Database Users

[Q] Need Expert Answer for Noob Questions

Dear All
I am from UAE & bought Galaxy Tab yesterday. I have inserted my SIM and it is working fine but need to jump into upgrading firmware business
I have read many threads but got confused with the information. Can some expert please answer following :-
1. How can i check that my TAB is Factory Unlocked? I have checked using that *# code and it says all locks are off.
2. If my tab shows me that all locks are off, does this mean it will not get Locked if i upgrade the firmware?
3. I have currently
PDA: P1000JPJJ1
PHONE: P1000JXJJ1
CSC: P1000OJPJJ3
Can you please advice which version from samfirmwares.com i need to take for upgrading it? Currently its Arabic but i dont need Arabic. Can i install Euro version? If yes which one please?
3. Can i root & unlock all available firmwares? Should i root after upgrading firmware or before upgrading?
4. I was an iPhone user. So curious if firmware upgrade will also upgrade baseband and phone can be locked?

zeeshee said:
Dear All
I am from UAE & bought Galaxy Tab yesterday. I have inserted my SIM and it is working fine but need to jump into upgrading firmware business
I have read many threads but got confused with the information. Can some expert please answer following :-
1. How can i check that my TAB is Factory Unlocked? I have checked using that *# code and it says all locks are off.
2. If my tab shows me that all locks are off, does this mean it will not get Locked if i upgrade the firmware?
3. I have currently
PDA: P1000JPJJ1
PHONE: P1000JXJJ1
CSC: P1000OJPJJ3
Can you please advice which version from samfirmwares.com i need to take for upgrading it? Currently its Arabic but i dont need Arabic. Can i install Euro version? If yes which one please?
3. Can i root & unlock all available firmwares? Should i root after upgrading firmware or before upgrading?
4. I was an iPhone user. So curious if firmware upgrade will also upgrade baseband and phone can be locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont have a tab (I may get one)
1) put a sim card in from another carrier
2) should do
3) use the samsung update utility
4) like iOS updates may block the root exploit but if it is factory unlocked then it shouldn't lock the tab
5) there may be baseband updates (my htc wildfire has had 2) and they didn't lock it

Thanks for your reply but one question is Unasnwered. How to ensure that my Tablet is Factory Unlocked before i upgrade?
Putting another sim will not confirm that it is Factory Unlocked as it can be unlocked using methods in this forum and then any SIM can be inserted. Same concept like iPhone... Right?

zeeshee said:
Thanks for your reply but one question is Unasnwered. How to ensure that my Tablet is Factory Unlocked before i upgrade?
Putting another sim will not confirm that it is Factory Unlocked as it can be unlocked using methods in this forum and then any SIM can be inserted. Same concept like iPhone... Right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By factory unlocked do you mean so you flash stuff on it and do upgrades? If so you ll have to look at a rooting guide, they dont.come unlocked like that.
If its sim unlock puttin an other sim will tell you
Sent from my GT-P1000M using XDA App

I understand that to flash firmware and custom rom, i need to root it.
By factory unlock, i mean network unlock. It works with all SIMs now. I dont know if it is Network unlock from Factory or using methods described in these forums.
So concern is that if i upgrade to new or Euro firmware now, will is become network unlock again? If yes can i unlock it again on latest firmware?

zeeshee said:
I understand that to flash firmware and custom rom, i need to root it.
By factory unlock, i mean network unlock. It works with all SIMs now. I dont know if it is Network unlock from Factory or using methods described in these forums.
So concern is that if i upgrade to new or Euro firmware now, will is become network unlock again? If yes can i unlock it again on latest firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Upgrading firmwares wont lock it if its unlocked. It will be in the same lock condition as it was before the update
Sent from my GT-P1000M using XDA App

How to get rid of SIM Unlock hardlock

In the recent days, I was struggling against my XT890 that was hardlocked for sim-unlock by the carrier (it was already hardlocked when I unboxed it).
What I did was the following:
1. Install Motorola drivers (Device Manager)
2. Install RSD Lite
3. In my case, I downloaded a retail brazilian ROM (carrier-free) from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1933308
4. Install an unauthorized SIM card into the phone.
5. Put the phone in Recovery (Power + Vol-down) and flash the ROM with RSD Lite.
6. When the phone reboots, it should ask for the SIM unlock code. In my case, I entered a wrong code and the phone locked again, then I reflashed the ROM and I got another chance.
Disclaimer: even though this process doesn't require you to unlock the bootloader, flashing a ROM is always risky and I will not assume any responsability if you brick your phone or if for some reason your warranty is void after this process. In other words, do it at your own risk! If you don't have a backup of your ROM or a stock fastboot package for your carrier, you will not be able to return to your stock ROM.
Regards

