Database Users

got my new s4 today and I dont even want to use it :(

I got my S4 today, rushed home to open the package really excited to come straight onto xda and root it, as I need to run arliberator app in my car and also titanium backup to get all my data over from my old galaxy.
Now I see that i cannot root it because of Knox and that even though it is unlocked after kkitkat I wont be able to use my foreign sims when i am abroad which i always do as roaming costs are extortionate!
well my S4 has sat here all day switched off and I don't even want to switch it on, its a useless brick as far as i'm concerned i am hugely disapointed and really wish I had bought the Z1 or even the old xperia z instead of this SamDung

maybe you are one of the lucky ones with an old boot loader .if your firmware is older than mgg like ending with mga you can root without voiding your warranty .

iamflamez said:
I got my S4 today, rushed home to open the package really excited to come straight onto xda and root it, as I need to run arliberator app in my car and also titanium backup to get all my data over from my old galaxy.
Now I see that i cannot root it because of Knox and that even though it is unlocked after kkitkat I wont be able to use my foreign sims when i am abroad which i always do as roaming costs are extortionate!
well my S4 has sat here all day switched off and I don't even want to switch it on, its a useless brick as far as i'm concerned i am hugely disapointed and really wish I had bought the Z1 or even the old xperia z instead of this SamDung
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Click to collapse
Are you not still within a cooling off period if youre not happy and want to return it for a refund?
I wouldn't rush out to get the Z1 either as there appear to be issues unlocking the boot loader as in the below link. Ive also had HTC devices were it was nearly impossible to gain s-off (having to perform a wire trick to apply an engineering hboot). If you check the HTC One forums there are people on a recent hboot who are unable to s-off as its been locked down by HTC, which can cause headaches when trying to flash certain ROMs.
The reality is Samsung just isn't making devices specifically catering for people who like to modify/flash custom stuff. If you want full control of your device with an easily unlockable boot loader, then get a Nexus.
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/unlocking-sony-xperia-z1-bootloader-breaks-camera/
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

2 questions:
1) What is your firmware? Old firmwares can be rooted fine
2) Even if you have knox, you can still root. You just lose your warranty. Are you ok with that?

nwsk said:
2 questions:
1) What is your firmware? Old firmwares can be rooted fine
2) Even if you have knox, you can still root. You just lose your warranty. Are you ok with that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on MH8 4.2.2 so i'm affected before i even had a chance to set up my phone, I didnt buy it on a contract and i cant return it now.
Of course I am not willing to void the 2 year warranty on an expensive phone this new, no way!
The xperia boot loaders don't need to be unlocked to flash modded/custom roms if they come off a sony base rom so it's all good, better camera waterproof and a dev friendly company
so now then...Anyone want to buy this S4 from me?

iamflamez said:
I'm on MH8 4.2.2 so i'm affected before i even had a chance to set up my phone, I didnt buy it on a contract and i cant return it now.
Of course I am not willing to void the 2 year warranty on an expensive phone this new, no way!
The xperia boot loaders don't need to be unlocked to flash modded/custom roms if they come off a sony base rom so it's all good, better camera waterproof and a dev friendly company
so now then...Anyone want to buy this S4 from me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much $$$
Sent from my GT-I9070 using xda app-developers app

iamflamez said:
I'm on MH8 4.2.2 so i'm affected before i even had a chance to set up my phone, I didnt buy it on a contract and i cant return it now.
Of course I am not willing to void the 2 year warranty on an expensive phone this new, no way!
The xperia boot loaders don't need to be unlocked to flash modded/custom roms if they come off a sony base rom so it's all good, better camera waterproof and a dev friendly company
so now then...Anyone want to buy this S4 from me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do realise that even if you didn't have the locked down Knox firmware, you'd still be voiding the warranty, regardless of if you used an app like Triangle Away, right? That's the risk everyone takes when rooting.
You've basically just come on here and opened a new thread to whine about something the vast majority of us already know about.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4

warranty is a fiction it dont protect against software bug bricks as there is no chance that you permanently brick your phome that way. it also dont protect for physical damages and water effects. if something is wrong service tell that is your fault anyway. so dont bother about warranty and root it
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2

JonesWTF said:
You do realise that even if you didn't have the locked down Knox firmware, you'd still be voiding the warranty, regardless of if you used an app like Triangle Away, right? That's the risk everyone takes when rooting.
You've basically just come on here and opened a new thread to whine about something the vast majority of us already know about.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm rooting does not void your warranty. At least not here in Finland. The company is responsible for proving that the cause for say a hardware defect was indeed caused by the software and not an error on their part if the phone for some reason breaks down. They usually don't bother and just repair it under warranty.

