Sim unlocking via firmware flash? - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi its been awhile since i owned a sammy (galaxys2) and ive an opportunity to buy a galaxy s4 really cheap but its locked to another network so i want to no if flashing an unbranded stock firmware removes the sim lock because i forget?
Or if not is there anyway or any of the s3 unlocking apps on the play store work
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Unfortunately changing firmware version does not affect SimLock.
It is stored - as far as i know - along with the IMEI somewhere inside /efs folder on system partition and it is encrypted.
So there is no easy way to unlock the phone for another carrier until some clever developer will work it out.
Unless you have a way to obtain network unlock code from somewhere.
I wouldn't try unlocking apps as they can completely destroy your /efs folder in not designed especially for SGS4

The only thing you'll need will be a sim unlock code which can sometimes be found by using an app (if you're rooted), I unlocked my Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830 with the Galaxy Ace Unlock by Helroz from the Market, so chances are that you'll soon be able to find a similar app that will provide you with the sim unlock code.

Related

How to unlock samsung Vibrant GT-I9000M from canada

Hey Guys
i've samsung Vibrant GT-I9000M from canada
it has froyo 2.2 , build number FROYO.UGKC1
i want to unlock it - sim unlock
i rooted it with superOneClick root
i cant get codes with SGS unlock tools , i tried many approaches but not yet !!!
any one successful method for this model ???
Thanks Alot
app SGS Unlock pro works for me, avail in market
I used the manual method of editing the nv_data.bin file as described here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=761045
The SGS Unlock Pro app mentioned before is also in that thread, and does the same thing, but it is a paid app.
Good luck!
tarreq said:
Hey Guys
i've samsung Vibrant GT-I9000M from canada
it has froyo 2.2 , build number FROYO.UGKC1
i want to unlock it - sim unlock
i rooted it with superOneClick root
i cant get codes with SGS unlock tools , i tried many approaches but not yet !!!
any one successful method for this model ???
Thanks Alot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanting to let you know that there is more than likely a Gingerbread (Android 2.3.3) firmware update for your phone.
If interested then there is more information in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1211939
[I9000M] UGKG3 Available on Kies
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA Premium App
thx Guys ,,
i tried SGS unlock from market but it shows unlock code as : null !!!
also i tried manually search and edit nv_data.bin but i ddnt find it and find bml3.bak
(as other methods says) also tried to search it for SSNV but no success!!
whats is the guranteed methid even if it possible to get back to 2.1 !!
please help me
note: (phone doesnt ask for code when i insert another SIM !!)
Buy the SGS Unlocker from market author Degantboy or something like that.. the paid version 100% works on my phone.... it use to show me unlock code on 2.1 but not 2.2+ but still unlocks my phone.
Run the unlock procedure, reboot phone, shut phone off, place in new sim card, power up phone, if the phone isn't unlocked re-run app with new SIM card and reboot, voila should fix your problem.
Your phone needs to be rooted. and the free versions don't work for me.
you can always just buy the unlock code to unlock the sim restriction.
http://unlockcellphonecode.com/code-for-unlocking-samsung-cell-phone
worked for me.
While we're on this topic, I used one of the free apps back when I had 2.1 to get the unlock code.
I've never used it, but I have the code saved. Now that I have updated to 2.2 and then 2.3, would the code still work?
Hmm another factor is that I must have done that before I had the phone repaired (as the repaired one came back with 2.2). I wonder if whatever board they replaced will have a different unlock code? I guess it might be based on the IMEI? Not sure if that changed or not...
Nv data hex edit. Change a 1 to 0, and permanent unlock. search for instructions, they are on this forum and search really isn't that hard to use.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Guys, once the Bell SGS is unlocked, which networks can it run on? I'm specifically interested in Wind. Can it run on AWS/1700?
Sorry for the slight hi-jack but I can't find accurate info anywhere.
yokocar said:
Guys, once the Bell SGS is unlocked, which networks can it run on? I'm specifically interested in Wind. Can it run on AWS/1700?
Sorry for the slight hi-jack but I can't find accurate info anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must get confused by the T-mobile Vibrant when searching for information. The Bell SGS does not have band 1700, as such, it will not work on Wind. The T-Mobile Samsung Vibrant includes 1700 but does not have band 850/1900.
I used superoneclick to root then purchased SGS Unlock Pro. When I upgraded to GB via Kies, the unlock remained. I had used the app that got the unlock code but when I re-locked my device, the code stopped working.
found that the free version of SGS Unlocker
(Samsung Galaxy S Unlock Tool DaGentooBoy)
and Galaxy S Unlock (by Helroz) don't unlock the i9000m running android 2.3.3
(superoneclick was used for rooting)
sorry couldn't post links
SaxGuyTy said:
found that the free version of SGS Unlocker
(Samsung Galaxy S Unlock Tool DaGentooBoy)
and Galaxy S Unlock (by Helroz) don't unlock the i9000m running android 2.3.3
(superoneclick was used for rooting)
sorry couldn't post links
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used Galaxy S Unlock by Helroz, however in order for it to work, you may have to install/upgrade busybox.
I found the easiest way to do this was to superoneclick, then install titanium backup and make sure it has root access. Then upgrade busybox from within. Then you can use the Galaxy S Unlock to unlock.
i did this on my newer phone, and also on my family member's Galaxy S2 from Bell.
altering nv_data.bin might end in total imei lose if you corrupt it
and please do not pay or purchase full apps to unlock your device !!!!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1360174
ordio said:
I have used Galaxy S Unlock by Helroz, however in order for it to work, you may have to install/upgrade busybox.
I found the easiest way to do this was to superoneclick, then install titanium backup and make sure it has root access. Then upgrade busybox from within. Then you can use the Galaxy S Unlock to unlock.
i did this on my newer phone, and also on my family member's Galaxy S2 from Bell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have a Canadian Bell GS2 with CM9, root, busybox... I'm trying to put a Rogers sim card in it.
I have tried both the Galaxy S Unlock as well as the Galaxy unlock app from Herloz unsuccessfully...
I have tried to run the unlock code generator by feeding it the nv_data.bin, but my GPU is not supported, and I'm not exactly keen on messing up my EFS files.
I was wondering if you guys had any suggestions for me?
Perhaps I could have you guys run the tool with the attached nv_data.bin?
Much appreciated.

