Three UK (Hutchinson 3G - H3G) and flashing. - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey guys,
I think I've finally settled on the S4 after trying and comparing it to the HTC One yesterday. It just felt far better in my hand and the screen was beautiful.
Now in the UK, as I'm sure many of you guys know (correct me if I'm wrong), but the best contract deal to have for tethering is the One plan by Three.
Unlimited data + tethering, a rare jewel indeed. As to whether they throttle during peak times, well you can't have everything and I haven't found any conclusive evidence to suggest they do so, please link me if I'm wrong here.
Either way, I am limited on my options here, due to my tethering requirements.
However the only thing preventing me from getting a Three phone is the fact that places like Phones4U or Carphone Warehouse either don't stock them or only stock SIM locked versions with branded firmwares for Three phones. Apparently they use a different method of sim locking the device, I can't be too sure what though.
Anyway, so it seems that whichever way I go about it, if I want data, I'll have a sim locked phone (they unlock after 3 months). This doesn't worry me though, what worries me is any restrictions on flashing the device.
I'm coming from an SGS - i9000. A device that seemed unbrickable and flashable every which way, from radio, to kernel, recovery and general software.
I want to know, are there any restrictions on flashing custom kernels, recoveries, modems (radios) or general firmwares that anyone has encountered, or am I safe getting a phone from Three UK (HG3)?
Rant over, sorry .
I have searched the forums and I haven't been able to find definite information.

no restrictions as im on three uk I live in bradford and im running omega rom with adam 1.4 kernel I can assure you no restrictions I don't know about sim lock but in the forum somewere is a guide to sim unlock easy peasy lemin squeezy ... pm me if you need any more guidence or any questions ill be glad to help as much as I can good luck :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium

port76 said:
no restrictions as im on three uk I live in bradford and im running omega rom with adam 1.4 kernel I can assure you no restrictions I don't know about sim lock but in the forum somewere is a guide to sim unlock easy peasy lemin squeezy ... pm me if you need any more guidence or any questions ill be glad to help as much as I can good luck :thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
'Tar very much! That's great news. I had heard rumours there were ways to bypass simlock via software hacks, however I had never really needed to use them. I doubt the sim lock will cause a problem for me. More a case of who I pass it on to!

Astridax93 said:
Hey guys,
I think I've finally settled on the S4 after trying and comparing it to the HTC One yesterday. It just felt far better in my hand and the screen was beautiful.
Now in the UK, as I'm sure many of you guys know (correct me if I'm wrong), but the best contract deal to have for tethering is the One plan by Three.
Unlimited data + tethering, a rare jewel indeed. As to whether they throttle during peak times, well you can't have everything and I haven't found any conclusive evidence to suggest they do so, please link me if I'm wrong here.
Either way, I am limited on my options here, due to my tethering requirements.
However the only thing preventing me from getting a Three phone is the fact that places like Phones4U or Carphone Warehouse either don't stock them or only stock SIM locked versions with branded firmwares for Three phones. Apparently they use a different method of sim locking the device, I can't be too sure what though.
Anyway, so it seems that whichever way I go about it, if I want data, I'll have a sim locked phone (they unlock after 3 months). This doesn't worry me though, what worries me is any restrictions on flashing the device.
I'm coming from an SGS - i9000. A device that seemed unbrickable and flashable every which way, from radio, to kernel, recovery and general software.
I want to know, are there any restrictions on flashing custom kernels, recoveries, modems (radios) or general firmwares that anyone has encountered, or am I safe getting a phone from Three UK (HG3)?
Rant over, sorry .
I have searched the forums and I haven't been able to find definite information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Car Phone Warehouse only supply factory unlocked and unbranded phones, else I wouldn't have bought one
HTH.

RubberyDuck said:
Car Phone Warehouse only supply factory unlocked and unbranded phones, else I wouldn't have bought one
HTH.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true, but not in the case of 3.
When I asked them, they said their three phones were locked to three and not from their unlocked stock.