JonesWTF said:
You do realise that even if you didn't have the locked down Knox firmware, you'd still be voiding the warranty, regardless of if you used an app like Triangle Away, right? That's the risk everyone takes when rooting.
You've basically just come on here and opened a new thread to whine about something the vast majority of us already know about.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well FYI I've had to take a phone in to samsung for warranty before and it was really easy to flash back to stock and then take in in under warranty, this is now not possible so I hope nothing goes wrong with your phone otherwise you'll be the one whining

damador said:
warranty is a fiction it dont protect against software bug bricks as there is no chance that you permanently brick your phome that way. it also dont protect for physical damages and water effects. if something is wrong service tell that is your fault anyway. so dont bother about warranty and root it
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there has been issues before on previous samsungs with usb connectors stopping charging, phone randomly switching off etc and who knows what might wear out on the S4 as its still pretty new, I'd rather not take the risk, also if you come to sell your phone and the buyer sees your warranty is void it will make your phone harder to re sell on

iamflamez said:
Well FYI I've had to take a phone in to samsung for warranty before and it was really easy to flash back to stock and then take in in under warranty, this is now not possible so I hope nothing goes wrong with your phone otherwise you'll be the one whining
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already accepted the risk. If something happens, it'd be very hypocritical of me to whine about something I knew could and did happen.
I know how easy it is to flash back to stock and hide evidence of it being rooted and customised. I've been doing this since the G1.
You won't find me opening a thread when I don't like something. Especially when it could have been prevented by doing a little research before buying the phone.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4
---------- Post added at 10:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:20 AM ----------
Toss3 said:
Umm rooting does not void your warranty. At least not here in Finland. The company is responsible for proving that the cause for say a hardware defect was indeed caused by the software and not an error on their part if the phone for some reason breaks down. They usually don't bother and just repair it under warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here in the UK, it's kind of the same. Yet companies here will still try and point the finger of blame at custom software when it's clearly a hardware fault.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4

JonesWTF said:
I've already accepted the risk. If something happens, it'd be very hypocritical of me to whine about something I knew could and did happen.
I know how easy it is to flash back to stock and hide evidence of it being rooted and customised. I've been doing this since the G1.
You won't find me opening a thread when I don't like something. Especially when it could have been prevented by doing a little research before buying the phone.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4
---------- Post added at 10:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:20 AM ----------
Here in the UK, it's kind of the same. Yet companies here will still try and point the finger of blame at custom software when it's clearly a hardware fault.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well hopefully my whining will help someone doing a little research to notice the issue then, you're now whining about me whining so lets leave it here lol

iamflamez said:
well hopefully my whining will help someone doing a little research to notice the issue then, you're now whining about me whining so lets leave it here lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahaha! I realised that when I hit the post button. Sorry, bro.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4

JonesWTF said:
Hahaha! I realised that when I hit the post button. Sorry, bro.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha! no problem bro, :good:

Email from AT&T - unlock the bootloader

This is a copy of an escalated email sent to me from at&t
Good afternoon Chris,I do apologize but we do not have a way to unlock the bootloader.**Regrettably, this is not possible with AT&T.* I apologize for any*frustration this issue has caused.If you have further questions regarding this issue, please contact our*Technical Support department at*1-800-331-0500.Sincerely,***Audi ByrdAT&T National Solution Centers
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Raiderman said:
This is a copy of an escalated email sent to me from at&t
Good afternoon Chris,I do apologize but we do not have a way to unlock the bootloader.**Regrettably, this is not possible with AT&T.* I apologize for any*frustration this issue has caused.If you have further questions regarding this issue, please contact our*Technical Support department at*1-800-331-0500.Sincerely,***Audi ByrdAT&T National Solution Centers
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not trying to be disrespectful or anything, but I thought this was a well known fact for ATT units?

Um yes they are. I am trying to get it unlocked though. They have the power to unlock it, they are just denying that they cannot do anything about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Raiderman said:
Um yes they are. I am trying to get it unlocked though. They have the power to unlock it, they are just denying that they cannot do anything about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious as to why you think they will do it for you if they made the decision to request the manufacturers lock the bootloader across the board?
Of course they can or how could they push an updated rim or firmware? But again... why would they do it simply because you sent an email?
I think we are stuck waiting on the devs to find a workable exploit buddy. Shucks cause this phone is a beast even on stock. I can only imagine how it will be when we get root. I will most likely just disable some of the crop and stay stock. With the different launcher replacements I don't really feel the need to flash roms. But that's just me.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I have 3 lines of service with them, and I will cancel all of them, and I purchased the note 3 outright. So I figure I would start a Support ticket to see if I can make anything happen. Verizon and HTC succumbed to development pressure with the rezound, and was able to get s-off
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

