Database Users

i9505 Android 4.3 region locked?

Hi,
I have read lately that there will be an update for some Samsung mobile devices, including the Galaxy S4 i9505, that will region lock those devices to their region of origin. As some version of the Android 4.3 update has already been leaked, is it known yet whether this lock will be included in this update?
Also, will originally as unlocked labeled phones be locked through such an update? I bought the international version from Hong Kong.

i actually read that this will be enforced starting android kitkat on any galaxy S or note device which has the warning or which was produced after july . my phone didn t originally have a warning on it but i can confirm that it contains a country block list while running android 4.2.2 you can check if your phone does by following this tutorial
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2466721
probably it s better to wait before updating to 4.3 for some users report
Sent from my GT-I9505

Wow, that would really suck. I specifically bought an unlocked phone as I have to travel between Asia and Europe a lot and have SIM cards for several countries there. I wonder if this would fall under the warranty if my phone is suddenly region locked even though there was no warning sticker on it.

That region lock may apply for new devices ... I don't think they will enforce it on old devices ... Because that would terribly problematic ... Also I believe that nowhere in the terms of use states that you have to use the device in a specific country or region so if I'm correct locking old devices will attract law suits from its own customers ... that's not a good way to advertise yourself especially in a stop competitive market such as this ... but you never know from those companies never ending greed

Thanks for your replies. In any case I will first check for feedback from oher users before applying any future update.

I updated to the leakes 4.3 rom of Galaxy S4 and now have many entries of Networklock in customs.xml in CSC folder of system.

thommygay24 said:
I updated to the leakes 4.3 rom of Galaxy S4 and now have many entries of Networklock in customs.xml in CSC folder of system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you post that list? Would like to check if any of my countries are listed there.

<NbNetworkLock>62</NbNetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>460BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>250BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>255BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>502BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>510BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>401BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>525BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>452BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>505BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>515BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>470BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>404BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>405BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>603BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>602BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>432BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>604BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>416BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>424BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>425BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>724BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>370BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>338BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>374BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>706BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>734BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>714BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>712BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>740BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>704BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>708BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>710BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>744BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>748BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>736BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>621BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>620BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>639BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>286BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>429BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>413BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>454BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>259BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>437BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>438BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>436BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>428BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>400BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>282BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>283BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>412BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>520BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>456BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>414BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>457BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>606BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>420BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>418BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>732BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>722BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>730BB</NetworkLock>******* <NetworkLock>716BB</NetworkLock>QUOTE=Tsukumogami;46161750]Could you post that list? Would like to check if any of my countries are listed there.[/QUOTE]
There are the following entries. But i dont know, if these entries are new in 4.3 or if they were in the file in 4.2.my s4 was bought in germany without a region lock sticker.See the list:

Thanks for the list. I bought an explicitly as global version declarated Galaxy S4 i9505 on Amazon, which came from Hong Kong. It turned out to be the Brazilian version and it didn't have any region lock sticker on it. I tried it with a Vietnamese and an Austrian SIM card and they both worked without problems. So I hope my phone won't be locked at least as long as I don't upgrade from 4.2.2.

[Q] Did anyone with a region free N9005 try flashing a EU region locked firmware/rom?

I have a region free/unlocked N9005 and havent flashed any roms yet, its still stock rooted. I was thinking about flashing a rom but i am a little worried that flashing a rom that is based on the EU frimware might region lock my N9005. So my question is has anyone with a region free N9005 tried flashing a firmware of EU, where the N9005 is region locked? And what was their experience?
PS- i know CF made the regionlock away app but i would rather not have to use it, unless i have no choice.

Depends what rom you're talking about. If the dev is any decent they would have removed the region lock.
Sent from my SM-N9005 now Free

I got my N9005 from Hong Kong, thus region free. I flashed the Omega version 2.2 ROM yesterday and it worked fine. The only weird thing i noticed when i booted up the phone, was that my connection is always set to roaming since it thinks i traveled abroad or something. It however works perfectly, just a little annoying seeing the R icon next to the connection bars.
It worked normally before on the stock ROM with chenglus root+CWM, so i guess i just need to change the locale somehow for this to get fixed.

[Q] Region locked Note 3 - can i flash Poland 4.4.2 update?

