Okay folks, this here guide is to alleviate some of the aggravation that us senior members and mods have every day with n00bs not wanting to search and read in order to find answers to stuff. So I am gonna make it really easy for ya'll. I am going to provide links and information to the top questions and concerns that noobs have here at XDA-Devs.
And before I start, yes, I know that this is a futile attempt at gettin some order around here, but it makes me feel better, so there!
Also, yes, I know that this is in the Wiki, but no one reads that either...so thats another reason why I am making this.
DISCLAIMER!!!-Neither I, nor XDA-Developers, nor any of the authors or programmers of any the programs contained herein shall be held accountable or responsible for damage done to you, you Wizard, your wife/husband, dog/cat/bird/gerbil etc because of the mis-use or dumbassary that YOU ALONE cause. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
Mods/other members, PLEASE correct me or add to this as you see fit!
Ahem, now onto the guide!
QUESTION 1-How do I tell what type of Wizard I have?
ANSWER=Whether your device is called an O2 XDA, T-Mobile MDA, Qtek 9100 etc, you have an HTC model name Wizard mobile telephone device. There are however 2 versions of said device. They are called G3 and G4 devices, and their differences are as follows:
G3=The G3 type Wizard was the original type available. It can be both SIM and CID unlocked, and most any ROM can be applied to it. You can both CID and SIM unlock a G3 model with the Wizard Service Tool, available from here:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=329170 . READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS TO BOTH SIM AND CID UNLOCK YOUR WIZARD! More detail on ROM upgrades is below.
G4=The G4 type Wizard was introduced some time after the original G3 model came out. It can be SIM unlocked for free, but not CID. It features a different bootloader(a little program that loads Windows) type, that we currently cannot unlock. You can however get a G4 CID unlock by visiting http://www.imei-check.eu, and by paying them 25 or so USD. Most any ROM can be applied to a G4 Wizard by what is called "HardSPL'ing it". HardSPL is a specially made SPL by Olipro that fakes the HTC Rom Upgrade Tool(RUU) into thinking that the Wizard has no CID lock placed on it, when in reality it does. If you go the IMEI check route, you do not need to HardSPL your device. HardSPL can be downloaded from this thread:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=332320 . READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!!! You can SIM unlock your G4 Wizard by using either the Wizard Service Tool(WST) or by using Lokiwiz 0.3, available from here:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=265928 . MORE INFO ON ROM UPGRADING BELOW.
QUESTION 2-Okay, so what does SIM and CID mean anyways?
ANSWER=SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module(most of the time, some people have different definitions), and its the little piece of plastic that you put into your Wizard under the battery that lets you make phone calls, use the internet etc. You get one when you sign up for GSM phone service from a company. If your current phone DOES NOT use SIM cards, then you are on a CDMA network(in the US they are Sprint, Alltel, Verizon and others) and the Wizard WILL NOT work with your cellular service. Whenever you buy a GSM phone, it is usually "locked" to a specific carrier, meaning that you cannot put a different carriers SIM card into the handset and makes calls with it. SIM unlocking means taking away this lock, and enabling you to use a SIM card from any GSM provider to make calls etc.
CID stand for Carrier Identification. Basically it is a little file contained within the bootloader of the phone that says what carrier the phones ROM, or OS is signed to. For example, a CID locked T-Mobile MDA can only be upgraded with an official T-Mobile ROM upgrade package. Trying to use an un-official one, or one from another carrier will result in an error message, and a failed upgrade. CID unlocking, or for G4 devices, HardSPL'ing simply re-writes this file to read that the device is not signed to ANY carrier, and that it may accept any and all ROM upgrades, regardless of who they come from. Carriers do this to protect liscensing agreements that they may have with software providers, since most carrier ROMs contain a bunch of bloatware and un-neccesary software out of the box, and if you use a different carriers ROM, than that carrier is not making the money they should. Also, different carrier ROMs have different settings for things like voicemail numbers, and internet connections.
QUESTION 3-Okay, thats all well and good, now, how do I tell what kind of device I have? Is mine a G3 or G4?
ANSWER=The best way is to use the Wizard Service Tool(WST) and have it check your bootloaders. There is an option to do this on the main WST window. Follow the instructions within the WST thread to find out how to do this. Alternitavely, you can check your device version by looking at your bootloader versions. You can see them by turning your phone off, then turning it back on. After the initial HTC or carrier brand screen, you will see a screen with red writing in the upper left hand corner. Check your IPL/SPL against these here:
If your IPL/SPL is this format:2.26.00x, where (x) can be any number, than you have a G3 Wizard.
If your IPL/SPL is this format:2.26.000x, where (x) can be any number, than you have a G4 Wizard.