This is quite disappointing. Picked up the note 3 today, but considering perhaps to return it. I need to at the least have root.
It's sad because the phone is quite impressive.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app

geekasso said:
This is quite disappointing. Picked up the note 3 today, but considering perhaps to return it. I need to at the least have root.
It's sad because the phone is quite impressive.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, I may be returning it as well. Hardware is second to none, but doesn't hold a candle to the note 2 in aesthetics. I need at least root, to even think about keeping it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I'm not sure why people are acting so surprised. There are many users that never root a phone and are perfectly happy. Att caters to these users and don't really care if a few lines here and there are canceled because they won't unlock the bootloader. They probably see it as a liability because of bricked phones, returns, and warranty claims. I'm sure there are other factors as well. You knew before getting the phone the bootloader was locked, so why did you buy it? Plus, did you really think a csr from Att would actually know the steps to take if they would tell you?

wttisme said:
I'm not sure why people are acting so surprised. There are many users that never root a phone and are perfectly happy. Att caters to these users and don't really care if a few lines here and there are canceled because they won't unlock the bootloader. They probably see it as a liability because of bricked phones, returns, and warranty claims. I'm sure there are other factors as well. You knew before getting the phone the bootloader was locked, so why did you buy it? Plus, did you really think a csr from Att would actually know the steps to take if they would tell you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to look at the even bigger picture. AT&T and VZW control about 75% of the Fortune 1000 in the U.S. BYOD is a big deal right now. Companies don't want insecure devices on their networks. If not controlled through technology detecting and limiting it then through terms in employment agreements making it a "termination for cause" event for employees that willfully violate the policy. VZW, AT&T, and Samsung could give two caps about "enthusiasts" (us) when compared to the wireless revenue they receive from large corporations who want Knox and locked bootloaders. So If all 5M XDA members and two of their friends boycotted all three they'd lose single digit percentages compared to their corporate revenue streams. Sorry ladies and gentlemen, we drew the short straw.

BarryH_GEG said:
You have to look at the even bigger picture. AT&T and VZW control about 75% of the Fortune 1000 in the U.S. BYOD is a big deal right now. Companies don't want insecure devices on their networks. If not controlled through technology detecting and limiting it then through terms in employment agreements making it a "termination for cause" event for employees that willfully violate the policy. VZW, AT&T, and Samsung could give two caps about "enthusiasts" (us) when compared to the wireless revenue they receive from large corporations who want Knox and locked bootloaders. So If all 5M XDA members and two of their friends boycotted all three they'd lose single digit percentages compared to their corporate revenue streams. Sorry ladies and gentlemen, we drew the short straw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most definitely. More and more enterprise users are going Apple and Android and those areas are more profitable than modding. I'm happy with being able to disable some bloat right now.

With all due respect, what is all the yammering about? This is, by far, the finest piece of cellular technology to date. If it takes time to exploit it, so be it. How could a phone with these specs be a disappoinment to anyone? There's nothing a good launcher can not fix for the time being. In the meantime, enjoy your portable powerhouse.
"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice"
Sent from my Galaxy Note 3, Using XDA Premium.

Locked bootloaders are the first step towards becoming apple. Android is not supposed to be "locked" down. The mere fact that carriers are dictating android policy is sickening. Apple gave carriers no choice, and as far as enthusiasts go?? They are the ones that have put android where it is today. To stifle such development is a huge step in the wrong direction.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Raiderman said:
To have to wait for an exploit like apple users is absolutely ridiculous. If I wanted a ****ing iphone, I would have bought one, and NO, I did not know the bootloader would be locked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So buy another phone without a locked bootloader? If you would've done your research, you would have known that the bootloader is locked rather than coming on here and starting yet another useless thread trying to get the bandwagon rolling with how AT&T sucks and this and that. It's the responsibility of the consumer to know what they're purchasing. I don't feel sorry for your obviously impulse purchase. It's pretty incredible that so many adults on here start pointing fingers and complaining when the finger should be turned around and pointed at themselves...
I see you have a Donate to Me button next to your name, which implies that you provide some sort of help to the community that warrants a donation. Why not put that implied help to use and help find a solution rather than creating more backlash?

Raiderman said:
Locked bootloaders are the first step towards becoming apple. Android is not supposed to be "locked" down. The mere fact that carriers are dictating android policy is sickening. Apple gave carriers no choice, and as far as enthusiasts go?? They are the ones that have put android where it is today. To stifle such development is a huge step in the wrong direction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android is the tail for Google, not the dog. Google makes money on content sales and advertising which is why Android exists in the first place. What Samsung's done to Android (mutating the user experience [EG: the pervasiveness of TW]) is far worse than bootloaders being locked. So don't blame the carriers or OEMs for where Android is today; blame its owner who prostitutes it out to drive sales in the parts of their business that really matter. Google's "don't be evil" mantra still holds true (to a degree) but it's been replaced with "whatever it takes to make lots of money." Google's not the kind benevolent God people on XDA make them out to be.

