Develop Bugs

sim unlock and custom roms and or radio upgrade effects?

Hey folks. I'm really tempted to get the T-Mobile S4, have it unlocked so I can take it to AT&T but I know at some point I'll be doing custom roms and probably radio upgrades since they come out once in a while. But will doing any of that break the SIM unlock? The one I fear most is probably radio upgrades but I've never moved a phone to another carrier so don't know all of the implications. Roms I doubt will be an issue but anyone know or have previous experience? At worse I have to keep calling T-Mobile to get it unlocked again if radio upgrades mess it up but I'd rather not be calling them all the time and if it is a problem then maybe I need to rethink this a bit more.

No, when you unlock it, it will be permanently unlocked, even you restore to stock rom, flash any other rom, radios, recovery or anything to OS or software related.
Before you flash a rom, make sure to try it in another provider with the factory/stock version, so you can make sure that the phone is working fine since the beginning,
T-Mobile S4 (SGH-M919) has a lot to offer in connectivity such as LTE Bands 1/2/4/5/7/17; in HSPA+/UMTS: 850/AWS/1900/2100MHz and finally GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz, so it surely will work on the AT&T network.
While the AT&T S4 (SGH-I337) only has LTE: Bands 1/4/7/17; HSPA+/UMTS: 850/1900/2100MHz; GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz.
For unlocking your T-Mobile S4, here is the link to the new T-Mobile Unlocking Policies: http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1588. I bought my new S4 recently and they declined to unlock it before the first 40 days (postpaid) and before the first 60 days (prepaid) and there are certain other requirements to comply.
Lucky for me I found a trick on this forum to unlock it without the subsidy code (since my requests were rejected), it worked flawlessly and even I restore or flash any stock or custom rom, the unlocked state stays permanently because it's based on the NV system, just don't mess up with the NV base system.
If you want a phone with full LTE bands coverage, go for the M919 and it's bootloader unlocked from factory unlike the AT&T version which is bootloader locked. So, you can't go wrong with this model.
In terms of performance, the international version I9500 (without LTE support) is faster than any other S4 with SnapDragon 600 processor, I tested it myself since I have both I9500 and M919, the I9500 is octa-core (4-core of 1.6, and 4-core of 1.2) but only 4-cores work at the same time, in order to have a better power management, but even works in 1.6, it's a little bit faster than the 1.9 from SD600, i noticed on the graphics performance too.
And custom roms and other mods will come thru time for this specific model, just be patience, I have my M919 working with a non-US carrier sim card and installed custom rom Wicked v2 and it's working fast and stable.
I hope this info help you to decide!
Cheers!
Screwbal said:
Hey folks. I'm really tempted to get the T-Mobile S4, have it unlocked so I can take it to AT&T but I know at some point I'll be doing custom roms and probably radio upgrades since they come out once in a while. But will doing any of that break the SIM unlock? The one I fear most is probably radio upgrades but I've never moved a phone to another carrier so don't know all of the implications. Roms I doubt will be an issue but anyone know or have previous experience? At worse I have to keep calling T-Mobile to get it unlocked again if radio upgrades mess it up but I'd rather not be calling them all the time and if it is a problem then maybe I need to rethink this a bit more.
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[Q] m8 verizon convert to HTC Europe

Hello!
i have an Verizon s-off M8, My question is if is possible to convert (change CID/MID) in to a HTC Europe (with a last firmware). I use it only in gsm band. it is possible?!

Nope, as it's a CDMA device not GSM

EddyOS said:
Nope, as it's a CDMA device not GSM
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Sorry to ask this like a month later, but I had a similar question as the OP. Why wouldn't it be possible if I only wanted to use my phone in Europe on the GSM bands? I've been using it with a ROM for the international phones and it works fine. But I was also wondering if I could flash the newest firmware and 4.4.3 upgrade to use some of the newer ROMs for the international versions, like ARHD 10.2.

AmbitiousDonut said:
Sorry to ask this like a month later, but I had a similar question as the OP. Why wouldn't it be possible if I only wanted to use my phone in Europe on the GSM bands? I've been using it with a ROM for the international phones and it works fine. But I was also wondering if I could flash the newest firmware and 4.4.3 upgrade to use some of the newer ROMs for the international versions, like ARHD 10.2.
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HI! Can you give me more details? I've just received the verizon variant (bought from an online store) in Europe.. I would like to "convert" it to international version so I could get official updates from HTC via OTA. IS that possible?

