Hello, I am new to rooting.
I have learned that my SM-G955U on 9.0 is a lost cause to unlock and root.
I'm due for a phone upgrade anyway, so I ask if anyone knows which Verizon phones are rootable, because I need my Call Recorder to work and I absolutely hate Bixby (amongst other things with this phone). I'm fine with another brand, but it must be Verizon/(Snapdragon I believe), since that's where I have coverage.
I'd appreciate any feedback and clarification. Thanks
Related
OK, so I have an opportunity to get an LG G5 LS992 Sprint model today for a decent price (under $60), with box, original cable, charger, accessories, 2 or 3 cases, looks to be in fairly good condition from the pictures. The girl selling it doesn't know how to answer most of the questions I have so certainly I can't get her to tell me what the ROM installed is by looking at the Settings - About phone info.
So here's my question: been doing some research today into the current situation and from what I gather, Sprint, in their infinite greedy and stupidity as usual, has found a way to block the ability to unlock the SIM for use with other carriers like T-Mobile (my carrier of choice). Apparently this started with ZVC and I have no idea which specific version of Android that is since there's a bunch of them around but I'm going to presume it's at least Android 7.0 Nougat.
I'm going to presume that if this phone does not have ZVC on it then it's safe to also presume that I would be able to do the SIM unlock and make use of it with T-Mobile so if anyone out there might be able to answer that I'd be eternally grateful.
As stated, I have no idea what firmware is currently on the device, unfortunately, I sure hope it's not ZVC or anything later, guess I'll find out later today when I meet up with this person.
Dammit, Sprint, what the hell are you people doing?
Hi,
I have a Note 9 N960U that is locked down, and I hate everything about it. Namely bought it for the stylus, and was very happy with my Note 4 before it was stolen. Pretty much had it, want a top shelf new phone that I can mod as I please.
I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Pixel 3 XL (and sell the note 9), but there's some confusing things i've read about it thus far. I use Verizon, and lifehacker claims (won't let me link URL due to post count) that you may purchase a phone completely unlocked for VZW thru google store. I also read in a news feed that VZW suspended locking their phones due to customer complaints. Things are changing. I unlocked a VZW note 4 and it was a royal pain in the ass I wish to avoid doing ever again.
Basically, I am asking what applies at the moment: Pixel 3 XL still unlocked from google store? Still very easy to root / replace rom? Is there a certain model or software build I should look for?
Any suggestions are also appreciated. I wish to stay with VZW due to network coverage. Sorry for the rookie question; I'm not really in the loop keeping up with this
arcgear said:
Hi,
I have a Note 9 N960U that is locked down, and I hate everything about it. Namely bought it for the stylus, and was very happy with my Note 4 before it was stolen. Pretty much had it, want a top shelf new phone that I can mod as I please.
I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Pixel 3 XL (and sell the note 9), but there's some confusing things i've read about it thus far. I use Verizon, and lifehacker claims (won't let me link URL due to post count) that you may purchase a phone completely unlocked for VZW thru google store. I also read in a news feed that VZW suspended locking their phones due to customer complaints. Things are changing. I unlocked a VZW note 4 and it was a royal pain in the ass I wish to avoid doing ever again.
Basically, I am asking what applies at the moment: Pixel 3 XL still unlocked from google store? Still very easy to root / replace rom? Is there a certain model or software build I should look for?
Any suggestions are also appreciated. I wish to stay with VZW due to network coverage. Sorry for the rookie question; I'm not really in the loop keeping up with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes always buy from Google if you want an unlocked bootloader. Don't buy from Verizon.
No problems rooting and such. You are free to do what you want for your phone.
lucky_strike33 said:
Yes always buy from Google if you want an unlocked bootloader. Don't buy from Verizon.
