I have a general question for my note 2 possibly moving to a note 4. Can someone tell me the difference between unlocking a phone ans rooting. My note 2 is att and rooted and have it on the straight talk Sim. I picked up a new note 4 for 300 bucks can rooting it do the same as unlocking it.
I'm not in USA but believe I can help clarify. Unlocking relates to the ability to use your phone
on a different network than what it's locked to.
Rooting is completely different, it gives you total control over your device. However be aware that ATT version of N4 is locked up tight and cannot be rooted at the moment. May I spontaneously combust if my facts are wrong.
Hahaha OK well thank you I'll get it unlocked for starters. Straight talk runs on the ATT network so I'll get it unlocked to safe
What is the best way to unlock a phone? Is it a similar to do like flashing via Odin?
You purchase a code, then you put in a different carrier sim card, then type in the code, and the phone is carrier unlocked. No flashing necessary.
Rooting means gaining access to the file system of your phone to install apps, delete files, etc.
If you have no warranty on your phone, you may be able to downgrade to 4.1.1, unlock, and run OTA updates to get back to KK.
I have the Canadian version (sgh-i317m) of the Note 2 that was running the latest 4.4.2. I used Odin to flash back to stock 4.1.1 which tripped the knox counter, unlocked, and flashed back to stock 4.4.2.
So I'm on the same boat as several others, got a T-Mo S6 Edge to use on another network, bought the unlock code, doesn't work so I can't use it, however, the carrier I plan to use it on (Claro Dominicana) also has the device and I found their stock ROM online (http://www.mrcrab.net/viewstockrom/34045-sm-g925i.html) Would I be able to flash this, a 925i ROM into my 925t device without issues? As I understand the issue right now is that there are no unlockable ROMs for the Edge in the US.
I Used To Own A Tmobile S3 Which I Enjoyed Using Custom Roms Like Cm 12, LiquidSmooth 4.1 And Pac Rom Just To Name A Few And The Lcd Broke . So One Of My Friend Is Selling Me A Used At&t S3 On Stock 4.4.2 For Quite Cheap. But My Problem Is ( Correct Me If Im Wrong) I Think I Read An Article Stating That You Cannot Use Custom Roms On S3s On Stock 4.4.2 Or It Will Brick It . Is This Correct ? An S3 Serves No Purpose To Me On Stock TOUCHWIZ . So Is It Possible To Root And Flash Custom Roms On S3s On OFFICIAL STOCK 4.4.2 TOUCHWIZ ?
Jaii_Versace said:
I Used To Own A Tmobile S3 Which I Enjoyed Using Custom Roms Like Cm 12, LiquidSmooth 4.1 And Pac Rom Just To Name A Few And The Lcd Broke . So One Of My Friend Is Selling Me A Used At&t S3 On Stock 4.4.2 For Quite Cheap. But My Problem Is ( Correct Me If Im Wrong) I Think I Read An Article Stating That You Cannot Use Custom Roms On S3s On Stock 4.4.2 Or It Will Brick It . Is This Correct ? An S3 Serves No Purpose To Me On Stock TOUCHWIZ . So Is It Possible To Root And Flash Custom Roms On S3s On OFFICIAL STOCK 4.4.2 TOUCHWIZ ?
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Click to collapse
The bootloader is not locked on the AT&T S3 (I747). You can use Odin to flash a custom recovery and flash any ROMs for d2att/d2lte you want. No unlocking required. It is a pretty modder friendly phone.
The thing you cannot do on the newer bootloaders is downgrade the bootloader. Attempts to downgrade anything beyond the 4.3 bootloader will result in a hard brick. This also prevents you from using the free sim unlocking method because it involves a firmware downgrade to 4.1. If you need to sim unlock the phone to use it on a different network you'll have to get a code from AT&T (they should provide one since a phone this old just about has to be off contract) or purchase one from a third party.
Jaii_Versace said:
... I Think I Read An Article Stating That You Cannot Use Custom Roms On S3s On Stock 4.4.2 Or It Will Brick It . Is This Correct ?... So Is It Possible To Root And Flash Custom Roms On S3s On OFFICIAL STOCK 4.4.2 TOUCHWIZ ?
