Database Users

Few questions regarding changing firmware and unlocking

Hi I've just bought an omnia 7 which is uk t-mobile branded and sim locked. I would like to debrand it and unlock it so I can put my own sim in. I've done a bit of searching and found a page with all the firmwares on. Am I right in thinking that I need to install the XXJL3 uk retail rom to become unbranded? Would I then need to update to mango through zune?
Also I would like to unlock it. Is the best way through imei unlock? I've seen a few people selling this through ebay and at £8 seems a good deal
Cheers

Hi Rob77,
My Omnia is/was a T-Mobile branded phone when I got it last October.
I used these guys to get it unlocked, http://www.unlocksamsung.co.uk/
It took less than a hour.
The XXJL3 Retail ROM is also the one I used and Yes Zune will give you the rest of the updates.
Two things to bear in mind before you start.
1. If you want to (DEV) unlock your Omnia (i.e. Sideload Apps)
Then unlock it straight after you change the ROM. As there isn't a way to do it from Mango (yet )
2. You won't be able to use MMS on GiffGaff.
Theres no way to set the MMS settings on WP7 and GiffGaff have O2 Pre-Pay setting on there sims, so the phone reads and sets the wrong info.

Thanks ZaForD for the excellent advice. I don't get the phone till tomorrow but ill use that rom you mentioned and debrand it that way.
Its a bit of a shame about the mms issue with giffgaff, I wasn't aware of that. I generally send pictures through email now anyway so isn't really a deal breaker for me.
I looked on that network unlocking site you mentioned and see they charge 15 quid. But if they can do it and fast I dont mind paying the extra.
For the chevron unlock you mention does it stay unlocked with any future firmware upgrades that may come?
Thanks again
Rob
Edit to say, have you tried this solution to the mms issue:
http://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Help-Ask-the-community-got-stuck/MMS-does-not-work-with-WP7-LG-E900/td-p/1520327?device-view=desktop
The last poster claims to have got it working
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Hi Rob77,
WP7 phones were only just released when I got mine unlocked and that was one of only three sites I found that could unlock the Omnia. It was also the cheapest, but things have clearly changed now
Each major update seems to brake the Chevron unlock.
I don't use it myself, so i'm not the best person to advise you on this.
I was just trying to save you some hassle if you wanted to go down that route.
The MMS its that big a deal for me either, but every now and then I look for a solution and have yet to find one.
That thread is for an LG phone, Samsungs don't have an MFG (manufactoring) menu. They have a Diag (diagnosis) menu.
The setting mentioned dose nothing on the Omnia
The only WP7 phones that have a fix AFAIK are the HTC's, they have a 'Network Connection' App that has the GiffGaff settings.
The 'Network Profile' App for Samsungs dosen't have any GiffGaff settings.
Samsung say GiffGaff haven't provided any, GiffGaff have yet to answer my email's/agent msg's. But its only been around 8 months, they maybe busy.

Thanks again for the great advice ZaForD
Its a bit of a shame about the giffgaff MMS issue but hopefully in the future they may finally get round to fixing it amongst themselves. I cant recall receiving an MMS in the last 6 months anyway so its no biggi really.
I probably wont Chevron unlock mine either. Is it just for installing 3rd party apps that are not available through the marketplace? I've not really needed to on my android so doubt I will on WP7

Hi ZaForD I came across this http://www.nextbestgeek.com/2010/12/12/samsung-no-mms-read-on/ and thought it might be of some interest. Apparently it works but I'm unable to test it at the moment as I still haven't received my phone (damn ebayer). When mine arrives I'm going to chevron unlock it and try it out but I'm unsure whether pay chevron labs or go with the free unlock that is on this forum.

sim lock
i dont thnk while changing rom thr s any sim lock ............to dev unlock http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1335452 here u can c cpmplete guide to dev unlock

Hey Rob
I had a look at the link, I don't think it'll be any help.
There doesn't appear to be anywhere to add any new settings.
Which implys the App gets the MMS settings from either:
The 'Sim Card' which in our case are O2 pre-paid settings not Giffgaff.
And which is the same as 'Resetting' the phone.
Or it pulls the info from the 'Network' which would be the same as 'txt 2020' for settings.
That also doesn't work for WP7 and from what i've read on the giffgaff forums, doesn't work for Android, Apple or Blackberry phones either.

Thats a shame. Thanks for taking a look, hopefully in the future we will get a fix

[Q] concerncerns about Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note n7000 from the Far East.

