Database Users

[Q] truth about the bootloader

I've read elsewhere that the new S4 bootloader has locked.
Can someone verify this?
How does it affect the usage of the device?(i.e CM,AOSP etc)

So far only on the AT&T and Verizon models.
They'll have root for now but no custom recovery/roms.

ChronoReverse said:
So far only on the AT&T and Verizon models.
They'll have root for now but no custom recovery/roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want to know a bit more about it...I've got the I9505 model,which is definately not AT&T or Verizon.
But it's not confirmed yet,isn't it?

hunhool said:
I just want to know a bit more about it...I've got the I9505 model,which is definately not AT&T or Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AT&T and Verizon bootloader is locked, which will restrict flashing roms and kernels but not root for those devices until the bootloader is unlocked. The international versions seem to be not locked so that does apply to all the octa versions.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

short story: the international isn't the carriers are
effect on dev gives them a extra work to do

inlineboy said:
The AT&T and Verizon bootloader is locked, which will restrict flashing roms and kernels but not root for those devices until the bootloader is unlocked. The international versions seem to be not locked so that does apply to all the octa versions.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any simple way to find out whether is locked or not?

hunhool said:
Is there any simple way to find out whether is locked or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't sadly. People were saying if you boot into download mode and it said Write Protection: Enabled that the bootloader was locked, as is the case for atnt and verizon, but the it says the same thing for sprint and our bootloader does not seem to be locked- it's a bit more complicated to actually know and I don't have the tech knowledge to explain it as well as someone else probably could. Probably should find others with your exact phone in the forum and just read what they have said cause this has been a huge topic over the last few days that everyone has been asking.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

How to unlock ATT S4's bootloader

Hello everyone, I just get ATT galaxy S4, It is so fancy, but ATT's craps sucks.
Does ATT S4's bootloader already been hack by XDAs?
If so, how to unlock it?
I just have the TWRP installed in my ATT galaxy S4, could I flash customized ROM and customized kernel now? Or I have to wait until the bootloader is unlock?

puamystery said:
Hello everyone, I just get ATT galaxy S4, It is so fancy, but ATT's craps sucks.
Does ATT S4's bootloader already been hack by XDAs?
If so, how to unlock it?
I just have the TWRP installed in my ATT galaxy S4, could I flash customized ROM and customized kernel now? Or I have to wait until the bootloader is unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you should search or look in the developers section

Dude you didn't even try to look in the other forums
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Search is your friend.
Sent from my GT-N7100

I highly suggest you read...read...and read again
To start you off in the right direction though, read up on Loki as that is our bootloader bypass method...basically anything that has been lokid can be flashed...
But seriously read!!! Don't want to waste a headache and trouble shooting on a soft brick
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
sent from xda app

The Loki thing still has me confused and curious what folks think... I've been through many of flashes and had good and bad issues over the years but unsure how I feel about flashing up a ATT S4. I've been leaning towards getting a Tmobile S4 with a unlocked bootloader and getting that unlocked since I feel like it will be a bit more bulletproof. Is that paranoia or is Loki close enough to a unlocked bootloader that I can basically do everything with as little risk as would be expected with normal device flashing?

puamystery said:
Hello everyone, I just get ATT galaxy S4, It is so fancy, but ATT's craps sucks.
Does ATT S4's bootloader already been hack by XDAs?
If so, how to unlock it?
I just have the TWRP installed in my ATT galaxy S4, could I flash customized ROM and customized kernel now? Or I have to wait until the bootloader is unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS INFO IS EVERYWHERE! READ MAN. useless thread here serious.

hey there bud, sorry everyone feels the need to repeatedly tell you to search instead of ending the thread with an explanation. im also sorry everyone else feels like this information is readily available, when its the furthest from that. you will require some digging and deduction skills to acquire all the information needed to fully utilize the loki function.
Since att took it upon themselves to lock the bootloader, the kernel has to be properly provisioned before it will allow it to boot (if the kernel is not set up correctly, you will receive an error about unapproved software on the device and will have to restore sans odin....yuck), so our awesome drjbliss and the infamous adamoutlers have provided a tool called "loki" which will allow bypassing of the locked bootloader and allow us to run the custom firmware.
please ensure that whatever ROM you are running has been previously provisioned with loki, or you are flashing a custom kernel that has loki baked in. Alternatively, there is an auto loki tool floating around called "loki doki" that can be flashed after any ROM to pre-loki it before boot.
You can PM me with any specific questions, and all you trolls should learn to help instead of complaining. In the amount of posts it took to complain about the OP not searching, it would have only taken one post to clarify and then this thread would have simply got buried.
---------- Post added at 06:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:09 AM ----------
Screwbal said:
The Loki thing still has me confused and curious what folks think... I've been through many of flashes and had good and bad issues over the years but unsure how I feel about flashing up a ATT S4. I've been leaning towards getting a Tmobile S4 with a unlocked bootloader and getting that unlocked since I feel like it will be a bit more bulletproof. Is that paranoia or is Loki close enough to a unlocked bootloader that I can basically do everything with as little risk as would be expected with normal device flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Loki is close enough to an unlocked bootloader, no worries my friend. Flash away and enjoy!