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Click to collapse
I concur with @jason2678
I have an AT&T SGS3 (d2att/i747) that is on the NE4 bootloader and modem (4.4.2) and am running CM11 atm. As a matter of fact, none of the CM or AOSP roms since late in 4.4.2 development will run unless you are on one of the 4.4.2 bootloaders (NE4, NJ1, NJ2)
What you stated, quoted above, is true for the Verizon SGS3 (d2vzw/i535).
jason2678 said:
The bootloader is not locked on the AT&T S3 (I747). You can use Odin to flash a custom recovery and flash any ROMs for d2att/d2lte you want. No unlocking required. It is a pretty modder friendly phone.
The thing you cannot do on the newer bootloaders is downgrade the bootloader. Attempts to downgrade anything beyond the 4.3 bootloader will result in a hard brick. This also prevents you from using the free sim unlocking method because it involves a firmware downgrade to 4.1. If you need to sim unlock the phone to use it on a different network you'll have to get a code from AT&T (they should provide one since a phone this old just about has to be off contract) or purchase one from a third party.
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Click to collapse
Hello I am new here and could you please tell me the status of my phone since the phone does not provide me with option to enter unlock code after I inserted other carrier SIM.
I already have my unlock code given by AT&T.
I have CWM custom recovery installed
My phone info from Samsung Phone info Apps is
Bootloader version : I747UCUEMJB
PDA Version : I747UCUFNE4
CSC Version : I747ATTFNE4
Baseband Version : I747UCUEMJB
I have searched and tried with service mode method *#197328640# without success
Is Sim unlock related to bootloader
Thanks
car2carl said:
Hello I am new here and could you please tell me the status of my phone since the phone does not provide me with option to enter unlock code after I inserted other carrier SIM.
I already have my unlock code given by AT&T.
I have CWM custom recovery installed
My phone info from Samsung Phone info Apps is
Bootloader version : I747UCUEMJB
PDA Version : I747UCUFNE4
CSC Version : I747ATTFNE4
Baseband Version : I747UCUEMJB
I have searched and tried with service mode method *#197328640# without success
Is Sim unlock related to bootloader
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears that you have an NE4/Android4.4.2/KitKat rom installed over 4.3 bootloader and modem. I have seen several custom TouchWiz roms that run fine with this setup as long as one of a couple of custom kernels were installed. CM and AOSP roms will also run in this condition. BUT, from what I have read you will not be able to use the unlock codes. My reading indicates that you must be on complete stock ROM for the code to work, including stock recovery instead of CWM. ALSO, what I have read says that you only gt five attempts before the code becomes invalid.
I don't know why your phone is not asking for the unlock code, unless it has already been carrier unlocked. Even thouhg it is not asking for the code, does it function as it should?
Frequently the service modes do not work on custom roms, even TW based ones, because they are not using the stock dialers. I have also seen it reported that some were disabled with the 4.3 update and others in more recent updates.
Proceed carefully.
You may be able to enter the unlock code if the phone is running a stock dialler with a matching bootloader and modem combination.
dawgdoc said:
It appears that you have an NE4/Android4.4.2/KitKat rom installed over 4.3 bootloader and modem. I have seen several custom TouchWiz roms that run fine with this setup as long as one of a couple of custom kernels were installed. CM and AOSP roms will also run in this condition. BUT, from what I have read you will not be able to use the unlock codes. My reading indicates that you must be on complete stock ROM for the code to work, including stock recovery instead of CWM. ALSO, what I have read says that you only gt five attempts before the code becomes invalid.
I don't know why your phone is not asking for the unlock code, unless it has already been carrier unlocked. Even thouhg it is not asking for the code, does it function as it should?
Frequently the service modes do not work on custom roms, even TW based ones, because they are not using the stock dialers. I have also seen it reported that some were disabled with the 4.3 update and others in more recent updates.
Proceed carefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for respond
I had this phone since 3 years ago (new from ATT) and rooted stock rom with CWM 6.0.4.7 recovery touch . and I remember that I could unlocked through SERVICE MODE when I was overseas. ( sure I had used this phone with Other carrier) about 1 year ago I put this phone in my drawer I did factory reset and installed Stock firmware and update OTA to 4.3.
Last week I want to use this phone with Tmobile SIM but got Phone Not Allowed MM#6 message . The rom was still 4.3, Contact AT&T and got Unlock code.
but this phone didn't ask for unlock code entry option and still 4.3 , tried the whole weekend with service mode and upgrade to 4.4.2 via CWM recovery.
and still no luck
With your suggestion , it means that I don't have choice to downgrade back to 4.3 rom same with my bootloader and baseband? I heard we can't downgrade if we already in 4.4.2 , is that true?