After you find out which Wizard version you have, simply follow the CID or HardSPL guide, whichever one may apply to you and BAM, CID unlocked Wizard.
QUESTION 4-Okay, I have my Wizard CID unlocked, now, which ROM is the best?
ANSWER=There is no ROM that is "the" best, only the one that is the best for you. I have written a thread the gives some information about most of the newer ROMs that can be found on the Wiki here:http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Wizard_Compatible_ROMS . It needs to be updated, but most of the big ones are there. My suggestion is to flash to one and try it out. If it doesnt work for ya, then flash to a different one and try it out instead.
END OF DOCUMENT AS OF 11:00PM EST 12/16/2008, MORE TO FOLLOW IN THE COMING DAYS!
Related
Hi Folks
I was wondering if someone know if the IMEI Unlocking services offered in many websites really work:
For example: http://www.gsmphonesource.com/reunbyimforc.html
It make the kind of unlocking like the unlocking software posted on this forum?
Thanks to all!!
Sergio
We have a FREE SIM unlocker which does the same, and more:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=282073
Ours keeps SuperCID forever, theirs not
Hi Pof
I have seen your great job. Thanks for that!
since I am just starting on this XDA world I dont want to mess with rom upgrading and stuff. So I felt that just entering an unlock code is 'safer' for now, but I wanted to know if that remote IMEI solution really works for using the phone with other SIM cards
Thanks!!!
Yes, it works. It has the same effect on the phone, but I really encourage you to try my solution instead, it's not that hard, but the warnings are there for you to be cautious
The IMEI is not used at all for unlocking, it's just to make sure you don't buy an unlocker from them and use it in two different devices: if you want to unlock two devices you have to pay twice
If you want to technically understand what their unlocker does, and what does mine, have a look at this post (comments #54 to #57):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=280819&p=1046444
My understanding is that the Cingular 8525 use BootLoader 1.06, which means that in order to unlock the phone, the BootLoader need to be downgraded to 1.04 (by installing older ROM), SIM unlock it, and then upgrade to new ROM with BootLoader 1.6.
This may seems complicated.
I used pof's method and had my phone up and running in less than an hour and it was FREE!
VideoFX
Call Cingular tell then u r going to europe
Call Cingular tell them you are going out of conutry and they will send you unlock caode for free in 5 days.
lanwarrior said:
My understanding is that the Cingular 8525 use BootLoader 1.06, which means that in order to unlock the phone, the BootLoader need to be downgraded to 1.04 (by installing older ROM), SIM unlock it, and then upgrade to new ROM with BootLoader 1.6.
This may seems complicated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true..
Grab pof's exe, and run the bat file. There's nothing else to do. Just sit, be patient and follow the instructions.
It's really brainlessly easy. That means, that even those without brains should be able to handle it...
LegolasTheElf said:
That's not true..
Grab pof's exe, and run the bat file. There's nothing else to do. Just sit, be patient and follow the instructions.
It's really brainlessly easy. That means, that even those without brains should be able to handle it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So i am waiting my cingular 8525 in the mail, so all i need to do to get the phone sim unlocked and cid unlock is to follow the directions? no need to downgrade if i have 1.06
jemx33 said:
So i am waiting my cingular 8525 in the mail, so all i need to do to get the phone sim unlocked and cid unlock is to follow the directions? no need to downgrade if i have 1.06
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's easy. READ, READ some more, then READ till you puke. Then, follow the directions TO THE LETTER, and you'll be just fine. Nothing else to do. THEN, once it's unlocked, you'll want to flash a normal radio and a new OS.
As a newbie, I suggest you pay close attention to POF and Legolas; this stuff is EASY, but only because I've read the WIKI, lots of threads, then re-read the WIKI 2 or 3 more times.....then followed the instructions to the letter. And then go back to the WIKI just to stay sharp.
Reading the threads will give you an idea of just how many people do stupid things like NOT reading the WIKI, try flashing a new ROM or radio on a whim, follow only the directions they feel like, and turn a wonderful PDA/Phone into a useless brick. I've been around here only about 2 months but am now flashing ROM's on my CID/SIM Unlocked Cingular 8525 at will and having a ball. Will be joining the ROM Flasher's 12-step program soon.
So, read, pay attention, follow the instructions fully, read some more and read the threads so you can appreciate what happens when someone doesn't read, follow the instructions fully, etc.
Why Pay????
There's no sense in paying when POF's provided a great unlocking program here that's easy to use and works GREAT!!! This IS a no brainer.....
If you don't plan on going out of the country and wanting to change cell phone service provider, what is the benifit if unlocking the phone. I have been flashing my phone to different ROM's since the day I've had it.
I don't really see the added benifit of unlocking the phone...but then again I am a newb at this stuff.
