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[Q] AT&T S4... Switch to T-mobile S4

I Have the AT&T S4... should I switch to T-mobile S4? (bootloader issues)... I want to make the move before I can no longer return my AT&T S4... any thoughts? I know the AT&T S4 would tend to have more going on in terms of roms and development, but even well known devs are saying stay away from this version... seems like they dont think it's gonna happen soon at all.

From what I read on the T-Mobile forums they are still trying to figure out if the bootloader is locked like ours
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

t2abousa said:
I Have the AT&T S4... should I switch to T-mobile S4? (bootloader issues)... I want to make the move before I can no longer return my AT&T S4... any thoughts? I know the AT&T S4 would tend to have more going on in terms of roms and development, but even well known devs are saying stay away from this version... seems like they dont think it's gonna happen soon at all.
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right there with you, i've got 13 more days to return-no-questions-asked, just a little butt-hurt i already traded my lovely GS2 in :crying: should have kept that little sucker around until all this washed over. I would go over to HTC One, as it is developer-friendly, but i just can't bring myself to a non-reparable design as these USB ports at the bottom go after time, no swapable batt, and missing micro SD card (love having my pics there in case phone dies, while it's not the ultimate in security, it's at least a small form of backup). Also, the added screen real estate i think is the perfect phone size.
Really hoping the TMob version can be SIM swapped, might not make it to my return date to get confirmation on this....boo

I am thinking of going HTC one. Cant afford to wait a year for potential screw up where Samsung releases an unlock. There will be no unlock for boot loader u less Samsung or somebody working there leaks it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Can anyone link me to the tmobile forum for this phone? Can't seem to find it lol

Questions go in Q&A
Thread moved

Get out while you still can
SENT FROM MY LTEVO

Apparently the t-mobile bootloader is unlocked, read the third paragraph
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/official-and-confirmed-att-galaxy-s-4-is-bootloader-locked/

crt60 said:
Apparently the t-mobile bootloader is unlocked, read the third paragraph
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/official-and-confirmed-att-galaxy-s-4-is-bootloader-locked/
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Figures... now to see if I can buy the T-mobile version without having a t-mobile line. At&T and Verizon dont allow it. Anyone know if they will let you?

t2abousa said:
Figures... now to see if I can buy the T-mobile version without having a t-mobile line. At&T and Verizon dont allow it. Anyone know if they will let you?
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This site claims to have the unlocked US T-Mobile S4 available for pre-order. I have no experience with them, but they are mentioned several times in the S4 forums.
http://negrielectronics.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=s4#.UYDASknD_IU
...and for $70 cheaper than the AT&T unlocked S4!

scott14719 said:
This site claims to have the unlocked US T-Mobile S4 available for pre-order. I have no experience with them, but they are mentioned several times in the S4 forums.
http://negrielectronics.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=s4#.UYDASknD_IU
...and for $70 cheaper than the AT&T unlocked S4!
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Nice, thanks! My concern is that they are probably talking about sim unlock which is possible on At&T already, I wish we had someone who owns a t-mobile S4 and can confirm an unlocked or unlockable bootloader.
EDIT: Looks like according to the t-mobile forum theirs is unlocked bootloader. Im hoping we can just get the bootloader unlocked by then but if not.. plan B!

t2abousa said:
Nice, thanks! My concern is that they are probably talking about sim unlock which is possible on At&T already, I wish we had someone who owns a t-mobile S4 and can confirm an unlocked or unlockable bootloader.
EDIT: Looks like according to the t-mobile forum theirs is unlocked bootloader. Im hoping we can just get the bootloader unlocked by then but if not.. plan B!
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Wasn't your original question about where to buy a T-Mobile S4 without having a T-Mobile line? If so, that site claims to have them. If you are planning on using the T-Mobile S4 on AT&T networks it will need to be sim unlocked. Otherwise, I'm not sure why you are looking to buy a T-Mobile S4 without having a T-Mobile line. As far as the bootloader goes, AT&T is locked, T-Mobile is not, but that has nothing to do with a T-Mobile phone on an AT&T line? Maybe I am just not understanding what you are looking for?