[SIM Unlock] Would like to contribute to a SIM unlock tool

Ok so I am going to purchase an unlock code from cellunlocker.net. I have used them for my galaxy s2 skyrocket with success. Now I would like to help out the community by taking a system dump before the unlock and after. If anyone has info on how to do this or what i need to do please let me know. I have no idea how to go about this process. Thanks!
I'm pretty sure the SIM unlock doesn't work like that. Unlike the i9300. The SIM lock / unlock status, settings, etc is stored in other areas. Not in the Android file system. So a system dump comparison between locked and unlocked is pointless.
This would probably be best posted in Q&A
Currently not development
Thanks
FNM

[Q] Need help with Sim Unlock

Hi folks,
I am familiar with the i9500 s4 which I own and mess with. However I also acquired the SGH-I337M model which is locked to the rogers network and I'd like to just unlock the sim.
I ended up just purchasing the unlock code for the i9500 from cell unlocker as it was still early days with the S4 and other methods found on xda weren't working..
Can anyone provide me with a known working guide to sim unlocking this model?
Also, will flashing a custom rom - TW or CM based unlock the sim?
Thanks for any input.
Sent from GT-I9500 Slim rom Alpha 2
croach246 said:
Hi folks,
I am familiar with the i9500 s4 which I own and mess with. However I also acquired the SGH-I337M model which is locked to the rogers network and I'd like to just unlock the sim.
I ended up just purchasing the unlock code for the i9500 from cell unlocker as it was still early days with the S4 and other methods found on xda weren't working..
Can anyone provide me with a known working guide to sim unlocking this model?
Also, will flashing a custom rom - TW or CM based unlock the sim?
Thanks for any input.
Sent from GT-I9500 Slim rom Alpha 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This might be what you are looking for:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2285431
However, others that will post that might not give you this warning...
Read through the entire thread before you touch anything! There are possible risks with the method and you need to read about them so you can make an informed decision about if you want to try it or not. If you choose to not read the entire thread or take precautions, it's up to you.
Searching through the "general" and Q&A forums for "unlock" should show you others threads that you might want to read as well. Good luck.
Oh, and flashing other ROMs will not sim unlock the phone.
Thanks,
All seems like different variations of what to select in service mode.. I tried similar service mode steps with the i9500 and never got anywhere so just bought the unlock code... Will keep digging..
Sent from my GT-I9500 using xda premium

