Database Users

[GUIDE] [VIDEO]How to SIM unlock your Galaxy SIII for free!!

I'm just taking what txlibre wrote in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1715149 and re-displaying it in a format that I think is easier to understand for n00bs
This really isn't that hard TBH IMO
This worked for me on a GS3 locked to Orange UK, and another locked to Three UK. Your Mileage May Vary!!
-----I cannot be held responsible for anything that happens to you or your phone, from carrying out anything I have said!-----
Credits: txlibre, mskip, the person whoever originally wrote these instructions
----------------------------------
VIDEO GUIDE:
Part 1 (A-E) - http://youtu.be/P1H2yUyQ4J8
Part 2 (1-25) - http://youtu.be/uAVbYx68WI4
----------------------------------
Things to do before starting:
A - Make sure your S3 is rooted (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1703488).
B - Make a backup copy of the /efs folder on your PC.
C - Also backup your EFS using mskips ToolKit (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1703488).
D - Get a Hex Editor (I used Notepad++ with this plugin: http://sourceforge.net/projects/npp...n v0.9.5/HexEditor_0_9_5_UNI_dll.zip/download (just put the dll in the plugins folder of Notepad++)).
E - Install Root Explorer on your phone.
Now for the actual process:
1 - Using Root Explorer, copy the file nv_data.bin file from your phones /efs folder to your PC and open it in Notepad++.
2 - Scroll down and find address 00181460, modify the 01 to 00.
3 - Save the file.
4 - Copy the modified nv_data.bin from your computer back to your phones /efs folder using Root Explorer.
.....(Make sure you keep a copy of this modified file for step 15.)
5 - Once copied to the phone, open Root Explorer and long press on the nv_data.bin file till the menu pops up and select 'Permissions'.
6 - Make sure ONLY the Read, Write and Execute boxes for Owner are ticked, and press OK.
7 - Then again, long press on the nv_data.bin file till the menu pops up, and select 'Change owner'.
8 - Change Owner and Group to 1001-Radio and press OK.
9 - Restart your phone.
10 - Once restarted dial *#7465625#, check Network Lock is ON and press OK.
11 - Using Root Explorer, copy the file nv.log from your phones /efs folder to your PC and open it.
12 - You should see something like:
... ..Mon Jun 18 23:34:32 2012: MD5 fail. orignal md5 'e1493854d4d62ff4e123040855f8b2a9' computed md5 'd29d791b193de8b6711445231fb7d427' (rild)
.. ...Mon Jun 18 23:34:32 2012: backup NV restored.
... ..(Your numbers may differ).
13 - Copy the file nv_data.bin.md5 from your phones /efs folder to your PC and open it.
... ..You should see the first number listed in step 12 (in my case e1493854d4d62ff4e123040855f8b2a9).
14 - Copy the second number in step 12 (in my case d29d791b193de8b6711445231fb7d427) and put in the nv_data.bin.md5 file, so it is the only number in there. Now save the file.
15 - Now copy the modified nv_data.bin file (from step 4) and the modified nv_data.bin.md5 (from step 14) back to your /efs folder on your phone.
16 - Once copied, long press on the nv_data.bin file till the menu pops up and select 'Permissions'.
17 - Make sure ONLY the Read, Write and Execute boxes for Owner are ticked and press OK.
18 - Then again long press on the nv_data.bin file till the menu pops up and select 'Change owner'.
19 - Change Owner and Group to 1001-Radio and press OK.
20 - Now, long press on the nv_data.bin.md5 file till the menu pops up and select 'Permissions'.
21 - Make sure ONLY the Read, Write and Execute boxes for Owner are ticked and press OK.
22 - Then again long press on the nv_data.bin.md5 file till the menu pops up and select 'Change owner'.
23 - Change Owner and Group to 1001-Radio and press OK.
24 - Restart your phone.
25 - Once restarted dial *#7465625# and check Network Lock is OFF and press OK.

anyone tried this

This is the exact same process I used to unlock my gs2. Unless the address where you modify the the byte is off, I see no reason why this wouldn't work on a gs3.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using Tapatalk 2

any pictures for step 14 or is it pretty self explanatory when you do do it. can you paste it anywhere ?

mox123 said:
anyone tried this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried this, and on the original thread, 3 others have used is successfully.
I used this on my wife's phone last night and I'll use it on mine this morning when I get it. Ill do a video

galaxy.S3 said:
any pictures for step 14 or is it pretty self explanatory when you do do it. can you paste it anywhere ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll hopefully get a video up later today or tomorrow

can this be undone for warranty if a repair is required.

