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Hi!
I previously had a Note 4 for a day or two after release, coming from at that time, an iPhone. I subsequently returned the note, kept the iPhone, and recently upgraded to the 6+. Now with ATT's mobile share, I'm looking at adding a second line for how cheap it is. I'd like for that second line to be an android device, to get the best of both worlds. As a result of being out of the mix when it comes to android, or more like never having been in it, I have a couple questions.
I distinctly remember how much junk was on my ATT Note 4. Junk apps from Samsung, junk from ATT- and worst of all, I couldn't do anything about it (no root?). Has that changed? Is there a way to remove these apps, fix touch wiz annoyances, etc? I'd think that would require root, but like I mentioned, I don't know the details of note4 root status, or even rooting in general.
I currently have a Nexus 6 and Oneplus One on order (good prices on both of them), but personally like the Note4 the best- can I change it to make it perfect? Or is it still locked down and junked up?
Thanks for your help!
Don't get the AT&T Note 4. Get the T-Mobile Note 4 and use it on the AT&T network. The AT&T version is locked down whereas the T-Mobile version is not which means it's rootable. It looks like the AT&T Note 4 will never see permanent root, ever.
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I just bought my note 4 two weeks ago. If I could go back in time I would have bought the nexus 6. This phone lags too much for my liking. It is actually slower than my g2 was at opening apps. I thought I would like this phone but at this point regret my choice.
Gods Son said:
Don't get the AT&T Note 4. Get the T-Mobile Note 4 and use it on the AT&T network. The AT&T version is locked down whereas the T-Mobile version is not which means it's rootable. It looks like the AT&T Note 4 will never see permanent root, ever.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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So just to be clear, I can root a T-Mobile version of the note 4, and use it on att, with no loss of functionality(network speeds/lte bands/that sort of thing)? That sounds like a really attractive option to me. Would T-Mobile let me walk in and buy a device just straight up?
Thanks for the help!
citius117 said:
So just to be clear, I can root a T-Mobile version of the note 4, and use it on att, with no loss of functionality(network speeds/lte bands/that sort of thing)? That sounds like a really attractive option to me. Would T-Mobile let me walk in and buy a device just straight up?
Thanks for the help!
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OK heres what you do if they won't let you buy it straight up. Buy the t mobile version on the payment plan because like that there's no contact or ETF. Go home and make a call for 5 min on T mobile sim, then submit the imei to cell unlocker net. Then in a few days call and cancel the service with Tmobile and pay the remainder of the phone off, which by the way is $100 cheaper then the AT&T version. After receiving the unlock code from cell unlocker stick the AT&T sim in and when it boots it will ask for the unlock code, put it in and your good to go.
I have both versions of the note 4 and the t mobile version works perfect on the AT&T network except you have root, custom roms and kernels. All the rom developers in the note 4 t mobile forum full support the AT&T network in there roms straight out the box.
You might want to wait 3 months for the note 5 because this phone is already dated and is a big investment.
Good luck.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Thanks for the help Sand, that is a great explanation. The tmobile device is clearly better then- no loss of service quality or anything, but still having the root, roms, etc. I think regardless of the imminent release of the note 5, I might still get the four for now, or just keep that incoming OPO One- waiting 3 months for the note 5, plus however much more time for rooting dev is a bit long for me. Regardless, I appreciate your information!
So I just called Sprint to see if I could unlock my Galaxy Note 4 for international use.. The girl on the line after putting on hold a few times, comes back and says they can't unlock it but can give me the code to give to the other carrier and they will be able to unlock for GSM use.. I said ok and she gave me the MSL.
As I understand it, MSL is just for some menus in the phone and not useful in unlocking GSM/SIM use..
What are my options? ..
Edit:.. I called again, got the sprint international support number (888-226-7212) and these people seem to understand what GSM Unlock actually is LOL ..
anyway.. They tell me that the phone have to be active on my account for at least 90 days before they unlock it..
I did buy the phone used from EBay and to my understand it is paid for in full.. Sprint Rep also confirmed that.. It is also active and works fine on my account right now but I only activated it today..
So - What is this nonsense about having to wait 90 days?
One more EDIT: .. I called the international support # again. This time with some info I found on the sprint website.. (https://www.sprint.com/legal/unlocking_policy.html) .. They were telling me that the device have to be active on my account for 90 days.. but the site says this:
"The applicable device is currently active on a Sprint account and the applicable account has been active for at least 90 days. "
So, after reading this back to them, she went ahead.. although with frustration and I could tell she didn't like that.. but did unlock it for me
Sprint gave me an MSL, too, but so far it's been USELESS!