Greetings all, hate to be a buzz kill, the discussion in here looks good so far, but I did clean a post that had masked profanity as it is still considered profanity.
Also, to the OP, perhaps a more detailed title for the thread would be appropriate?
Thanks folks, please remember to contribute respectfully!

Raiderman said:
Um yes they are. I am trying to get it unlocked though. They have the power to unlock it, they are just denying that they cannot do anything about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, they don't have the power to unlock it. They can only allow Samsung to provide an unlock solution. AT&T can do a SIM unlock for you on their own system. Unlocking the bootloader is a much more complex operation that they can not do remotely. Samsung could sell a developer unlocked version, like they did for the S4. That is the much more likely than AT&T selling an unlocked version.

Wow. Way to start a rage war.
I love my locked note 3 with warranty intact. Have no need to unlock it.
I have a love hate relationship with touch wiz and currently I'm in love lol.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk 4

dr.W said:
Actually, they don't have the power to unlock it. They can only allow Samsung to provide an unlock solution. AT&T can do a SIM unlock for you on their own system. Unlocking the bootloader is a much more complex operation that they can not do remotely. Samsung could sell a developer unlocked version, like they did for the S4. That is the much more likely than AT&T selling an unlocked version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I know this, but you would need at&t's blessing, and I have received that I will now be in contact with Samsung with the go ahead from at&t. Every phone has unlock code built in, there is no thousands of dollars that are spent to create such a code. The argument that some people make of enterprise/ business users creating the demand for locked boot loaders is crap. Their argument is that they are the main segment of the carriers bread and butter, and shipping a phone locked down benefits at&t, is bs. The locked boot loader is not directed at them, but us. The very few units that are returned because of bricks DOES not affect at&t's bottom line
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

So now my efforts will be directed at Samsung, I will have my unlocked boot loader!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

You need to be patient.. the Devs will figure it out..they always do
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda premium

[Q] China S4 clone

I have a china s4 clone that won't connect to the mobile network for more than a couple of seconds. What tells me that it's not a hardware fault (antenna) is that it does connect for a few seconds at 3 bars but continuously cycles between signal / no signal / airplane mode. I have bought heaps of phones from china, i'm not sure what to make of this. I have rebooted and even done a factory reset. I have an old virgin sim in it (5 years old) and it seems to find the optus network fine and put in the relevant APN. I have even changed the APN to virgin specific stats. (it had a lot of issues with old data on the sim such as logs/sms, deleted them when in my old phone and now it's fine and doesn't bother me with the input tag message.) I could go get my newer sim cut down to fit but I thought I would ask in xda first.
it also keeps saying restricted access changed in the top bar when it does this cycling, another reason i think the antenna is fine. this is really depressing me.

i'm thinking it is a problem with the sim, if the newer sim works i'll post here and let the next person with this issue know

knifey_au said:
i'm thinking it is a problem with the sim, if the newer sim works i'll post here and let the next person with this issue know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XDA don't give support to clones

Joku1981 said:
XDA don't give support to clones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, it's a totally different phone..

It's likely to be using a MediaTek SOC probably a MT6589(T) but you can confirm using something like System Info Droid.

JohnnyInBriz said:
It's likely to be using a MediaTek SOC probably a MT6589(T) but you can confirm using something like System Info Droid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well this thread has been moved twice so don't blame me if it's in the wrong section
it's supposed to be MTK6589 quad core 1.6ghz
all i can get from system info apps is, armv7 rev0 v71
no. cores: 4
max frequency 1890mhz
instruction set armeabi-v7a

The point is, the only people who are going to be able to give you anything remotely resembling help are the people who bought the same device as you, which will be obviously based on their experiences with the device. 99.9999% of people who read/post here have genuine Samsung devices, and are going to be giving you questionable guesses at best.
If you want help here, you're going to need to be really patient.