I'll wait till you post a video.
Sent from my SGH-T769 using XDA Premium App

reaths17 said:
can this be undone for warranty if a repair is required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say all you would have to do is repeat the process but in step 2, just overwrite the 00 with a 01.
I will try it out when I get my own GS3 later.

Video guide is up guys

the second vid has been taken down
also, i can't get notepad++ to read the file, it just looks like a load of symbols and no actual text. Any help would be appreciated.

dumb donkey said:
the second vid has been taken down
also, i can't get notepad++ to read the file, it just looks like a load of symbols and no actual text. Any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ill sort the video when i get home.
make sure the hex plugin .dll is in the right folder
Open the file in NotePad ++
Go to the plugins tab at the top and select the hex plugin

vinokirk said:
Ill sort the video when i get home.
make sure the hex plugin .dll is in the right folder
Open the file in NotePad ++
Go to the plugins tab at the top and select the hex plugin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great...! was able to unlock the phone without the video; just followed the instruction and voila I'm now sim unlock...

vinokirk said:
Ill sort the video when i get home.
make sure the hex plugin .dll is in the right folder
Open the file in NotePad ++
Go to the plugins tab at the top and select the hex plugin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've got notepad++ showing the dll file and also reinstalled it though plugin manager in notepad++ but still the same?

dumb donkey said:
i've got notepad++ showing the dll file and also reinstalled it though plugin manager in notepad++ but still the same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to put the .DLL file you just download to this folder of your computer :
C:\Program Files (x86)\Notepad++\plugins...(If that is your installation folder of course)
And Go to:
1.Plugins
2.HEX editor
3.View in Plugin
In Notepad++ bar

armanderli said:
You have to put the .DLL file you just download to this folder of your computer :
C:\Program Files (x86)\Notepad++\plugins...(If that is your installation folder of course)
And Go to:
1.Plugins
2.HEX editor
3.View in Plugin
In Notepad++ bar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats done it! Thanks bud!
---------- Post added at 06:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:14 PM ----------
Just putting my experience out there for anyone who comes across what i did.
Neither of my nv.log numbers matched the one from the nv_data.bin.md5, but i copied the second number anyway and put ONLY that one in the nv_data.bin.md5 file and follwed the rest of the instructions and it still worked!
I am now on a sim unlocked phone!
Thanx!
EDIT!! i'm currently having problems with 2 efs folders and tthe phone stuck in factory mode. i dont recoment changing if you come across what i did!
EDIT 2! Phone back to normal after i restored original efs folder.. but back to network lock on!

Thanks for taking the time to write this thread, as I have justed ordered a S3 which is locked to the 3 network. So will use your guide when I receive the phone, and save me £10 paying to get the code.
One quick question though, when you say download "root explorer" for a few pence, are you referring to the Root Explorer (File Manager) app at £3?
The other ones that come up are all free, so I assume these wont work with the below process?

dumb donkey said:
Neither of my nv.log numbers matched the one from the nv_data.bin.md5, but i copied the second number anyway and put ONLY that one in the nv_data.bin.md5 file and follwed the rest of the instructions and it still worked!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is also what happened to me when I unlocked my phone. Once the video is up, you'll see

djglenn1337 said:
Thanks for taking the time to write this thread, as I have justed ordered a S3 which is locked to the 3 network. So will use your guide when I receive the phone, and save me £10 paying to get the code.
One quick question though, when you say download "root explorer" for a few pence, are you referring to the Root Explorer (File Manager) app at £3?
The other ones that come up are all free, so I assume these wont work with the below process?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it for 64p. It must've been a special offer.

dumb donkey said:
EDIT 2! Phone back to normal after i restored original efs folder.. but back to network lock on!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd try it from the top again.
Make sure you know which files you've modified already and which ones you haven't. The first time i did it, the phone didn't unlock. I found out it's because i copied across an unmodified bin file, doh!

How-to: Delete "Locked" bookmarks from stock browser

Must be rooted!
Need Root Browser with root permission.
Navigate to data>user>0.com.sec.android.app.sbrowser>app_sbrowser>default>bookmarks file
Make backup of the file named Bookmarks
Open the original file as a text file in Root Browser's text editor. Each line that has: "editable": "0" you will need to change the 0 into a 1
So it will look like: "editable": "1"
Save your edits and now you can go to the bookmarks in the stock browser and delete them.

haartilijk bedankt!!