DSF said:
HI! Can you give me more details? I've just received the verizon variant (bought from an online store) in Europe.. I would like to "convert" it to international version so I could get official updates from HTC via OTA. IS that possible?
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I don't think you can convert it over to the international edition, although I could be wrong, since some of the partitions, firmware, and actual hardware (like the CDMA receiver) are different. Given how buggy just some of the ROMs are with the int'l kernel built in, I would be worried about bricking the phone trying to actually convert it to be able to receive OTAs.
What you can do check out some of the ROMs that let you pick which variant to install. After you boot that up once, you'll probably need to reflash the stock VZW kernel (or read around and see if Verizon users got other kernels to work with the ROM). It's kind of trial and error. A lot of times I ended up without wifi or service until I found a kernel that worked.
For updates, (this part sucks) you'll have to wait for the Verizon phones to receive them in the US. Someone usually makes a set a files you can flash since we can't get the OTAs for VZW here and a lot of people don't want to go through the hassle of going back to close to stock to get them. Make a backup, flash those, and go on your way!
But, you'll have to follow the updates and such for VZW phones and then just use a ROM to make it like an int'l versions.
I've been running the int'l version of Paranoid Android and before that ARHD and it's been fine. I used venom and I think n8 before that but it would only install the VZW version so I had to use ROM Cleaner and take out a lot of crap. The roaming triangles were annoying enough that I gave up on venom even though I like the ROM.

AmbitiousDonut said:
I don't think you can convert it over to the international edition, although I could be wrong, since some of the partitions, firmware, and actual hardware (like the CDMA receiver) are different. Given how buggy just some of the ROMs are with the int'l kernel built in, I would be worried about bricking the phone trying to actually convert it to be able to receive OTAs.
........
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THanks for the reply. I think I will return it back.. I wanted a stock experience (eg: when HTC launch an update I DONT Need to wait for verizon to release an update).
I paid lots of money (~700$) for a contract free phone and got a branded phone (not sim-locked by branded is enough) . What a sh*t situation.

DSF said:
THanks for the reply. I think I will return it back.. I wanted a stock experience (eg: when HTC launch an update I DONT Need to wait for verizon to release an update).
I paid lots of money (~700$) for a contract free phone and got a branded phone (not sim-locked by branded is enough) . What a sh*t situation.
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Oh God, I assumed you got a Verizon one because it was cheap. I picked mine up in the US for $150 so I don't care so much about having to wait since I saved so much money. If you paid full price I would definitely return it and get an int'l one instead!

AmbitiousDonut said:
Oh God, I assumed you got a Verizon one because it was cheap. I picked mine up in the US for $150 so I don't care so much about having to wait since I saved so much money. If you paid full price I would definitely return it and get an int'l one instead!
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Nope, the problem is that I wanted the 32 GB version and most of the online shops had only the 16 GB one. Maybe there is no international 32gb htc one m8..
PS: the retailer's product page (cel.ro) doesn't say anything regarding branding, even the photos are of a htc one m8 unbranded phone.

I am a bit late here. Can i flash a European custom rom on verizon M8? I want to completely get rid of verizon bloatware/services . If yes then while installing custom rom in aroma can i select WWE instead of verizon?? Summary of my question is can i use a WWE European custom rom on version M8??

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w69 said:
I am a bit late here. Can i flash a European custom rom on verizon M8? I want to completely get rid of verizon bloatware/services . If yes then while installing custom rom in aroma can i select WWE instead of verizon?? Summary of my question is can i use a WWE European custom rom on version M8??
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You should only use custom ROMs that specifically support the Verizon variant. If the option is given in AROMA for carrier version (and VZN is one of those), its got nothing to do with what carrier/region you are located in, but refers to the version M8 you have, which is still Verizon. But you should check the specific ROM thread for details, comments by VZN version users, etc. as devs don't always setup AROMA the same way.
This thread is really old (almost 2 years) and we know a lot more now. FYI, I know its not what you specifically asked, but the topic of the thread is converting to Euro version by flashing firmware, RUU etc. And quite simply and frankly, do not attempt to flash Euro firmware, RUU, or change the CID/MID to do so. Flashing Euro firmware on the VZN variant will result in a radio brick, and the damage may be permanent!