I bought my Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in April 2015.
I've been calling and dealing with Sprint since December 2015, trying to get them to unlock my Note 4 for use w/ ANY other carriers. (It does not seem to be possible.)
The 4 or 5 separate times I've called Sprint, the outcome has been the same. They put me on hold, and all I get in the end is an "MSL code" ... to be used by the new carrier to "unlock" the phone for use w/ other (domestic) carriers.
I've been told on a few of those initial calls to Sprint that my phone "unlock" was complete.
I've gone to Metro PCS (several times), T-Mobile, etc. So far no luck.
The phone still seems to be LOCKED for Sprint use ONLY.
I've tried the following SIMs on the phone, NONE have worked: Metro PCS, H2O, T-Mobile (1 live and 1 to be activated), SimpleMobile, and a friend's live SIM.
The message the on the phone is: Invalid SIM card.
My phone was purchased new, for Sprint, everything in good standing. Paid in full. No longer in contract. Not blacklisted, etc.
So, Mr. Q, basically, I find it hard to believe that your Sprint Note 4 was "unlocked."
However, I am going to call this number, and see what results I get. Especially since my phone was bought from Sprint and has been active and on Sprint since day 1.
P.S. You write that the lady did "unlock" your Sprint Note 4 for you. What exactly does this mean? Are you able to use other SIMs now?
Do tell. Please...
I await your reply!
Mr. Q 5 said:
So I just called Sprint to see if I could unlock my Galaxy Note 4 for international use.. The girl on the line after putting on hold a few times, comes back and says they can't unlock it but can give me the code to give to the other carrier and they will be able to unlock for GSM use.. I said ok and she gave me the MSL.
As I understand it, MSL is just for some menus in the phone and not useful in unlocking GSM/SIM use..
What are my options? ..
Edit:.. I called again, got the sprint international support number (888-226-7212) and these people seem to understand what GSM Unlock actually is LOL ..
anyway.. They tell me that the phone have to be active on my account for at least 90 days before they unlock it..
I did buy the phone used from EBay and to my understand it is paid for in full.. Sprint Rep also confirmed that.. It is also active and works fine on my account right now but I only activated it today..
So - What is this nonsense about having to wait 90 days?
One more EDIT: .. I called the international support # again. This time with some info I found on the sprint website.. (ht tps sprint com legal unlocking policy html) .. They were telling me that the device have to be active on my account for 90 days.. but the site says this:
"The applicable device is currently active on a Sprint account and the applicable account has been active for at least 90 days. "
So, after reading this back to them, she went ahead.. although with frustration and I could tell she didn't like that.. but did unlock it for me
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PRS247 said:
I bought my Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in April 2015. ...
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Here is how I understand it, for the Note 4, Sprint will only unlock it for International Use. Meaning we won't be able to use it on any other carrier here in the U.S. and even that, if you try to use the phone you will only get Voice/SMS and 3g internet.
I am not even sure yet if it's really unlocked and I can't try it until I go to another country.. However, they did sent some kind of update to the device and told me to go to the phone Settings, Update and then UICC Unlock. Now on the Sprint website there is a menu and have a selection that says "Unlock my phone" or something like that, it says Phone is already unlocked for International use.
So.. does not seem like you can GSM Unlock Note 4 for domestic use.
If you or others want my advice, it is to set aside some extra money and buy a real factory unlocked phone that will work in the U.S. and outside the U.S. on GSM.. and that phone is not going to be a Sprint one.
However, if you do still want to unlock GSM use inside the U.S. I think the option is to look here or on other websites for that.. I myself will need to do some more research and see if we can use a Sprint Note 4 on T-Mobile and other GSM.
Mr. Q 5 said:
However, if you do still want to unlock GSM use inside the U.S. I think the option is to look here or on other websites for that.. I myself will need to do some more research and see if we can use a Sprint Note 4 on T-Mobile and other GSM.
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Keep me posted and good luck!
Some guy on youtube, MN MobileGuy, claims to be able to "SIM unlock" this phone for GSM use.
He charges $60 and says his process takes about an hour to remotely unlock the phone.