Astridax93 said:
That is true, but not in the case of 3.
When I asked them, they said their three phones were locked to three and not from their unlocked stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was that in store or on the phone? I ordered over the phone and confirmed with them the phone would be unlocked and unbranded, for which my one is.
Maybe there policy has changed since I bought mine, give them a call Monday and ask the question.

RubberyDuck said:
Was that in store or on the phone? I ordered over the phone and confirmed with them the phone would be unlocked and unbranded, for which my one is.
Maybe there policy has changed since I bought mine, give them a call Monday and ask the question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait so are you on Three? If so, please check if your firmware is a branded one and whether your phone is sim locked. I assume the branded firmware will have some Three apps somewhere.
It's great news if they gave you a fully debranded and unlocked version!

Astridax93 said:
Wait so are you on Three? If so, please check if your firmware is a branded one and whether your phone is sim locked. I assume the branded firmware will have some Three apps somewhere.
It's great news if they gave you a fully debranded and unlocked version!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes my Three phone from CPW is debranded and fully sim unlocked, thats how it came, I havent touched it

Related

Omnia i8000(L) Versions & Unlocking

I have an i8000L coming, I guess it is network locked to TIGO, somewhere in South America. Where is everyone else getting theirs and how are they unlocking it? Anything useful would be appreciated. Thanks.
__________________________
Received.
Confirmed: TIGO - Guatemala (i8000L)
WM6.1
PDA: I8000LUBIH5
CSC: I8000LCGUIH2
PHONE: I8000LWMIH2
I have an "L" too. Mine was unlocked by the operator for free.
Nobody else has an i8000L?
I have a i8000L. I got mine from Bell/Aliant in Canada.
One thing to keep in mind is that when flashing a new ROM onto a i8000L... it's recommended by Rodrigofd at Modaco to ONLY flash the PDA section and leave the CSC, eBoot, and Phone parts alone. Flashing the PDA has almost no risk and I have the original ROM posted here (for backup): modaco.com/category/424/i8000-omnia-ii-gsm-rom-discussion/
You can find more info about flashing on that site. Hopefully XDA can catch up soon
Thanks for your response. I have been looking through the Modaco forums and have noticed that Omnia 2 flashing does look quite different than HTC flashing. This is another reason I'm interested about others i8000L devices. Most people it seems have the phone from Bell.
You'll need to flash that eboot to get additional 5mb of ram released by rom JA5.
BTW. i8000L canadian versions can ONLY be unlocked by Bell at the moment.
That is VERY good to know and explains why I see so many BELL versions sitting on ebay unsold.
eViL D: said:
Thanks for your response. I have been looking through the Modaco forums and have noticed that Omnia 2 flashing does look quite different than HTC flashing. This is another reason I'm interested about others i8000L devices. Most people it seems have the phone from Bell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash the Eboot as well. Actually, I got mine done under JA5's Rom. Using I8000L from Bell and got the 5 extra MB.
eViL D: said:
That is VERY good to know and explains why I see so many BELL versions sitting on ebay unsold.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I was lucky and was able to buy an unlocked one from a local shop here.
Well, got my phone. After poking around a bit, I ordered my unlock code. It will supposedly take 5-7 days, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'll update you all if it worked or not and by whom.
i8000L Bell unlock service
if you do end up getting your phone unlocked please let me know too. Mine is still Bell branded and locked and nobody can help me in getting it unlocked. Even Bell tech support wasn't sure how they could do it since I don't live in Canada....they said to take it in to a service center. It's a long drive from Florida for me
Gordon
You might be SOL for the time being. Why did you buy a locked Bell phone from canada? Bell support is lying if they say they can't do it. They have the codes on hand but not a lot of staff know about it or know how to look for the codes. They just won't give it out if you're not a customer.
I have also a I8000L from the operator ICE Costa Rica with win 6.1. It seems my phone operator doesnt offer an upgrade to win 6.5.
grolsch81 said:
I have also a I8000L from the operator ICE Costa Rica with win 6.1. It seems my phone operator doesnt offer an upgrade to win 6.5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just grab the latest rom from modaco. Instant 6.5.
if anyone finds how to unlock the omnia 2 from bell, please let me know. I really want to buy it and use on rogers...
I should have a response this week from the website I ordered my code from.
Well, I gave it the old college try. I was sent a refund by the website, mobileunlocked.com.
Well, moving on..... I guess I should have just bought an unlocked O2.
ahhhh, that blows was hoping they send you the code and everything worked good, so i can go get my omnia 2 and unlock it also
only way i know is if you are a bell owner is to call up bell. They will charge you 75 dollars but they will unlock the phone.
Also i have read they only do it if you are a bell customer
eViL D: said:
Well, got my phone. After poking around a bit, I ordered my unlock code. It will supposedly take 5-7 days, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'll update you all if it worked or not and by whom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any luck yet? I really want this phone for AT&T's 850MHz band.