What do you mean by you get another chance ? Do you mean that the hard lock is removed ? If that its the case have you unlocked it with unlock codes ?
Sent from my XT890 using xda app-developers app

SiberiusX said:
What do you mean by you get another chance ? Do you mean that the hard lock is removed ? If that its the case have you unlocked it with unlock codes ?
Sent from my XT890 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
That's right. However, I have to say that I have tested it with the mexican Telcel version, and I've seen other people having the same result that I got, since we didn't unlock the bootloader, you shouldn't have issues with the warranty.
However, we haven't tested it with other versions, so you can take it as a resource, but I cannot guarantee that it will work for you...
Regards

Hello,
I didn't get how you managed to unlock an hardlocked XT890. I did flash the brazilian retail rom on a eu hardlocked xt890 and it didn't remove hardlock nor accepted the right code. Then flashed back to eu stock rom but simlock just persisted to stay.

Well,
It's weird, I unboxed my Razr I and it was already "hardlocked", indicating I had to wait for the penalty timer. After I installed the brazilian retail via RSD, I got another chance, but I messed up with the code, so it locked again with the same message. I reflashed and then I was able to enter the unlock code. I have to say that I used a ROM that resets the phone data (there are also service upgrades that don't delete user data). Maybe that could be a reason. My phone is the mexican Telcel version, I have seen another person having success with this procedure with the same version, don't know if there are limitations on the european versions, but it shouldn't be.
Maybe if you do a factory reset before flashing? Did you use RSD Lite 6?
Regards
Semseddin said:
Hello,
I didn't get how you managed to unlock an hardlocked XT890. I did flash the brazilian retail rom on a eu hardlocked xt890 and it didn't remove hardlock nor accepted the right code. Then flashed back to eu stock rom but simlock just persisted to stay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

bootloader unlock allowed: No with factory unlock SIM

Hello everyone.
Yesterday I bought my Z1 factory unlock SIM in a store. The box with the phone was perfectly sealed. Anyway, the first thing I wanted to do is unlok the bootloader. When I try, I realize that getting into the mobile me menu appears bootloader unlock allowed: No.
I have contacted Sony and they say I need the SIMlock (number of unlock) and of course this does not have it and the operator said that neither does.
This may be so, or have cheated me in the store and sold me a mobile unlok for them?
What I can do? No way to get the number SIMlock?
Thank you.
Greetings.
PD. Sorry my bad English.

I think you getting confused. SIMlock have nothing to do with Bootloader.
SIMlock is a SIMlock from you provider, that means if you brought you phone from Vodafone, you can use Vodafone Sim only from them on your phone. But like I can see is not your case because, like you said, your phone is SIM Unlocked, that's mean unbranded.
Bootloader is that part of you device which allow you to flash your phone or root it. In your case if there is Bootloader Unlock Allowed: NO, that mean you can't unlock you bootloader. There is no way to unlock it. And you should search on XDA first.
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2576948
What you can do with Locked Bootloader;
Root your phone, Flash Custom or Stock Roms, Flash Stock Kernels.
What you can't:
Flash Custom Kernels.
For the rest of the part search on XDA.

BoRoU said:
Hello everyone.
Yesterday I bought my Z1 factory unlock SIM in a store. The box with the phone was perfectly sealed. Anyway, the first thing I wanted to do is unlok the bootloader. When I try, I realize that getting into the mobile me menu appears bootloader unlock allowed: No.
I have contacted Sony and they say I need the SIMlock (number of unlock) and of course this does not have it and the operator said that neither does.
This may be so, or have cheated me in the store and sold me a mobile unlok for them?
What I can do? No way to get the number SIMlock?
Thank you.
Greetings.
PD. Sorry my bad English.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is kind of an off-topic, but how did you contact Sony? Email?
I'm also having a bootloader-lock issue similar to yours, but my phone is actually SIM-locked and I need to know how to proceed with my operator to be able to unlock it.

