Database Users

Repairs by samsung when sending to cpw (important)

If samsung offer to repair the phone and offer a repair at the car phone warehouse uk phone the exact cpw and ask the engineer if he has the jtag available because from what I gather non of them do, my phone luckily after complaining to T-Mobile complaints, saying because the phone came without the ability to hard reset, an android failure has left me in a situation without a phone they so have agreed to send another one! it was only 25 days old btw!
But before tmobile phoned me to offer that samsung sent me 25 mile to find out it couldn't be fixed in store!!
I had complained to tmobile in an email after speaking to 3 people on the phone all from abroad and all claiming the 28 day faulty sales of goods act does not apply to tmobile they have 7!! I would advise anyone to think again about tmobile! seen as though they have merged with orange in this country I would go with them. I have worked for both compnays and orange are faaaaaarr better
I will see on monday if the new phone has the 3 button hard reset!

it doesn't matter any more
they released a fix in the new release of JH2
yes, stupid, they kept the same version, but there are actually 2 version of JH2
one with SPL fix for the 3 button, and the old one without the SPL fix

have the released it world wide yet?

anarchyuk said:
have the released it world wide yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are like 10 topics on the Dev sub forum with all the downloads with the 3 button spl fix you need to update any version of the SGS you happen to be using.

German Samsung Omnia 7 Warranty in the UK

Would a Samsung Omnia 7 from Germany be covered by European Warranty in the UK? Would I be able to send/take it to UK Service Centers under the standard warranty? As, only Germany seem to sell the 16GB versions
Thanks in advance

Yes, its a requirement of European Law that warranties in one member state are valid in them all

richardyates said:
Yes, its a requirement of European Law that warranties in one member state are valid in them all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Richard....
That means I should be able to pick up a new Samsung Omnia 7 (16GB) for around £225 from Germany, rather than an 8GB version from the UK (for the same price)

enjoy, sounds a good deal

I bought one last week from ES-Mobilfunk.de and sent it back for replacememnt becasue the "back" button did not work properly when pressed. There was no problem in returning for replacement. So far tho replacement has not arrived. Will keep you posted. I would have no issue in buying in Germany AND you get 16 GB as well

Here are my experiences getting the German Omnia 7 serviced in the UK.
The issue was a broken screen.
First of all I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to service it in the UK because of the 16gb so I fired off an email to Samsung Germany with my concerns. I did not get a reply for several weeks.
Meantime I called up the Samsung hotline in the UK to find out about the procedure for getting it serviced. I was told I wasn’t able to get it serviced since it was bought in Germany so I naturally informed them about the EU warranty. I was given a number of a partner that services these phones (Somewhere south... can’t recall the company name)
They were even more unhelpful so I decided to just check out Samsungs official repair partners in my city. There is a nice list on Samsungs website.
Had no problems getting it fixed. I just forgot to mention that the device was bought in Germany. I dont think they needed to know this.
After getting the phone back I received a reply from Germany that I wasn’t able to get it serviced in the UK.
In my experience the agents are either clueless about EU warranty or they don’t want to do it for a reason.
So just submit your device for repair without mentioning "extra" details.

Well, I just got my replacememnt from Germany, the original one had a problem with the back button. Now the new one has a problem with the bluetooth not working properly. It can see other devices and pair with them using the code but it will not properly connect and then drop connection. I called Samsung UK hotline and I am bringing it to one of their service centres in Belfast tomorrow. They said they will install new software?? They know it is Nodo updated already. And they didnt care about the fact I had bought from Germany...

They usually fix a European device, as proven with i8510 (brilliant phone)

And they are doing for me as well. My German sourced device is on it sway back to Samsung from Belfast Car Phone Warehouse for repair/replacement. Not sure what hey will do cause I think the problem is bluetooth hardware. I guess they will replace?