SIM Unlock MyTouch (Use of foreign sim cards)

I logged in today and was surprised to see these three new threads about this already well known topic. So I'm going to try to put an end to this by merging all of the "Help me unlock my MyTouch" topics into this one thread and stickie it so that I can just move future posts directly to the trash. So be warned, any future posts regarding SIM unlocking WILL be removed!
The very first rule of the XDA-Developers forum is to search before posting.
So I figure that if this is stickied then there really isn't any excuse whatsoever.
While I'm doing all of this I want to clearify something for all of those that are interested in unlocking their MyTouch.
Currently (as of July 2010) there is no solution for unlocking your MyTouch without first acquiring the Subsidy key for your device.
There are no hardware hacks, software installations or anything like that.
You really only have four options.
Contact your carrier and request it. Most carriers have minimum requirements to be met before requesting. Check with your carrier for additional information.
Use of third party services (go ahead post your success in this thread).
Use of an overlay card. (I have not personally verified this method)
Purchase the device already unlocked.
If you have a successful result then post it in this thread and I'll update this post accordingly.
Please note that myself, other members or the XDA-Developers do not take responsiblity for failed efforts, damage to your device, money wasted or anything else that might make you upset.
Any new posts regarding anything already discussed in this topic will be subject to deletion without warning!
As stated above, I merged three three new topics and moved them to this thread.
I have tried several service and got a code that did not work. (another gave me another set and still didnt work). All had to go the the htc master database to get the code
The phone works on t-mobile but i want to use it in all countries.
And way to unlock the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Phone locked by T-Mobile
Whats the way to unlock network ??
thanx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi All,
I had used the search and found out that all the questions regrading Tmobile HTC mytouch sim unlock were refferd to pay-sites.
Is this true? did non of the forum members das an answer?
and if so, What is the most reliable site for this ?
I got a TMobile htc Mytouch 3g and I can not use it.
(I noticed that other members had said that all TMobile's MyTouch are sim free, well mine is not).
Please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could use something like a TurboSIM. It's a small film-like device that goes between the SIM card and the reader in your phone, forcing your phone to accept it. I don't know if all/any work on android/sapphire so you'd need to get a second opinion before ordering.
The only HTC Sapphires that come unlocked are the 'Google ION'/ADP2 devices, so yes you'll need to buy an unlock code. If you've been with tmo for more than 3 months phone them and say you're going out of the country, they should give you the code. If you're looking for a reputable company for unlock codes, go on eBay, that way you know the testimonials and feedback is real.
I've used SIM unlock services from ebay. Cost about $10 and was fairly painless. Had to try a few different sellers since the others couldn't find the code. HTC master key had to be used in order to get the code for mine, that's why they charged $10 instead of the usual $2-3.
Even at $10, I found it to be a lot cheaper and effective than other website prices.
xdame said:
I've used SIM unlock services from ebay. Cost about $10 and was fairly painless. Had to try a few different sellers since the others couldn't find the code. HTC master key had to be used in order to get the code for mine, that's why they charged $10 instead of the usual $2-3.
Even at $10, I found it to be a lot cheaper and effective than other website prices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info!
i use a overlay card like x-sim and its cheap and effective
blizard80 said:
i use a overlay card like x-sim and its cheap and effective
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that input. Please also include any additional information if you have it available such as:
Product name
Company name
Website
Cost
Device compatibility
and any other information that you might find helpful for the rest of the community.
just the thread i was looking for!
does 3g work if its unlocked? im thinking of giving the phone to my gf because i dont think its worth it to sell.
also, i just canceled my tmo service and its expiring at the end of this month. had tmo for almost a year. do you think theyll give me the subsidy key? and last question, is the subsidy key the imei or is that the real unlock code for it?
