flashing roms?
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For most people who just want to run alternate ROMs, unlocking the bootloader is sufficient. However, HTCdev does respect carrier wishes, and not all carriers permit their phones to be unlocked. If you get a phone directly from HTC, or really from anyone other than a carrier, it will definitely be unlockable, though.
S-off isn't a requirement to flash ROMs or root - it is only a requirement if you want to manually update firmware, change the CID/MID (change to a different carrier branded ROM), or revert to an older version of firmware/software. Depending on your carrier, and which ROM you want to run, it often becomes a practical requirement because the only way to update the firmware is typically through an OTA or RUU, both of which are carrier restricted unless you are S-off. Attempting to run a ROM designed for Lollipop firmware on a phone with KitKat firmware often results in problems like slow bootup, no WiFi, etc.
jshamlet said:
For most people who just want to run alternate ROMs, unlocking the bootloader is sufficient. However, HTCdev does respect carrier wishes, and not all carriers permit their phones to be unlocked. If you get a phone directly from HTC, or really from anyone other than a carrier, it will definitely be unlockable, though.
S-off isn't a requirement to flash ROMs or root - it is only a requirement if you want to manually update firmware, change the CID/MID (change to a different carrier branded ROM), or revert to an older version of firmware/software. Depending on your carrier, and which ROM you want to run, it often becomes a practical requirement because the only way to update the firmware is typically through an OTA or RUU, both of which are carrier restricted unless you are S-off. Attempting to run a ROM designed for Lollipop firmware on a phone with KitKat firmware often results in problems like slow bootup, no WiFi, etc.
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So i definitely want to run roms like on the original htc m8 android development threads which I would assume requires S-off because they aren't in respective carrier subforums. So assuming I buy a sprint/tmobile htc m8, the chances of being able to unlock bootlolader along with s-off are high?
Yeah I have the sprint HTC One m8 and it was running lollipop and I successfully unlocked my bootloader using HTCDev, then rooted and s-offed using sunshine and I couldn't be happier! Keep in mine sunshine costs 25 dollars but it is well worth it
ATalkingRock said:
So i definitely want to run roms like on the original htc m8 android development threads which I would assume requires S-off because they aren't in respective carrier subforums. So assuming I buy a sprint/tmobile htc m8, the chances of being able to unlock bootlolader along with s-off are high?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint and T-mobile are two different ball games. Sprint is CDMA, which means you really have to run a ROM designed for their network. Not all ROMs will run on a Sprint (and similarly, Verizon) device because of it. Also, a CDMA phone may support LTE data on a GSM network, but it will not have voice support. Going the other way isn't even an option, as Sprint only allows approved devices on its network, period. Keep that in mind.
T-mobile runs a GSM network, so as long as your firmware/radio supports all of the right frequencies, it will work just fine.
I will say that if you intend to do much carrier hopping, or plan on taking a device between carriers, you will want to S-off. Yes, it's $25, but that will save you a lot of aggravation in the long run. If you are S-off, you can alter the CID/MID of your phone, at which point you can update the firmware and radio to match the carrier you want to use. Then load a custom ROM on top of that.
Finally, S-off and bootloader unlock do not affect the SIM lock at all. That is controlled by the radio, so you will still need to deal with unlock codes. As far as I know, the T-mobile M8 still uses standard subsidy unlock codes, while the newer M9 uses their new "unlock app".
jshamlet said:
Sprint and T-mobile are two different ball games. Sprint is CDMA, which means you really have to run a ROM designed for their network. Not all ROMs will run on a Sprint (and similarly, Verizon) device because of it. Also, a CDMA phone may support LTE data on a GSM network, but it will not have voice support. Going the other way isn't even an option, as Sprint only allows approved devices on its network, period. Keep that in mind.
T-mobile runs a GSM network, so as long as your firmware/radio supports all of the right frequencies, it will work just fine.
I will say that if you intend to do much carrier hopping, or plan on taking a device between carriers, you will want to S-off. Yes, it's $25, but that will save you a lot of aggravation in the long run. If you are S-off, you can alter the CID/MID of your phone, at which point you can update the firmware and radio to match the carrier you want to use. Then load a custom ROM on top of that.
Finally, S-off and bootloader unlock do not affect the SIM lock at all. That is controlled by the radio, so you will still need to deal with unlock codes. As far as I know, the T-mobile M8 still uses standard subsidy unlock codes, while the newer M9 uses their new "unlock app".