Region Lock Unlocking for i9500 S4

Hello guys,
Does anyone work on unlocking the new Region Lock for i9500 ?
I know some work being done for note3, but what about s4 ?
I'm stuck with a US locked i9500 (outside of US). The "activation" with US sim did not work (it worked in US but once i'm abroad it is locked, but even here works with american sim). I can test things on my phone / provide logs if needed.
thanks,
Im actually also having the same problem. I even tried unlocking through code and using apps,didnt work for me
maybe this works
I haven't tried but you can check these methods.
1. I heard that root is needed together with the app like region lock away.apk by chainfire
2. Further, it seems that purchasing a SIM unlock code not only unlocks the device’s SIM, but also its region.
3. With root explorer navigate to system/csc/customer.xml*file (if you can)
It will contain list of Network Lock fields including one for your country MCC for e.g for Thiland it's MCC is (520) and China MCC (460).You can find your country mcc by googling.
Thailand NetworkLock field in CSC file might look like:*<NetworkLock>520BB</NetworkLock>.
China NetworkLock field in CSC file might look like:*<NetworkLock>460BB</NetworkLock>.
This would help understand what might be the reason for the change in lock state whether it is a change in the regional NetworkLock list in the CSC .
Find your country in which you are in respective mcc code and search in the xml file if you find it delete that mcc code line and save it. But please don't forget to make backup in case if it doesn't work
Tell me if it works otherwise some other person will surely help you guys.
alifarrukhsss said:
I haven't tried but you can check these methods.
1. I heard that root is needed together with the app like region lock away.apk by chainfire
2. Further, it seems that purchasing a SIM unlock code not only unlocks the device’s SIM, but also its region.
3. With root explorer navigate to system/csc/customer.xml*file (if you can)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Tried the RegionAway app v1.3 by chainfire. it was sucessfull but nothing changed. it is still locked. ( the app is designed for note3 as far as i understand)
2. i've heard about many who tried their luck with purchasing codes - it does not work. Also confirmed with unlocksamsungonline.com it wont help
3. my customer.xml does not contain the string "lock". This is probably because i've downloaded and flashed an official version of my local firmware. (thought maybe it will unlock) - it didnt. Also tried to flash older modems - or it does not work completely or still locked.
Also got a comment from unlocksamsungonline.com that "I9500 is Andriod1 model with new EFSv2 security" and is a problem ....
locked
MadCat108 said:
1. Tried the RegionAway app v1.3 by chainfire. it was sucessfull but nothing changed. it is still locked. ( the app is designed for note3 as far as i understand)
2. i've heard about many who tried their luck with purchasing codes - it does not work. Also confirmed with unlocksamsungonline.com it wont help
3. my customer.xml does not contain the string "lock". This is probably because i've downloaded and flashed an official version of my local firmware. (thought maybe it will unlock) - it didnt. Also tried to flash older modems - or it does not work completely or still locked.
Also got a comment from unlocksamsungonline.com that "I9500 is Andriod1 model with new EFSv2 security" and is a problem ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Deleted
Any luck??
I have an S4 GT-I9500 from Colombia, manufactured in Korea, haven't rooted the phone yet, looking for anyone who has region unlocked their phone. Can't unlock from service mode as UMTS is limited. Help Needed desperately
innov8ed said:
I have an S4 GT-I9500 from Colombia, manufactured in Korea, haven't rooted the phone yet, looking for anyone who has region unlocked their phone. Can't unlock from service mode as UMTS is limited. Help Needed desperately
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eventually i found a guy with Z3X box and he unlocked it in 3min by pushing "Unlock" button on his laptop

[Q] UNLOCK Samsung GT-I9500?

hi guys (and girls
i have Samsung GT-I9500 that kindly ask for sim unlock code.
i have seen device can be unlock via service mode (which i can't really get in to , i tried few roms , also rooted but always got menu not exists)
1. how can i unlock it ?
2 which rom/modem will enable me to operate the service mode menu (on i9500 noti9505)
this is my first thread , and i deeply search this forum before i post it
highly appreciated!
Yhali,
You'll need to downgrade to Android 4.2.2 in order to do this, if you're not already on 4.2.2.
Root using CF-Autoroot.
Install RegionLock Away and run it.
That should remove your SIM lock. Then install the current ROM for your device, twice.
GT-I9500 SIM network unlock PIN
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
You'll need to downgrade to Android 4.2.2 in order to do this, if you're not already on 4.2.2.
Root using CF-Autoroot.
Install RegionLock Away and run it.
That should remove your SIM lock. Then install the current ROM for your device, twice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have tried it with no luck , still get
"SIM network unlock PIN"
i have android 4.2.2 (see attached picture)
Can u please advise ?
RegionLock Away may not work for the 9500. I have a 9505, so I can't give you any insight into what is or isn't happening. If however, it doesn't work, then you may have no choice but to purchase an unlock code. Especially if the Service Menu trick isn't working for you either.
Yup, if the service menu trick isn't working, you will need to purchase an unlock code.
GT-I9500 SIM network unlock PIN
abhishek1234321 said:
Yup, if the service menu trick isn't working, you will need to purchase an unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes , region lock doesn't work.
does anyone was able to unlock GT-I9500 ?
(which modem will give me access to service mode) ?
Thanks!
Yahli.

Categories

Resources