[Q] Unlock Contract Phone AT&T

Hi, I recently bought a Samsung S4 from AT&T (sgh-i337) with 2 years contract and I wanted to know if I can unlock the sim carrier lock to use it outside the US, Im going to Italy for 3 weeks and I want to buy a sim over there since At&t's international plans are expensive, if its possible to unlock it wil I have any problems with at&t? I heard they usually block the phone.

stewe95 said:
Hi, I recently bought a Samsung S4 from AT&T (sgh-i337) with 2 years contract and I wanted to know if I can unlock the sim carrier lock to use it outside the US, Im going to Italy for 3 weeks and I want to buy a sim over there since At&t's international plans are expensive, if its possible to unlock it wil I have any problems with at&t? I heard they usually block the phone.
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Try this method:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2285431
or this method if the first one didn't work
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41580940&postcount=18
if both don't work use ebay, you'll find plenty of sellers that unlock the device for as low as $3.00. I got mine unlocked on ebay and i'm using it on a overseas LTE network with no problems whatsoever.
Hope this helps
For a better visual guide see this
http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-sim-unlock-samsung-galaxy-s4-gt-i9505-for-free/

stewe95 said:
Hi, I recently bought a Samsung S4 from AT&T (sgh-i337) with 2 years contract and I wanted to know if I can unlock the sim carrier lock to use it outside the US, Im going to Italy for 3 weeks and I want to buy a sim over there since At&t's international plans are expensive, if its possible to unlock it wil I have any problems with at&t? I heard they usually block the phone.
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Call AT&T and tell them you are going out of country. Sometimes they will give you an unlock code. Sometimes you have to try a couple of times (call and talk to different people). Sometimes they won't give you a code. If you try the "hidden menu" unlock, be careful, it can mess your phone up...read through the thread completely.
Best thing to do, if AT&T doesn't give you a code is to try one of the online sites such as cellunlocker.net.
Good luck.

scott14719 said:
Call AT&T and tell them you are going out of country. Sometimes they will give you an unlock code. Sometimes you have to try a couple of times (call and talk to different people). Sometimes they won't give you a code. If you try the "hidden menu" unlock, be careful, it can mess your phone up...read through the thread completely.
Best thing to do, if AT&T doesn't give you a code is to try one of the online sites such as cellunlocker.net.
Good luck.
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Hmm all right Im going to try with the hidden menu method, but they won't block my sim (at&t), the phone or anything like that because of the 2 years contract?

stewe95 said:
Hmm all right Im going to try with the hidden menu method, but they won't block my sim (at&t), the phone or anything like that because of the 2 years contract?
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They have no way to know if the phone is sim locked or not. They don't even car if you turn it off or use it on another carrier. As long as you pay your bill and are not abusing unlimited data (if you have it) - they leave you alone. They just want the monthly fee for 2 years.

I recently called ATT and was told that I would have to wait 90 days before they could give me unlock code. I didn't try again but have read about people being successful at getting code from ATT.

stewe95 said:
Hmm all right Im going to try with the hidden menu method, but they won't block my sim (at&t), the phone or anything like that because of the 2 years contract?
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Good luck. The "Hidden menu" unlock has worked for many. However, if it doesn't work for you or if it screws your phone up in some way please do not make another thread about it. Several threads already exist that you can get information from others that tried it and screwed their phones up...just search for them. Of course, it won't do you any good because I haven't seen people find away to undo the damage (unable to unlock at all, worse reception, etc...). Hopefully, you won't need to search for them.

I used the hidden menu tutorial and can tell you it works perfect if you follow the direction right. I tested it with a t mobile sim and it worked also tried a European Vodafone and worked because I'm also going to Europe for 5 weeks.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

milicigoran said:
I used the hidden menu tutorial and can tell you it works perfect if you follow the direction right. I tested it with a t mobile sim and it worked also tried a European Vodafone and worked because I'm also going to Europe for 5 weeks.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
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It worked perfect for you but it doesn't work for everyone. Telling people it WILL work for them if they follow the directions right is misleading and dangerous. How do you know it WILL work for him? It is well known that people have followed the directions right and it did not work. It is also known that people have messed their phones up using the method. Can you guarantee that the "Golden backup" on his phone eliminates the network locks? How do you know the "Golden backup" on his phone won't lock his ability to use a sim-unlock code for ever...or worse?
Maybe it will work for him (it has for many), maybe it will not, but it IS HIS RISK and there are no guarantees, It is arrogant to suggest something will work for everyone just because it worked for you. Especially when it has been documented time and time again that it does not always work regardless of the directions followed. Are you are saying that everyone it didn't work for didn't follow the directions right?