No problems rooting and such. You are free to do what you want for your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you buy directly from the Google store and get the Google International Unlocked Version (not the Verizon version), you will be able to use it on any carrier in the world and will be able to unlock the bootloader and root the phone till your heart is content. You will also be able to flash custom ROMs etc...However, If you buy the Verizon version of the Google Pixel 3 XL, it is locked and you will probably never be able to root it or unlock the bootloader.
arcgear said:
Hi,
I have a Note 9 N960U that is locked down, and I hate everything about it. Namely bought it for the stylus, and was very happy with my Note 4 before it was stolen. Pretty much had it, want a top shelf new phone that I can mod as I please.
I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Pixel 3 XL (and sell the note 9), but there's some confusing things i've read about it thus far. I use Verizon, and lifehacker claims (won't let me link URL due to post count) that you may purchase a phone completely unlocked for VZW thru google store. I also read in a news feed that VZW suspended locking their phones due to customer complaints. Things are changing. I unlocked a VZW note 4 and it was a royal pain in the ass I wish to avoid doing ever again.
Basically, I am asking what applies at the moment: Pixel 3 XL still unlocked from google store? Still very easy to root / replace rom? Is there a certain model or software build I should look for?
Any suggestions are also appreciated. I wish to stay with VZW due to network coverage. Sorry for the rookie question; I'm not really in the loop keeping up with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding Verizon stopping locking due to complaints, that is simply regarding carrier locking. Verizon is definitely still bootloader locked, and there is little hope of that being exploited since anyone who wants it enough can just buy the BL unlockable version from Google and pay the price.
arcgear said:
Hi,
I have a Note 9 N960U that is locked down, and I hate everything about it. Namely bought it for the stylus, and was very happy with my Note 4 before it was stolen. Pretty much had it, want a top shelf new phone that I can mod as I please.
I'm about to pull the trigger on buying a Pixel 3 XL (and sell the note 9), but there's some confusing things i've read about it thus far. I use Verizon, and lifehacker claims (won't let me link URL due to post count) that you may purchase a phone completely unlocked for VZW thru google store. I also read in a news feed that VZW suspended locking their phones due to customer complaints. Things are changing. I unlocked a VZW note 4 and it was a royal pain in the ass I wish to avoid doing ever again.
Basically, I am asking what applies at the moment: Pixel 3 XL still unlocked from google store? Still very easy to root / replace rom? Is there a certain model or software build I should look for?
Any suggestions are also appreciated. I wish to stay with VZW due to network coverage. Sorry for the rookie question; I'm not really in the loop keeping up with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are two forms of unlocking talked about.
The articles you are reading are about SIM unlocking so you can buy it from VZ and use it on another carrier.
For rooting you need an unlockable bootloader. You can only get that from Google directly. It will work fine on VZ, it is what I have.
Pay attention when you buy it, Google offers the Google version and the VZ version in their store. You want the Google version.
thanks for the replies. I put in an order for the 3 XL with non-defined carrier direct from Google
Can't wait to be rid of these horse**** factory ROMs, bloatware, and incessant advertising crammed down our collective throats. Last time I needed to contact VZW concerning my account, the phone forced me into the bloat app, then into a telephone loop where it callously hung up on me because I needed something not on the defined menu
Almost ended up with a hole in my living room drywall in the shape of a $1,000 samsung handset. Why do people put up with this.
arcgear said:
thanks for the replies. I put in an order for the 3 XL with non-defined carrier direct from Google
Can't wait to be rid of these horse**** factory ROMs, bloatware, and incessant advertising crammed down our collective throats. Last time I needed to contact VZW concerning my account, the phone forced me into the bloat app, then into a telephone loop where it callously hung up on me because I needed something not on the defined menu
Almost ended up with a hole in my living room drywall in the shape of a $1,000 samsung handset. Why do people put up with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You won't regret your decision. I've had Pixel 3XL since it came out and can't imagine how I put up with Samsung's locked down ecosystem for over 8 years of my life.
It has been a while since I've spent time on XDA. I haven't flashed a phone since the HTC One M7. I had to switch carriers from T-mobile to AT&T not long after I had purchased the S20+ for T-mobile. Most of the features work on AT&T, but I'm lacking the VoLTE, Wifi Calling, and Visual Voicemail that I would really like to get working. Can someone recommend an up to date guide that can safely guide me through the process, I'm sure its not that complicated, but I have been away from the scene for a while and I really don't want to end up with a bricked device or accidentally pop an e-fuse (if thats still a thing).