So, if my phone is unlocked and rooted, do I still need to unlock the bootloader?

ShowMeMo said:
So, if my phone is unlocked and rooted, do I still need to unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? You can't unlock the bootloader. The i337 never had and never will have a bootloader that can be unlocked
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Lol jd
Bored and just browsing my old S4 threads and see you still get a post in a 7 month old thread about bootloaders which was already answered. [emoji19]
Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus using Tapatalk

rugmankc said:
Lol jd
Bored and just browsing my old S4 threads and see you still get a post in a 7 month old thread about bootloaders which was already answered. [emoji19]
Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some things never change. How have you been?. The iPhone still working?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Some things never change. How have you been?. The iPhone still working?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been doing fine jd, thanks. Hope you are too.
Yes, I really like it. Not gonna Jailbreak, but my bank just started accepting Apple Pay. So, going to play with it. Something for an old man to have fun with.
It's just picking up steam as far as number of merchants, so ordered and will mess with the LoopPay FOB where AP isn't used yet. A year ago I would have sworn I would never use this techy stuff for banking. Must be getting soft.

[Q] No unlock for at&t gs4?

My device:
At&t Galaxy S4 (US)
4.2.2 (Google Play Version)
SGH-i337
Baseband: XXXXXXXXMF3
From What I understand, it can't be unlocked for t-mobile and whatnot. I've been searching around today for a couple hours, and doesn't look like there is a working method anymore
When trying through *#0011#, pressing "1" doesn't bring up a second menu; the menu stays the same.
Unlock codes won't work because device is Region locked (I'm in the US)...
That is what I found while searching around today...
Any advice would help. I can't for the life of me find a thread that fits my description. They're all just general gs4 unlock guides from months ago...
Looking around I couldn't find someone actually post this, so I asked. Sorry if its a repeat?

So have you acquired the unlock code to know they don't work.
sent from a I337 MF3 S4

I found a guide to rooting MF3 Not sure if rooting it will help?:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2387577
Will try to root it first....
Then see what changes in the menu...

Click Here To Win said:
I found a guide to rooting MF3 Not sure if rooting it will help?:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2387577
Will try to root it first....
Then see what changes in the menu...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting isn't going to make any difference, but give it a try if it makes you feel better.

If you have a ATT phone you want Sim unlocked than the code you get from ATT will work if you want to use it with
T-mobile. (Same US region)
There is an app on playstore that will region unlock the phone but it is not a Sim unlock app.
sent from a I337 MF3 S4

You mind letting me know what you did, so I can copy your steps?
I'd much rather do that than following the generic guides...

Click Here To Win said:
You mind letting me know what you did, so I can copy your steps?
I'd much rather do that than following the generic guides...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the menu unlock and it was successful for me when I was on MDL.
I'm MF3 now and because I did it before it is permanently Sim unlocked.
Region lock away v1.0 on playstore.if the playstore don't bring it up than Google search it.
sent from a I337 MF3 S4

Yeah, I found out about that one...
It's not a SIM unlock though... So there isn't a way for me to unlock it yet that I've found.

You are rather confusing to me cause the sim and region unlock are the only two things you can unlock on this phone.if you have been talking about unlocking the bootloader than your heading is correct.
" NO UNLOCK FOR S4 "
now even if your bootloader was unlocked it has nothing to do with your sim or region and the ability to use it on a network that's in the same region as your phone currently.
sent from a I337 MF3 S4

Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and Help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

Sorry not trying to sound confusing.
I'm trying to unlock my mf3 Galaxy s4 for t-mobile. in the US. Don't need region unlock. (unless this makes it work on tmobile in the US?)
I've trying unlocking the phone through ATT customer service, but they can't/won't.
That's all I know so far...

U mentioned something about the region.if your phone is the i337 ATT branded/model phone keep calling ATT and lie to them that you need the unlock code for your phone cause you plan on going out of the country on the coolest vacation ever and it is cheaper for you to acquire a foreign sim card and you need the code for the sim to work.
sent from a I337 MF3 S4

I factory unlock phones as kind of a side job and all AT&T servers have changed their unlocking so it's extremely hard if not impossible to get the unlock through AT&T. You can still get a manufacturer unlock but it's pricey.