If you have no plans on changing SIM cards, i.e. changing providers or travelling out of the country where you might want to use a local SIM to save $$, there's no need to SIM unlock your phone. If your phone is CID unlocked, then you are able to flash cooked ROMs' and ROMs' belonging to other carriers, i.e. flash a T-Mobile ROM to a Cingular phone. Unlocking also gives you access to the Extended ROM and several MB of storage space not otherwise avail to unlocked phones
Question, what difference if any is there between me getting the Unlock Code from ATT (just did it for some old V551's of mine with an email to them) and this Unlock tool of Pof's? I do plan to unlock it soon, planned on going the ATT route because I know it works. If your tool does something over and above I'd like to know.
Thank you!
question?
i'm wondering....im about to buy a 8525 tilt...i want to know:confused if i called cingular and asked for a unlock code would it cost me...also if i mess up and did it myself whats the worse that could happen to the phone......
b4mytime1 said:
i'm wondering....im about to buy a 8525 tilt...i want to know:confused if i called cingular and asked for a unlock code would it cost me...also if i mess up and did it myself whats the worse that could happen to the phone......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
at&t would provide you with the unlock code for free. the worst of course is your phone turning into a brick, but if you are smart enough to follow instructions it will be fine.
and one more thing........which device are you getting......8525 tilt????? if its the 8925/tilt you are in the wrong subforum, you should be looking at the kaiser section. the 8525 does belong here
ok so i just got sent an att 8525. I am planning on unlocking this phone.
I havent been on these boards in forever but has anything changed? Is there anything in these rebranded att phones that may not let me unlock? is there a newer tutorial?
thanks guys
Hi,
I just wanted to share that I unlocked my 8525 with HTC_Hermes_SIM_CID_Unlock_v3a on Vista. It went through with not one issue or hiccup.
Thanks
Greg
Sorry if this is asked constantly, i tried searching and couldn't see any threads about it.
Basically what i'm wanting to know is if it's possible to unlock a phone that's still locked to a specific carrier (eg, optus or telstra if you're in australia). is this what CID unlocking is?
If so, then i guess i can grab a hermes / jasjam from ebay that's selling for less because it's carrier locked, unlock it, and use it with my current sim card?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
You're definately new with a question like that
Basically CID unlocking allows you to flash a ROM from any carrier and use it.
SIM unlocking allows you to use any SIM card with your existing (or any other) ROM.
If all you want to do is use a stock phone with any carrier I suggest you use POF's CID and SIM unlocker http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Hermes_SimUnlock.
If you want to get better ROMS you'll need to do a whole pile more reading, and before flashing anything else start with Olipro's Hard-SPL 2.10 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=296722 and Mrvanx's Upgrade Guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=299462.
Other useful upgrade info can be found in this sticky http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=295751
mkerr said:
Sorry if this is asked constantly, i tried searching and couldn't see any threads about it.
Basically what i'm wanting to know is if it's possible to unlock a phone that's still locked to a specific carrier (eg, optus or telstra if you're in australia). is this what CID unlocking is?
If so, then i guess i can grab a hermes / jasjam from ebay that's selling for less because it's carrier locked, unlock it, and use it with my current sim card?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so all i'd need to do, assuming i keep the stock rom, is to sim unlock it?
Yep, if you SIM unlock you can use the phone as supplied but with any carriers SIM card.
Oh yes, welcome to XDA-developers - I think if you read a bit more you will realise the benefits of the cooked ROMs here and later want to upgrade - it's highly addictive
mkerr said:
so all i'd need to do, assuming i keep the stock rom, is to sim unlock it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One further bit of advice if buying one of these phones from ebay - ask the seller for a picture of the phone when switched on so you can check it has a radio signal - also get him to confirm that it doesn't display NO GSM on the bottom right when it is booting. The NO GSM indicates a brick which may or may not be fixable by the tools we have here.
mkerr said:
Sorry if this is asked constantly, i tried searching and couldn't see any threads about it.
Basically what i'm wanting to know is if it's possible to unlock a phone that's still locked to a specific carrier (eg, optus or telstra if you're in australia). is this what CID unlocking is?
If so, then i guess i can grab a hermes / jasjam from ebay that's selling for less because it's carrier locked, unlock it, and use it with my current sim card?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cheers for the reply
at the moment i've got an imate k-jam, and have been reading up about cooked roms etc, but didn't realise exactly what the unlocking involved (except that it let you play with the roms).
i am using the vodavone vpa compact II which came locked for one specific provider. when i put my simcard into the device, it said that in order to unlock it, i had to input some code (cannot remember what the name was, it's been a long time since then). from a friend who happens to work at another provider i got this code, he just needed to know the IMEI of the device. after using it my wizard was unlocked and i was able to use my simcard.
but how do i know if it is also CID-unlocked?
if yes, then it would be much easier now to update it to wm6, right?