17-apg said:
I bought one last week from ES-Mobilfunk.de and sent it back for replacememnt becasue the "back" button did not work properly when pressed. There was no problem in returning for replacement. So far tho replacement has not arrived. Will keep you posted. I would have no issue in buying in Germany AND you get 16 GB as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats funny I have actually just got one also from ES-Mobilfunk.de, and I noticed after some use that my Backbutton is not so responsive sometimes. Funny coincidence?
It works, but sometimes I have to press it precisely or twice before something happens (what was your problem?). The box was sealed and all original plastic was on the screen when I got it, so it must have been brand new I think.
Today I have been following another thread here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=929460 about "Omnia 7 Home Button responsiveness". On my Omnia I have no problem with the Home Button, just had with the back button. Also try see this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdDNRYSMGHk another one that have strange problems with the responsiveness of the screen. One person in the comments wrote that removing the battery from the phone would solve it and that it had something to do when the charger have been connected and then later removed. I tried then to remove my battery today from the phone and actually my Backbutton since that have been much more responsive, very strange.....

Thats exactly the problem I had. The back button was not responsive. I sent it back and got a replacement. The replaced device worked fine for th eback button but it has a problem with the bluetooth hardware. I cannot get connected to other devices and I have tried everything. So thi sone has been sent back to Samsung for repair :-(

17-apg said:
Thats exactly the problem I had. The back button was not responsive. I sent it back and got a replacement. The replaced device worked fine for th eback button but it has a problem with the bluetooth hardware. I cannot get connected to other devices and I have tried everything. So thi sone has been sent back to Samsung for repair :-(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if ES-mobilfunk then just have send me yours, lol - and then just have made a new package + sealing of the box (it looked really brand new when I got it). Or if its a serie of specific Omnia 7s that have that problem - also I dont know if its really a hardware or software problem.
Nevermind, because my Backbutton works, its just a little bit less responsive then the search button. My BT works fine and I am connected in my car/Audi A5, so I dont want to go through a lot of trouble now again sending it back. But I wish you luck with yours!

I got also one week ago my phone from es-mobilfunk.de. The same back button problem. I don't know what should I think about it. Remarkable coincidence.

screen / keyboard problem

I have had my HTC Wildfire for approximately 5 months and never had any problems with it until now.
The keyboard calibration has suddenly changed to the point where I cannot select the item on the screen I am trying to click. It seems to be about one centimeter adrift, but even moving past where I want to click it just will not select what I want eg. in k9 mail I cannot select the email I want only the one below it and when using market place to update an application I click "Update" yet the action it takes is "Uninstall" (directly beneath) It actually isn't possible to update any of my apps now as "Update" cannot be selected.
I've logged a ticket with HTC as it maybe a hardware fault. My phone is rooted and running a custom 2.2 ROM. If it turns out to be a hardware fault and I get the go ahead to take to an HTC repair shop am I going to be told I have no warranty as the device is rooted running a non official ROM ?

It does indeed look like a hardware issue (With your digitizer). Anyhow, just try reinstalling a ROM with a full wipe (Probably a stock ROM) to confirm it.
When giving in your phone, just install a RUU and then give it. They won't be able to make out if it was rooted or not, and, when giving it, specifically say to them to not touch the software else you will be get an official 2.2.1 updated phone.

Thanks for your response. Yes it definitely is a hardware problem, the un-clickable items can be clicked no problem in landscape mode. Basically the first inch down from top to bottom is dead. I already tried previous ROMS and they all exhibit the same behavior.
By RUU you mean return it to original stock ROM ? Presumably I'll have to unroot it also ?
What are HTC like to deal with when it comes to warranty ?? I got my device from T-Mobile free in the UK with 18 month contract tie in -- but currently reside in Thailand. Are HTC likely to ask me to send my device back to T mobile in the UK or just repair it at a local HTC repair centre here? If the former I'm going to be without the device for 3 weeks or so -- worse still they may send me brand new unit which is neutered and non-rootable (yet).

Flashing an RUU will automatically remove root. So, if you flash an Eclair RUU, you will get an Unrooted Phone with HBoot 0.80x but if you flash a Froyo RUU, you will get the unrootable HBoot 1.01x. RUUs can be found here:
http://shipped-roms.com/index.php?category=windows%20mobile&model=Buzz
The conditions of the repair centres depends on place to place. Whereas in some places, they are pretty helpful and work as per your preferences, some places are extremely particular and over-organized. In your case, I *think* the local HTC Service centre will not repair your device under warranty, since it is from T-Mob. But, if you pay for it, they probably may. Again, what I said above is just my presumption. If you are lucky, they may repair your device for free under warranty.
Good Luck