thanks
manooti said:
just the thread i was looking for!
does 3g work if its unlocked? im thinking of giving the phone to my gf because i dont think its worth it to sell.
also, i just canceled my tmo service and its expiring at the end of this month. had tmo for almost a year. do you think theyll give me the subsidy key? and last question, is the subsidy key the imei or is that the real unlock code for it?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3G will probably not work for another carrier if that's what you're asking.
If you are no longer a T-Mo subscriber then they will probably not give you the key.
You submit the imei to the unlock service (carrier or whoever) and they use that to look up your devices specific unlock key. Takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few days to get it though.
thanks for the info. sucks that i cant get the code from tmo. i should of gotten it before i told them to cancel my service. ill probably just use this phone for backup or something. i dont feel like i want to part with my first android device lol
root / upgrade locks me back?
I have an HTC Magic from Rogers Canada that I got unlocked as soon as I bought it. I need it unlocked since I am living over 5000 miles away from Canada. Everything is all well and nice now, working on the local carrier 3g and all.
I have been considering rooting the phone or maybe installing an unofficial ROM for a while now, but I never ended up doing it for fear my phone might get locked back to Rogers, rendering it useless for me.
What are the risks of this actually happening? Is the phone unlock a permanent operation, or are there any.types of upgrade or root that could bring the lock back?
Thanks!
adamantivm said:
I have an HTC Magic from Rogers Canada that I got unlocked as soon as I bought it. I need it unlocked since I am living over 5000 miles away from Canada. Everything is all well and nice now, working on the local carrier 3g and all.
I have been considering rooting the phone or maybe installing an unofficial ROM for a while now, but I never ended up doing it for fear my phone might get locked back to Rogers, rendering it useless for me.
What are the risks of this actually happening? Is the phone unlock a permanent operation, or are there any.types of upgrade or root that could bring the lock back?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you unlock the phone for other carriers it stays unlocked regardless of rom.
LOL
Anyway, There was a reason for my posting.
I ended up getting the unlock code from T-mobile and it is the exact number that I got from the unlocking service which did not work in the first place.
So I am wondering if the problem now lies in the fact that I rooted the phone and installed 3rd party rom before I unlocked the phone.
Binary100100 said:
As stated above, I merged three three new topics and moved them to this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SL said:
So I am wondering if the problem now lies in the fact that I rooted the phone and installed 3rd party rom before I unlocked the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way that's the cause...
AdrianK said:
There is no way that's the cause...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only agree. I don't see how that would be possible since the subsidy has nothing to do with the type of spl, radio version or rom.
the unlock code has nothing to be with rom... spl or radio only imei
blizard80 said:
the unlock code has nothing to be with rom... spl or radio only imei
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like something that I had just said.
Success!!
Website: www.unlock2go.com
Cost: $20 USD
Delivery time: instant (even on a Saturday evening at 8:30pm)
Important note: I selected "T-Mobile" as the carrier, and then MyTouch 3G as the manufacturer, NOT HTC. Not sure if this matters, but thought I'd pass along that info.
Good luck!
Edit: So far we have 2 confirmed success cases. Anyone else that uses it please post up - would be nice to confirm reliability for everyone.
Hey Thanks for the site I used them and received the code less than thirty mins
I can also confirm unlock2go.com works! for Mytouch 3g
Sent them my payment 19-08-2010 at 11:40 pm EST and got the code by 11:50 pm !!!! all I can say is wow, it now recognizes my SIM in Colombia.
Tip: I used promo code unlock30 and got $2 off (paid $18).
Help! now that the phone is unlocked I'm stuck because I've got no data plan, and I can't find the way to go to Wifi, or even make a regular call. All the guides I find assume the phone is already working, but my menu, or home keys don't do nothing I get back to the green robot screen.
Any pointers will be greatly appreciated.