EricCartman said:
if yes, then it would be much easier now to update it to wm6, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CID unlocking isn't the same as SPL unlocking. They are exclusive to one another.
You need to know if your phone is G3 or G4, and then decide whether to do a SoftSPL unlock or a HardSPL unlock, if it's a G4.
Bottom line, you have a LOT of reading to do first.
You need to learn the pitfalls before you go bricking your phone, and then start sending those frantic "PLEASE HELP!" posts to the boards. Flashing your phone with a cooked ROM isn't like installing a plugin, or loading Google Maps. It's much more treacherous. Judging by the frequency with which "Please Help!" posts get published, I'd say that 4 out of 5 noobs don't bother reading the Wiki or the sticky threads on these boards before proceeding with a ROM flash. Do yourself a favor and don't be that guy. Do a LOT of reading before you start downloading anything.
Read the Wizard wiki THOROUGHLY
Read the Wizard Mobile 6 Sticky messages
Read the SoftSPL thread
Find a good backup tool that you like
Load Total Commander CE. Get used to using it. Most ROMs include it as a default, and it's priceless as a file manager and registry editor, combined
Learn about OMAPClock Plus. If you're planning on flashing to WM6, you're going to want overclocking capabilities!
This list is by no means comprehensive. This is just the "Getting Started" homework you should be doing. An informed geek makes better choices for himself than anyone else can make for him/her.
EricCartman said:
i am using the vodavone vpa compact II which came locked for one specific provider. when i put my simcard into the device, it said that in order to unlock it, i had to input some code (cannot remember what the name was, it's been a long time since then). from a friend who happens to work at another provider i got this code, he just needed to know the IMEI of the device. after using it my wizard was unlocked and i was able to use my simcard.
but how do i know if it is also CID-unlocked?
if yes, then it would be much easier now to update it to wm6, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply download WST_4.2.2 and run it,it'll give all the details and confirm if its CID locked or unlocked,After that decide what you have to do.
zabardast_1 said:
Simply download WST_4.2.2 and run it,it'll give all the details and confirm if its CID locked or unlocked,After that decide what you have to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, that's the answer i've been looking for.
Hey guys, please excuse my noobness, I have read thoroughly but I am still confused!
I have an O2 Orbit (ie Artemis) and I am going to the USA soon.
I've become a bit confused as to what I need to do to my Artemis to get it working with a prepay sim in the states.
I've seen the posts about cid unlocking, but I'm not sure if that's the same as a sim unlock, and I don't want to brick my phone!
I'm not too bothered about cooked roms etc, I have updated to WM6 and I'm reasonably happy with it, I just want to be able to use my phone in the USA.
Would someone be kind enough to take the time to explain what I need to do?
Thanks
I forgot to add, I tried this tutorial to perform a sim unlock:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=400445
but unfortunately the 'artemis sim unlock' download link is broken
I think it should already work in the US. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that only phones bought in the US from a provider are SIM-locked. CID unlocking is only used to help you flash your phone to a different ROM, which, as you already mentioned, you are not interested in doing.
I see, so CID unlocking is nothing to do with what I want, I simply need a SIM unlock, assuming my phone is SIM locked.
SIM locking is normal practice for UK service providers, so I assume it is locked.
Is there any way I can tell if my phone is SIM locked, or do I have to test it by putting a SIM card from a different provider in it?
I am confused between these two terms even after reading the sticky.I know i don't need to perform the ''sim unlock'' process because i have htc touch gsm version.My other question is-Do i need to perform cid unlocking before flashing the rom.I am trying to install windows 6.5 on my touch.Can you guys help me finding the best ROM.
@ isthisreallife
From http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=406721
CID: Carrier Id - commonly used in the form `CID-Unlocking`. If you purchase your phone (example) from Qtek (Qtek is the 'carrier'), your phone will only accept Qtek ROMs (the carrier's ROMs). If you want to flash ROMs from other carrier, you'll need to CID-unlock your phone, so that your phone will accept other ROMs. Note: In general, the phrase 'unlock your phone' usually refers to SIM-unlock, not CID unlock.
SIM: Subscriber Identity Module - commonly used in the form `SIM unlock`. Some phones are locked to the specific telco from which you purchase your phone, eg you can't use a locked O2 phone using a Vodaphone SIM/smart card. To use SIM card from other telco, you need to SIM unlock your phone. Note: In general, the phrase 'unlock your phone' usually refers to SIM-unlock, not CID unlock.
I hope this will clarify the difference between the 2 terms or is it just fantasy ?
Best Rom (for me) http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=426540 don't forget to read posts 2 and 3 and the link I gave you in the beginning.