droidafx said:
I have had my HTC Wildfire for approximately 5 months and never had any problems with it until now.
The keyboard calibration has suddenly changed to the point where I cannot select the item on the screen I am trying to click. It seems to be about one centimeter adrift, but even moving past where I want to click it just will not select what I want eg. in k9 mail I cannot select the email I want only the one below it and when using market place to update an application I click "Update" yet the action it takes is "Uninstall" (directly beneath) It actually isn't possible to update any of my apps now as "Update" cannot be selected.
I've logged a ticket with HTC as it maybe a hardware fault. My phone is rooted and running a custom 2.2 ROM. If it turns out to be a hardware fault and I get the go ahead to take to an HTC repair shop am I going to be told I have no warranty as the device is rooted running a non official ROM ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first flash an eclair RUU of ur region. in 99% cases it will be successfully unrooted. even it shows errors, u can use the PC49IMG.ZIP process to unroot.
remember while unrooting with both the above processes, the HBOOT should not be downgraded.
if u make some version changing processes and try to downgrade HBOOT, then ur phone will have issues like touch screen problem, and etc. here the hboot may get downgraded with phone errors.
and if u dont make any version changing processes and try to downgrade the HBOOT, it just shows an error like it cannot be downgraded, without showing any phone issues.
so, do it correctly and u will finally get an unrooted device. now it will have warranty. if the problem persists, give it to a service center.
i expect the problem solves after unrooting.

Thank you for all the helpful responses. It is a hardware problem for sure, the phone is now useless, the keyboard has a mind of its own and the top inch of the screen is dead. I'm now back using my Nokia.
Just to give an update on the service provided by "HTC Global Warranty".... ermm... it appears not to exist.
The support guy on the web ticket did his damnedest to get rid of the call anyway he could or make it someone else's responsibility after I'd went through the various resetting methods he suggested. He acknowledged it sounds like a hardware problem. He then suggested I send back to the UK (I'm in Bangkok) where the fix times is 10 days -- so with shipping time I'd be looking at a one month minimum. Or try another support number to help fix it or send it back to T mobile to see what they can do.
I asked about using a local repair centre -- no you can't because you bought from T mobile. I told him 99% of phones sold in the UK are provided by networks and that T mobile didn't manufacturer the device and purporting to have a "Global Warranty Service" given what he was offering is disingenuous or possibly illegal under trades and descriptions act . I requested to make a formal complaint and speak to a supervisor. I heard back as below -- hopefully they can make good on below promise.
-------------------------------------------
I would first like to say how I am sorry for the service which you have received from HTC, and thank you for bringing this to our attention. We pride ourselves on the quality of our products and the service we provide and it is a disappointment to hear that in this instance we have failed you. I would like the opportunity to resolve your issue and hope that this does not deter your from using us in the future.
I understand that you are currently experiencing difficulties with global warranty process to repair your mobile device and you requested a call back from a manager.
I believe that the reason for this is because you have an exclusive product from T-mobile UK network and you live outside of Europe.
In order to rectify this I would like you to request the following:
Can I please ask for a telephone number and a time of which would be possible to call you during the day, that best suites you. Bare in mind of the time zone difference as we only work from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (London time).
I will then pass this information onto the Care Team Manager for them to contact you back.
I hope that this information meets with your requirements. I will wait for your next communication.

3xeno said:
Flashing an RUU will automatically remove root. So, if you flash an Eclair RUU, you will get an Unrooted Phone with HBoot 0.80x but if you flash a Froyo RUU, you will get the unrootable HBoot 1.01x. RUUs can be found here:
http://shipped-roms.com/index.php?category=windows%20mobile&model=Buzz
The conditions of the repair centres depends on place to place. Whereas in some places, they are pretty helpful and work as per your preferences, some places are extremely particular and over-organized. In your case, I *think* the local HTC Service centre will not repair your device under warranty, since it is from T-Mob. But, if you pay for it, they probably may. Again, what I said above is just my presumption. If you are lucky, they may repair your device for free under warranty.
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It never came with Froyo -- it had 2.1 initially. I don't suppose it will matter if I put 2.2 on it now as long as it is an official ROM (I could well have done an over the air update).
After I rooted the device initially I backed up the 2.1 ROM first -- reverting back to this had no effect on the problem so I don't suppose un-rooting it is going to achieve anything as either ROM in little over four months never exhibited this behavior until now. But obviously an official ROM is necessary prior to it going in for repair (whatever form that takes).