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So which do you feel would be wiser? Tmobile/sprint? I'm assuming the roms in the original android development subforum are compatible with these phones? For example blisspop.
ATalkingRock said:
So which do you feel would be wiser? Tmobile/sprint? I'm assuming the roms in the original android development subforum are compatible with these phones? For example blisspop.
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I would advise to stay far away from the Sprint version unless you happen to be using Sprint as your carrier.
The reason being, is that the M8 versions that support CDMA (Sprint, Verizon) actually have different hardware from all other versions. Aside from Sprint, Verizon the dual SIM version, all other M8 versions are the same in hardware, and enjoy much more ROM support, as well as the fact that radio firmware is cross-compatible (with s-off).
The same can't be said for the Sprint version, you can only flash ROMs and radio meant for this version (or maybe Verizon also, but that still doesn't give you many more choices compared to the "GSM" M8).
To my knowledge, the US Developer's Edition is the only version that comes from the factory with an unlocked bootloader (which is a direct from HTC version, as you mentioned). And that version is not too common, and probably comes at a hefty price.
Unlocking the bootloader is a simple matter (for all variants except Verizon, which shouldn't be on the list for the above discussed reasons). So I wouldn't make that much of a consideration when making the purchase choice. I would focus more on SIM unlock. But even that can usually be done by using a paid online service for less than $10 US.
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ATalkingRock said:
So i definitely want to run roms like on the original htc m8 android development threads which I would assume requires S-off because they aren't in respective carrier subforums.
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Click to collapse
That would be an incorrect assumption. Development sections that are not carrier specific will usually be compatible with any "GSM" version of the M8 (but may also support Sprint/Verizon if explicitly noted in the thread).
S-off or s-on is not a requirement for any ROM. Your phone often needs to have updated firmware and/or hboot. But that can be done without s-off.
However, if you need to change the frequency band support (to match what you carrier is using) than you need s-off.
redpoint73 said:
I would advise to stay far away from the Sprint version unless you happen to be using Sprint as your carrier.
The reason being, is that the M8 versions that support CDMA (Sprint, Verizon) actually have different hardware from all other versions. Aside from Sprint, Verizon the dual SIM version, all other M8 versions are the same in hardware, and enjoy much more ROM support, as well as the fact that radio firmware is cross-compatible (with s-off).
The same can't be said for the Sprint version, you can only flash ROMs and radio meant for this version (or maybe Verizon also, but that still doesn't give you many more choices compared to the "GSM" M8).
To my knowledge, the US Developer's Edition is the only version that comes from the factory with an unlocked bootloader (which is a direct from HTC version, as you mentioned). And that version is not too common, and probably comes at a hefty price.
Unlocking the bootloader is a simple matter (for all variants except Verizon, which shouldn't be on the list for the above discussed reasons). So I wouldn't make that much of a consideration when making the purchase choice. I would focus more on SIM unlock. But even that can usually be done by using a paid online service for less than $10 US.
---------- Post added at 11:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:54 AM ----------
That would be an incorrect assumption. Development sections that are not carrier specific will usually be compatible with any "GSM" version of the M8 (but may also support Sprint/Verizon if explicitly noted in the thread).
S-off or s-on is not a requirement for any ROM. Your phone often needs to have updated firmware and/or hboot. But that can be done without s-off.
However, if you need to change the frequency band support (to match what you carrier is using) than you need s-off.
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Hello there !
Just a question .
I'm planning to buy m8 from here : http://uae.souq.com/ae-en/htc-one-m8-16gb-htc-ultrapixel-camera-4g-lte-gunmetal-gray-6793327/i/
I think this one is the International version (I not sure, but in UAE almost all phones are international verions (like qualcomm based samsung etc..)
I think this phone will have bootloader locked and S-ON by default .
I'm aware that bootloader will be unlockable from htc-dev, but what about s-off ????
If I want to install cm12 or the GPE Rom, then can it be done while phone is s-on ????
ALso what's the buzz about phone coming pre-installed with kitkat or lollipop ??? what difference does it make on rooting/unlocking/s-ff process ???