Unlocking

This is probably a stupid question but is there an issue with unlocking a Desire HD from Vodafone UK? I was looking for code websites and one for instance said they couldn't supply codes for Desire HDs and Desire Zs etc...
If this is possible are there any recommendations for the UK?
Just ring vodaphone and tell em you wanna use a foreign sim when you go abroad they should give you unlock code
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
I just unlocked mine here in Australia (from Vodaphone).
Maybe there is a similar site in the uk
hxxps://unlock.vodafone.com.au/voila/handsetunlock/self-service.html?method=selectService
Mine was free to unlock.
Now just to work out how to get rid of the Voda bootscreen as my system folder is still read only after perm-root and using Root Explorer.
Cheers
I should add that I'm not a Vodafone customer - bought it from eBay...
Worst case the seller said he could call them up which I though was quite amiable...
I thought all Vodafone handsets came unlocked?
AndyCr15 said:
I thought all Vodafone handsets came unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is. Just tried an o2 SIM, worked perfectly.
chrisa86, please don't think I assume ur dumb but are you certain that it's locked? Because I've been on vodafone for quite some time now and mine always came lock free and happy I read smwr there's even some EU laws now against sim-locking phones that expensive ( correct me if im wrong ).
If after all that's the case, I suggest mancuk29's solution. Call, be nice and charming and they'll give u the unlock code.
gud luck
fitzysx10 said:
I just unlocked mine here in Australia (from Vodaphone).
Maybe there is a similar site in the uk
hxxps://unlock.vodafone.com.au/voila/handsetunlock/self-service.html?method=selectService
Mine was free to unlock.
Now just to work out how to get rid of the Voda bootscreen as my system folder is still read only after perm-root and using Root Explorer.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you have to S-OFF your Desire HD, this will allow you to read/write ALL flash
Maybe a fool question but let's assume that we have got a locked DHD (whether Vodafone or something else) and we could not get unlock code from carrier.
In this case, If we root + S-off + recovery + flash a new rom does this transaction make it unlocked?
No, sorry. SIM lock is very different.
AndyCr15, can u elaborate on that. What animal exactly simlock is?
Sorry, can't elaborate as I don't know how it works. All I can say is SIM unlock usually (always that I know of) has to be done using a code from a site or eBay. It's not part of the ROM.
Wow I did not know that Andy. Thanks for the heads up. So should be stay away from locked version.
bahkata said:
chrisa86, please don't think I assume ur dumb but are you certain that it's locked? Because I've been on vodafone for quite some time now and mine always came lock free and happy I read smwr there's even some EU laws now against sim-locking phones that expensive ( correct me if im wrong ).
If after all that's the case, I suggest mancuk29's solution. Call, be nice and charming and they'll give u the unlock code.
gud luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha... I don't currently have the phone (should come tomorrow) but seller has now found out it isn't actually SIM locked... problem solved.
I did however use a code website to unlock my old G2 Hero so my girlfriend can get away from her old Samsung Jet...
AndyCr15 said:
I thought all Vodafone handsets came unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not in OZ. Mine was definately carrier locked to VHA. I went through the 'online' process and it was free. If I had of rang them on the phone to do it it would have cost me $75.
That's easy money for a company that sells phones to people with no idea, and as they believe, no option - whats online mean ??
prank1 said:
I think you have to S-OFF your Desire HD, this will allow you to read/write ALL flash
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah done all that (new to Android) but still dont have r/w in the system folder. I can live with it though cause my phone is never off. It's summer, I will work on it when I am out of the pool.
Cheers for the response mate.
Now to find reasons to flash a cust ROM ?? other than cause I can. I am liking the ***** just the way she is at the moment. My car goes fast, I still cant work out why my phone needs to go faster than it does..
FITZY
Post deleted.
Cheers
t-mobile UK sent me an unlock code for my DHD in the first week FOC i just asked for one ....