Ok I'm not understanding this... So if I get Region Unlock from the google play store will it make me be able to use any SIM card inside US?
And also where can I find a manufacture unlock?
And If all else fails is there alternate options?

Click Here To Win said:
Ok I'm not understanding this... So if I get Region Unlock from the google play store will it make me be able to use any SIM card inside US?
And also where can I find a manufacture unlock?
And If all else fails is there alternate options?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its just a region unlock you still have to sim unlock it.
I understand now why its so hard for you to just call ATT for the unlock code cause its not your phone.there is no nifty little trick anymore . someone mentioned a way to mod the system to get the service menu back but it is work.GOOGLE/SEARCH
sent from a I337 MF3 S4

No, i tried calling att several times. They keep telling me I need to have it on contract for 6 months before I can have it unlocked. I dont have that time...
Every other way doesnt work for me...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Thanks that what was I was wondering.... theres got to be a work around for mf3 users....
Id much rather do it through att, but because of their new rules I cant.
Im fairly new to android, accustomed to the easy ios exploiting, so thats why I asked so many things.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Click Here To Win said:
Thanks that what was I was wondering.... theres got to be a work around for mf3 users....
Id much rather do it through att, but because of their new rules I cant.
Im fairly new to android, accustomed to the easy ios exploiting, so thats why I asked so many things.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if all else fails, you can just buy the unlock code.
I've been reading the unlock thread and it seems you can get "Unlock your Galaxy S4" by unlockunit from the play store to unlock it.
Haven't tried it personally as my phone is in the mail...but I'm hoping it is a non MF3 and easy to unlock phone.
A lot to hope for, I know
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2282683

Never mind guy, I got it working wihth unlockunit app.... finally gave in and paid $25 for it......

Good to hear.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

galaxy s4 sgh I337 at&t unlock

Hey there, I have a samsung galaxy s4 sgh-i337 locked to at&t.
I bought an unlocking code from an ebay user.
it doesn't unlock my phone, it writes: "unlock request unsuccesful". I tried to use the defreeze code and then again the network code, still nothing.
I was referred to a guide that suppose to show me the "service mode menu", by entering *#0011# . so service mode goes on when i put that number in the dial pad, but then I suppose to do 'menu key'->'back'->'menu key'->'key input'->'1', but after I do that nothing happens, the service mode menu with all the options doesn't pop up, it stays in the same page of the service mode. somewhere down on the ServiceMode page it writes "Service:Limited". what should I do?

Talk with an at&t rep or chat online and indicate that you will be traveling and want to use this phone there and they'll give u a unlock code..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

sameer1807 said:
Talk with an at&t rep or chat online and indicate that you will be traveling and want to use this phone there and they'll give u a unlock code..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm pretty sure that I already have a code, and in some reason it still doesn't work.. I'll try it anyway. write now they're on holiday.
But still, does anyone here know about a way to make that cranky menu show up?

ncamaa said:
i'm pretty sure that I already have a code, and in some reason it still doesn't work.. I'll try it anyway. write now they're on holiday.
But still, does anyone here know about a way to make that cranky menu show up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try *#197328640#

aLMosT!
khha4113 said:
Try *#197328640#
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it took me directly to the DEBUG SCREEN menu, but I have only 5 options instead of 6. the important option is missing. option number 6, "phone control". is there any direct way to get to that menu? or to make it show the option?

Someone... Help.. please
no Mega genius here that can solve my problem?

same boat here man, this is a new problem since not everyone has 4.3 yet. Att won't even give me the unlock code since they changed eligibility few months ago to "only off contract or fulfilled contract phones." I've read one person saying the eBay unlock code didnt work on 4.3 either. And the only success i've heard is another post here on XDA saying they unlocked 4.3 using the regionlockaway app, but they apparently Odin flashed 4.2.2, did the regionlockaway while the phone had no sound/wifi etc., then Odin flashed 4.3(locked again), then flashed 4.2.2 odin again, regionlockaway'ed, then odin'ed 4.3 again and the unlock stayed. That sounds ridiculous and is not an exact science.
So i'm done with At&t's phone slavery and switching to T-mobile on a nexus till the Xperia Z1 is out. I thought this was the future.