Hi All....Firstly I apologise if I'm putting this thread in the wrong section but as a novice please forgive me...
I am thinking of buying the N700 from panamoz.com as it's cheap but they have said there units are imported from the far east and there for cannot guarantee if they will work in the UK...
so my questions to the forum are:
1. If a phone is unlocked wouldn't it work if I put a T-mobile sim in it?
2. as the phone is shipped in from the Far East some Eng(UK) apps won't , work or be available in English UK...if not is there a way to configure the phone for them to work...?
3. Would I need to Install Mobile phone specifics configurations in order for the note to work??
Thanks for your help in advance..
Neil

1. If it is factory unlocked then you should have no trouble using your UK T-Mobile SIM in it.
2. I don't see why any app wouldn't work on it, never encountered such an issue with any Android device I've used. If you do get issues then there's always custom roms .
3. You may have to set up the APN settings if you keep the stock foreign ROM, but that is easy and takes a couple of seconds with a single Google search. Of course custom roms generally have huge APN lists built in and would have your necessary configuration.
Hope that helps.
Sent via carrier pigeon

Remember to make sure it is an N7000 and note an I9220. They are different, albeit slightly.

[Q] Not registered on network

Hi there!
I bought a Galaxy Note III in Thailand, unlocked, and I am trying to use it in India, Vodafone. Data is working perfectly but when I try to register it on network is not possible. I already went to the company and replaced the sim card. Same problem. When I was in Thailand it worked perfectly, even I tried in Nepal and it was working 100% too, so phone is ok. Somewhere I read there is a new system to avoid bringing phones form one country to another. Some help would be apreciate. Thanks in advance. Be happy

aryatara said:
Hi there!
I bought a Galaxy Note III in Thailand, unlocked, and I am trying to use it in India, Vodafone. Data is working perfectly but when I try to register it on network is not possible. I already went to the company and replaced the sim card. Same problem. When I was in Thailand it worked perfectly, even I tried in Nepal and it was working 100% too, so phone is ok. Somewhere I read there is a new system to avoid bringing phones form one country to another. Some help would be appreciate. Thanks in advance. Be happy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Same problem I am facing on Note 3 N9005 which is imported from UK,I got it from eBay.in.I have to manually select network and register on Vodafone network.It works fine for sometime and then after sometime it says not registered on network.I am tired of this problem.Sometimes it works just fine for hours also.Kindly if anybody can help us.
I have tried replacing the sim also but not of much help.

try here?
http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/5229...e-samsung-galaxy-note-region.htm#.U3j4yyhZpqM

MystaMagoo said:
try here?
http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/5229...e-samsung-galaxy-note-region.htm#.U3j4yyhZpqM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually when i selected WCDMA mode only the phone network is fine. 3G is also working fine but its not hundred per cent perfect sometimes its also showing no network.Like yesterday i set it to WCDMA mode and it worked fine for all calls.But when i select GSM only or AUTO mode the problem is too much and repeats itself frequently.I have bought it from eBay and has got seller warranty plus eBay gurantee is also there as i have purchased it 2 days back.
I want to get rid of this problem without returning the phone.Its CSC country is UK&IRE.Maybe it is causing some problem.I don't know but i am a student and got this phone after many efforts.Kindly help me.:fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:

kinng111 said:
Actually when i selected WCDMA mode only the phone network is fine. 3G is also working fine but its not hundred per cent perfect sometimes its also showing no network.Like yesterday i set it to WCDMA mode and it worked fine for all calls.But when i select GSM only or AUTO mode the problem is too much and repeats itself frequently.I have bought it from eBay and has got seller warranty plus eBay gurantee is also there as i have purchased it 2 days back.
I want to get rid of this problem without returning the phone.Its CSC country is UK&IRE.Maybe it is causing some problem.I don't know but i am a student and got this phone after many efforts.Kindly help me.:fingers-crossed::fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe you should try another network sim card or go into the settings and search for networks and then hit automatic

Then maybe you both need to flash your own regions rom?

Check your imei number, does it different from under the battery? Your phone probably been injected with superimei which did not work with gsm mode (it work in wcdma). You need to find a repair shop which has the SPT BOX to repair your gsm connection.
Check this thread..http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50119764#post50119764

stonedead said:
Check your imei number, does it different from under the battery? Your phone probably been injected with superimei which did not work with gsm mode (it work in wcdma). You need to find a repair shop which has the SPT BOX to repair your gsm connection.
Check this thread..http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50119764#post50119764
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the software imei and hardware imei are different.

kinng111 said:
Yes the software imei and hardware imei are different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow this instructions mate..http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50669735&postcount=8

stonedead said:
Follow this instructions mate..http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50669735&postcount=8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check your PM. Need help.