If i have Orange (UK carrier) region locked Note 3 model: SM-N9005, can i flash Poland update [N9005XXUENA6]?
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/3/?download=24151
I saw many people around the EU are flashing this but does carrier - region locked function have an influence here?
I understand region locked is only about preventing other SIM cards to be inserted and there should not be a problem but you know, i would like to know for sure. Is any one here who has done that and can confirm it works?
Thanx

Your region lock will gi away if you do 5mins of calla in your hime country.
Then flash the kitkat
hit 'thanks' if i helped you
SM-N9005 DBT-DMJ7 0x0
XDA Developers 4 premium app

ryanrazer said:
If i have Orange (UK carrier) region locked Note 3 model: SM-N9005, can i flash Poland update [N9005XXUENA6]?
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/3/?download=24151
I saw many people around the EU are flashing this but does carrier - region locked function have an influence here?
I understand region locked is only about preventing other SIM cards to be inserted and there should not be a problem but you know, i would like to know for sure. Is any one here who has done that and can confirm it works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might be very relevant if you are carrier-locked (in which case I strongly advise against) or just region-locked - and even if you are not carrier-locked I would not suggest JUST YET to jump on N9005XXUENA6 Polish (XEO) version - the thing is that your current CSC might be something that is not supported by the multi-CSC in the XEO version and things might not always go well in such conditions. That is why I am a little concerned about going to the XEO version myself - even if now there is a confirmed way to keep root and knox 0x0.

xclub_101 said:
It might be very relevant if you are carrier-locked (in which case I strongly advise against) or just region-locked - and even if you are not carrier-locked I would not suggest JUST YET to jump on N9005XXUENA6 Polish (XEO) version - the thing is that your current CSC might be something that is not supported by the multi-CSC in the XEO version and things might not always go well in such conditions. That is why I am a little concerned about going to the XEO version myself - even if now there is a confirmed way to keep root and knox 0x0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for warning.

i need some advice.
I have an Unlocked and Rooted SM-N9005 from Europe (XXUBMJ), but I can't use it in Canada, and it says, Not registered on network. is there anyway that I can change my firmware or install a new ROM or a new Modem so I can use the phone with Canadian sim card???

sepehr70 said:
i need some advice.
I have an Unlocked and Rooted SM-N9005 from Europe (XXUBMJ), but I can't use it in Canada, and it says, Not registered on network. is there anyway that I can change my firmware or install a new ROM or a new Modem so I can use the phone with Canadian sim card???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll be region locked if it's a European model by the sounds of it, try region lock away and see if that works, failing that, a Custom ROM usually fixes it also.

So its posssible for me to install Custom Roms e.g. Omega Rom on a Pink Note 3 that was already unlocked? I'm using an Asian SIM and when I bought the pink note 3 for my wife, the phone was for EU SIM. I checked the phone status on download mode, knox has been tripped, binary status to modified/custom etc etc. Looks like the phone was rooted to have region lock away installed and then unrooted. Planning on install Omega Rom but wanted to make sure the phone will still read the Asian SIM.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

wowowboy69 said:
So its posssible for me to install Custom Roms e.g. Omega Rom on a Pink Note 3 that was already unlocked? I'm using an Asian SIM and when I bought the pink note 3 for my wife, the phone was for EU SIM. I checked the phone status on download mode, knox has been tripped, binary status to modified/custom etc etc. Looks like the phone was rooted to have region lock away installed and then unrooted. Planning on install Omega Rom but wanted to make sure the phone will still read the Asian SIM.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check with the custom ROM OP if it has the CSC (sim region) you require

radicalisto said:
It'll be region locked if it's a European model by the sounds of it, try region lock away and see if that works, failing that, a Custom ROM usually fixes it also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've already did that. I installed region lock away, and region unlocked it. What custom ROM do you think I have to install? Do you have any trusted source so I can get a custom ROM from them?

Check the Android dev section, there's a few decent ROMs in there. - I have pretty much used them all on 4.3 and tried all now on 4.4
EDIT: X-Note is regionfree as is Omega, both are very popular, however SweetROM and AndroidNOW now can certainly hold their own and are just as good (also region free)

ryanrazer said:
If i have Orange (UK carrier) region locked Note 3 model: SM-N9005, can i flash Poland update [N9005XXUENA6]?
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/3/?download=24151
I saw many people around the EU are flashing this but does carrier - region locked function have an influence here?
I understand region locked is only about preventing other SIM cards to be inserted and there should not be a problem but you know, i would like to know for sure. Is any one here who has done that and can confirm it works?
Thanx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is your device carrier locked? Region lock shouldn't matter as long as your in Europe.
sent from my iPhone 6s 64gb 5.7inch Super Oled screen and spen

Region lock away not working for me note 3 n9000
Killberty said:
Your region lock will gi away if you do 5mins of calla in your hime country.
Then flash the kitkat
hit 'thanks' if i helped you
SM-N9005 DBT-DMJ7 0x0
XDA Developers 4 premium app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a question i brought it from iraq and now its asking code to unlock the region
I have tried region lock away but sadly didnt worked for me
I got one sim from iraq now is is possible that i activate phone using tha sim from iraq in india and have a call for 5 minute
Will this help me to get unlocked