I cannot load a stock ROM -- I chose the TMO UK one from suggested link and get below errors:
Prior to error it says I have version:
2.34.75.1
and proposes to replace with below but fails.
1.14.110.1
-----------
Error [140]: BOOTLOADER VERSION ERROR
The ROM Update Utility cannot update your Android phone.
Please get the correct ROM Update Utility and try again.
Any ideas ?

Read about a bit, and, it seems downgrading is not allowed. (2.37 -> 1.14).
Try this procedure out:
http://lukasz.szmit.eu/2010/04/extracting-rom-files-from-htc-android.html

3xeno said:
Read about a bit, and, it seems downgrading is not allowed. (2.37 -> 1.14).
Try this procedure out:
http://lukasz.szmit.eu/2010/04/extracting-rom-files-from-htc-android.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks 3xeno -- I'll give it a go.
Also if I managed to downgrade back to stock -- will the phone be locked back to T mobile network ? I use a local SIM where I am. I don't suppose it would be too much trouble unlocking it again.
This is so much aggravation -- I'm tempted to just go in and pay an HTC repair store to repair / replace the busted component seeing as HTC global warranty appears to be non existent.
If the "care manager" calls me back and repeats the canned responses already provided by their support desk about my device being a "special T mobile product" and I must send to the UK for repair I intend to cause an enormous stink and warn others that HTC provide "ZERO GLOBAL WARRANTY" (and looking in Google I won't be the first). There is nothing special about the phone form T mobile (or any other network provided phone other than branding) I paid for the phone in full by way of commitment to a 2 year contract and T mobile paid HTC in full for the unit -- that has failed in a little over four months.

It shouldn't. Was the phone locked initially when you got it? If so, how did you get it unlocked?
Also, I tend to agree with you on getting it repaired locally. It seems to be too much of a hassle to get the phone halfway across the globe to replace one component.

It was locked yeah, but I paid for an unlock code online -- maybe it will still work if needed.
I followed your instructions thanks from previous URL, I've got rom.zip and copied to sd card and assumed I'd be able to install the normal way like other ROMS through clockwork but it doesn't work -- toggling unsigned doesn't help either.
Any ideas ?

More reading up. This is one topic which I dont have indepth knowledge about.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=766927
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=575448
This should be applicable for the Wildfire as well. The only difference should be that the file should be renamed to pc49diag.zip instead of the code for the Hero as stated in that thread.
Be very careful in this process though. I would rather wait for advice from some senior member here confirm this before you attempt it.

Thanks again. I may as well go ahead and try; I've got nothing to lose -- it is unusable with the top part of the screen not working. If I don't get it back to stock I have no warranty. The choices are a brick or a brick ;-)
I'll probably wait until tomorrow -- there are some phone repair shops around here and I'm told the shop I need to go to carries spare HTC parts. The Thai's are pretty much hands on and if they can diagnose and have the parts they will fix -- that includes the HTC repair centre (as long as I'm paying).
Quite possible I'll be buying a new device tomorrow from HTC directly. But before I do so I'm going to call HTC head office in Taiwan and get it on the record what exactly a "Global Warranty" means in HTC speak. I want to hear it from somebody other than a script reading support monkey in the UK or some retail chap where I am who will speak very limited English. The garbage excuse about "special network phone" should hold no water then if it fails within the warranty period. But I want a name and phone number and confirmation email before I shell out 4 or 500 quid on another potential paper weight.
Over the years I've had global warranty claims no problem from HP & IBM (now Lenovo) the last time being when an SSD drive failed in a laptop bought through a reseller in the UK -- no problem they sent and engineer to my house in Phuket who fitted a new drive within 72 hours of logging the call. It's getting to the point where these devices are more than just phones. They are as capable (almost) as a laptop and in the same price bracket as low to mid range laptops; therefore they should IMO carry the same level of after sales customer support.
I'd be very interested to know of other peoples warranty experiences with HTC. Maybe I'm an imbecile for even considering buying another one. Very frustrating; its been working like a dream right up until a few days ago and has been the best smartphone I've owned by a long way -- but if after sales service has all kinds of conditions attached to it; then buying another one is out of the question.