Phone Imei is not same number than back on batterie but my N3 worked perfectly in Thailand where I just used voice call for a minute ( I did not know about Region lock) and in Nepal working perfectly too for two weeks. Here in India I only get the 3G data to work. When Intry to call I get not registered on network. I gried two carriers and different sim, always same problem.

MystaMagoo said:
Then maybe you both need to flash your own regions rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Mystamagoo...sorry I dont know what is that, how to do it and what does it implies..could you explain further please...thanks

Try this............
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2470551

Greetings:
Can someone tell me how to enable LTE on SM-9005N unbranded/unlocked in Canada? having
moved back.
Any input is much appreciated.

This belongs to csc
download ur stock rom indian stock rom if u r in india

nabilsweet007 said:
This belongs to csc
download ur stock rom indian stock rom if u r in india
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My handset is not rooted and I would prefer not to do it. Do you think is it necesary? I noticed software and hardware Imeis are different in one digit..could that be the problem? Tks

nabilsweet007 said:
This belongs to csc
download ur stock rom indian stock rom if u r in india
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am just a simple user, could you guide me how to download indian stock rom without rooting the phone, is it possible?

aryatara said:
Phone Imei is not same number than back on batterie but my N3 worked perfectly in Thailand where I just used voice call for a minute ( I did not know about Region lock) and in Nepal working perfectly too for two weeks. Here in India I only get the 3G data to work. When Intry to call I get not registered on network. I gried two carriers and different sim, always same problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mat if u search in indian forum same problem of yours faced by others, your phone is unlocked threw super IMEI which works in only 3G, u must go to Good mobile repair shop who has some sophisticated tools to fix your problem, keep flashing different ROM etc will make things more complicated as this is a known problem, as someone suggested follow below link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50669735&postcount=8
You can make print out of above link which may help service center guy to repair

I am facing a network problem when i use gsm network it works fine but when i chane it into wcdma it says no service plz register when i tried yo search no networks appears plz give me somee idea samsung galaxy note3

[Q] S5 - Region Lock - How to test?

I've got a UK S5 purchased sim free and have just made a 5 minute call in the hope the region lock will be removed, but does anyone know if there is a way to test this? I'm going abroad in a few months (Singapore) and would like to use the phone there but want to be certain this has been region unlocked beforehand.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance

Spend $35-$40 on online unlock service, you will be worry free mate

babygau said:
Spend $35-$40 on online unlock service, you will be worry free mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't need SIM unlocking, the phone is factory unlocked, but just want to know if there is a way to check the status of the RegionLock (before going overseas and trying another sim)

p4j1 said:
I don't need SIM unlocking, the phone is factory unlocked, but just want to know if there is a way to check the status of the RegionLock (before going overseas and trying another sim)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
make 10-15 minutes more of calls just to be on the safe side? lol. but all kidding aside I have no idea how to check, and very quick/brief google search didn't turn up results (again very very quick search I may have overlooked it lol)..

I think you don't have to be worry about region lock. As far as i know, Singapore has the same mobile network (GSM) with Australia, theoretically you could use any sim to make phone calls in Singapore

p4j1 said:
I've got a UK S5 purchased sim free and have just made a 5 minute call in the hope the region lock will be removed, but does anyone know if there is a way to test this? I'm going abroad in a few months (Singapore) and would like to use the phone there but want to be certain this has been region unlocked beforehand.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to verify this. It's already an acknowledged fact. Samsung just wanted to reduce sales in the grey market.

Not many user seem to read your question carefully or simply don't get what the problem is..
I will have the same problem as I will go to Korea in a few month. I guess we just have to believe what Samsung said about the 5 min. call. Even trying the phone with a foreign sim card (foreign friends etc) is not sure since it will connect to the same region operators. But maybe it's worth a try!
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Free mobile app

oTToToTenTanz said:
Not many user seem to read your question carefully or simply don't get what the problem is..
I will have the same problem as I will go to Korea in a few month. I guess we just have to believe what Samsung said about the 5 min. call. Even trying the phone with a foreign sim card (foreign friends etc) is not sure since it will connect to the same region operators. But maybe it's worth a try!
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5 m8n is not enough, use it for 1 or 2 hours with not less of 15 min of call but 3-4 calls not only one and everything will be ok ( tested on my s5 and on s4 mini) i have multiple sim of france and othrr country outside of UE so i had experience of that probleme

Has anyone found a way to check if the phone is region locked? Would receiving 5 mins worth of calls on a regional SIM card be enough or does one have to make the calls?

There are some technical approaches but why not simply insert an out of region SIM card and try making a call? Does it work - or do you get an error? If you didn't plan ahead and don't have an out of region SIM on hand, a large, local mobile shop can probably furnish one for you to test.
Even if you had to purchase a prepaid SIM by mail order.. wouldn't that be worth it to know the answer? Otherwise you could be scrambling to fix it abroad under more difficult circumstances.
----> If you are rooted, you can do an authorative check by looking at your phone's blacklist file as described here
.