MistahBungle said:
The point is, the only people who are going to be able to give you anything remotely resembling help are the people who bought the same device as you, which will be obviously based on their experiences with the device. 99.9999% of people who read/post here have genuine Samsung devices, and are going to be giving you questionable guesses at best.
If you want help here, you're going to need to be really patient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the more guesses the better i mean, i've heard reports of people having very similar issues with genuine s4's actually. things like, sim card not making proper contact and also the "IMEI" was not on the telco's whitelist (apparently a blacklist isn't secure enough for them). I am very patient and i've had loads of help on XDA with china phones. the only thing i don't need is condescending asses that think they are better than everybody because they can afford to spend hundreds on "brands".

knifey_au said:
the more guesses the better i mean, i've heard reports of people having very similar issues with genuine s4's actually. things like, sim card not making proper contact and also the "IMEI" was not on the telco's whitelist (apparently a blacklist isn't secure enough for them). I am very patient and i've had loads of help on XDA with china phones. the only thing i don't need is condescending asses that think they are better than everybody because they can afford to spend hundreds on "brands".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S4 Clons are so different from original s4 as HTC one from LG G2 is... So why did you choose this forum instead HTC one forum or a Nokia forum?
Anyway, if you are really sure your issue is the same issue as some original s4, i would suggest to open a new thread explaining again your problem and this time don't write you have a s4 clon. People will give you ads thinking it is a original s4, and if you were right you will not brick your clon if anyone suggest you something incompatible to your clon. But consider this: if you brick your phone because doing anything compatible to our S4 but not to your clon, you will be the only responsible.
Enviado desde mi GT-I9500 usando Tapatalk 2

Actually, you completely missed my point OP (as I expected you would). My point was, why should anyone fumble around & waste their time helping you when you're dopey enough to buy a knockoff device you obviously have no clue how to troubleshoot if something goes wrong ?
I haven't & won't.
Because there are enough people who do the right thing & buy genuine devices to help here without helping bozos who buy devices from 'manufacturers' (term used loosely) who break god knows what international trade laws & violate who knows how many patents by making these things.
That was my point.
Your point about the cost of genuine devices was bull****. Plenty of manufacturers make great devices with tons of features at price points well below the S4/other similar devices.

MistahBungle said:
Actually, you completely missed my point OP (as I expected you would). My point was, why should anyone fumble around & waste their time helping you when you're dopey enough to buy a knockoff device you obviously have no clue how to troubleshoot if something goes wrong ?
I haven't & won't.
Because there are enough people who do the right thing & buy genuine devices to help here without helping bozos who buy devices from 'manufacturers' (term used loosely) who break god knows what international trade laws & violate who knows how many patents by making these things.
That was my point.
Your point about the cost of genuine devices was bull****. Plenty of manufacturers make great devices with tons of features at price points well below the S4/other similar devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you completely missed my point, which i thought you would. I bought the phone because it was the best android phone I could find for the price, not because I wanted an S4, which I don't.
and I will say it again, this thread has been moved here by a mod so don't ask me why I posted here because I didn't.

It clearly isn't the best android phone for it's price if you can't connect to a mobile network mate.
Chinese phones have a lot of issues, the build quality and QC is bad and cheap.
I'd just go and buy a second hand S3 or S2, that's probably the same price and would be miles better.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app

Obagleyfreer said:
It clearly isn't the best android phone for it's price if you can't connect to a mobile network mate.
Chinese phones have a lot of issues, the build quality and QC is bad and cheap.
I'd just go and buy a second hand S3 or S2, that's probably the same price and would be miles better.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is the problem with XDA. somebody doesn't know the answer to the question but they just have to give their opinion about something nobody asked for on a subject completely irrelevant. Did I ask for the best alternative phone? Did I ask for an opinion on chinese QC? If you don't have anything to contribute to fix a problem as described, with the phone as described, in the OP, then don't reply.

knifey_au said:
this is the problem with XDA. somebody doesn't know the answer to the question but they just have to give their opinion about something nobody asked for on a subject completely irrelevant. Did I ask for the best alternative phone? Did I ask for an opinion on chinese QC? If you don't have anything to contribute to fix a problem as described, with the phone as described, in the OP, then don't reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would be right if this thread would be posted in his corresponding device forum, but it doesn't. People here knows a lot of issues for their s4 device, but not necessarily for other devices as s2, lg, Nokia, unbranded as yours..., and if they knew, they would answer to move it to the correct s2, lg, Nokia or unbranded devices forums before giving a possible solution. Yes, we don't know how to solve your issue, mainly because we have never touched your model device, as neither we wouldn't know how to solve same issue for a, for example, htc one, because we don't have got a htc one...
Where did you originally posted it? Search the correct forum for your brand (generic devices, other devices, unbranded devices, Chinese devices...) and post it there, and if you don't find it in xda, you will have to search for it in other forum platform if you really want anyone help you...
Enviado desde mi GT-I9500 usando Tapatalk 2

And here you are over a week later sans help. Hate to say I told you so (you bought up the cost of genuine handsets in the first instance BTW, not me)