I dont mean to sound rude, but a fair bit of reading would have probably led you to the fact that there is an app and a developer on here that produced a tool to unlock all sprint galaxy devices over several months ago. The original thread with the tool got edited so you have to go over to his website to get it done. Costs about $35 its pretty straight forward i've used it several times no hastle...
http://www.idoneapps.com/index.php?os=android
cRiMiNaL_Genius said:
I dont mean to sound rude, but a fair bit of reading would have probably led you to the fact that there is an app and a developer on here that produced a tool to unlock all sprint galaxy devices over several months ago. The original thread with the tool got edited so you have to go over to his website to get it done. Costs about $35 its pretty straight forward i've used it several times no hastle...
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what's the link to the original thread? why'd it get edited/deleted? was it posted as free?
I've seen a thread w/ a guy who posted a bunch of links and files. but i can't trust someone online i don't know.
like i said, there's a guy on youtube that claims to do the same thing. at least his face is on his videos making claims.
i guess i've come across too many that use scenarios like this to compromise other people's property.
if someone i knew, w/ the same phone, had a locked Sprint one day, and then next day they were on an unlocked GSM carrier, then i 'd go see the guy. otherwise, not.
i've seen way too many ppl. take advantage of others.
sucks. but, yeah... life.
---------- Post added at 05:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:08 AM ----------
cRiMiNaL_Genius said:
I dont mean to sound rude, but a fair bit of reading would have probably led you to the fact that there is an app and a developer on here that produced a tool to unlock all sprint galaxy devices over several months ago. The original thread with the tool got edited so you have to go over to his website to get it done. Costs about $35 its pretty straight forward i've used it several times no hastle...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but thanks for the fyi...
Keyword to google search is idone. Well known fact around here; he's the trusted developer of Galaxy Tools.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
If anyone can read this, this is a fact. Sprint will NOT unlock a Samsung Note 4. I have one, its paid off, i called numerous times to have it unlocked as they told me its unlockable approved. They give me a lot of non-sense, connect me with different people, the first 3 reps will say YES, the fourth will say NO. Why does Sprint not unlock my phone if its paid off. It's quite mind-racking and confusing. Anyone have any advice on this matter??? P.S THE CODE 104953 DOES NOT WORK....so MOVE ON!!!
I know they can and will unlock the sim for international use. You just have to tell them you are travelling to another country and want to pay for temporary service from a carrier in that country. they have to unlock the sim for that purpose. As for unlocking the sim for use on U.S. gsm networks i don't know about that one. I'm sure it can be done with the right tools but sprint doesn't offer this and most tech employees haven't a clue how to do it because it's not officially supported by sprint in the first place. Only international sim unlock can be achieved with the help of sprint. This is in their terms of service!
RickyDiamonds said:
If anyone can read this, this is a fact. Sprint will NOT unlock a Samsung Note 4. I have one, its paid off, i called numerous times to have it unlocked as they told me its unlockable approved. They give me a lot of non-sense, connect me with different people, the first 3 reps will say YES, the fourth will say NO. Why does Sprint not unlock my phone if its paid off. It's quite mind-racking and confusing. Anyone have any advice on this matter??? P.S THE CODE 104953 DOES NOT WORK....so MOVE ON!!!
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I just bought a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 with Sprint and was able to get it unlocked. I have AT&T service now and use a sprint Note 4 on it. No Sprint did not unlock it for me I paid idone.apps $40 to do it and sure enough it worked. The only issue I have had is my data speeds. My phone currently only allows a 3G data connection. I am currently looking for a solution however, it's not that slow so I may just keep it as is.