Unlocked Galaxy Note - yes or no?

I am considering buying a Galaxy Note but I have a dilemma so I hope you will be able to help me out with it.
If I decide to buy it I will probably have to buy it through a mobile carrier meaning that I will have to unlock it to run it on a different network. I have someone to do it for me so I don't know what kind of software they will use.
Since I am new to Android, I would like to keep away from the rooting as long as possible so I am talking about stock software here.
Therefore, I would like to ask this:
1) Have any of you unlocked their Galaxy Notes? Are there any side-effects or it feels totally SIM-free?
2) Am I going to be cut-off from the official software updates (ICS and so on?) or it will be totally like a SIM-free experience?
3) Are all the splash screens, apps and other carrier-related stuff gone after the unlock?
Thank you in advance!
This doesn't answer your questions, but why would you buy a carrier phone and use it on another network? Why not buy unlocked?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
If you plan to get the ATT one, I dont think it will get 3G/+ on Tmo. The intenational one I have definitely does not have that band. Unless there is another unlocked version that has those bands. And my international version does not have LTE as well.
And why would you sign a contract with ATT and want to use it on another n/w? Doesnt make any sense whatsoever.
Eborg said:
I am considering buying a Galaxy Note but I have a dilemma so I hope you will be able to help me out with it.
If I decide to buy it I will probably have to buy it through a mobile carrier meaning that I will have to unlock it to run it on a different network. I have someone to do it for me so I don't know what kind of software they will use.
Since I am new to Android, I would like to keep away from the rooting as long as possible so I am talking about stock software here.
Therefore, I would like to ask this:
1) Have any of you unlocked their Galaxy Notes? Are there any side-effects or it feels totally SIM-free?
2) Am I going to be cut-off from the official software updates (ICS and so on?) or it will be totally like a SIM-free experience?
3) Are all the splash screens, apps and other carrier-related stuff gone after the unlock?
Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Europe so I am talking about an international version.
Technically I wouldn't be buying it directly from a carrier, I just wanted to keep the discussion simple. I would buy it from a store but they get it abroad, unlock them and sell them legally. It's the only way I can get it where I live.
Ordering from Expansys or similar sites would mean that I would have to pay import customs which would probably amount to 200-300$ or more.
Where are you from? There are more retailers than expansys
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
I live in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Since it is not yet a member of the EU, you have to pay customs fees for this kind of stuff.
I will be going to the UK in a few weeks and thought about buying it there but that would mean that I wouldn't have any warranty. Most sites do not offer warranty outside the UK or EU. Also, even if I found one seller that offers worldwide warranty, I would still have costs shipping the phone to the UK or wherever and back (still EU issues) if needed.
Buying the phone locally should give me a 2-year warranty so that's why I am thinking about that option.
if you get it sim free fromthe uk then you woudl be paying more than you woudl in say germany - sim free in the uk are about £500+