But I still use stock recovery from CWM.
Before I proceed with replacing with stock recovery, is the stock recovery have to be 4.3 stock recovery or any version for S3? do I need to use odin to change to stock recovery?
if you have good link please help?
Thanks again
---------- Post added at 06:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:33 AM ----------
audit13 said:
You may be able to enter the unlock code if the phone is running a stock dialler with a matching bootloader and modem combination.
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Click to collapse
Stock dialer means the entire Rom must be replaced to match my bootloader and modem combination or just replace the dialer in my case and still use 4.4.2?
Appreciated if you can help, thanks
Stock dialler requires a stock Samsung kernel.
From what I am seeing, you are on the 4.3 bootloader and modem. As I said before, there are custom TouchWiz 4.4.2 Roms that will run on the 4.3 bootloader and modem. Changing to a 4.3 rom, stock or otherwise, therefore would not be downgrading your bootloader and modem.
What rom are you on?
Some of the custom TouchWiz roms use dialers from the S5, therefore not stock for the S3.
Some of the custom TouchWiz Roms use the stock kernel, some use a custom kernel.
Did you flash a custom kernel?
What is your kernel version? (check under Settings > About Phone)
With the answers to the questions I asked, audit13 and I may be able to give more definite guidance. It could be as simple as flashing the stock kernel and a stock dialer. But, I can't tell at the moment.
car2carl said:
Thanks for respond
I had this phone since 3 years ago (new from ATT) and rooted stock rom with CWM 6.0.4.7 recovery touch . and I remember that I could unlocked through SERVICE MODE when I was overseas. ( sure I had used this phone with Other carrier) about 1 year ago I put this phone in my drawer I did factory reset and installed Stock firmware and update OTA to 4.3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying you unlocked it before? If so it should still be unlocked. Flashing/wiping won't affect that, so it's pretty much a permanent thing. If so, maybe the Sim card you're using is an older one? they don't always work on tmobiles networks.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
DocHoliday77 said:
Are you saying you unlocked it before? If so it should still be unlocked. Flashing/wiping won't affect that, so it's pretty much a permanent thing. If so, maybe the Sim card you're using is an older one? they don't always work on tmobiles networks.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
audit13, dawgdoc, DocHoliday77
Thank you for your responses , Sorry I couldn't response any sooner as I worked in mountain/forest area that browsing the web is luxury
(yes I remember for sure I have used this cell phone overseas couple times and the way I unlocked through service mode. Way before AT&T OTA update since new)
I have weird situation that make me wondering if I had unlocked my S3 since message
"PHONE NOT ALLOWED MM#6" comes up if I use any other carrier beside AT&T
Per http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2789917
thanks to OP
I just managed to change my bootloader to I747UCUFNE4 and also my baseband version to I747UCUFNE4
I still keep my CWM 6.0.4.7 recovery touch
I have Flashed with countless other rom such below:
I747UCUFNE4_Stock_Rooted_Odex.zip
I747UCUFNE4_Stock_Rooted_Deodex_3-31-15.zip
I747UCUFNE4_Stock_Rooted_3-31-15.zip
and even custom rom without any success
This was happened with my S3 after flash.
if I flashed with inserted active SIM Card (T Mobile or foreign SIM Card)
I will see PHONE NOT ALLOWED MM#6 after reboot
if I flashed without any SIM Card inserted after reboot :
- inserted foreign sim card and reboot again
I will have AT&T as roaming provider and for about few seconds received text message about fee from SIM issuer roaming to AT&T so means My S3 is unlocked...
(no... not so much!!!) in few minute I will have "PHONE NOT ALLOWED MM#6" and phone is useless as emergency only.
- inserted T-Mobile Sim Card and reboot again it shows "PHONE NOT ALLOWED MM#6" immediately
My Kernel Version :
3.4.0-1514807
[email protected] #1
Mon May 19 21:00:05 KST 2014
Thank you if you can help.
So you are not getting asked enter a network unlock code when running a stock rom with a foreign sim?
Does your provider use aws frequencies? The i747 does not natively support T-Mobile aws frequencies.
audit13 said:
So you are not getting asked enter a network unlock code when running a stock rom with a foreign sim?
Does your provider use aws frequencies? The i747 does not natively support T-Mobile aws frequencies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, It doesn't ask at all. just pop up "Phone not allowed MM#6."
my foreign SIM is ok.