HTC One m8 variants

Hi guys,
Planning to buy the m8 and root it. But should I be specific on the variants?
Im not from the US (The Philippines) so Most likely not gonna get atnt, sprint etc.
So my options are:
The international model
Emea (a friend of mine is selling his but it was bought in riyad, KSA)
Or the asian version (s801 2.5ghz)
Do they have like different model nos.? Different ruus / rom versions etc?
Had a bad experience when i bought a phone (m7 sprint wls) before, since im not from the us. Had limited roms available compared to the international version
Your input would really help
Sent from my HTC One

I would agree that you should not get a US variant. For one thing, they will be SIM locked. Another thing, the Sprint and Verizon versions are CDMA. Different software, and possibly different hardware (although its been discussed here, and not clear - but I would err on the side of caution and assume the hardware is different). So if your area does not use CDMA I would stay away from those variants.
All GSM versions, be aware that they can all be converted to another carrier variant once bootloader unlocked and S-off. So as long as you avoid the CDMA versions, you are good for ROMs.
I would suggest the version that supports your local 3G and LTE bands out of the box. But again, as long as you are willing to s-off the phone, you can change that in software. So if that is the case, I would just go with the best deal.
From what I understand, the Asian version is the same as any other GSM version, just with a slight overclock.

Well if you do go with a us carrier Verizon has the best coverage and thier phones are :not: sim locked. You can use them with any carrier anywhere. My second choice would be t-mobile

str8str said:
Well if you do go with a us carrier Verizon has the best coverage
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The OP is from the Philippines. They aren't going to use a US carrier.
I would advise against CDMA variants for the reasons already mentioned.

redpoint73 said:
The OP is from the Philippines. They aren't going to use a US carrier.
I would advise against CDMA variants for the reasons already mentioned.
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Thanks guys, I just want to be clear, so if I use a Rom or RUU on a GSM variant, as long as Im'm on S-Off / Unlocked Bootloader and/ or on SuperCID. I could use any Rom ./ RUU from different GSM variants (I checked the rooting guide for the M8 and is similar to the M7, so as far as unlocking the bootloader / root that I have an idea).
Do they have different RUUs at all??

Czai24 said:
I just want to be clear, so if I use a Rom or RUU on a GSM variant, as long as Im'm on S-Off / Unlocked Bootloader and/ or on SuperCID.
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Yes.
Aside from the CDMA RUUs, which I wouldn't try on a GSM version unless you read definitive advice elsewhere that its ok.
Czai24 said:
Do they have different RUUs at all??
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Only US versions have RUU, that I know of.

Yes you're right.
I thought all has ruus on it. But with supercid i could use any nandroid backup right? As long as its gsm
I think I will go for the Asian version (wwe right? Cause it has a higher clockspeed and updated s801) And go supercid and use international (gsm) roms. Will that work?
Sent from my HTC One

Czai24 said:
with supercid i could use any nandroid backup right? As long as its gsm
I think I will go for the Asian version (wwe right? Cause it has a higher clockspeed and updated s801) And go supercid and use international (gsm) roms. Will that work?
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I believe that will work, yes.
WWE just means "world wide English". I think it refers to the Euro version.

HTC One M8 of Choice?

I am looking to buy an HTC One M8, which would the community recommend? I am on AT&T but I love to root, and install CM, and other ROMS to any phone I own. Which Variant would be best for me? Or are they all supported under CM and custom recoveries? Thanks!
Also if anyone has one on the cheap let me know

lemonboi5 said:
I am looking to buy an HTC One M8, which would the community recommend? I am on AT&T but I love to root, and install CM, and other ROMS to any phone I own. Which Variant would be best for me? Or are they all supported under CM and custom recoveries? Thanks!
Also if anyone has one on the cheap let me know
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The M9 is due out soon, might wait for that one.