wtfmateim65 said:
same boat here man, this is a new problem since not everyone has 4.3 yet. Att won't even give me the unlock code since they changed eligibility few months ago to "only off contract or fulfilled contract phones." I've read one person saying the eBay unlock code didnt work on 4.3 either. And the only success i've heard is another post here on XDA saying they unlocked 4.3 using the regionlockaway app, but they apparently Odin flashed 4.2.2, did the regionlockaway while the phone had no sound/wifi etc., then Odin flashed 4.3(locked again), then flashed 4.2.2 odin again, regionlockaway'ed, then odin'ed 4.3 again and the unlock stayed. That sounds ridiculous and is not an exact science.
So i'm done with At&t's phone slavery and switching to T-mobile on a nexus till the Xperia Z1 is out. I thought this was the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so what you're saying is that there's no future for these phones?

ncamaa said:
so what you're saying is that there's no future for these phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take your phone to one of the shops which do unlocking using a box. It is possible to do it.

tronac said:
unlocking using a box
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you explain a little bit please? I am not aware of that method
how much do you think they'll take?

If you have another $20.50 go to Myhoian's website it's unlockcode247.com it'll take about a full day or over 12 hours usually but not longer than that he's never failed to unlock any of my phones.

I used region unlock. Unlocked my phone, put in a T-Mobile sim and it didn't asked for a code. Bam unlocked.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

toxicpaulution said:
I used region unlock. Unlocked my phone, put in a T-Mobile sim and it didn't asked for a code. Bam unlocked.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
guys please explain, i'm a noob. what's region unlock? by the way, my phone is a GSM phone.
also, what's unlocking using a box?
and about that unlockcode247 - can they help me if I already got a code from another source?
I am not from the US and I want to use my phone outside of the USA (the phone was bought in the USA and is AT&T locked).

toxicpaulution said:
I used region unlock. Unlocked my phone, put in a T-Mobile sim and it didn't asked for a code. Bam unlocked.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you on MK2?

52me52 said:
Are you on MK2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't really know what do you mean by MK2, but if you meaning my baseband version its MF3 (yes, i know it's bad)

unlock att on mk2
I am currently running MK2 and I am having the same problem as the other guy. I am sure that is what he is on as well. Any ideas on how to get this unlocked?

gsxrchick said:
I am currently running MK2 and I am having the same problem as the other guy. I am sure that is what he is on as well. Any ideas on how to get this unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Cellunlocker.net and it was done in 24hrs. It did cost $29.99. Since I was on MK2 the only way to get it unlocked for free was through my carrier and they would not unlock.

LVGN said:
I used Cellunlocker.net and it was done in 24hrs. It did cost $29.99. Since I was on MK2 the only way to get it unlocked for free was through my carrier and they would not unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My carrier said I was qualified to do the unlock. How are these services? Paying that much money on a limb sounds sketchy and most endorsers seem to be part of the sketchiness. Anyone else have experience using the only sites?

Jeez...

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2597973
I unlocked mine using method 2. You will not have sound until you flash modem back. At least I didn't.
I337 stock, unlocked, rooted

Questions About Bootloader, etc.

I just got my U.S. Cellular s5 (G900R4) a couple days ago on Craigslist for $175 and I've been enjoying it thus far. I rooted it with towelroot just fine, but I'm a bit confused about the state of my bootloader. Is it already unlocked, or do I need to run some program to unlock it? I searched on Google and xda for a while and found nothing about this. I guess the U.S. Cellular model just isn't very popular. I just want to be sure so I can safely flash TWRP and flash some roms without ending up with a borked phone. TouchWiz is so slow compared to my Nexus 5 :/
Sent from my SM-G900R4 using XDA Free mobile app

happyjack96 said:
I'm a bit confused about the state of my bootloader. Is it already unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We don't hear a lot about you USC guys. Given that all of the USC Motorolas, Sony, Samsung, et cetera that I have seen in the past have had locked bootloaders.. I'd bet that yours is too. And I'm confident that a forum search would confirm whether USC continues to lock bootloaders.
I don't have a 900R4 to test, but this dialer code may work -
Dial *#*#7378423#*#*
Then choose Service Info > Configuration
If it says:
Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes <---- this means that your bootloader is locked
Bootloader unlocked: Yes <---- this means that your bootloader is unlocked
I rather doubt that you will find any program to unlock the 900R4 bootloader anytime soon. But you can probably follow the Verizon tutorial for using Safestrap to virtual instance of a custom ROM or TWRP.
.

My phone isn't active on USC yet, so I can't dial anything. I'm just going to assume that I am locked. Safestrap seems like my best option. Thanks!
Sent from my SM-G900R4 using XDA Free mobile app

happyjack96 said:
My phone isn't active on USC yet, so I can't dial anything. I'm just going to assume that I am locked. Safestrap seems like my best option. Thanks!
Sent from my SM-G900R4 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't have to be activated to use the dial code, just open up the dialer and enter the code listed. Good luck.