sim free means it isnt locked to a carrioer that doesnt stop anything regarding updates to ics, you wil lstil lget them just might be at alater date than other countries
unlocking is not the same as debranding which would remove the software and logos etc
mine is sim free whcih i bought on a 2 year contract and it is no different to any other note locked on the networks
Eborg said:
I am considering buying a Galaxy Note but I have a dilemma so I hope you will be able to help me out with it.
If I decide to buy it I will probably have to buy it through a mobile carrier meaning that I will have to unlock it to run it on a different network.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buying it through a carrier does not mean that the phone is locked to that carrier anyway. have you asked your carrier or the store you want to buy from if they sell the Note locked?. my Note is bought from German Telekom/T-Mobile and has no sim or netlock. i just tested the Note with simcards from other German and foreign carrier and they all work flawlessly. so maybe you can purchase a Note at your side that is also sim/netlocked free.
All Galaxy Notes available locally were on foreign carriers. The guy at the store could only confirm that it works will all SIM cards, not that the particular phone had to be unlocked or not, but it was definitely on a foreign carrier when they got it.
I am not sure if the phones are debranded or not. Is that something that I can do on my own without rooting the phone?
So, you guys can officially confirm that unlocked (and optionally debranded) Galaxy Note will act as if they were SIM-free in regards to official updates, apps and so on? No worries there?
As for getting it abroad, it wouldn't be the best solution since I would have to send it to the UK, Germany, Italy or wherever if something is wrong paying 100-200$ of customs fees every time if something goes wrong.
I'd just like to confirm that it is possible to update the firmware automatically with an unlocked Note. Cheers!
Richy99 said:
sim free means it isnt locked to a carrioer that doesnt stop anything regarding updates to ics, you wil lstil lget them just might be at alater date than other countries
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quite.
Also to keep in mind : in the EU, the carrier must agree to unlock phones after at the most 6 months.
And regarding ICS upgrades for the Note, they're apparently fairly messy at the moment. Locally (France) my carrier and the local Samsung branch are apparently more or less pointing at one another for a botched upgrade (at the end of June, note that it was announced as "we're fixing a few things, should be any day now" in March) where they apparently managed to brick a number of user phones. Samsung tends to communicate fairly poorly on the issue.
Other than the updated stylus apps, I'm not really sure the upgrade is worth it. And I discovered the whole "Kies" crud when I got this phone which really annoyed me since I don't normally run Windows (or Mac OS) and some operators apparently like to push their stuff only through that channel.
---------- Post added at 01:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 PM ----------
Eborg said:
I'd just like to confirm that it is possible to update the firmware automatically with an unlocked Note. Cheers!
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Click to collapse
There's no reason why you couldn't. Possibly you'd get the Samsung update instead of the one from the original carrier (not guaranteed). But unlocking phones is fairly standard procedure.
Actually I got an update from the previous carrier from which it was unlocked from judging by the bloatware installed with the update.