Hondo209 said:
The M9 is due out soon, might wait for that one.
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I was thinking about that, the problem is I always end up getting a phone a generation behind the newest thing! Lol m9 looks amazing though!!

lemonboi5 said:
I am looking to buy an HTC One M8, which would the community recommend? I am on AT&T but I love to root, and install CM, and other ROMS to any phone I own. Which Variant would be best for me? Or are they all supported under CM and custom recoveries? Thanks!
Also if anyone has one on the cheap let me know
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Click to collapse
For the most part, I'd say whatever variant you can get for a good price. All the M8's (known as "GSM M8") are the same hardware internally aside from the following exceptions:
1) Dual SIM M8
2) Verizon/Sprint variants. These include CDMA radio, so different hardware. No benefit for you on AT&T, and less selection of ROMs.
3) Taiwan variant. Hardware is the same, but its overclocked out of the box. Some software from the other M8 versions won't work on this variant (including radios).
Aside from the variants above, all the M8 versions are essentially the same hardware, with minor differences of exterior color availability, and carrier logos on the back of some. Once bootloader is unlocked (and preferably s-off) you can flash CM to any of the versions.
One thing to note, AFAIK any M8 that has hboot 3.19 cannot be s-off by sunshine (and that is the only s-off method). Band compatibility for the various carriers/regions is software based on the M8. However, if you need to flash the radio to change band compatibility on a non-AT&T M8 variant, you will need s-off to do so. So unless you have a way of knowing what hboot is on the version you are buying, I tend to say that you might want to choose either the AT&T version or Dev Edition, to guarantee band compatibility on AT&T's network. Both of which fully support AT&T bands out of the box.

redpoint73 said:
For the most part, I'd say whatever variant you can get for a good price. All the M8's (known as "GSM M8") are the same hardware internally aside from the following exceptions:
1) Dual SIM M8
2) Verizon/Sprint variants. These include CDMA radio, so different hardware. No benefit for you on AT&T, and less selection of ROMs.
3) Taiwan variant. Hardware is the same, but its overclocked out of the box. Some software from the other M8 versions won't work on this variant (including radios).
Aside from the variants above, all the M8 versions are essentially the same hardware, with minor differences of exterior color availability, and carrier logos on the back of some. Once bootloader is unlocked (and preferably s-off) you can flash CM to any of the versions.
One thing to note, AFAIK any M8 that has hboot 3.19 cannot be s-off by sunshine (and that is the only s-off method). Band compatibility for the various carriers/regions is software based on the M8. However, if you need to flash the radio to change band compatibility on a non-AT&T M8 variant, you will need s-off to do so. So unless you have a way of knowing what hboot is on the version you are buying, I tend to say that you might want to choose either the AT&T version or Dev Edition, to guarantee band compatibility on AT&T's network. Both of which fully support AT&T bands out of the box.
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Right so, Verizon M8 wouldn't work on AT&T? That sucks. I knew Sprint wouldn't but Verizon is nearly compatible with AT&T by now, so thats sad lol
The best price is the Sprint variant, but thats because sprint phones do not have high resell value at all. People hate to deal with them completely and that solely makes the value go down...
I have not looked at the other variants but I will check them out! Thank you! I repaired a One today, It was a lot of work, but nearly any HTC Phone never looks or feels the same after a screen repair, because of that uni body.

redpoint73 said:
For the most part, I'd say whatever variant you can get for a good price. All the M8's (known as "GSM M8") are the same hardware internally aside from the following exceptions:
1) Dual SIM M8
2) Verizon/Sprint variants. These include CDMA radio, so different hardware. No benefit for you on AT&T, and less selection of ROMs.
3) Taiwan variant. Hardware is the same, but its overclocked out of the box. Some software from the other M8 versions won't work on this variant (including radios).
Aside from the variants above, all the M8 versions are essentially the same hardware, with minor differences of exterior color availability, and carrier logos on the back of some. Once bootloader is unlocked (and preferably s-off) you can flash CM to any of the versions.
One thing to note, AFAIK any M8 that has hboot 3.19 cannot be s-off by sunshine (and that is the only s-off method). Band compatibility for the various carriers/regions is software based on the M8. However, if you need to flash the radio to change band compatibility on a non-AT&T M8 variant, you will need s-off to do so. So unless you have a way of knowing what hboot is on the version you are buying, I tend to say that you might want to choose either the AT&T version or Dev Edition, to guarantee band compatibility on AT&T's network. Both of which fully support AT&T bands out of the box.
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I have a question. Does T-Mo work with WWE firmware. I'm unsure of this, and have never looked it up. I know that AT&T versions are compatible with 401 firmware. Is T-Mo the same?