They probably are not honouring your warranty because you got a subsidized phone from a network operator, which doesn't "really" belong to them. Maybe that is how they handle such cases. Not really sure about it because the concept of contracts by phone service providers is non existent here in India, but, I am pretty confident that if you had got a proper HTC Branded Wildfire, they would definitely have honoured your warranty.

The thing is though just about all phones in the UK are provided by the networks and the subsidy for the most part is essentially bogus. Eg. you couldn't go and get an Iphone 4 for free because you took out a 15 quid month contract -- that would be a subsidized phone. They are 2 years minimum contract and start at £40 per month to get one for free. You have more than paid for the phone -- hardware vendor is paid in full and no doubt the network make a margin on the handset too.
A one month old article: (http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/cheap-iphone lists the single cheapest monthly contract to get an Iphone 4 from tesco is £25 for a 12 month contract........ as long as you stump up £342. So the math is £40 for two years and the phone is free (give or take a few quid) That is not a subsidy by any definition of the word. Also think of the economies of scale the networks use to leverage better pricing -- 02, Vodafone, T-mobile etc aren't paying no 600 quid a unit like joe shmo has to for an Iphone 4. Corporate buying might when talking 10's / 100's of thousands of units can demand and most of the time get 40 to 50% off the RRP price. Networks & hardware vendors are doing very well whilst spinning this bulls**t line about subsidized phones -- off the back of which enables the likes of HTC to provide no global warranty. If HP, Lenovo, Nokia and many others can use local repair resources so can HTC -- but you know good customer service costs money and if the small print allows them to get away with they're happy to do so.

I did the rename (PC49IMG.ZIP) and placed ROM on root of empty SD card. HBOOT saw it and attempted to instal but it failed with below:
Main Version is older!
Update Fail!
Press <POWER> to reboot.

3xeno said:
They probably are not honouring your warranty because you got a subsidized phone from a network operator, which doesn't "really" belong to them. Maybe that is how they handle such cases. Not really sure about it because the concept of contracts by phone service providers is non existent here in India, but, I am pretty confident that if you had got a proper HTC Branded Wildfire, they would definitely have honoured your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC "Global" Warranty:
DOES NOT EXIST !!!
I'll start a new thread about this also. I heard it from three authorised HTC resellers, and an official HTC store & HTC service centre in Bangkok MBK; all of which I visited today. The country you buy the phone in is the place which honors the warranty.
So in the UK they use the lie -- you bought from a network and not a stock handset direct from HTC; therefore it can only be repaired in the UK.
Then lie number two -- if you buy from us directly you get global warranty and can use local repair in the country you're in; absolute nonsense. If it was true I'd be playing with a brand new desire right now -- instead I have my 4 month old Wildfire to use as a beer mat whilst using my Nokia -- f***ing cheers HTC.

Still not able to get fresh stock T-mob ROM applied. So far I've tried:
1. Applying the stock T-mob ROM via cable and exe. program
2. Applying stock T-mob ROM renamed to PC49IMG.zip
3. Also tried applying an Asia stock HTC ROM via .exe program and cable (above method cannot be used -- this ROM extracts everything to numerous cabinet files and there is no ROM.zip)
All of the above result in errors relating to what's there being newer and failure to apply ROM.
I had a back up of the T-mob eclair ROM it came with which I took before applying custom Froyo ROM; so I reverted back to that and then tried the stock one again to make it vanilla and unrooted (in the hope it may correct faulty top part of screen) it but that didn't work and again complaines about what was there being newer.
It seems once you've gone forward there's no going back -- but that isn't consistent (I can recover using my back-ups back and forth between leaf Froyo ROM and Eclair ROM via nandroid restore.
I also put on a gingerbread Cyanogen mod to see if it would fix screen problem -- it didn't, so now back to T-Mob Eclair. I suppose I can go about unrooting now on the eclair ROM for the purposes of returning handset for warranty -- but I really wanted a flat vanilla stock ROM to see if cures screen problem, (I'm pretty sure it wont and it is a hardware problem).
Anybody got an idea of what else to try ?
thanks

Got Branded O2 Network SGS2 instead of Factory Unlocked... What to do?

Today I recieved my SGS2. I bought that online. The seller told me that it is factory unlocked but when I saw the O2 Logo at Startup, I got it that its Branded.
I called the Seller and he said, He will send Unlock Key to me and that will make it Factory unlocked OR If I want to replace, He can send me Factory unlocked.
Guys tell me what to do? Should I change it or Replace it?
Do you think branded phones are better or factory Unlocked?