[Q] Anyone using a t-mobile s5 on at&t?

I've got the AT&T s5 and I love it, but I'd love it MORE if I didn't have to worry about the locked bootloader. I'm tempted to get a Tmobile s5 and root that. Is anyone actually using a Tmobile s5 on AT&T service and if so, how good are the data speeds, is there anything that you can't do with the Tmobile on AT&T, for instance does surfing the web during a phone call work or not, that kind of thing. I very much appreciate any info on this. I know other Tmobile phones are working OK but I need to know obviously about the s5 in particular.
I do know that I will need to get an unlock code for it, no problem there, I do plan to install custom ROMs on it as well.

kettir said:
I've got the AT&T s5 and I love it, but I'd love it MORE if I didn't have to worry about the locked bootloader. I'm tempted to get a Tmobile s5 and root that. Is anyone actually using a Tmobile s5 on AT&T service and if so, how good are the data speeds, is there anything that you can't do with the Tmobile on AT&T, for instance does surfing the web during a phone call work or not, that kind of thing. I very much appreciate any info on this. I know other Tmobile phones are working OK but I need to know obviously about the s5 in particular.
I do know that I will need to get an unlock code for it, no problem there, I do plan to install custom ROMs on it as well.
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i think the answer is yes: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2730273

..

fffft said:
Yeah, there might be one or two. Thousand. Minimum.
G900T = G900A + two extra bands
Baseband works fine on either system
Lots of existing threads on the subject too
.
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LOL

[Q] Galaxy s4 switching carriers

Hi guys, new here. Used the place a lot when i needed help, then decided to make a account.
Anyway, i couldnt find a Straight Talk galaxy s4 specific forum so i figured the main s4 forum is where i should post this.
I have 2 Straight talk galaxy s4's i bought new, and im currently in cricket. Well i need to replace my old CDMA s4 with a new GSM one. The straight talk s4's i got are the ATT tower versions. Now, when i put a att or gsm cricket sim in, they say invalid sim. But read att sims fine. If i put the straight talk or gsm cricket sim in a att phone.. Theyre read fine. Which i dont understand. So my question is, can i flash a ATT stock touchwiz rom to them via odin to make them read the att and cricket sim's? Id just try it but dont want to brick them, figured i would ask first in case somebody already tried.
Both phones are identical. Specs are:
16gb black Straight talk galaxy s4
Model No: SM-S975L(GP)
Android 4.3
Touchwiz, un rooted, brand new barely even been powered on.
Thanks!

Current Straight Talk S4 units use T-Mobile towers, not AT&T. Flashing a new ROM won't make them read the SIM cards you're trying to use, and for the Straight Talk S4 will likely hard brick it. Your phones need to be carrier unlocked, which only Straight Talk, at their discretion, can do. As multiple users here have discovered, purchasing an unlock code does not permanently unlock the S4 and half the time doesn't even work.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Current Straight Talk S4 units use T-Mobile towers, not AT&T. Flashing a new ROM won't make them read the SIM cards you're trying to use, and for the Straight Talk S4 will likely hard brick it. Your phones need to be carrier unlocked, which only Straight Talk, at their discretion, can do. As multiple users here have discovered, purchasing an unlock code does not permanently unlock the S4 and half the time doesn't even work.
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Thanks for the reply!
I didnt think it would work but figured it couldnt hurt to ask. I'll contact straight talk, however from what ive hward they usually wont unlock phones. But, ill try. Thank you!

At&t sim unlock help

Is there any way I can sim unlock this phone without At&t? I got this phone as a birthday gift from my dad (who got it second hand from a friend) but when I try to unlock it for use with Sprint (I flashed the international ROM) I get something about not being able to unlock because the finances haven't been paid. Is there any way I can get past this? Or any way I can connect to Sprint either way? Or am I stuck with a bricked phone?