Worked for me. The old trick of force closing the browser and clearing the app data wasn't working, but this method did the trick. Thanks!

Yes finally, I searched everywhere and this is the only method that worked. Thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app

Finally. This worked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

Worked great. Easy after you know how to... Thanks a lot.

Can anyone follow the instructions and then copy/paste their txt file?
I messed with it too much (deleted whole paragraphs) now I don't know what order it goes, bookmarks are gone but on my top right corner the bookmark and window buttons are flipped, I rather have the window button where it was.
Just looking for the complete text of the bookmarks file from beginning to end.
I know I shouldn't have screw with it....

usersony said:
Must be rooted!
Need Root Browser with root permission.
Navigate to data>user>0.com.sec.android.app.sbrowser>app_sbrowser>default>bookmarks file
Make backup of the file named Bookmarks
Open the original file as a text file in Root Browser's text editor. Each line that has: "editable": "0" you will need to change the 0 into a 1
So it will look like: "editable": "1"
Save your edits and now you can go to the bookmarks in the stock browser and delete them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Comes that way out of the box on the Alliance ROM
from my note 3

stock browser bookmarks are stuck

I removed the bloat file to get rid of the chrome bookmarks and tried editing the SQL for browser but it doesn't work. The same three bookmarks are always there. Can't even change them in the dBASE. Anyone have luck killing these?

I have failed at all attempts. On the N2 I used BookmarkSB but it does not work here. I would appreciate a way to delete them.

They may be baked in to the app. They seem to resist all the usual ways of changing or deleting.

Only way that worked for me was this:
(Have to be rooted)
Use a root browser to go to: data > user > 0 > com.sec.android.app.sbrowser > app_sbrowser > Default
Make a backup, then open the "Bookmarks" file in a text editor.
Change the "0" to "1" for every line that has: "editable": "0"
Then you can delete them in the browser. Might need to reboot.

append the end of the SBrowser file and the Odex file to .bu, then download AOSP browser installer from the play store and install it. This will give you back your bookmark syncing and labs as well!

Morkai Almandragon said:
append the end of the SBrowser file and the Odex file to .bu, then download AOSP browser installer from the play store and install it. This will give you back your bookmark syncing and labs as well!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this when I was trying to get rid of the baked in bookmarks. The AOSP browser ran slower for me, and had some weird visual glitches for some reason.
Sucks because I would have rather had all that back as well.

Sek0n said:
I did this when I was trying to get rid of the baked in bookmarks. The AOSP browser ran slower for me, and had some weird visual glitches for some reason.
Sucks because I would have rather had all that back as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What kind of glitches?

The one I can remember off the top of my head, I was getting a stretched out green circle with a phone(or check mark, cant remember) to the right of all the suggested links when typing in the address bar.
That's not a big deal really. My main reason for not keeping it on there right now, is it just ran slower and seemed to lag more than the stock.

Sek0n said:
The one I can remember off the top of my head, I was getting a stretched out green circle with a phone(or check mark, cant remember) to the right of all the suggested links when typing in the address bar.
That's not a big deal really. My main reason for not keeping it on there right now, is it just ran slower and seemed to lag more than the stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well crap, it is there on mine too! Hopefully it will get fixed :/

Morkai Almandragon said:
Well crap, it is there on mine too! Hopefully it will get fixed :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a separate thread we're discussing air gestures missing from the n3 browser. I propose someone use the above mentioned method to load the s4 browser. I'd try it but do not have a copy available.
If they won't let us flash a rom, we'll just make one the hard way

Sek0n said:
Only way that worked for me was this:
(Have to be rooted)
Use a root browser to go to: data > user > 0 > com.sec.android.app.sbrowser > app_sbrowser > Default
Make a backup, then open the "Bookmarks" file in a text editor.
Change the "0" to "1" for every line that has: "editable": "0"
Then you can delete them in the browser. Might need to reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Success! But why does the editable line not appear in the SQL editor?

Sek0n said:
Only way that worked for me was this:
(Have to be rooted)
Use a root browser to go to: data > user > 0 > com.sec.android.app.sbrowser > app_sbrowser > Default
Make a backup, then open the "Bookmarks" file in a text editor.
Change the "0" to "1" for every line that has: "editable": "0"
Then you can delete them in the browser. Might need to reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot find that path. Can it be done using ES file manager?

ronaldheld said:
I cannot find that path. Can it be done using ES file manager?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're rooted, yes.
On ES I believe you have to hit the menu button, then scroll down to where you can enable "root explorer." Then just go to the top directory(hit the / at the top), and you should be able to see the folders.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Hmm i did not see that option when I tried yesterday. I got an indication that root was enabled, and will later today find the path and see if I can edit that file and restire it correctly.