Some users want help from people but keep giving back hands to "xda members"
I remember an ex user over on dhd that eventually got band because of abusing the very people he so desperately needed help from.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app

ranger4740 said:
Some users want help from people but keep giving back hands to "xda members"
I remember an ex user over on dhd that eventually got band because of abusing the very people he so desperately needed help from.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people dont like being told the truth.This thread has been cleaned up already because the OP descended into posting abuse, and accused everyone with an s4 that they were fools for buying a "proper" s4.
His justification was that he cant afford a proper s4.He has already been told xda doesnt support clones, and in life you get what you pay for.
One good thing to come out of this is he shouldnt have any current or future problems with knox!

theunderling said:
Some people dont like being told the truth.This thread has been cleaned up already because the OP descended into posting abuse
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Click to collapse
descend? really? lol. And what does it matter where I originally posted when it was moved here by a mod. I'm assuming the mod knows better than me and actually took the time to read what the post was about before he moved it so HE thinks it's in the best place. nuff said. Also I could give advice on any brand of phone, and any operating system on any machine. the amount of knowledge would differ depending on the subject. Believe it or not you may be completely stumped at non s4 questions but there may be people like me who wouldn't be. The firmware seems to be "heavily inspired" by an S4 as well so S4 knowledge could be quite relevant if the problem is firmware based.

Originally Posted by theunderling<br />
Some people dont like being told the truth.This thread has been cleaned up already because the OP descended into posting abuse
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Click to collapse
<br />
<br />
descend? really? lol. And what does it matter where I originally posted when it was moved here by a mod. I'm assuming the mod knows better than me and actually took the time to read what the post was about before he moved it so HE thinks it's in the best place. nuff said. Also I could give advice on any brand of phone, and any operating system on any machine. the amount of knowledge would differ depending on the subject. Believe it or not you may be completely stumped at non s4 questions but there may be people like me who wouldn't be. The firmware seems to be "heavily inspired" by an S4 as well so S4 knowledge could be quite relevant if the problem is firmware based.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, you win, if you are right and it is true your firmware is "heavily inspired" by an S4, here is the solution for your issue any of us would apply:
- download last firmware update from here and loaf of into odin: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=GT-I9500&pcode=0#firmware
- enter in download mode (if you are able to...), by pressing pwr+home+vol- (our s4 enter here successfully... Does your "s4" enter?
- flash and enjoy your bricked s4 (our s4 will not brick applying it)
Enviado desde mi GT-I9500 usando Tapatalk 2

knifey_au said:
this is the problem with XDA. somebody doesn't know the answer to the question but they just have to give their opinion about something nobody asked for on a subject completely irrelevant. Did I ask for the best alternative phone? Did I ask for an opinion on chinese QC? If you don't have anything to contribute to fix a problem as described, with the phone as described, in the OP, then don't reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol it's a forum mate, people can say what they like (within reason) and I was actually giving you good advice. No need to be rude.
A genuine second hand S2 is a lot better than a clone S4, simple. Not my fault you've bought a piece of rubbish and now can't fix it.
No idea why a mod moved this question here, it's as good here as it is in a Sony Experia thread. The firmware on your phone isn't based on TW at all, it is just made to look like TW.
Try this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2241503
You'll prob get more help there (if you remember your manners)
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app

[Returning the Note 7 due to locked bootloader]

All 3 of my Note 7's are going back!
I'm curious to see how big we can get this thread and I hope it makes a statement.
Dumb T-mobile...becoming ATT and Verizon. Actually with the S7 and Note 7 stunt with locking the bootloader, they have...
Such a shame. We bought the phone so it should be ours 100% to do what we want with it. Wth is this? A lease program you're pulling?
Sorry, but I along with many others will not fall victim to your rubbish tactics. I will not be a slave to your proprietary bs.
Who's with me?

Not everyone uses Samsung Pay. No excuses can justify being okay with the fact of not having full control over a device we pay for. It's straight up communist.

I'm solving the issue by not buying one. Period. As much as I love the phone, I will wait to see the new Nexux.

Did anyone expect it to be unlocked? Lol
Sent from my SM-N930T using Tapatalk

Rydah805 said:
Did anyone expect it to be unlocked? Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, expected? Not really, that'd be a fantasy after seeing the S7. However, it could have been and having that sliver of hope is / was realistic. Reality? Obviously not the case.
Not saying it'll happen, but this isn't the first time we've been in this position with being faced with the impossible.

Rydah805 said:
Did anyone expect it to be unlocked? Lol
Sent from my SM-N930T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I am seriously surprised at the number of people that thought it wouldn't be locked. It is like the whole S7 release all over again but this time anyone familiar with Samsung and especially members of XDA should have not been surprised at all.