I tested on Galaxy Note 4 T-Mo (unlocked) it grabbed ATT roaming,
tested on Iphone 4S (ATT-unlocked) it grabbed Tmobile roaming:laugh:
I just flashed stock recovery and still no go..
do I need to unroot?
Can I flash stock root rom with stock recovery
Thanks
What rom was on the phone when you inserted a foreign sim?
If you are running a Samsung rom, try this:
Www.unlockriver.com/Samsung-unlocking
I am using I747UCUFNE4_Stock_Rooted_3-31-15.zip
I just replaced CWM recovery with UCUFNE4 stock recovery
I did unroot with SuperSU and also
do factory setting through setting menu
basically my phone just as new factory setting but with UCUFNE4
the funny thing is :System Status: Custom is this related I have rooted this device before?
When I turn on bootloader mode (Odin Mode)
product name : SGH-I747
Current Binary: Samsung Official
System Status: Custom
Qualcomm secure boot : enable
warranty bit: 1
bootloader ap Swrev: 3
as I have stated at my 1st post that I had official unlock code from AT&T and got email from them the unlock PIN
but there is no option asking to key in the PIN with other carrier sim inserted .
I have checked also with Swappa esn check
and result is
Blacklisted => Not Indicated
This device does not appear to be globally blacklisted.
spent countless hours just to beat solving this device and read the threads and no result. And still "PHONE NOT ALLOWED MM#6"
I bougth a second hand s6 edge t-mobile version 64 gb. No issues with the smartphone until i checked for an update.It said the devise have been modified and connect......
I searched and searched about this and when i went to system status,it said custom. I thougth the devise migth have a custom rom but for no reason i openned the unlock device app for t-mobile and it showed my devise was locked yet i had no carrier problems. It even said permenant or temporary unlock . Both of them failed.
Im thinking of taking this phone back to the seller but i want to be sure if its actually locked or some other issue. I think a custom rom was installed on this devise to unlock it before i purchased it. Any ways to know if phone is locked or not?
So I have a SIM locked S8+, I flashed it to the unlock firmware to debloat, and to see if it will SIM unlock the device (it did not!). Now I have T-Mobile unlocked the device and received the typical email of "the device is unlocked, no unlock code, need to run Device Unlock App to unlock" email.
The issue is, with the unlocked version firmware, I cannot run the Device Unlock app, it simply says the app is not compatible with the device, which is right because you cannot unlock an already unlocked device, seeing that a device is running an unlocked version of the firmware.
Two questions:
1. Do I have to revert back to T-Mobile stock firmware in order to run the Device Unlock app?
2. If so, how to revert back? I have see this can be done for the S8, but have not seen instruction (files) for the S8+.
Thanks!
No one?
jrsmooth said:
No one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same question too since I was contemplating on whether I should update my T-Mobile S8+ to the unlocked firmware but then I wondered if I could go back to stock T-Mobile firmware. Seems like no one has an answer for this yet : /
You can revert back 100%
kimple_john said:
I have the same question too since I was contemplating on whether I should update my T-Mobile S8+ to the unlocked firmware but then I wondered if I could go back to stock T-Mobile firmware. Seems like no one has an answer for this yet : /
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flash T-Mobile Unlocked Firmware 955U1 yes you can revert back by just flashing T-Mobile Stock Firmware 955U. It was difficult to revert back before 955U1 was released where we flashed Canadian Unlocked XAC, but we finally got a solution as in the link below.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72525783&postcount=5
Again, if you flash T-Mobile Unlocked 955U1, you just flash T-Mobile Stock 955U to revert back to stock. Note: You'll need to switch between unmodded Odin3 v3.12.7 and modded Odin PrinceComsy for Stock and Unlocked Firmwares. Another option which you don't need is reverting back using Smart Switch Emergency Software Recovery Initialization.
Warning!!! When reverting back there's 95% chances of getting a Phone Storage corrupt and the only option is resetting. Meaning you'll lose your data, so backing up your stuff is highly advised.
That option works great ?, just BACK UP and moved files to your SD CARD. I have done it more than 5 times, works great. I haven't UNLOCK MY S8+ yet, I'm getting another one so I'll UNLOCK it. YOU CAN CHECK OUT IMEIFIX.COM OR IMEIGURUS.COM . I have UNLOCK more than 4 S7 Edge, 2 Note4's and these guys work very fast. 100% recommended ?.