I appreciate any help, advice, or direction that anyone can provide.
Are all U.S. Note 10+ phones, regardless of carrier or variant exactly the same phone/hardware and the firmware determines the difference? Correct? If I flash an unlocked Verizon Note10+ with UI XAA firmware, will I get the all of the bands that were missing with the Verizon firmware? Thanks.
wgraz said:
Are all U.S. Note 10+ phones, regardless of carrier or variant exactly the same phone/hardware and the firmware determines the difference? Correct? If I flash an unlocked Verizon Note10+ with UI XAA firmware, will I get the all of the bands that were missing with the Verizon firmware? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK the hardware is the same ... as long as it's also SM-N976x.
Usually the branded US versions have unlocked bootloader. So flashing another firmware manually may not work.
wgraz said:
Are all U.S. Note 10+ phones, regardless of carrier or variant exactly the same phone/hardware and the firmware determines the difference? Correct? If I flash an unlocked Verizon Note10+ with UI XAA firmware, will I get the all of the bands that were missing with the Verizon firmware? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just learned over the past 2 days that an unlocked phone is different from a carrier locked phone. I am on the hunt to find how I can unlock my Verizon Note 10+. I have been consumed with spoof calls and telemarketers as of late. So bad I want to smash my phone. My number is listed on the National Do Not Call list. It has been for 20 years. I've had the same number for 20 years. That's why I don't want to change it. Why should I have to? This leads me to how I know about the difference in phones. I have been on a mission to locate a spam call blocker for my phone. One that genuinely works. That's when I learned of the Samsung Smart Call app. You know, the one Samsung installs on all their smart phones since the S7 in their war agains spam calling and ID protection. Don't know anything about it? Well, of course you don't!! That's because all US cell phone providers remove the app to force consumers to PURCHASE that's right SPEND MONEY on a service that Samsung built into your phone for FREE. So, NO THE UNLOCKED VERSION OF A PHONE IS NOT THE SAME AS A LOCKED VERSION. Please never tell someone that. An unlocked version also does not come with all the carrier bloatware that the locked version does. If you flash your unlocked phone, flash it with the firmware that's on it. That's my suggestion. Otherwise, you may regret it.
I take a personal interest in anyone who mucks with me on my phone. I go nuts with them.
Every now and then I get one fired, a bonus.
I generally have very little trouble... enjoy the morons fool enough to contact you
When it was once in a while, no big deal. When it became every day, day after day. Some times twice a day during work? Now I have to turn off my ringer. My parents are both elderly and not in the best of health. I've already missed 2 calls. I finally got pissed and decided to answer one of those spoof calls to tell them where to go. When it's a recording of a man's voice physically threatening me to return the call, you better believe I'm in rare form now. I'm studying cyber intelligence. I want these SOBs with every fiber of my being. It makes my blood boil every time I thing of that call and every person that might receive one like it. That sh$%*t has to stop.
That's another reason why I want to unlock my Note 10+ and install the Samsung version of my software instead of the Verizon version.
HyperChick said:
When it was once in a while, no big deal. When it became every day, day after day. Some times twice a day during work? Now I have to turn off my ringer. My parents are both elderly and not in the best of health. I've already missed 2 calls. I finally got pissed and decided to answer one of those spoof calls to tell them where to go. When it's a recording of a man's voice physically threatening me to return the call, you better believe I'm in rare form now. I'm studying cyber intelligence. I want these SOBs with every fiber of my being. It makes my blood boil every time I thing of that call and every person that might receive one like it. That sh$%*t has to stop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to get under their skin. Different things work on different people. Get to know them by feeling them out... then pounce.
When you hit their last nerve it's priceless.
No need to be polite or fair... great when you're really in a foul mood.
I had a bill collector husband/wife team from India hounding me for months. Nothing worked.