My comment below in red font:
The "A" Factor said:
I'm planning to buy m8 from here : http://uae.souq.com/ae-en/htc-one-m8-16gb-htc-ultrapixel-camera-4g-lte-gunmetal-gray-6793327/i/
I think this one is the International version (I not sure, but in UAE almost all phones are international verions (like qualcomm based samsung etc..) There is virtually no information regarding the phone specs in this listing. At a minimum, I'd verify with the seller before buying: what variant (CID, MID), specific frequency support (GSM, HSPA and LTE) for this version, and if SIM-unlocked.
I think this phone will have bootloader locked and S-ON by default . Almost certainly bootloader locked and s-on. Factory s-off is rare, but it does happen.
I'm aware that bootloader will be unlockable from htc-dev, but what about s-off ???? If desired, s-off by sunshine ($25 US): http://theroot.ninja/
If I want to install cm12 or the GPE Rom, then can it be done while phone is s-on ???? Yes. At most you may need to update hboot and/or firmware by "official" means before modding the phone, and you can do that with s-on.
ALso what's the buzz about phone coming pre-installed with kitkat or lollipop ??? what difference does it make on rooting/unlocking/s-ff process ??? Doesn't matter much to unlocking bootloader, rooting, and s-off.
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redpoint73 said:
My comment below in red font:
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the prompt reply !
You deserve that Recong. Contributor tag !!!!
BTW can the GPE version be installed on the GSM variant (not carrier specific) with S-ON ????
The "A" Factor said:
BTW can the GPE version be installed on the GSM variant (not carrier specific) with S-ON ????
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Click to collapse
Yes, with s-on you can flash GPE based custom ROMs that support the GSM M8.
Some folks like to "fully convert" to GPE by RUU, which does require s-off. But the only reasons to do this are to get official GPE updates; and to get the GPE partition scheme (smaller system or "ROM" partition means you get more user-accessible storage). But aside from those aspects, just flashing a GPE ROM will get you the full GPE experience.
The "A" Factor said:
Thanks for the prompt reply !
You deserve that Recong. Contributor tag !!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are quite welcome. Please click the "Thanks" button for any posts you found helpful.
redpoint73 said:
Yes, with s-on you can flash GPE based custom ROMs that support the GSM M8.
Some folks like to "fully convert" to GPE by RUU, which does require s-off. But the only reasons to do this are to get official GPE updates; and to get the GPE partition scheme (smaller system or "ROM" partition means you get more user-accessible storage). But aside from those aspects, just flashing a GPE ROM will get you the full GPE experience.
.
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That's awesome ... Many posts on this forum were misleading, I almost came to conclusion that s-Off is required to flash custom rom ... with s-on only the stock based custom roms can be flashed ...
Does the IR Blaster work with cm or other aosp roms ?????
Also what's your opinion on M8 vs G3 (3gb ram) , apart from cosmetic differences .
The "A" Factor said:
Does the IR Blaster work with cm or other aosp roms ?????
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Click to collapse
I'm not a user of AOSP ROMs on this phone; so I don't know. You'll have to check the ROM threads for more info; unless another user chimes in on this here.
The "A" Factor said:
Also what's your opinion on M8 vs G3 (3gb ram) , apart from cosmetic differences .
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I've never been a big fan of LG devices. The plastic back is still a turnoff to me.
I've seen some folks post on here of switching from the G3 to the M8, and much preferring the M8. While I haven't seen any folks that have claimed the opposite; but maybe you'd need to go to the G3 forum section to read something like that!
redpoint73 said:
I'm not a user of AOSP ROMs on this phone; so I don't know. You'll have to check the ROM threads for more info; unless another user chimes in on this here.
I've never been a big fan of LG devices. The plastic back is still a turnoff to me.
I've seen some folks post on here of switching from the G3 to the M8, and much preferring the M8. While I haven't seen any folks that have claimed the opposite; but maybe you'd need to go to the G3 forum section to read something like that!
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Cool ... Thanks for your input !
I was just planning to buy a 801 based device for a long run ... I'm currently on Moto G (first Gen.) and this experience is pretty awesome .... It has lot's of development (all the rom are available) and also official Rom updates are regular . I some times wonder why m8 has so many problems in lollipop cm/aosp rom's ... Moto g had stable Rom's since January and M8 is still struggling to get a perfect stable Rom (battery,wifi/blutooth,speaker sound problems,no ambient display) .
jshamlet said:
Sprint and T-mobile are two different ball games. Sprint is CDMA, which means you really have to run a ROM designed for their network. Not all ROMs will run on a Sprint (and similarly, Verizon) device because of it. Also, a CDMA phone may support LTE data on a GSM network, but it will not have voice support. Going the other way isn't even an option, as Sprint only allows approved devices on its network, period. Keep that in mind.