eclyptos said:
I think you getting confused. SIMlock have nothing to do with Bootloader.
SIMlock is a SIMlock from you provider, that means if you brought you phone from Vodafone, you can use Vodafone Sim only from them on your phone. But like I can see is not your case because, like you said, your phone is SIM Unlocked, that's mean unbranded.
Bootloader is that part of you device which allow you to flash your phone or root it. In your case if there is Bootloader Unlock Allowed: NO, that mean you can't unlock you bootloader. There is no way to unlock it. And you should search on XDA first.
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2576948
What you can do with Locked Bootloader;
Root your phone, Flash Custom or Stock Roms, Flash Stock Kernels.
What you can't:
Flash Custom Kernels.
For the rest of the part search on XDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, thank you very much for responding.
The concepts have very clear, I come from a Xperia Z I bought right out. I had understood that to unlock the bootloader has to be mobile factory unlock or unlock if you have the attendant need to contact Sony to enable you to unlock the bootloader.
That condition must be met in order to unlock the bootloader with the traditional system?
Like I said it quite well how this works, I've had HTC's. The problem is that without the bootloader unlock AOSP I forget which I love. :silly::silly::laugh:
Emannxx said:
This is kind of an off-topic, but how did you contact Sony? Email?
I'm also having a bootloader-lock issue similar to yours, but my phone is actually SIM-locked and I need to know how to proceed with my operator to be able to unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I contacted Sony Spain via chat. Then I attended a girl who told me what I have to do.

Emannxx said:
This is kind of an off-topic, but how did you contact Sony? Email?
I'm also having a bootloader-lock issue similar to yours, but my phone is actually SIM-locked and I need to know how to proceed with my operator to be able to unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SIM unlock?
I had SIM lock...that's not problem.
Just check could your phone be SIM unlocked and if yes - order SIM unlock number from Internet.
There's million web pages and you'll receive your code in a day or two.
Sent from my Z1

BoRoU said:
That condition must be met in order to unlock the bootloader with the traditional system?
Like I said it quite well how this works, I've had HTC's. The problem is that without the bootloader unlock AOSP I forget which I love. :silly::silly::laugh:.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to say but if your Bootloader Unlocking Allowed saying NO you can't unlock you bootloader, So no AOSP, CM11 or PACMAN.
Read the part 2. Link: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions
I come from HTC too but is not the same with Sony, they made this more complicated.

eclyptos said:
Sorry to say but if your Bootloader Unlocking Allowed saying NO you can't unlock you bootloader, So no AOSP, CM11 or PACMAN.
Read the part 2. Link: http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/instructions
I come from HTC too but is not the same with Sony, they made this more complicated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is: people are reporting that this "bootloader unlocking allowed: no" is done by the operator/carrier, in my case, Vodafone and they have means to change the "status" in order for it to be enabled. I've read reports of other xperia users saying that through the official support channels it's possible to send the phone to Sony with the SIM-unlock code and they'll unlock everything.
Also, in Portugal theres a new law implemented in 2010 that goes like this:
You can always unlock your device from the operator: if you're on a contract, you have to pay the remaining months entirely. If your device is at least 2 years old, you don't pay anything.
If you're not on a contract, you pay the difference of the unlocked-version price with the price you paid for locked-version device - say, I paid 250€ for my locked Xperia L, the unlocked xperia L at the time I bought mine costed like 279€, i'd have to pay 279-250 = 29€ to unlock my device.
Also with this law, there's a National Communications Authority (ANACOM) which controls everything related to communications in Portugal, I'm going to contact them and report this "double lock" that's being applied by Vodafone, because I'm pretty sure that, if I unlock my phone, they're forced by law to remove every restriction on it.
I don't lose anything on trying to fight back with everything I got so... that's what I'll do.