Finally got to find move and edit the Bookmarks file. Replaced it and rebooted. I was able to delete the three bookmarks. Thanks.

[Q] i9505 No LTE Setting

after updating to Kitkat 4.4.2 official I9505XXUFNBE everything working fine except that there is no LTE setting Under the "option>>Connection>>more networks>>mobile Network>>network mode" isn't there suppose to be LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto connect).. but in my network mode there is only WCDMA/GSM, WCDMA Only and GSM only.. Is there anyone having these issue

Did u update by OTA or u used ODIN?

busylittlebee said:
after updating to Kitkat 4.4.2 official I9505XXUFNBE everything working fine except that there is no LTE setting Under the "option>>Connection>>more networks>>mobile Network>>network mode" isn't there suppose to be LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto connect).. but in my network mode there is only WCDMA/GSM, WCDMA Only and GSM only.. Is there anyone having these issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is your phone rooted mate? well if your phone is rooted then do this to enable it Open root explorer then Data >property>persist.radio.lteon.xml open the file in Text Editor and change the value to true save then reboot.

I too have gone LTE

Same here... My menu only shows:
*3G/2G (auto connect)
*2G only

sorry for the late reply guys.. and thanx for the response..
Joku1981 said:
Did u update by OTA or u used ODIN?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no.. I Use ODIN
Repulsa said:
Is your phone rooted mate? well if your phone is rooted then do this to enable it Open root explorer then Data >property>persist.radio.lteon.xml open the file in Text Editor and change the value to true save then reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes it rooted.. I'll try your suggestion latter and let you know if it works.. thank you.. but now I just re-flash my phonei I use cf autoroot before and my phone become so sluggish and the rotating screen ,air gsture and air view is not working, dont know what I did wrong

busylittlebee said:
sorry for the late reply guys.. and thanx for the response..
no.. I Use ODIN
yes it rooted.. I'll try your suggestion latter and let you know if it works.. thank you.. but now I just re-flash my phonei I use cf autoroot before and my phone become so sluggish and the rotating screen ,air gsture and air view is not working, dont know what I did wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to reflash the rom once again man or do a factory reset/wipe cache in recovery if your having an issue.

Repulsa said:
Is your phone rooted mate? well if your phone is rooted then do this to enable it Open root explorer then Data >property>persist.radio.lteon.xml open the file in Text Editor and change the value to true save then reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi repulsa.. I've try your method.. but it I can't make it works..
"Root File manager >> home (logo) directory >> data/ >>property/ >> persist.radio.lteon" I try a couple of text editor that i can find on google play to open it but fail.. it say file canot be open (Jota, Jota+ text editor ,axel,920 text editor)
any suggestion for text editor to use..? thank you and sorry for the english?

busylittlebee said:
hi repulsa.. I've try your method.. but it I can't make it works..
"Root File manager >> home (logo) directory >> data/ >>property/ >> persist.radio.lteon" I try a couple of text editor that i can find on google play to open it but fail.. it say file canot be open (Jota, Jota+ text editor ,axel,920 text editor)
any suggestion for text editor to use..? thank you and sorry for the english?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using root explorer bro , Maybe your having this problem because your not Granting/Permission the SuperSu ?

Repulsa said:
Im using root explorer bro , Maybe your having this problem because your not Granting/Permission the SuperSu ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found a file explorer that have a root access and a text editor (FX root explorer) i've been granted root acces by SU and manage to open and edit the persist.radio.lteon and replace the existing file. do the restart but nothing happen on my lte setting.. still don't have LTE/WCDMA/GSM option..

busylittlebee said:
I found a file explorer that have a root access and a text editor (FX root explorer) i've been granted root acces by SU and manage to open and edit the persist.radio.lteon and replace the existing file. do the restart but nothing happen on my lte setting.. still don't have LTE/WCDMA/GSM option..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you did save the file .. when you restart your Phone.. Anyways If you have a Custom recovery ie: Philz or TWRP try to download and flash this file Via recovery.. but if you dont have a custom recovery or the file doesnt work after flashing , I hope someone can help you with this issue mate .