Some websites say that apart from making 5 mins worth of calls its also necessary to insert a regional SIM card before turning on the phone for the first time. Is this true?

lambada24 said:
Some websites say that apart from making 5 mins worth of calls its also necessary to insert a regional SIM card before turning on the phone for the first time. Is this true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No way to know unless someone does rigorous testing. Samsung probably prefers the particulars to remain murky to make it harder for end users to buy lower priced phones from other countries.
.

How can I go about resetting my phone to as close to its factory state as possible? I want to go through the initial configuration process with the SIM card inserted as I had configured it without a SIM card.

lambada24 said:
How can I go about resetting my phone to as close to its factory state as possible? I want to go through the initial configuration process with the SIM card inserted as I had configured it without a SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A bit off topic in this thread. So you should start a new thread if you have any follow up questions..
But to answer, Settings > General > Backup and reset > Factory data reset > Reset
That should do what you want.
Be warned that this will delete all of your user data, files and apps. So do a backup first.
And optionally follow that by using Odin or Kies to flash a full OEM stock firmware image on the device.
The latter step isn't really necessary 99% of the time and does very little that the first step hasn't already done. But you did say.. as close as... possible
.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
did I mention that if it was my device being sold, etc, that I would also trash my encryption keys, do several dd passes over the flash memory, soft brick, repartition, then wipe again with forensic software while pondering whether I had any reasons to simply grind the handset into fine powder.. ?

Did both steps. At least if the phone decides not to work with a local sim card when I'm out of Europe I'll have a clean conscience
Thanks a million.

lambada24 said:
Did both steps. At least if the phone decides not to work with a local sim card when I'm out of Europe I'll have a clean conscience
Thanks a million.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi Mate, was your phone region unlocked after 5 mins of call? M planning to buy one but its from other region. Also, will it get region locked again after any update?

Yes it worked fine for me with another regions sim card. I haven't been abroad again since I updated it so I don't know if it's still region unlocked.

I just got an s8 in switzerland, but the sim card lasted no time, as no credit. I have made several calls of about 2.50 minutes each to 0800 numbers (toll free) will this work?
Thanks

[Q] region locked? sim locked?

Hey guys!
first i would like to say thank you.
i'm following this forums for a long time. I may not have anything to contribute, but i do read and learn here a lot. keep it up, you rock!
Secondly, i would like to ask for a little help, i tried to look for an answer here but i get a little confused - can't understand which problem i have:
i'm from Israel, and 2 weeks ago, i was at the US. I bought a brand new S5 from Best-Buy, and i specifically asked for an unlocked one - for use OUTSIDE the US.
and it has a verizon sim card inside (new i guess), and verizon logo on the back and as a splash screen.
when i got back to Israel, i inserted a local sim card and unfortunately - it doesn't work.
* i do get signal of my local carrier, but no cellular data can be used (wifi works fine)
* i get an error at the notifications center - that the sim card is unsupported
* i do not get the "enter unlock code" message
* at the settings-> more networks-> mobile networks ->global data roaming access menu, i get something about roaming outside the US (which might give a hint about the unlock state of the phone i think)
would be very glad to have your help, guys!
thanks a lot!
Tomer.
**** edit: i got the cellular data working (updated APN), but still have the: "Phone Activation: The SIM card is from an unknown source" message...)

ToMeRhh said:
i'm following this forums for a long time. I may not have anything to contribute, but i do read and learn here a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the forum.
Samsung region locks phones to discourage buying a phone for use in a different part of the world. Your phone is also intended for use with the US carrier Verizon, hence the setup message about not having activated a Verizon account.
Less soluble is your apparent intent to use this phone in Israel. You've apparently bought a 900V model which is not well suited to the frequency bands there. Samsung sells the 900F model in Israel. You would have done well with something like a US 900T, if not a 900F but the 900V model that you bought is intended for Verizon's CDMA network, not the GSM system in the middle east.
As a result you probably will have no coverage whatsoever in the 4G or LTE bands. Also, the Verizon model is one of the few that has a locked bootloader which will prevent you from using custom kernels or a conventional custom recovery.
A simple search of the forum will tell you how to resolve the Verizon error message and your other questions. Or look in my post history as I have answered these questions at length in previous threads.
It's a good habit to search the forum for an answer before posting. There is a wealth of information in existing threads and you could have easily found immediate answers to all of your questions. And remove the need for us to answer the same questions over and over. These are questions that have been asked and answered dozens of times.
.