Finally I pretended like the husband was my long my long lost bf (not). He was a lot homophobic. That was the end of him. His wife still persisted until I used a similar Looney Toons spin with her.
A double KO. Be creative and have fun
OP, confirm new the PCB P/N matches with the original. Order using the original P/N.
Otherwise expect shenanigans on boot up
Thanks so much. Sorry I didn't follow up. I was looking into getting a ATT Note 10 and flashing unlocked XAA, but I bought an unlocked one instead. Thanks.
wgraz said:
Thanks so much. Sorry I didn't follow up. I was looking into getting a ATT Note 10 and flashing unlocked XAA, but I bought an unlocked one instead. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a great Note. I would keep it running on Pie though.
Thanks. I'm already on 11. I guess I can go back any time. Just need to download the latest PIE XAA, right?
Do I leave my SIM in the phone when I flash? Or does it matter
wgraz said:
Thanks. I'm already on 11. I guess I can go back any time. Just need to download the latest PIE XAA, right?
Do I leave my SIM in the phone when I flash? Or does it matter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure. Never have flashed my stock 10+, I just disabled updates.
Play with it first, see what you think.
You lose apps that use overlays and things like the Karma Firewall's valuble logging feature.
Worse CPU cycle robbing scope storage.
SD card functionality is likely boned too.
It will not be possible to downgrade to Pie from Android 11, as the bootloader cannot be downgraded to the one part to stock Pie has...
OnnoJ said:
It will not be possible to downgrade to Pie from Android 11, as the bootloader cannot be downgraded to the one part to stock Pie has...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same goes for Android 10? Every time you get a major upgrade, the bootloader version goes up? Thx
Latest android 9 version has BL version 2. If you are on Android 10, you should be able to downgrade to 9/Pie, provided it also has BL version 2.
Ever figure out if it can be unlocked?
I am going to buy LG G820TM. I have a couple of questions about this.
I plan to use the phone in Ukraine. What may not work, what works in the US?
How to know if it is unlocked?
Is it difficult to unlock it?
What are the disadvantages if it is not unlocked, does it fully work not in the USA?
Is it T-Mobile?
How much worse is the fps and slows down the phone from android 12? Which is better for Android 11 or 12 performance?
should I buy it?
ArmagedFoxer said:
I am going to buy LG G820TM. I have a couple of questions about this.
I plan to use the phone in Ukraine. What may not work, what works in the US?
How to know if it is unlocked?
Is it difficult to unlock it?
What are the disadvantages if it is not unlocked, does it fully work not in the USA?
Is it T-Mobile?
How much worse is the fps and slows down the phone from android 12? Which is better for Android 11 or 12 performance?
should I buy it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To know if it is unlocked is simple; put in a sim card from any carrier but t-mobile, if it connects, it's unlocked, if it doesn't, it's locked.
To unlock it you would have to use a remote service and pay $. Oddly, the one I used is in the country you plan to use it.
The G8 is capable of doing VoLTE and VoWifi, but your carrier has to support them also, and the rom will have to have the needed configuration for that carrier.
Sorry don't know anything about the fps re 12 vs 11.
Should you buy it? I'd suggest no. I think you'd be better off with a phone like a Sammy, which will definitely have a rom specific for that area, which means it would have all the specific requirements for the local carriers. Additionally, it would be pretty easy to get a rom on a Sammy (patched Odin) if the phone you buy isn't for your area. Getting a rom on a G8 isn't anywhere near as easy.
Good luck with it, and all the best to the people of Ukraine! Cheers
Thanks a lot! You helped me a lot. But my budget allows me to buy only these phones, which are quite powerful.
I have already noticed to buy LG G8 G820TM but suddenly I noticed one detail...
I read that there is a temporary unlock on t-mobile, which can end 30 days after purchase (some people write that even after half a year)
Will there be such problems with the phone on Verizon?
There are no temporary unlocks like this on Verizon?
Which is better then to take, Verizon or T-Mobile?
(there are no other options in my market)
I really need your help in this matter..