Have you tried a 3rd party unlocking service through Google or ebay? I think XDA maintained a list at one point...no idea if they still do.

You can try on a service like [URMod Edit
But, note that even if you unlock it, you will not be able to use it with a Sprint card because att devices are GSM whereas Sprint is a CDMA one.
GSM phones can be unlocked and switch carriers, whereas CDMA carriers use network-based white lists to verify their subscribers. That means you can only switch CDMA phones with your carrier’s permission.

RossTeagan said:
You can try on a service like https://www.unlockunit.com/
But, note that even if you unlock it, you will not be able to use it with a Sprint card because att devices are GSM whereas Sprint is a CDMA one.
GSM phones can be unlocked and switch carriers, whereas CDMA carriers use network-based white lists to verify their subscribers. That means you can only switch CDMA phones with your carrier’s permission.
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But are there any free services? I can pay but I mean it would be more convenient to have it done free

savagevegeta said:
But are there any free services? I can pay but I mean it would be more convenient to have it done free
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It's always more convenient to have it for free. I would take that anytime! But I am not sure you can find any free services. And if you find any, they might be limited in their ability to unlock it.
The only free way I can imagine a free method is to try to 'hack' your device. But you must be tech savvy and know what your doing.

RossTeagan said:
It's always more convenient to have it for free. I would take that anytime! But I am not sure you can find any free services. And if you find any, they might be limited in their ability to unlock it.
The only free way I can imagine a free method is to try to 'hack' your device. But you must be tech savvy and know what your doing.
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Yeah, I'm not willing to mess with this otherwise perfectly good S7! Do you know any cheaper yet functional services? I wouldn't want to throw the last bit of cash at scammers

savagevegeta said:
Yeah, I'm not willing to mess with this otherwise perfectly good S7! Do you know any cheaper yet functional services? I wouldn't want to throw the last bit of cash at scammers
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hacking and playing with its software or OS is an option. Not the best one tho :laugh:
You can try on a service like the one I mentioned above. give it a try

RossTeagan said:
hacking and playing with its software or OS is an option. Not the best one tho :laugh:
You can try on a service like the one I mentioned above. give it a try
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Hehe, but that service is 30 dollars. 30. For a phone my dad spent around 400 dollars for, I doubt he'd lend me the money for the service if it's 30... I'll search for one that's around 20 or 10, maybe a physical unlock service so I'm sure. Now, tell me more about playing with the OS. Do you think I can unlock it like that?

I don't know of any free ways to sim unlock.

savagevegeta said:
Now, tell me more about playing with the OS. Do you think I can unlock it like that?
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I can't get into technical details. But if you start playing with the OS without knowing what you're doing, you risk making your device unusable.
So, regardless of what unlocking service or repair service you use, make sure they are pros.

There's no free services other that having att unlock it themselves. And Att will only do it if your out of contract and fully paid up on you bill.
I recently just unlocked my att s7 a couple days ago using "Android Sim Unlock" for only 18.90. That was the cheapest i found and got my unlock code the next day(even though they said it can take up to 5 business days)
Worked perfectly. Im not using my att s7 with a tmobile sim card.

Phillyrider807 said:
There's no free services other that having att unlock it themselves. And Att will only do it if your out of contract and fully paid up on you bill.
I recently just unlocked my att s7 a couple days ago using "Android Sim Unlock" for only 18.90. That was the cheapest i found and got my unlock code the next day(even though they said it can take up to 5 business days)
Worked perfectly. Im not using my att s7 with a tmobile sim card.
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Is that a website? If you had success then looks like I can give it a try at least

RossTeagan said:
I can't get into technical details. But if you start playing with the OS without knowing what you're doing, you risk making your device unusable.
So, regardless of what unlocking service or repair service you use, make sure they are pros.
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A remote unlock with a code is always your best bet.

andykit said:
A remote unlock with a code is always your best bet.
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Thanks bro. Even the best technical guys can screw up a phone's OS, and if you're not "familiar" of the complexity of the device. Leave it to the experts/websites who know what they are doing.

FWIW AT&T lets you use sim locked phones through MVNO carriers as long as they're on ATT's network. For instance a locked Galaxy S7 from ATT will work with Cricket Wireless, H20 etc, since they use ATT towers.