T-mobile runs a GSM network, so as long as your firmware/radio supports all of the right frequencies, it will work just fine.
I will say that if you intend to do much carrier hopping, or plan on taking a device between carriers, you will want to S-off. Yes, it's $25, but that will save you a lot of aggravation in the long run. If you are S-off, you can alter the CID/MID of your phone, at which point you can update the firmware and radio to match the carrier you want to use. Then load a custom ROM on top of that.
Finally, S-off and bootloader unlock do not affect the SIM lock at all. That is controlled by the radio, so you will still need to deal with unlock codes. As far as I know, the T-mobile M8 still uses standard subsidy unlock codes, while the newer M9 uses their new "unlock app".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright so a little bit of an update. I've got my phone on a carrier which I'll use as a daily driver, however I'd like to purchase the htc one m8 as somewhat of a wifi device only rather than one used on carrier LTE data. With this being said, you'd still recommend tmobile? Also if i look on ebay for unlocked tmobile phones alot of them say bad ESN or bad IMEI is this necessarily bad?
is it possible to convert a sprint htc 10 to unlocked Im fairly sure a vzw can be converted but i dont know about sprint... also are sprint varrients sim unlocked? I ask because they seem to be the cheapest in the us aftermarket...
update (found out how to sim unlock, just need to know if it can be converted?)
You *may* be able to install a ROM for that version, but you can't change the hardware, so I'd look in to what bands, frequencies, etc. that each can use.
THC Butterz said:
is it possible to convert a sprint htc 10 to unlocked Im fairly sure a vzw can be converted but i dont know about sprint... also are sprint varrients sim unlocked? I ask because they seem to be the cheapest in the us aftermarket...
update (found out how to sim unlock, just need to know if it can be converted?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What carrier? I have a Sprint variant working extremely well (Viper ROM Nougat) under T-Mobile, both bands 4(LTE) and 2(4G).
THC Butterz said:
is it possible to convert a sprint htc 10 to unlocked Im fairly sure a vzw can be converted but i dont know about sprint... also are sprint varrients sim unlocked? I ask because they seem to be the cheapest in the us aftermarket...
update (found out how to sim unlock, just need to know if it can be converted?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I converted my vzw to unlocked for use on T-Mobile. Zero problems.
Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk
Yes. I have a sprint converted to us unlocked on ATT network. I had to S-Off, then use ADB to change CID to 111111 and MID to 2PS65, then run the US Unlocked RUU off HTC website.
bluemooncityzen225 said:
Yes. I have a sprint converted to us unlocked on ATT network. I had to S-Off, then use ADB to change CID to 111111 and MID to 2PS65, then run the US Unlocked RUU off HTC website.
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Click to collapse
And you swapped the radio back to Sprint correct?
jblparisi said:
And you swapped the radio back to Sprint correct?
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Well, to be completely honest, I am still in the Learning stages so I don't know if it were pure luck, but I originally didnt flash any Radio. I literally just ran the RUU, popped in ATT SIM, and it worked. However, I did later encounter a problem possibly related to this. I tried to apply an OTA zip update, and I flashed the Unlocked OTA. Which ended up making my IMEI disappear and the fix ended up being flashing the Sprint radio to the device. I'm still not sure, but I think the issue occurred bc even though my MID is US Unlocked my device still isn't technically US Unlocked so it was the wrong firmware. As for SIM unlocking, I followed the same thread for SIM unlocking the M9 using the NV and Basic Flasher Tools and it worked.
bluemooncityzen225 said:
Well, to be completely honest, I am still in the Learning stages so I don't know if it were pure luck, but I originally didnt flash any Radio. I literally just ran the RUU, popped in ATT SIM, and it worked. However, I did later encounter a problem possibly related to this. I tried to apply an OTA zip update, and I flashed the ATT OTA. Which ended up making my IMEI disappear and the fix ended up being flashing the Sprint radio to the device. I'm still not sure, but I think the issue occurred bc even though my MID is ATT's, my Device still isn't technically ATT so it was the wrong firmware. As for SIM unlocking, I followed the same thread for SIM unlocking the M9 using the NV and Basic Flasher Tools and it worked.