Here's the link to his page:
http://idoneapps.com/index.php?os=android
+1 for idoneapps
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
Yeah they will unlock it for international use (it even works on all compatible US carriers too I was told when I asked). I it easy just go here (https://sprintworldwide.custhelp.com/app/chat/chat_launch/?ECID=vanity:swwsupport) feel out the page. You should be in touch with someone not long after and a few minutes later they will unlock your phone and tell you to restart your phone if it doesn't do it itself (mine did it itself)
Ok so here's the details... I speak to Sprint techs on a regular basis. (Used to work for Sprint many years ago). And according to them it's true that Sprint Pixel 3 and 3XL are not locked in any abnormal way that a simple Fastboot command will unlock them like normal. BUT if you have just purchased the phone and took advantage of the massive discount for leasing the phone , then you will be met with a Greyed out OEM UNLOCK just like Verizon and whoever else is locked. Only way to clear that and be able to switch OEM Unlock to on, is by paying the full remainder of your contract and they will unlock with an OTA. (I actually performed this on my friends 3XL so it's true). The question I'm asking is for people such as myself who didn't wanna cough up $700 , and took the 40% off if you sign up for 18mo lease. ... Is there anyone here who knows of a way to enable the OEM Unlock without Sprint Sim Unlocking it first?? The screen will tell you that "this option is unavailable on Network locked devices, consult your provider" ... Like is there a Z3x box, or Octoplus Box that can remove the network lock to flip that toggle? Fastboot will not accept any FLASH command without it being enabled. Or does someone know of a Shortcut master-style exploit to get me in the menu with the option being available?? Or hell is there a dirty network unlock even similar to the Carrier changing exploits from the Samsung phones that were Network locked... I searched here thoroughly and no one has mentioned it. Is there an ENGINEERING file for this phone ... For real .. I know it can be done but that's way above my pay grade.. any hints of a place to look.. something to flash.. I'm up for whatever .. I can brick this phone to **** and walk up to the counter and they will give me a new one.. so I'm not worried of possible errors... 50/50 is good enough success rate of any trick you may know. Thanks in advance
I'll do you one worse .. I had no clue until this evening that pixel 3 xl had more versions than Verizon and Google store . So one came up on one of those selling local apps and I checked to make sure the IMEI started with 99 and was clear.... Both were so this is great right??? Google Store version finally so I go buy it right away ..
I think the private Pyle staredown through the eyebrows before he goes insane in full metal jacket would properly describe my reaction as I find out I just purchased not only a locked bootloader pixel 3 XL but a network locked pixel 3 [email protected]#$%G XL...
I swear I'm done trying to pick through the different versions of Google's phones ... Just pony up the money and buy it from Google it's rediculous any other way .... So now what? Well I called Google support and sprint and got the usual go @#$® yourself run around ... So it's on me but a hard way to find out there are now network locked pixels out there ...... I had no idea and I follow this stuff much more than I should
I'll do you one worse .. I had no clue until this evening that pixel 3 xl had more versions than Verizon and Google store . So one came up on one of those selling local apps and I checked to make sure the IMEI started with 99 and was clear.... Both were so this is great right??? Google Store version finally so I go buy it right away ..
I think the private Pyle staredown through the eyebrows before he goes insane in full metal jacket would properly describe my reaction as I find out I just purchased not only a locked bootloader pixel 3 XL but a network locked pixel 3 [email protected]#$%G XL...
I swear I'm done trying to pick through the different versions of Google's phones ... Just pony up the money and buy it from Google it's rediculous any other way .... So now what? Well I called Google support and sprint and got the usual go @#$® yourself run around ... So it's on me but a hard way to find out there are now network locked pixels out there ...... I had no idea and I follow this stuff much more than I should
Unfortunately since it is a server side check/OTA to enable it there is no method currently to unlock the BL.
Been messing around with the Big Red version for a while now with no luck yet.....
Pixel 3 XL, haven't crashed it, YET
FernBch said:
Unfortunately since it is a server side check/OTA to enable it there is no method currently to unlock the BL.
Been messing around with the Big Red version for a while now with no luck yet.....
Pixel 3 XL, haven't crashed it, YET
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the sprint versions are abit different.. i was at sprint earlier snd checked em out.. the sprint p3xl says on the switch that it cannot be unlocked on carrier locked device or something rather..
vs. vzw i think says more along lines of connect to internet or contact carrier..
so maybe spr will get lucky and its tied to sim unlock vs. verizon being tied to imei?
also the spr versions have esim enabled too so they also got that goin for em at least
You could be right there. Unless the device is paid in full Sprint won't carrier unlock it, I think. At least that was how it was a few years back when I had Sprint.
Pixel 3 XL, haven't crashed it, YET
Well in the Sprint store they are setup so you can't mess with a bunch of stuff. I'm about to get one if y'all haven't done it yet.
Edit: So i got mine and its locked to sprint which is fine but i have to have it active for 50 days even though its not leased and technically not sprint's device. they have a promotion for a free line for employees for 12mo's so its just sitting. i got the pixel 4 and i like the 3xl better so im just testing the pixel 4 on my line but ill probably just switch back. too bad the pixel 4 is already bootloader unlocked.