Emannxx said:
The thing is: people are reporting that this "bootloader unlocking allowed: no" is done by the operator/carrier, in my case, Vodafone and they have means to change the "status" in order for it to be enabled. I've read reports of other xperia users saying that through the official support channels it's possible to send the phone to Sony with the SIM-unlock code and they'll unlock everything. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is something what clarified the situation. So this Lock on bootloader is done by the operator and there is a Double Lock on the phone Z1, SIM-Lock and Bootloader Lock.
And both can be unlocked?
But what have SIM-unlock code to do with Bootloader?

eclyptos said:
This is something what clarified the situation. So this Lock on bootloader is done by the operator and there is a Double Lock on the phone Z1, SIM-Lock and Bootloader Lock.
And both can be unlocked?
But what have SIM-unlock code to do with Bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely nothing.
They are different things

eclyptos said:
This is something what clarified the situation. So this Lock on bootloader is done by the operator and there is a Double Lock on the phone Z1, SIM-Lock and Bootloader Lock.
And both can be unlocked?
But what have SIM-unlock code to do with Bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm not sure. The SIM-lock is the basic thing the operators do in order to prevent users from switching to another one, but now they also apply the bootloader-lock in order to prevent users from installing modified-unnoficial software.
Sony might request the SIM-unlock code in order to "prove" that the phone has been released, thats my best guess. I don't really know if it is somehow related to the bootloader-unlock. But since it is a restriction applied by the operator, once I request it to be unlocked, I literally asking for the full access to the device... which can only be obtained by unlocking the SIM and unlocking the bootloader

Emannxx said:
I don't really know if it is somehow related to the bootloader-unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has nothing to do with the bootloader unlock!!!

I bought my first Z1 phone (i've got it replaced under warranty) branded and sim-locked, but the bootloader was ALLOWED to unlock.
So - i think sim-locking and not allowing the bootloader to be unlocked, are two DIFFERENT things.
p.s. - however, i think it's worth trying that request in Portugal law. There's nothing to lose.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

gregbradley said:
It has nothing to do with the bootloader unlock!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I thought.

So what conditions have to have a phone to bootloader unlock allowed: YES?
What a difference one bootloader unlock allowed: YES and another bootloader unlock allowed: NO??

BoRoU said:
So what conditions have to have a phone to bootloader unlock allowed: YES?
What a difference one bootloader unlock allowed: YES and another bootloader unlock allowed: NO??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader Unlocked: You can flash Custom Kernels, Bootloader Locked: You can't flash Custom Kernels, Stock Only but you can flash Custom Roms and be rooted.

Well. I gonna tell you what i did in spain. I got a Phone from movistar with the status to unlock bootloader set to "no". I ask to my provider for the sim-unlock code and I got it. I sended to sony an email "[email protected]" requesting to change this status. To certified that my phone is free i add the sim-unlock code, my imei, phone number and device model. After a week or two they answered to me with this:
In connection with an inquiry number 1-9......., we inform you that we will proceed to pick up your phone for the release of the bootloader of your phone.
For this we need you to contact us by phone to ask for the information needed to program the day of collection of the terminal.
Our phone hours are: 902 180 576 Monday to Friday, 9 to 19:30 hours uninterrupted.
Once you receive your terminal you will be able to unlock the Bootloader and make the process of "unlock" the bootloader, this operation could void the terminal as shown in the web http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com

My case
In my case, I'm survieving with a HTC Wildfire S because Sony has taken my Z1 to change from "NO" to "YES".
Mine was from Vodafone and after SIM-Unlocking I realized I can't unlock bootloader. I contacted Sony in Spain and they asked my about my IMEI and NCK code (SIM Unlocking code).
A week later they called me saying that they would pick my Z1 to "unlock" it and 3 days ago they pick it up.
I miss my Z1.
Regards,
Urko

eclyptos said:
Bootloader Unlocked: You can flash Custom Kernels, Bootloader Locked: You can't flash Custom Kernels, Stock Only but you can flash Custom Roms and be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, what happens once I unlock it clear and I did with my old Xperia Z.
What is not clear is I have the phone in order to unlock the bootloader or not based.

I hope you succeed in getting an allowed bootloader-unlocking phone.
However, i'm curious if Sony will return you such a device, with the same IMEI as you originally had. Please keep us informed about that.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I hope not to have to send it to Sony. If I can not solve this surely return the phone and buy it somewhere else.
Yet if I make the process of sending you the story.

Cannot root or unlock bootloader

I just bought Xperia X Compact in Japan, phone's carrier is NTT Docomo. (model SO-02J)
I tried *#*#7378423 , but it shows "bootloader unlock allow : NO"
then I tried ADB , but I cannot use commands like "su" , "root" . It shows : /system/bin/sh: su: not found :crying:
What can I do now to root this phone?
Or maybe I should buy a new phone that is global-version,simfree ?
I need help !