RegionLock

Hi,
I have a question.
My phone Note 3 AP: N9005XXUBMJ3
CP: N9005XXUBMJ2
CSC: N9005OXXBMJ3
So I rooted using Kingo, then applied the RegionLock Away, but the phone is still region locked.
Now I have a SIM from the region where the phone is, but no roaming.
My question is, is there a way to speak the 5 minutes on that sim without the roaming or money on it for that matter?
Or at least make it believe that I did it?
Just wild guessing.
Thx.

lion_sta said:
Hi,
I have a question.
My phone Note 3 AP: N9005XXUBMJ3
CP: N9005XXUBMJ2
CSC: N9005OXXBMJ3
So I rooted using Kingo, then applied the RegionLock Away, but the phone is still region locked.
Now I have a SIM from the region where the phone is, but no roaming.
My question is, is there a way to speak the 5 minutes on that sim without the roaming or money on it for that matter?
Or at least make it believe that I did it?
Just wild guessing.
Thx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No roaming with an original-country SIM? That is strange.
What does this program say that the CSC currently is?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.manniakk.cscselector

xclub_101 said:
No roaming with an original-country SIM? That is strange.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No roaming on the original country sim isn't that strange, some operators don't allow roaming unless you specifically request it.

radicalisto said:
No roaming on the original country sim isn't that strange, some operators don't allow roaming unless you specifically request it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assumed that one was checked - meaning that the SIM roams in another phone it is OK. If it does not I do not see why he mentions it here.

xclub_101 said:
I assumed that one was checked - meaning that the SIM roams in another phone it is OK. If it does not I do not see why he mentions it here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My CSC is ROM (Romania).
I mentioned that is not activated, the roaming, because, if I had it, I could speak the 5 mins and the phone would be region unlocked.
PS Not any closer to a solution.

lion_sta said:
My CSC is ROM (Romania).
I mentioned that is not activated, the roaming, because, if I had it, I could speak the 5 mins and the phone would be region unlocked.
PS Not any closer to a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am probably missing something - the roaming is not activated on the SIM or does not work on the phone? (or in other words - does the SIM work in another phone?)
If the SIM can not roam it is of no help, and even if it can you might STILL see unpleasant surprises (reported by plenty of users around - having problems even after doing the 5 minutes thing).
Have you tried posting in the the RegionLockAway thread so that Chainfire could have a chance to see what is wrong? MJ3 is clearly listed there are working so there might be only something minor that is missing, and Chainfire could be the guy that understands what is that thing missing.
I am not even asking if you have checked that the root is indeed working (with a root-checker or similar)
The alternative is to write directly to Samsung (mentioning your original warranty card and so on) and ask for a region-unlock code - I believe 2-3 users have reported success on that (after 2-4 weeks usually).

xclub_101 said:
I am probably missing something - the roaming is not activated on the SIM or does not work on the phone? (or in other words - does the SIM work in another phone?)
If the SIM can not roam it is of no help, and even if it can you might STILL see unpleasant surprises (reported by plenty of users around - having problems even after doing the 5 minutes thing).
Have you tried posting in the the RegionLockAway thread so that Chainfire could have a chance to see what is wrong? MJ3 is clearly listed there are working so there might be only something minor that is missing, and Chainfire could be the guy that understands what is that thing missing.
I am not even asking if you have checked that the root is indeed working (with a root-checker or similar)
The alternative is to write directly to Samsung (mentioning your original warranty card and so on) and ask for a region-unlock code - I believe 2-3 users have reported success on that (after 2-4 weeks usually).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you clarify on how to write to Samsung?
I thought about writing on the thread, but Chainfire is very busy and seldomly answers, especially on that thread lately.

Region Lock
I have just bought a european N9005 with 4.3 with region lock in it. I am in india since india does not have N9005. I have decided to install 4.3 from Hong Kong on this phone as there is no region lock on Hong Kong N9005. will the region lock go away when i replace the european firmware with the Hong Kong Firmware
Thanks in Advance

vinodup said:
I have just bought a european N9005 with 4.3 with region lock in it. I am in india since india does not have N9005. I have decided to install 4.3 from Hong Kong on this phone as there is no region lock on Hong Kong N9005. will the region lock go away when i replace the european firmware with the Hong Kong Firmware
Thanks in Advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My best guess would be no. But you should take a look at this post. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50818287&postcount=566
Also post the CSC, firmware and baseband - dial *#1234#.

vinodup said:
I have just bought a european N9005 with 4.3 with region lock in it. I am in india since india does not have N9005. I have decided to install 4.3 from Hong Kong on this phone as there is no region lock on Hong Kong N9005. will the region lock go away when i replace the european firmware with the Hong Kong Firmware
Thanks in Advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as I know Region lock is not controlled threw firmware, It might serial number or mac address.

jdomadia said:
As long as I know Region lock is not controlled threw firmware, It might serial number or mac address.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is not true else region lock away from chain fire would not work mate.
hope there is some other reason or it may work. i guess there is something related to modem and csc file.