Vodafone UK Galaxy S7 Bootloader locked?

Anyone from the UK with Vodafone and a recent Samsung device? Did Vodafone lock the bootloader of that Samsung device? I'm desperately trying to find out if the bootloader on my pre-ordered Vodafone UK S7 Edge will be locked, if it is and can't be easily unlocked I'm sending the phone back when I get it.
I spoke to someone at Vodafone and he claimed it did come locked, but I suspect he was confused with sim lock despite my best attempts to explain the difference. I've seen mention on the PingPong root thread of someone who rooted their Vodafone S6 (here), although I'm not sure that root method required an unlocked bootloader without reading up on it.
I'd really hate to return this phone when I get it, but no way in hell am I paying £40 a month for a phone I can't root.
Didn't really think about boot loader I went with EE but from buymobiles.net so I assume it won't have EE stuff on the phone so won't be locked
Carrier phones like vodafone are locked to the first sim inserted , better get one at carphone warehouse as thats an unlocked version
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
You're confusing sim lock and bootloader lock. I'm taking about the latter.
Tezray said:
Didn't really think about boot loader I went with EE but from buymobiles.net so I assume it won't have EE stuff on the phone so won't be locked
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No yours won't be branded. It is only branded when ordered directly from EE. I wanted to avoid getting it directly from EE but being 90 days away from the end of my contract left me with that being the only option to upgrade. They're also very slow with updates which is the main reason I wanted to avoid getting it direct.
People keep telling me that at least I get wifi calling but that's not something I will ever use as the signal strength is fantastic in my area.
why not cancel and preorder through samsung
Because, unless I go directly through Vodafone, I don't get the 20% employer discount. And over the two lines I have that saves me £480 over 24 months.
Just in case someone manages to get hold of a Vodafone S7 today (I read at least one person on another forum has had theirs delivered) I would appreciate if someone can check this out and let me know. Apparently, if you go into the dev options and the OEM Lock toggle is there and usable, the phone has an unlocked bootloader. Cheers in advance.
I have a voda one turning up today.... Lets see what we get
Beefheart said:
Just in case someone manages to get hold of a Vodafone S7 today (I read at least one person on another forum has had theirs delivered) I would appreciate if someone can check this out and let me know. Apparently, if you go into the dev options and the OEM Lock toggle is there and usable, the phone has an unlocked bootloader. Cheers in advance.
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No, that's just the SE Linux Permissive vs Restrictive toggle. Nothing to do with a locked/unlocked bootloader state.
mathieulh said:
No, that's just the SE Linux Permissive vs Restrictive toggle. Nothing to do with a locked/unlocked bootloader state.
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Incorrect.
http://android.wonderhowto.com/insp...ndroid-even-if-you-dont-plan-rooting-0167840/
I find it ridiculous there doesn't appear to be an east way to discover if a devices bootloader is locked or unlocked. Surely there is an app that can discover this?
Good news by the sounds of it. A few people I know who have the S7 edge from Vodafone have said the bootloader appears to be unlocked.
EE usually lock the load loader too but when I got mine it was unlocked. Result.
Any idea how they discovered this? And how did you know your phone is unlocked? The OEM Unlock toggle apparently isn't an indication it's definitely unlocked.
Beefheart said:
Any idea how they discovered this? And how did you know your phone is unlocked? The OEM Unlock toggle apparently isn't an indication it's definitely unlocked.
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I'm not sure how they knew, they just told me it was unlocked so maybe (like me) they're assuming the OEM unlock toggle means it's unlocked.
Yeah, I don't believe that indicates a definite unlocked bootloader. I'm going to do more digging but I might end up having to keep the phone and hope for the best. The only sure way is to attempt a custom kernel flash or custom recovery, and there is no chance of one of them in the next couple of weeks.
Would be good to know for sure before the 14 day return runs out.
kradcliffe said:
Would be good to know for sure before the 14 day return runs out.
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A few Vodafone UK users on here have confirmed root has been successful. Therefore, it is unlocked.
CuBz90 said:
A few Vodafone UK users on here have confirmed root has been successful. Therefore, it is unlocked.
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Source?
Great, thank you!
Just need to wait for a root that doesn't trip Knox and disables it as well.
CafeKampuchia said:
Source?
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Sure.
Beefheart said:
Finally got round to rooting. Went without a hitch. Kudos to the OP.
Sent from my Vic 20 disguised as a Galaxy S7 Edge
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if you look at his post history you will find he has a Vodafone UK Brandad S7E.
Also, this one too...
downesey said:
I know I'm not the first, but root has been achieved for me on a Vodafone UK phone
besides a nexus device, this has been the most pain free root I've ever done
now to go find those couple of preinstalled apps....
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---------- Post added at 11:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:57 AM ----------
kradcliffe said:
Great, thank you!
Just need to wait for a root that doesn't trip Knox and disables it as well.
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I'm waiting on that too. Although I am now insured so if it's not out soon I will be rooting and using my insurance for any claims if needed.
In my 8 years of owning Samsung Devices, I have only ever had to claim on my warranty once, so fingers crossed I won't need to this time round.

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