Database Users

NCK bypassing, unlocking, and/or rooting? Lollipop help.

Okay, so, yes, I know to use the Search function, but alas all information is either outdated or there is no concise answers / solutions to be found. Trust me, I have scoured.
Overview: Okay so Thursday I bought an SGH-i337, being the nerd that I am knowing that I use MetroPCS (can't beat unlimited 4G LTE for $60) I scoured the net and researched ALL models of the S4 and G3. Decided the screen size of the G3 too big coming from a 5C. Decided Sprint's version might work, but not on 4G. Verizon, would switch from LTE to 2G with no 3G support, so that would be a desperation act, haha.
So, my main options were T-Mobile, then AT&T, because MetroPCS and T-Mobile were one and the same. All the people that had T-Mobile based phone sellers were being a pain in the butt to deal with... so, I found an AT&T owner that was ready.
The tragic love story: So on once I used the MicroSIM card in the S4 to cut an old full-size SIM to scale a border around my Nano SIM and finally got it placed perfectly to read... I was happy... which faded quickly as it was locked, how could I be so dumb!
So, the previous owner is now awaiting an unlock code as I found EVERY method to use the UMTS Menu is impossible to get to "[6] Phone Control" option. Due to that silly Auto Updating AT&T bloatware and Kernel upgrade/Firmware.
Okay, I should wait, but... does anyone know a way to get to the Phone Control menu using a secret code?? I have noticed some of the many codes go straight to the Debug Screen or go straight to the other menu options... so could there be one for Phone Control?
Also, maybe is there a way to get the phone to output the NCK Key manually connecting it to a computer and using a prompt? I may have heard about such a thing on SureWest routers through TelNet, to get the administration password... not that I personally have done this. Just feel like if these websites are able to use an IMEI number to charge you for a code... it has to be stored on the phone somewhere right?
Rooting and Downgrading
Also, has anyone tried the Odin way of downgrading and rooting these phones, has personally worked for them? I have found the threads on here and it seems pretty interesting... when I look at previous versions of Droid they look to allow more functionality for more advanced users than this 5.0, so if that be the case I am interested in taking this back to stock and beginning removal of all AT&T programs.
Maybe I am sounding like an idiot, but I have been on a Jailbroken 5C for... probably 2 years now and even with that it seems limiting to the curious, nerdy, mess with things side of me.
Summary:
- Should I just wait the 2-5 days for the code? / Would downgrading firmwares negate the entered NCK code if used prior to downgrade?
- Are there any known ways to unlock this model fully upgraded?
- Should I use the Odin methods of downgrading to stock? / Do you prefer previous versions over 5.0?
- What problems should have you guys faced / should I consider prior to doing anything?
- Should I just try to find a T-Mobile model of the S4??
Phew, sorry, if you read all of that and hate me for it, haha. Please, be knowledgable and not tell me how dumb I am for being so antsy to be able to use this phone w/o WiFi! Haha, you guys try using a 5C forever and see the screen difference / abilities you've been missing out on for so long!
Thanks!

The method of downgrading to 4.4.2 (aka NB1) then rooting and then going to lollipop by keeping the root has worked for me. There is no direct way, to root lollipop atm.
First downgrade to stock rootable 4.4.2. You can do this from any base, and/or use it if you mess your phone up (bootloops, etc). Link here. Second post on that thread, step 1. Make sure you download the rootable one.
To root it use TowelRoot. Run it - Tap make it ra1n - After a succeseful root, install SuperSU.
The follow this post here to goto stock rooted lollipop 5.0.1 (aka OC4). I recommend downloading the deodexed version, so you can install xposed if you want in the future.
Thats it for rooting lollipop. And now that you have root you can get rid of that bloatware.
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I personally, don't really fancy lollipop. High Ram usage.
Secondly, i bought this phone on eBay and it came unlocked, and even after flashing different firmwares, its still unlocked. I think if you unlock using that NCK code, the phone will stay unlocked forever.
Thirdly, the T-Mobile version has an unlocked bootloader, which is a big up in comparison to the i337. We are restriced to only using one costum recovery, that is SafeStrap. Others, don't work.