I figured this out ... Go to more networks ...do search for netwoks ...when it finds networks do a select automaticly .. Dont choose your network ..For some reason it selects gsm/umts if you select it yourself
Im rooted using a i9505 rom using an ATT branded GS4 unlocked using tmobile Sim LOL

hi iam nikhil
i have not seen persist.radio.lteon.xml file in rootbrowser in samsung s4 i9500what should i do

After you have rooted the device completely, go to Google Play and install 'ES file explorer'. Open the app, and press the menu key on the device and you will get a panel to your left on the screen. Scroll down and enable Rootexplorer (you will ask to grant permission by the SuperSU app since you have rooted, so give permission). Now use the search function and find the file with this EXACT name 'persist.radio.lteon' and delete it. Please make sure you are deleting this exact file. Don't delete anything else and end up bricking your device. After deleting restart the phone and that's it! You will have the LTE/WCDMA/GSM option in the network mode once you are booted and you will receive 4G signals if you are in an area with LTE coverage.

nikhil.73 said:
hi iam nikhil
i have not seen persist.radio.lteon.xml file in rootbrowser in samsung s4 i9500what should i do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get another device. The I9500 does not have LTE, and before you ask, you cannot enable it because the hardware is not present.
@chashmaa: Your advice works only if the device has a LTE radio. The I9500 nikhil has doesn't.

My post for busylittlebee(post 1).

@chashmaa: Why would you reply to a post that's nearly two years old? Besides, based upon the time stamps, it appeared you were replying to @nikhil.73.

Big sorry.

OK sir thank u

persist.radio.lteon.xml
I root my phon but there isn't this file in data>property
What i do??

Trying to change menu button to app switcher (Hyperdrive)q

I'm running the hyperdrive rom and would like to change the menu button to the recent apps button, and the longpress home to google now like S5. I found an xposed module that does this but only for the note 3. Anyone have a solution for this?

Jaydawgx7 said:
I'm running the hyperdrive rom and would like to change the menu button to the recent apps button, and the longpress home to google now like S5. I found an xposed module that does this but only for the note 3. Anyone have a solution for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can change the menu key to recent apps but not sure about longpress home.
Using a root File Explorer open generic.kl in system/user/keylayout with a text editor.
Go to key 139 and replace 'MENU' with 'APP_SWITCH'. Reboot and you're done.
For google now it should just be a matter of finding the appropriate key.

marxses said:
I can change the menu key to recent apps but not sure about longpress home.
Using a root File Explorer open generic.kl in system/user/keylayout with a text editor.
Go to key 139 and replace 'MENU' with 'APP_SWITCH'. Reboot and you're done.
For google now it should just be a matter of finding the appropriate key.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for getting me in the right direction here. However, when I alter the generic.kl file at all, both capacitive buttons quit working after a reboot. I tried replacing the altered file with a backup i made, rebooted, and they still don't work. The only way to restore function of the buttons is to reflash the rom. Any idea as to why? This seemed like an easy change.... (also tried editing the file via notepad++ on the pc with the same result)

Jaydawgx7 said:
Thanks for getting me in the right direction here. However, when I alter the generic.kl file at all, both capacitive buttons quit working after a reboot. I tried replacing the altered file with a backup i made, rebooted, and they still don't work. The only way to restore function of the buttons is to reflash the rom. Any idea as to why? This seemed like an easy change.... (also tried editing the file via notepad++ on the pc with the same result)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What file explorer are you using? ES explorer?
After editing and especially if you're pasting in a back up you need to make sure the files permissions are set to rw-r--r--
I personally used the text editor from Rom Tool Box Lite . Make sure there aren't any extra spaces and there should be no # in front of the key.
I just remapped and put them back to normal a few times and I'm not having any problems.
Let me know how you get on.

marxses said:
What file explorer are you using? ES explorer?
After editing and especially if you're pasting in a back up you need to make sure the files permissions are set to rw-r--r--
I personally used the text editor from Rom Tool Box Lite . Make sure there aren't any extra spaces and there should be no # in front of the key.
I just remapped and put them back to normal a few times and I'm not having any problems.
Let me know how you get on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I was using ES file Explorer... I don't know what happened amongst text editors, but the rom tool box text editor did the trick... I appreciate your time and patience. Now it's time to figure out how to change long press home to Google now... Thanks again

Jaydawgx7 said:
Thanks! I was using ES file Explorer... I don't know what happened amongst text editors, but the rom tool box text editor did the trick... I appreciate your time and patience. Now it's time to figure out how to change long press home to Google now... Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All good, glad you got it sorted.
Another option is home2shortcut it uses double tap instead of long press, just tried it for kicks and it works really well, quite snappy