There's actually two separate issues. Getting the SIM unlocked is no big deal and once it is you can use it freely on any carrier. A branded phone is supported by the carrier that branded it. That means unique updates that are usually rolled out after Samsung's general releases. I don't know about O2, but most carriers add their own customizations, apps, and settings to their phones. They may or may not bother or effect you. There's instructions in the dev section on how to "unbrand" a branded phone. It requires rooting and some time and skill. If you don't want to go though the hassle return the phone and ask for an unbranded one.

Personally, I'd always go for the unbranded option if it's given. The only reason is that when you get your next phone in xx months time, you can sell an unbranded a lot more favourably than a branded one, even when SIM unlocked.
That's the experience I've had, so it's only my opinion.

jjdoctor said:
Today I recieved my SGS2. I bought that online. The seller told me that it is factory unlocked but when I saw the O2 Logo at Startup, I got it that its Branded.
I called the Seller and he said, He will send Unlock Key to me and that will make it Factory unlocked OR If I want to replace, He can send me Factory unlocked.
Guys tell me what to do? Should I change it or Replace it?
Do you think branded phones are better or factory Unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
replace it if given the option. naturally.

johncmolyneux said:
Personally, I'd always go for the unbranded option if it's given. The only reason is that when you get your next phone in xx months time, you can sell an unbranded a lot more favourably than a branded one, even when SIM unlocked.
That's the experience I've had, so it's only my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Seller gives one year warranty, but he says he has to open the seal of the box to confirm that units have all accessories and LCD is not damaged before shipment since he imports those.
How would I know that he has De-branded that phone and sent me again?
If A set is De-Branded, How can I find that it was previosuly Branded..?

More likely that there's something dodgy about your seller.

Stock O2 UK firmware has minor branding .One an O2 boot screen and two minor bookmarks on web browser for O2 .
Original O2 Product code is G|T-I9100KAO2U with CSC KD1O2U.
Debranded means removing original firmware and no way to tell what was their before .Apart from stuff in the box with an O2 label or the O2 Product code on the Box .
jje

What will happen if you return is he will de brand your device hence why he has told you he would have to open to check. That is bull, he should no what stock he has. Your im a sticky situation but i guess it all depends on if you are planning on rooting your device and planning on flashing custom Roms cus if you was then not a alot to worry about, keep what you got or REFUND
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Branded means it has branding on it does not mean it is sim locked .
Factory unlock in this respect suggests that he will unlock the locked to a network so any sim card can be used ..
NOTE OP you have double posted this question which is a waste of everyone's time answering the same question twice .
jje

Question regarding Region Lock

My relative bought an s7 edge for me from Saudi Arabia (I live in India). When I opened the box, the seal said it's locked to Middle East sim cards and I was not aware of that. I then found out that you have to place a 5 min call using a local sim or you could give it to a service centre to get it unlocked. But since it had a defect (Black spot on screen), I gave it to my relative to get it repaired back in Saudi Arabia and also to get the call placed.
He'll be back next week. But my question is, if I ever want to do a factory reset, will I have to place the 5 min call again? I searched the internet for hours but could not get a definite answer. Also do I have to do the same if I flash another country's firmware?
Thanks in Advance

arvindr07 said:
My relative bought an s7 edge for me from Saudi Arabia (I live in India). When I opened the box, the seal said it's locked to Middle East sim cards and I was not aware of that. I then found out that you have to place a 5 min call using a local sim or you could give it to a service centre to get it unlocked. But since it had a defect (Black spot on screen), I gave it to my relative to get it repaired back in Saudi Arabia and also to get the call placed.
He'll be back next week. But my question is, if I ever want to do a factory reset, will I have to place the 5 min call again? I searched the internet for hours but could not get a definite answer. Also do I have to do the same if I flash another country's firmware?
Thanks in Advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before returning the phone to India ask your relative to check if it has actually been unlocked by inserting an Indian sim card into the phone.
Once unlocked you'll never have to be worried about it, the phone works just as any other unlocked phone works. You can change to any other regions firmware or wipe your phone using a pit file it'll not bother you ever again.

Thanks.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3462928
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk