Database Users

Unlocking Vs. Debranding/Flashing Vs. Rooting -- Clarified

Hi All,
There have been many confused members (especially the noobs) who do not understand the difference between unlocking and debranding so I wanted to start this thread to clarify this matter once and for all.
Debranding/Flashing: : This is when you flash some firmware other than your original operator's FW. For example, if you have an AT&T or O2 branded X10, when you flash/debrand generic fw (or any other fw of your choosing) you simply get rid of the "branded" software pre-loaded on your phone. Hence, the term "de-branding". This does not mean that your phone is unlocked. You will still have to use your original operator's SIM card, like AT&T or O2, to use your phone EVEN AFTER flashing/debranding your handset.
Unlocking: This is when you "network unlock" your phone and are able to use it with any GSM operator you choose other than your original operator. For example, you have an AT&T or O2 branded X10 and you want to use it on T-Mobile US or UK, can you do that after simply flashing/debranding? The answer is NO. Why? Because your phone still requires a special code to be entered before it becomes network unlocked. For further reading, please go here.
Rooting: Rooting is a process that allows users of cellphones, and other devices, running the Android operating system to attain privileged control (known as "root access") within Android's Linux subsystem, similar to jailbreaking on Apple devices running the iOS operating system, overcoming limitations that the carriers and manufacturers put on such phones. Rooting makes it possible to use custom versions of the Android system such as CyanogenMod, supporting features unavailable in stock ROMs. It also allows for newer versions of Android not supplied by the original device manufacturer. Source: Wikipedia
Debranding, unlocking and rooting are mutually exclusive.
FAQs:
1. If I flash to generic firmware using Bin4ry's flash tool, will I unlock my phone?
No, you will simply debrand your phone but, you will still need to get the unlock code.
2. If I debrand my phone and then unlock it but, I would like to go back to my original branded firmware, will my phone become re-locked to that network again?
No, once you unlock your phone, it will remain that way no matter what firmware you flash in the future.
3. How do I know if my phone is network unlocked?
The simple way is to pop in another operator's SIM card, for example you have an AT&T branded X10a, then you can use a T-Mobile SIM card. If your phone reboots and you do not get a "enter code" screen and you see that you are connected to the T-Mobile network then your phone is network unlocked and can be used with any GSM operator.
Another way is to go into the hidden service menu. In the lock screen (the one with the swype animation) press the following sequence of buttons (Home, Back, Back, Home, Back, Home, Home, Back). If you are on 1.6 replace Home with Menu. Then go to service info --> SIM lock. In the top line, if you find this [X] Network 10, then your phone is locked. If you find this [ ] Network 10, then your phone is unlocked.
4. How can I get my unlock code?
There are a few sites from which people were successful in getting their unlock codes like MobileInCanada and CellUnlocker. There is also a thread by Xda-member "Lancez" here who can provide unlock codes for a fee. Currently, there is no known method of unlocking your phone for free.
I hope I have clarified this matter for everyone.

this should clarify the unlocking scene

Lancez said:
this should clarify the unlocking scene
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope so!

Well, thanks for the info; however, what I wanted to know was the "technology" behind the lock codes which can survive after flashing. What do they use to keep them safe? In which part of the software is the code stored? or most likely, the code should be hardcoded then.

albiore said:
Well, thanks for the info; however, what I wanted to know was the "technology" behind the lock codes which can survive after flashing. What do they use to keep them safe? In which part of the software is the code stored? or most likely, the code should be hardcoded then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is your friend. You can start here though.

batman_112 said:
Google is your friend. You can start here though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again Batman, you post exactly what I was looking for 3-4 days after I was looking for it. I'm gonna take a few days off and come back, so all my questions will have already been answered. ;-)
Thanks for all your help!
Sent from my X10a using XDA App

agentJBM said:
Once again Batman, you post exactly what I was looking for 3-4 days after I was looking for it. I'm gonna take a few days off and come back, so all my questions will have already been answered. ;-)
Thanks for all your help!
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Next time just flash the Bat signal

Hello, I have a question.
I have a x10a locke, so, I go to cellularunlocker.net and pay 39.99$ for the software... and make the unlock... later of reboot, my x10 can be used on any carrier...
so my question is::
if SE make a new update of software and base band:
my info:
Model: x10a
version firmware: 2.1-update1
baseband version: 2.0.46
Kernel Version: [email protected]#1
Build number: 2.0.A.0.504
if a do on the future a update to 2.2 exameple if SE done the update and my baseband too recivied the update. my phone will be lock again?
thanks and sorry my bad English

roghax said:
Hello, I have a question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is answered in the first post...
batman_112 said:
2. If I debrand my phone and then unlock it but, I would like to go back to my original branded firmware, will my phone become re-locked to that network again?
No, once you unlock your phone, it will remain that way no matter what firmware you flash in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

roghax said:
Hello, I have a question.
I have a x10a locke, so, I go to cellularunlocker.net and pay 39.99$ for the software... and make the unlock... later of reboot, my x10 can be used on any carrier...
so my question is::
if SE make a new update of software and base band:
my info:
Model: x10a
version firmware: 2.1-update1
baseband version: 2.0.46
Kernel Version: [email protected]#1
Build number: 2.0.A.0.504
if a do on the future a update to 2.2 exameple if SE done the update and my baseband too recivied the update. my phone will be lock again?
thanks and sorry my bad English
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it will not be locked again.
XperiaX10iUser said:
Which is answered in the first post...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think people are too lazy to read through the whole post! Thanks!

Updated first post to add definition of rooting.

hahaha! probably right! some people don't read thouroghly. they just read through the articles... everything here has been thoroughly discussed though... thanks!

rjumonong said:
hahaha! probably right! some people don't read thouroghly. they just read through the articles... everything here has been thoroughly discussed though... thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. If you use the search option, you will find what you are looking for 99% of the time. Sometimes people are just too lazy to do it.

batman_112 said:
Yes. If you use the search option, you will find what you are looking for 99% of the time. Sometimes people are just too lazy to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there was a typo above. It is more like 9% of the time. Lol. Unless you type exactly word for word the results often send you to completely different forums, even though it says "search this forum". Test it yourself... Search using XDA search button and then do a Google Search. Google is much better, for me anyway.

agentJBM said:
I think there was a typo above. It is more like 9% of the time. Lol. Unless you type exactly word for word the results often send you to completely different forums, even though it says "search this forum". Test it yourself... Search using XDA search button and then do a Google Search. Google is much better, for me anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you need some practice before you can get it to work for you and not against you! But, Google is always your friend!

Good writeup. I need to do an FAQ too but I've just been too busy.
Users can use the diagnostic menu to check lock status:

BluechipJ said:
Good writeup. I need to do an FAQ too but I've just been too busy.
Users can use the diagnostic menu to check lock status:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that's correct. My x10 has 0 next to Sim but it's definitely locked to t-mobile. There's an X in the box next to where it says network for locked phones.

Deniz.S said:
I don't think that's correct. My x10 has 0 next to Sim but it's definitely locked to t-mobile. There's an X in the box next to where it says network for locked phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The [X] means it is locked. The 0 means that you have 0 attempts left to enter the unlock code. You get 10 in a new phone. Did you enter the codes too many times or did you buy your phone pre-owned?

What is the hidden unlock for ATT SM N910a? ive gone through the unlock code process through ATT and CellularUlock.net and got a code and it wont.
My phone is on 5.0.1 I really hope you can help with this.
Im currently working on a thread for the service menu for this device and need help
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/network-lock-menu-via-service-menu-t3205101

unlock code....

Just an FYI...you should get an unlock code now for your phone before ATT takes over....ATT sometimes is a pain in the a$$ just to get a code...

You know, T-Mobile would have to unlock the phone before we awitch to AT&T. So we'll all have an unlocked phone by the time they merge, IF they merge.
Sent from my GT-i9000/Vibrant.

Isn't the unlock code in the phone itself?

Sdobron said:
Isn't the unlock code in the phone itself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be wrong, but I think they "fixed" this in one of the OTA updates?

No, it never got fixed. An app on the market called SGS unlock, that basically does the unlock code for you.

You can unlock your phone with this simple aplication called SGS Unlock
If you have Eclair use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=554631&stc=1&d=1301355001
If you have FroYo use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=554632&stc=1&d=1301355001
Good luck

why is my unlock code from Tmobile does not work? can anyone explained? My phone is rooted, 2.2 updates using odin manually. Thanks.

nguyenmd said:
why is my unlock code from Tmobile does not work? can anyone explained? My phone is rooted, 2.2 updates using odin manually. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you know how to use odin then downgrade to stock 2.1 then unlock your phone and then your phone is unlocked then flash whatever rom you want.
Sent from my SGH-T959

Thanks mate for the apk.

neoriix said:
You can unlock your phone with this simple aplication called SGS Unlock
If you have Eclair use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=554631&stc=1&d=1301355001
If you have FroYo use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=554632&stc=1&d=1301355001
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of the .APKs found any number for me.

try again it should work it work for me

pedrobatista said:
try again it should work it work for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still does not work.
It says no codes found
unknown error

SIM card issue

Hello SG3 owners and colleagues by phone device
I am new to the forums but I am a long time advanced Android and SG3 user. I have tested almost all ROMs available in the SG3 and X8 sections.
I have a serious issue with my SIM card that I use with my SG3. It worked fine since I got the SG3 and it worked with all ROMs. Yesterday I wanted to flash a stable Eclair ROM and settle with it but this is when my issues started.
I flashed the Revival ROM Classico. When I booted into the OS I was asked for the SIM PIN. I know I have turned this off, but I imputed the last PIN I used. I got an error, service denied (or something similar) and I could not get past this prompt. When I dismissed the prompt I got into the OS but I had no network. OK, the rom clearly sucks and I reflashed CM7.2 A8 which I used normally since it was released.
CM7 was not asking for the PIN, but I had no service in this ROM either. Did factory reset, reflashed, nothing, tried CM9, nothing, tried MIUI nothing.
And here is the weird part...when I insert another SIM the network on the SG3 works fine and I get service. When I insert my current SIm (that does not work with SG3) in another phone it works flawlessly :/, so only when I use my current SIM with SG3 no matter the ROM I get no service.
Anyone can help me?! Should I damn the Revival ROM dev to eternal suffering? J/K

Check your imei first
Sent from my GT-I5800 using xda premium

OK, how and what should I do with it?
edit:
If you mean *#06#, I have done that and it's all OK I have the number

5ageman said:
OK, how and what should I do with it?
edit:
If you mean *#06#, I have done that and it's all OK I have the number
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try to enable sim pin lock on other phone...and then try it on g3
...this just crossed my mind
maybe it'll work
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sent from Galaxy
Hercolubus' Rom v 2.0
powered by
G3MOD_arakmar-05-04-2012.zip
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I found out what the problem is, my phone is now network locked and since I use different operator than the phone default locked operator my SIM can't get service. I can't net unlock my phone with ADB, tried nv_data.bin and bml3 extraction but there is no code there.
This ROM is to blame!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1079140
DO NOT FLASH THIS ROM! This stupid f*ck should be ass raped, he now asks $25 on youtube to unlock my phone!

5ageman said:
I found out what the problem is, my phone is now network locked and since I use different operator than the phone default locked operator my SIM can't get service. I can't net unlock my phone with ADB, tried nv_data.bin and bml3 extraction but there is no code there.
This ROM is to blame!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1079140
DO NOT FLASH THIS ROM! This stupid f*ck should be ass raped, he now asks $25 on youtube to unlock my phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mate, chill...btw: did u read disclaimer that he wrote?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sent from Galaxy
Hercolubus' Rom v 2.0
powered by
G3MOD_arakmar-05-04-2012.zip
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SIM problem
I have a similar problem with CM9
I have my SIM locked with a PIN but CM9 does not ask for it, ever.
I tried to select my network manually, but a get "network is not available"
The only solution I found is to disable the SIM lock although I don't like it much...

saulotas said:
I have a similar problem with CM9
I have my SIM locked with a PIN but CM9 does not ask for it, ever.
I tried to select my network manually, but a get "network is not available"
The only solution I found is to disable the SIM lock although I don't like it much...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not the same problem, sim lock just hasnt been added to the function list on CM9 yet. Im not sure it will be added either as i dont think its on official cm9.

Got stuck on SIM LOCK with the Leaked Samsung 4.1.2 XXLSJ Firmware? SOLVED

Hello there, if you are a total noob just like me, or you are simply looking for this and just flashed the recently leaked Samsung 4.1.2 XXLSJ Firmware and got stuck with that SIM UNLOCK code, the solution is just at hand and it is totally safe and free.
All you need is a WiFi connection and have a visit over the Play Store
Look for "Galaxy S2 SIM Unlock", which is a free app and download it
The job gets done just by taping over "SIM unlock code", it may take a few moments and you are done with the number.
Copy the number elsewhere and reboot your phone, once your asked about the number just type it and you are ready to go.
Remember you can only use this code once (per phone cycle) so if you miss typed it you are going to need to reboot again.
Enjoy your phone and allow me to give you an extra tip: NEVER FORMAT your Sd Card with this new firmware as some have reported that it resulted on BRICKING your lovely SGS2.
James.-

Enjoy your phone and allow me to give you an extra tip: NEVER FORMAT your Sd Card with this new firmware as some have reported that it resulted on BRICKING your lovely SGS2.
James.-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you read these reports?

pilgrim011 said:
Where did you read these reports?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1997366

alfadown said:
Right here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1997366
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, that's just his assumption, not a fact. There is not a single report yet about brickbug on 4.1.2.

pilgrim011 said:
Oh, that's just his assumption, not a fact. There is not a single report yet about brickbug on 4.1.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! You are right, but I just don't want to try it myself. :good:

"Galaxy S2 SIM Unlock" didn't work for me. I used a "GalaxSim Unlock", but this isn't a permanent unlock.
Does anyone knows how to permanently unlock my phone for free?

One could also restore their efs from a backup.
The efs method worked for me while the sim unlock app method didn't.

alfadown said:
Hello there, if you are a total noob just like me, or you are simply looking for this and just flashed the recently leaked Samsung 4.1.2 XXLSJ Firmware and got stuck with that SIM UNLOCK code, the solution is just at hand and it is totally safe and free.
All you need is a WiFi connection and have a visit over the Play Store
Look for "Galaxy S2 SIM Unlock", which is a free app and download it
The job gets done just by taping over "SIM unlock code", it may take a few moments and you are done with the number.
Copy the number elsewhere and reboot your phone, once your asked about the number just type it and you are ready to go.
Remember you can only use this code once (per phone cycle) so if you miss typed it you are going to need to reboot again.
.........................
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried it on few devices with different OS (GB, ICS, JB), it NEVER worked for me!! Take ages to finish and always getting message "Sorry no code for your device" !!!! Rubbish...
astronman said:
"Galaxy S2 SIM Unlock" didn't work for me. I used a "GalaxSim Unlock", but this isn't a permanent unlock.
Does anyone knows how to permanently unlock my phone for free?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tested all Free Sim Unlockers from Play store and all failed except this One.. It's NOT Free tho... (£1.60 for unlimited unlocking - good deal)
How you know is Not Permanent?? Looks solid to me

djembey said:
I've tried it on few devices with different OS (GB, ICS, JB), it NEVER worked for me!! Take ages to finish and always getting message "Sorry no code for your device" !!!! Rubbish...
I've tested all Free Sim Unlockers from Play store and all failed except this One.. It's NOT Free tho... (£1.60 for unlimited unlocking - good deal)
How you know is Not Permanent?? Looks solid to me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reflash stock rom and you will see that sim lock is on, again.

i had same problem sim lock i just flashed gb on it then rooted it ,then unlocked with ...GalaxSim Unlock 1.02 installed XXLSJ......worked like a charm... stayed unlocked

astronman said:
Reflash stock rom and you will see that sim lock is on, again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Than use GalaxSim to unlock it again... Once you paid for it you can use it as many time as you want..
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app

For me nothing work. The apps don't find the code. But i reverted to aokp and here can unlock until switch off or reboot. Before flashed the leak no problem ay all
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app

Hello there, I used the firmware found at this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1996714
Later on I went to ODIN and flashed this: http://stockroms.net/file/GalaxyS2/GT-i9100/4.1.2leak/i9100XXLSJrooted.tar to get root.
After that I were able to get the code.
Hope this help guys! :good:

alfadown said:
Hello there, I used the firmware found at this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1996714
Later on I went to ODIN and flashed this: http://stockroms.net/file/GalaxyS2/GT-i9100/4.1.2leak/i9100XXLSJrooted.tar to get root.
After that I were able to get the code.
Hope this help guys! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What app did you use to unlock your galaxy s2 phone and is it free or not ?? Thx

hmida.souheil said:
What app did you use to unlock your galaxy s2 phone and is it free or not ?? Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use galaxSim unlock from market. ..its free to see if sim can be unlocked...if can cost you about twofifty.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