vinodup said:
it is not true else region lock away from chain fire would not work mate.
hope there is some other reason or it may work. i guess there is something related to modem and csc file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you do what I told you to?

vinodup said:
it is not true else region lock away from chain fire would not work mate.
hope there is some other reason or it may work. i guess there is something related to modem and csc file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro..I have phone from dubai, I flashed poland firmware, I am still using in dubai without any problem, in a sort time I m going to come mumbai, I will see its works or not.
---------- Post added at 12:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:09 PM ----------
vinodup said:
I have just bought a european N9005 with 4.3 with region lock in it. I am in india since india does not have N9005. I have decided to install 4.3 from Hong Kong on this phone as there is no region lock on Hong Kong N9005. will the region lock go away when i replace the european firmware with the Hong Kong Firmware
Thanks in Advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also carefull to flash hongkong firmware, they have diffrent type of firmware.

what if we install singapore firmware on the european firmware with android 4.3 will the modem file change unlock the region lock.

vinodup said:
what if we install singapore firmware on the european firmware with android 4.3 will the modem file change unlock the region lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did replaced my region locked ROMania with BTU UK (supposedly region free) and the phone was still region locked. Only after updating the modem to an earlier version (from MJ3 to MJ1) was I able to use the regionlock away tool.

If I m not mistaken using region lock away tool means knox 0x1
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app

jdomadia said:
If I m not mistaken using region lock away tool means knox 0x1
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are wrong, I am the living proof of that.
The knox is tripped usually when rooting.

lion_sta said:
You are wrong, I am the living proof of that.
The knox is tripped usually when rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear All, the question is very simple.
1. Does the region lock go away if a European region lock Firmware (unlocked cellular network N9005) is replaced with Singapore (no region lock) firmware.
2. Since MCC of sim is linked to CSC code which is also linked to the Product code which in turn links the modem software which embeds the black listed networks. we need clarity on it. if the Product code is the culprit then can we change the product code of European model to unlocked region product lets say singapore and then install the singapore firmware. will this remove the region lock.
3. Has any one tried the above two and got any answers. Developers please intervene.
Thanks in Advance..

vinodup said:
Dear All, the question is very simple.
1. Does the region lock go away if a European region lock Firmware (unlocked cellular network N9005) is replaced with Singapore (no region lock) firmware.
2. Since MCC of sim is linked to CSC code which is also linked to the Product code which in turn links the modem software which embeds the black listed networks. we need clarity on it. if the Product code is the culprit then can we change the product code of European model to unlocked region product lets say singapore and then install the singapore firmware. will this remove the region lock.
3. Has any one tried the above two and got any answers. Developers please intervene.
Thanks in Advance..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If the firmware is equal, not less, and you are willing to take a small risk, but first do some research if this will not brick your phone, try it yourself. I would say no, but unless it is dangerous give it a try.
2. Too long for me, also too complex. Try it with the vets.
3. This is a thread started by me, so it is unlikely it has a great coverage. Try writing in some of the big threads or create a new one.
PS I will do anything I can to help, but all the info is in this post written also by me http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50818287&postcount=566

Region lock

Hey guys. I just bought a brand new note 3 from Italy. the phone is region locked. without knowing about that i bought the phone to sri lanka. connected to wifi and now updated it to 4.4.2 running on latest firmware. to remove the regional lock via chainfire's app. we have to be in 4.3 now im basically unable to use my note 3 until i back in italy and take a call for 5 minutes is there a way to downgrade to 4.3?? i tried installing OMEGA rom but it doesnt have any effect. samsung agents were like they cant unlock the phone the only method is bring the phone back to italy and use it for at least five minutes. please help me guys :crying::crying::crying:

I read this thread and there is no statement that says it only works on 4.3?

vndnguyen said:
I read this thread and there is no statement that says it only works on 4.3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Compatible devices
- Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 (MI7, MJ1, MJ3 firmwares)
its upgraded to kitkat.

Deeshana2912 said:
Compatible devices
- Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 (MI7, MJ1, MJ3 firmwares)
its upgraded to kitkat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then you need to read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/help/region-unlock-code-samsung-t2852653
TLDR - you need to contact Samsung and they can provide you an unlock code; in my experience not all Samsung representatives in all countries are equally knowledgeable or helpful - I do not know precisely about those in Italy but I can say that most will try to bull**** you parallel explanations. The absolute best guys are those from Germany, and if the Samsung representatives from Italy (which SHOULD be responsible for fixing your problem since you are THEIR customer) fail you, then you should:
a) complain about the guys from Italy to Samsung home directly
b) in parallel try again to write to Samsung Germany; ideally for minimum waiting time you should try to write in German (using Google Translate if you do not have a better way) and they very likely will provide you an unlock code.