Although i dont care about such things, i do think Samsung should unlock the bootloader. Once the phone is fully payed off you should have that option. I dont think anyone on a plan like Jump should have the option because those phones get refurbished and if anyone else has ever bought a rooted phone off Craigslist knows the pain when the seller messed up there phone and now is trying to pawn it off on someone else. Or maybe they put all phones that have the bootloader unlocked on a special list made to the public so people like me can avoid thise phones
Sent from my SM-N930T using Tapatalk

I'm returning mine just because the difference between the note 7 and s7 edge is negligible. Not for $850

chipworkz said:
Yes I am seriously surprised at the number of people that thought it wouldn't be locked. It is like the whole S7 release all over again but this time anyone familiar with Samsung and especially members of XDA should have not been surprised at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The word, "surprised" would only be valid to some, but to most of the enthusiasts, it's not really that we're surprised, it's just that with the international variant (SD820's being offered in markets where there is no Samsung Pay) and with the out cry of the S7, it's not unreasonable to have had a little hope for the Note 7. Long shot? Uh yea, of course...but like I've said, this isn't the first time at the rodeo where we've been faced with the impossible; that became possible in due time.

Come on guys... Seriously? I love rooting and tinkering just as much as anyone... But you are returning all 3 because the bootloader is locked? I'm amazed you bought them in the first place if this is a deal breaker.

If 1000 phones go back they lose a million dollars...Mine will be one of them as well.... If we stuck together in the first place they would HAVE to listen....Lock Bootloaders...whatever, but give us that want a solution one...Unlock for the Root Community...the most creative and die hard enthusiast deserve better than this
Sent from my SM-T713 using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 03:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 AM ----------
Lets start another petition...and fight for our right to Root!
Sent from my SM-T713 using XDA-Developers mobile app

DionWhite33 said:
If 1000 phones go back they lose a million dollars...Mine will be one of them as well.... If we stuck together in the first place they would HAVE to listen....Lock Bootloaders...whatever, but give us that want a solution one...Unlock for the Root Community...the most creative and die hard enthusiast deserve better than this
Sent from my SM-T713 using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 03:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 AM ----------
Lets start another petition...and fight for our right to Root!
Sent from my SM-T713 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No not really, that is a potential lose but in actuality they will just go into the refurbished pool. 1000 phones is still nothing out of the 25+ million phones they will sell. That is based just on the Q2 sales numbers of the S7 \ S7E. The 1000 phones is only 0.004 % of 25 million phones.
Also returns are just part of everyday business and expected. Unless the return rate was a high percentage, it is just normal business to them.

Unfortunately our numbers and desires mean nothing to them compared to their own...
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

chipworkz said:
No not really, that is a potential lose but in actuality they will just go into the refurbished pool. 1000 phones is still nothing out of the 25+ million phones they will sell. That is based just on the Q2 sales numbers of the S7 \ S7E. The 1000 phones is only 0.004 % of 25 million phones.
Also returns are just part of everyday business and expected. Unless the return rate was a high percentage, it is just normal business to them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know...just felt good to say...

Why can't we just flash the unlocked w8 bootloader? N5 was always interchangeable, and w8 is also sd820, so why not? Someone should try...they may have left us an out...
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

DionWhite33 said:
I know...just felt good to say...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol I know man, this is how I felt when I got the S7E. I said I was done with Samsung and would never buy a locked down phone. Well here I am with my Note7 knowing it was locked. I would prefer to have the option to root and flash custom roms if I wanted to but I decided to just stay stock which is why I was fine buying the phone.
There just isn't another phone out or soon to be out from what I have seen to match this. I am still keeping the Note5 for the wife so if I really get the itch to flash something, I can always do it on that one.

thatisandwas said:
Come on guys... Seriously? I love rooting and tinkering just as much as anyone... But you are returning all 3 because the bootloader is locked? I'm amazed you bought them in the first place if this is a deal breaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would have waited to see if it was locked before I bought it.
Sent from my SM-N930T using XDA Free mobile app

Rx8Driver said:
Why can't we just flash the unlocked w8 bootloader? N5 was always interchangeable, and w8 is also sd820, so why not? Someone should try...they may have left us an out...
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sure there is more to it than that but it is a different scenario than what we had with the S7. I would think that this is the most likelihood of the T-Mobile version getting unlocked. BUT with the reports of the F model getting the update that locked down it's bootloader, I think there is a good chance that they will all be locked down before long.

chipworkz said:
I am sure there is more to it than that but it is a different scenario than what we had with the S7. I would think that this is the most likelihood of the T-Mobile version getting unlocked. BUT with the reports of the F model getting the update that locked down it's bootloader, I think there is a good chance that they will all be locked down before long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this will work now that's all we need...flash the bootloader from w8 and don't take any ota updates...they can't force us to update...
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

Rx8Driver said:
If this will work now that's all we need...flash the bootloader from w8 and don't take any ota updates...they can't force us to update...
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, once rooted the update can't be forced. The value of the rooted phones could really go up since the supply will start to dwindle.