The *#7465625# code is not working with this ROM.
Can anyone else confirm and give a way to confirm unlock status?
Sent from my GT-i9100M w/XDA Premium
ROM Stock JB 4.1.2 XXLSJ
Kernel Philz 3.0.31

1. With a safe rom, Backup your /efs/ folder by copy command.
2.erase nv_data.bin nv_data.bin.md5 and nv_data.bin.bak .
3.reflash the new xxlsj.
4.paste the 3 files from backed up folder to /EFS/.
5.reboot... Done.

And if it fails?
how about if "Galaxy S2 SIM Unlock" fails?

cpl.Bower said:
how about if "Galaxy S2 SIM Unlock" fails?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use galaxSim unlock it worked when the others wouldnt.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

A note for everyone the Galxsim unlock app is using the free on xda, paid in store model. So just get it from the forums and it will unlock your phone for free.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1846451

Network locked

hello
I bought my s8 from amazon which said it was unlocked
tried my sim it doesnt work it said it network lock and need network puk
spoke to someone from my provider they gave my sim puk it didnt work
they said i need to unlock my phone so
i tried flashing using odin it didnt work this is the link i used https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y0ZZxcNVnE
i reset cashe then factory reset then used odin again still didnt work
I have read enough here to know i need to change my csc code
but *#272*imei# doesnt work on my phone
can anyone help?
this is really starting to suck

2hot4cheese said:
hello
I bought my s8 from amazon which said it was unlocked
tried my sim it doesnt work it said it network lock and need network puk
spoke to someone from my provider they gave my sim puk it didnt work
they said i need to unlock my phone so
i tried flashing using odin it didnt work this is the link i used https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y0ZZxcNVnE
i reset cashe then factory reset then used odin again still didnt work
I have read enough here to know i need to change my csc code
but *#272*imei# doesnt work on my phone
can anyone help?
this is really starting to suck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If its sim card locked flashing won't help.
Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

Whats your model number? Go into the phone settings and check in there. The more details you provide the faster you will get an answer. Going through the Odin process you mentioned will not unlock your phone. It lets you change to different carrier firmware but you still need an unlocked device otherwise it will not work.

badboy47 said:
Whats your model number? Go into the phone settings and check in there. The more details you provide the faster you will get an answer. Going through the Odin process you mentioned will not unlock your phone. It lets you change to different carrier firmware but you still need an unlocked device otherwise it will not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well i was under the impression it would have helped but it was made painfully obvious that it didnt sigh.
its GM950F
just ask me anything because i dont know exactly what im suppose tell you guys this is my first time doing this

2hot4cheese said:
well i was under the impression it would have helped but it was made painfully obvious that it didnt sigh.
its GM950F
just ask me anything because i dont know exactly what im suppose tell you guys this is my first time doing this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strangely I cannot find anything on that model # you posted. Are you sure; there is F after GM950? Can you go to Samsung official website > http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/galaxy-s/s/_/n-10+11+hv1rp+zq1xa/ and find your model? Also, can you also share your baseband version as well?
Edit: Looks like you have the Exynos model which goes by different alias (SM-G950G, G950G, SM-G959FD, G950FD)? Is that correct? .

This happened to me earlier today also. I have the G955F since late May and all has been well. I wanted to Flash CarHDRom V.4.1.1 today coming from Renovate. First boot with new rom I get the unlock sim screen. (never seen this after almost 8 years of flashing) Also a standing message in notifications "network locked sim card".
The sim card works fine in my backup phone. Why would it all of a sudden do this and how do I find the unlock code? Phone is otherwise useless now.

badboy47 said:
Strangely I cannot find anything on that model # you posted. Are you sure; there is F after GM950? Can you go to Samsung official website > http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/galaxy-s/s/_/n-10+11+hv1rp+zq1xa/ and find your model? Also, can you also share your baseband version as well?
Edit: Looks like you have the Exynos model which goes by different alias (SM-G950G, G950G, SM-G959FD, G950FD)? Is that correct? .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes im sure lol its the international model and yes its an exynos model