Alright so I have the answers to everyone's question regarding the oem unlock. If you can get the carrier unlock completed you can oem unlock the phone. The downside is that there is some known issue and it requires Google to unlock it. I was working with Sprint for over 2 hours and then while on the phone with Sprint I did the chat with Google. It took 2 days and it just unlocked. I'm not sure if you need to have Sprint push the unlock first or what but that's it. Google did say there was a known issue on their end so this isn't something that's instant at the moment. Hopefully that helps everyone and I've explained everything.
cruckus said:
Alright so I have the answers to everyone's question regarding the oem unlock. If you can get the carrier unlock completed you can oem unlock the phone. The downside is that there is some known issue and it requires Google to unlock it. I was working with Sprint for over 2 hours and then while on the phone with Sprint I did the chat with Google. It took 2 days and it just unlocked. I'm not sure if you need to have Sprint push the unlock first or what but that's it. Google did say there was a known issue on their end so this isn't something that's instant at the moment. Hopefully that helps everyone and I've explained everything.
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@cruckus
How did you set this process in motion? Does Sprint open a ticket with Google or something?
cruckus said:
Alright so I have the answers to everyone's question regarding the oem unlock. If you can get the carrier unlock completed you can oem unlock the phone. The downside is that there is some known issue and it requires Google to unlock it. I was working with Sprint for over 2 hours and then while on the phone with Sprint I did the chat with Google. It took 2 days and it just unlocked. I'm not sure if you need to have Sprint push the unlock first or what but that's it. Google did say there was a known issue on their end so this isn't something that's instant at the moment. Hopefully that helps everyone and I've explained everything.
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Click to collapse
I have a sprint pixel 3xl that I recently sim unlocked. The text below the greyed out oem unlock option previously said "unavailable on carrier locked devices", while it now says "please connect to wifi or contact your carrier". I am on Android 12 beta 2 and the carrier unlock was confirmed after a recent update form beta 1. Still can't unlock the Bootloader.
I received my Verizon Note 10+ today but don't want to activate it to my phone# until next week when my case and tempered glass screen protector arrives. I work in a hectic warehouse / retail environment and I know it would get damaged. Until then I was hoping I could continue using my protected Note 8 as my phone calls / text device and also setup the Note 10+ with apps, customization, etc when I get home at night. The Verizon sim card for the Note 10+ is still in the box, I have not installed it.
1. Is there any way to bypass the Verizon activation screens on the Note 10+ and get to the camera, apps, internet, customization settings so I can set it up how I like it before I activate it?
2. If I have to go ahead and activate the Note 10+ with Verizon can I deactivate it later tonight or tomorrow and reactivate my Note 8 until the protection for the Note 10+ arrives?
Thank you for any advice and sorry for any confusion.
Sideswype said:
I received my Verizon Note 10+ today but don't want to activate it to my phone# until next week when my case and tempered glass screen protector arrives. I work in a hectic warehouse / retail environment and I know it would get damaged. Until then I was hoping I could continue using my protected Note 8 as my phone calls / text device and also setup the Note 10+ with apps, customization, etc when I get home at night. The Verizon sim card for the Note 10+ is still in the box, I have not installed it.
1. Is there any way to bypass the Verizon activation screens on the Note 10+ and get to the camera, apps, internet, customization settings so I can set it up how I like it before I activate it?
2. If I have to go ahead and activate the Note 10+ with Verizon can I deactivate it later tonight or tomorrow and reactivate my Note 8 until the protection for the Note 10+ arrives?
Thank you for any advice and sorry for any confusion.
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With the T-Mobile version, I didn't move my SIM over until the new phone was all ready to go, no issues. You'll want to move the old SIM, not use the new one, if possible. If you use the new SIM you'll need to call Verizon to activate, probably.
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OK thank you! I've never done anything with carriers other than regular activation. I just remember years ago with my HTC phone, and later my Note 2, I could setup Google, access apps and settings and then activate the new phone with Verizon when I was good and ready.
Sideswype said:
I received my Verizon Note 10+ today but don't want to activate it to my phone# until next week when my case and tempered glass screen protector arrives. I work in a hectic warehouse / retail environment and I know it would get damaged. Until then I was hoping I could continue using my protected Note 8 as my phone calls / text device and also setup the Note 10+ with apps, customization, etc when I get home at night. The Verizon sim card for the Note 10+ is still in the box, I have not installed it.
1. Is there any way to bypass the Verizon activation screens on the Note 10+ and get to the camera, apps, internet, customization settings so I can set it up how I like it before I activate it?
2. If I have to go ahead and activate the Note 10+ with Verizon can I deactivate it later tonight or tomorrow and reactivate my Note 8 until the protection for the Note 10+ arrives?
Thank you for any advice and sorry for any confusion.
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just remove sim card and skip through setup wizard and dont connect to wifi lol