PSA: USA Bootloaders WILL be LOCKED!!!

My DM with a T-Mobile rep.

Any chance you can ask them to list the actual bands the phone supports?

I'm glad I'll be the recipient of the Exynos (unlocked) version. However i can get with the whole security aspect in regards to Google wallet & Samsung Pay/android pay. Like you mentioned though i NEVER and will EVER use this service, it gets disabled from the moment i get the phone (plus my bank doesn't support it anyway lol).
You pay a premium it should be up to the user as to what he does and yes what he/she risks.
I am very much against taking away the option of root and custom ROMs because of a service being forced upon us.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Duncan1982 said:
I'm glad I'll be the recipient of the Exynos (unlocked) version. However i can get with the whole security aspect in regards to Google wallet & Samsung Pay/android pay. Like you mentioned though i NEVER and will EVER use this service, it gets disabled from the moment i get the phone (plus my bank doesn't support it anyway lol).
You pay a premium it should be up to the user as to what he does and yes what he/she risks.
I am very much against taking away the option of root and custom ROMs because of a service being forced upon us.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second being against them taking away root and ROMs and forcing services upon us. If there was less or no fragmentation in android with regards to updates, I could perhaps stay stock..

lightninbug said:
My DM with a T-Mobile rep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL! Sorry but, how old are you? I'm as disappointed as anyone, but you're acting like a child. You think that because YOU'VE been with T-Mobile "since VoiceStream" T-Mobile should change their decision? Ridiculous. The guy you were talking to can't help you, cannot make any executive decisions and sure as hell isn't passing along your "concerns" to Legere. He also doesn't give a damn that you're cancelling a whopping THREE (3!!!) device orders. Did you think he was going to crumble to his knees, beg you to keep your orders and run tell boss, "we must change our bootloader plans because Mr. VoiceStream is simply NOT having it?"
You were just whining to yourself while he typed, "I understand how you feel" and rubbed your shoulders a bit.

Agreed, complaining to a underpaid rep that probably hates listening to people complain all day everyday is not going to get bootloaders unlocked.

johnwayne27 said:
Agreed, complaining to a underpaid rep that probably hates listening to people complain all day everyday is not going to get bootloaders unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yet people still complain lol.
You know the bootloader is locked before you buy the device. Deal with it and move on.
Edit: not aimed towards you. Just saying in general of the complainers lol

Chainfire already finds a solution

aydinbahadir88 said:
Chainfire already finds a solution
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source?

Z51 said:
Yet people still complain lol.
You know the bootloader is locked before you buy the device. Deal with it and move on.
Edit: not aimed towards you. Just saying in general of the complainers lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ This.
I also love how the op states he is speaking for the users/devs on XDA.....errr, no you aint!! lol

aydinbahadir88 said:
Chainfire already finds a solution
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For realz???
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

aydinbahadir88 said:
Chainfire already finds a solution
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LMAO...Yea, sure he did.

Useless thread. This is not a surprise and is something we already knew.

I ordered two from TMo and I'm sure that a root method will pop up soon after release.
Motorola had bootlocks on the Bionic and it was still able to be rooted. I bet within a month we'll be rooting with the rest of them.:good::good:

lightninbug said:
My DM with a T-Mobile rep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung has officially lost by business. Been a samsung guy since the S3 and I've stuck with them in the years since. It's such a shame that they choose to do this. I don't need Samsung pay, as I have a wallet. Awful that they force these programs down our throats as they're nice to have but are completely unnecessary.
---------- Post added at 06:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:06 AM ----------
jpeckinp said:
I ordered two from TMo and I'm sure that a root method will pop up soon after release.
Motorola had bootlocks on the Bionic and it was still able to be rooted. I bet within a month we'll be rooting with the rest of them.:good::good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Galaxy S7 came out in March and it took three months to even figure out how to root it. We don't even have a bootloader unlock for the GS7, and it's been a year since it's release. Might want to lower your expectations as devs are moving away from locked down devices like the Galaxy series in the U.S.

Wow this is like posting water is wet.

I stopped rooting my phones, but I'm still against taking away the option. I just never could pull the trigger on losing Samsung Pay permanently.

cpufrost said:
Wow this is like posting water is wet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahaha how true [emoji106]
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

*GASP!!* I'm glad you pointed that out....

sireniankyle said:
I stopped rooting my phones, but I'm still against taking away the option. I just never could pull the trigger on losing Samsung Pay permanently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you. Unsure of what to do for the foreseeable future. Also KNOX. I actually do care about tripping it. The email app my company uses breaks if KNOX is tripped....