I think you cannot root without unlocking bootloader...
Maybe Kingroot...but I'm not sure...

Rikanotank1 said:
I just bought Xperia X Compact in Japan, phone's carrier is NTT Docomo. (model SO-02J)
I tried *#*#7378423 , but it shows "bootloader unlock allow : NO"
then I tried ADB , but I cannot use commands like "su" , "root" . It shows : /system/bin/sh: su: not found :crying:
What can I do now to root this phone?
Or maybe I should buy a new phone that is global-version,simfree ?
I need help !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can not do anything if the bootloader is not allowed to unlock.
No bootloader unlock, no root, custom recovery (twrp), roms, etc.
What does the OEM Unlock switch in developer options say? if there is one? greyd out maybe with some explanation below?
A possible solution is to look for the F5321 model of this phone (sim free international) as I can see in xperifirm that only 1 provider (NTT DoCoMo) is tied to the SO-02J and they are also well behind with updates.

Theoretically you can use exploits in the system to gain root, but for this you need a vulnerable stock firmware. You can flash an older firmware even with locked bootloader, as long as it is stock. But I would strongly advise against permanently downgrading to a vulnerable firmware, you might not be the only one to exploit it . On that firmware, you could install root software that does not touch the kernel, but the use is limited for customizations and also realize that the whole community here revolves around unlocked phones, so all guides etc. expect that.
Hope you still enjoy your phone or find somebody else who does Not everybody cares about root and custom ROMs, I suggest you resell. If you get another model, as suggested, buy a F5321. Even branded ones, bootloader is unlockable and you remove the branding with flashing another (stock or custom) ROM.

ypnos42 said:
Theoretically you can use exploits in the system to gain root, but for this you need a vulnerable stock firmware. You can flash an older firmware even with locked bootloader, as long as it is stock. But I would strongly advise against permanently downgrading to a vulnerable firmware, you might not be the only one to exploit it . On that firmware, you could install root software that does not touch the kernel, but the use is limited for customizations and also realize that the whole community here revolves around unlocked phones, so all guides etc. expect that.
Hope you still enjoy your phone or find somebody else who does Not everybody cares about root and custom ROMs, I suggest you resell. If you get another model, as suggested, buy a F5321. Even branded ones, bootloader is unlockable and you remove the branding with flashing another (stock or custom) ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much !

Rikanotank1 said:
Thanks very much !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you succeed?

H918 Carrier Unlocked - Factory reset - Keep Unlock

Just got my H918 T-Mobile Unlocked from an Ebay Seller. The good news is that it is on 10k, so I can downgrade and enjoy the twrp and root awesomeness! Just one thing: Will I lose the carrier unlock after I factory reset or flash another rom? (Sim unlock works as it should and I did not have to do anything with the T-Mobile Device Unlock app, which was preinstalled)

tweengr said:
Just got my H918 T-Mobile Unlocked from an Ebay Seller. The good news is that it is on 10k, so I can downgrade and enjoy the twrp and root awesomeness! Just one thing: Will I lose the carrier unlock after I factory reset or flash another rom? (Sim unlock works as it should and I did not have to do anything with the T-Mobile Device Unlock app, which was preinstalled)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't think you will but I would still check around first

I have checked around. Probably will not lose the unlock. Maybe someone else has been in the same situation. I have to make sure.

Not sure if I'm answering your question right but t mobile has the obligation to unlock fully paid off phones. So if the device is fully paid off and something happens you can call t mobile again to unlock it.

Update: Unlocked bootloader, installed custom rom, never lost sim unlock.

tweengr said:
Just got my H918 T-Mobile Unlocked from an Ebay Seller. The good news is that it is on 10k, so I can downgrade and enjoy the twrp and root awesomeness! Just one thing: Will I lose the carrier unlock after I factory reset or flash another rom? (Sim unlock works as it should and I did not have to do anything with the T-Mobile Device Unlock app, which was preinstalled)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I also have a locked H918, can you suggest the ebay seller so that I am able to use the phone

No you will not lose your unlock. Once unlocked it's for good.