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Click to collapse
That's very interesting, can you share the exact RUU you used?
Thanks for replying.
jblparisi said:
That's very interesting, can you share the exact RUU you used?
Thanks for replying.
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Click to collapse
Yes I can try to find it. Obviously it was more than just putting the SIM in, I had unlocked and S-off'd and what not before. I know it was the first Nougat firmware they had for the US Unlocked. I want to say I was on Sprint 1.81xXxX and the unlocked was 2.14xxxx. I'll look it up.
jblparisi said:
That's very interesting, can you share the exact RUU you used?
Thanks for replying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry it took so long, I was uploading the RUU I believe I used. I also have the sprint radio, stock recovery and a few other things in this folder. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ftaxcqmli8r0m40/AAANfuxJGiyyqaFWpAi6aDFfa?dl=0
And here's a link to the 1.80 US Unlocked RUU
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24591023225176310
bluemooncityzen225 said:
Sorry it took so long, I was uploading the RUU I believe I used. I also have the sprint radio, stock recovery and a few other things in this folder. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ftaxcqmli8r0m40/AAANfuxJGiyyqaFWpAi6aDFfa?dl=0
And here's a link to the 1.80 US Unlocked RUU
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24591023225176310
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for that.
I am currently SIM unlocked (NV Method), S-OFF and running Viper N with Sprint Radio. I am going to revert back to stock Sprint to replicate what you did.
jblparisi said:
Thank you very much for that.
I am currently SIM unlocked (NV Method), S-OFF and running Viper N with Sprint Radio. I am going to revert back to stock Sprint to replicate what you did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just so you know, Sunshine S-Off is all you need to sim unlock your phone.
xunholyx said:
Just so you know, Sunshine S-Off is all you need to sim unlock your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still unclear. I'm Verizon s-off. All I need to do is change my Cid to unlocked us then flash an unlocked ruu to change the radios so I can use T-Mobile? Of course I need to reflash twrp so I can get my Viper10 back on.
xunholyx said:
Just so you know, Sunshine S-Off is all you need to sim unlock your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you positive about that? This was a Sprint locked device.
---------- Post added at 09:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:23 PM ----------
acupunk said:
I'm still unclear. I'm Verizon s-off. All I need to do is change my Cid to unlocked us then flash an unlocked ruu to change the radios so I can use T-Mobile? Of course I need to reflash twrp so I can get my Viper10 back on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon LTE devices are SIM unlocked by default to all carriers.
jblparisi said:
Verizon LTE devices are SIM unlocked by default to all carriers.
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Click to collapse
Really? With all the bands? Also. I want to get wifi calling to work.
acupunk said:
Really? With all the bands? Also. I want to get wifi calling to work.
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Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=70104011&postcount=3
If you are on nougat firmware already, once you get CID setup, use the latest us unlocked RUU.
test everything on stock before throwing viper on
acupunk said:
Really? With all the bands? Also. I want to get wifi calling to work.
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Click to collapse
Yes specifically 4G LTE devices. Without touching anything you should be able to insert a SIM for any GSM carrier and it will pick up a signal, and yes ALL LTE bands but I believe you may have to convert to another radio for better compatibility.
All other things you better off converting to US Unlocked or T-Mobile. Those have WiFi integrated for supported carriers.
Totally worked with my Verizon phone. Changed the cid in fastboot and flashed a no wipe us unlocked firmware from sneakyghost. Unfortunately it wiped everything, but I was backed up, so no biggie. Thanks everyone!
bluemooncityzen225 said:
Yes. I have a sprint converted to us unlocked on ATT network. I had to S-Off, then use ADB to change CID to 111111 and MID to 2PS65, then run the US Unlocked RUU off HTC website.
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Click to collapse
Sorry to dredge up such an old post, but google led me here. Do you know if it's possible to run the RUU off of HTC website on Linux? I tried installing HTC SyncManager via Wine and it kept crashing.
me_three said:
Sorry to dredge up such an old post, but google led me here. Do you know if it's possible to run the RUU off of HTC website on Linux? I tried installing HTC SyncManager via Wine and it kept crashing.
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Click to collapse
It depends what format the RUU is in. If it is .exe then no. If it is .zip it should work