redpoint73 said:
...One thing to note, AFAIK any M8 that has hboot 3.19 cannot be s-off by sunshine (and that is the only s-off method). ...
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but you could check with the seller if it is S-OFF already (as you can be S-OFF with 3.19 if it was already done) if thats what you are going to do anyway.

lemonboi5 said:
Right so, Verizon M8 wouldn't work on AT&T? That sucks. I knew Sprint wouldn't but Verizon is nearly compatible with AT&T by now, so thats sad lol
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Verizon variant will work on AT&T GSM and HSPA network (in addition to being SIM-unlocked out of the box); however, it doesn't have all the LTE bands to work on AT&T in all regions. And while the "GSM" variants can have radio software flashed to change band compatibility, you can't do this on the "CDMA" variants (at least you can't flash a GSM radio on a CDMA variant to open up all the needed LTE bands).
Similar situation on Sprint version. Except I think the Sprint comes SIM locked out of the box (you will need to get it SIM unlocked). And also the LTE bands are different from the Verizon version, but still not all the bands needed to work on AT&T in all regions.
My point in highlighting the hardware difference (CDMA versus GSM variants) is not only are the radio basebands not interchangeable (as mentioned) but neither are the ROMs. For the CDMA versions, you should only flash ROMs that specify that version is supported. The GSM versions can flash any of the GSM ROMs, and there is a much wider selection.
Again, there isn't a benefit to either of the CDMA variants (for use on AT&T), and several critical downsides, so I generally don't recommend them to basically any user that isn't on the specific carrier (Verizon or Sprint).
---------- Post added at 09:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:24 AM ----------
gazzacbr said:
but you could check with the seller if it is S-OFF already (as you can be S-OFF with 3.19 if it was already done) if thats what you are going to do anyway.
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True, if the device is being sold second hand, you can (and should) always check to see if its already s-off.
---------- Post added at 09:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:28 AM ----------
xunholyx said:
I have a question. Does T-Mo work with WWE firmware. I'm unsure of this, and have never looked it up. I know that AT&T versions are compatible with 401 firmware. Is T-Mo the same?
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Aside from the exceptions previously listed, all GSM M8's are the same hardware, and firmware should be interchangeable (with s-off). T-Mobile version should be able to flash WWE firmware. Although, if you want to be prudent, you can check and confirm to see if any T-Mobile owners have done so successfully.

best radio for telus/koodo

Hi just purchased a used Verizon m8 and i did the s-off and installed a few custom ROMs but I get dropped and weak signal every now and then. Just wondering what the best radio to use for telus/koodo. Thanks.
I am on cm 12.1 great ROM. My radio 1.12.23.1211

vhicke said:
Hi just purchased a used Verizon m8 and i did the s-off and installed a few custom ROMs but I get dropped and weak signal every now and then. Just wondering what the best radio to use for telus/koodo. Thanks.
I am on cm 12.1 great ROM. My radio 1.12.23.1211
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Click to collapse
You did no research. You shouldn't have bought that phone.
Verizon is cdma. Telus is GSM.
I'm on Telus as well using WWE/International firmware.

Telus/koodo and bell in Canada are also a CDMA/gsm company. This phone should have no problems with telus/koodo. How is the wwe firmware do you see a difference in signal. Is your phone root and are you using any custom ROMs.

vhicke said:
Telus/koodo and bell in Canada are also a CDMA/gsm company. This phone should have no problems with telus/koodo. How is the wwe firmware do you see a difference in signal. Is your phone root and are you using any custom ROMs.
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Click this link, and scroll down to "So can I use my Android device on other networks?" (Actually you should read the whole article. It's quite informative.)
I'll quote the second paragraph from there for you here:
First off, if you have a CDMA handset (the lack of a SIM card is a sure fire indicator) from Bell/Virgin or TELUS/Koodo (that isn't a world phone) or from the US (Sprint/Verizon), it is impossible to use the phone on a Canadian network other than the one it came from as Bell and TELUS does not allow the import CDMA devices from outside their network.
I'll say it again, you didn't do proper research. If you would have bought a GSM phone, you wouldn't be having this issue.
The link also has a chart that shows the compatible carriers for the different bands/frequencies that are available.