Thank you
I will probably have to go through that whole process. Got it unlocked thankfully, but am feeling as though based on specs and the little apps I have installed the phone should be a bit smoother in basic functionality especially Web browsing.
So yeah definitely already feeling your point in resource hog and though I disabled the bloatware, I don't think it helps being installed.
Also, figuring out after using the phone in my car that Galaxy has very quiet audio output via the 1/8" headphone jack. Seems that you can find volume controlled headphones easier than just straight cords! However, found this a known issue for all Galaxies and rooting it may be the easiest workaround.
Thanks for the organized list of information/insight! Now I will have some more stuff to geek out on... ?

Peptobismal said:
Also, figuring out after using the phone in my car that Galaxy has very quiet audio output via the 1/8" headphone jack. Seems that you can find volume controlled headphones easier than just straight cords! However, found this a known issue for all Galaxies and rooting it may be the easiest workaround.
Thanks for the organized list of information/insight! Now I will have some more stuff to geek out on...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome
I don't know, but cranking the volume to full on my phone using earphones, makes my ears hurt . The audio output on mine is great, nothing modified.
Oh, if you decide to stick with kitkat, check out these posts. I'm sure they will come in handy for stock roms. Simply to make life easier.
Remove AT&T carrier name from the notification bar
Restore Mobile Data Toggle in Notifications Bar (First method - apk on third post)

TheJuli said:
You're welcome
I don't know, but cranking the volume to full on my phone using earphones, makes my ears hurt . The audio output on mine is great
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'd say it's probably fine with headphones, but through a car's auxiliary it is probably 25-30% quieter than my iPhone even at "full" volume.
Read that there are files to modify, but you have to be rooted.

What is this Mobile Data Toggle? Would it be really at all useful seeing as I have MetroPCS? * I assume that ridding AT&T is just a general tweak, which I do like getting rid of the carrier.

Peptobismal said:
What is this Mobile Data Toggle? Would it be really at all useful seeing as I have MetroPCS? * I assume that ridding AT&T is just a general tweak, which I do like getting rid of the carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mobile data toggle is used to enable Internet from your carrier/sim. Ridding the AT&T thing is sorta general because you need to have root.

Recent apps and back buttons

Mine are not lighting up and not working. I have done various resets and things would be back to normal, but that has stopped now. Have made enquiries and people are saying it's the Google app and you have to disable it then enable, but that doesn't work either. Has anyone else had this issue? Factory resets were advised in other threads but did not work. I'm getting so many bugs on this phone that it's starting to piss me off

Have you tried initializing in smart switch. Or using odin to flash the latest firmware?

qwewqa said:
Have you tried initializing in smart switch. Or using odin to flash the latest firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I''ll give that a try as that seems to be the only option left apart from returning it.

Gave it a try x 2 and it initially appears to work. Then installed some apps and it reverted back. Tried again, and tried setting up as a new phone, same thing. This phone has to be the most disappointing smartphone I have ever had. Permanent bugs, poor sound. Should have waited for the HTC 10.

In Accessibility Settings check if "One touch mode" is enabled. Disable it.

themissionimpossible said:
In Accessibility Settings check if "One touch mode" is enabled. Disable it.
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Click to collapse
Don't have one touch mode anywhere . This phone is really beginning to piss me off. Surely a replacement can't have as many bugs as the one I have. Samsung Internet hardly ever works, the settings I save never save and now this. i'm thinking Samsung rushed this out.

Maybe it's called "Single touch mode" or something similar, I'm translating from Italian...

themissionimpossible said:
Maybe it's called "Single touch mode" or something similar, I'm translating from Italian...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help but I cannot find anything relevant on the phone or by Google.

mightywhites29111971 said:
Thanks for your help but I cannot find anything relevant on the phone or by Google.
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Click to collapse
Have you tried the app called galaxy button lights? It might fix the problem.
Heres a link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.notquiteinsane.galaxybuttonlights
Also check to see if you have powersaving enabled. When enabled the recent and back keys do not illuminate.

amar95353 said:
Have you tried the app called galaxy button lights? It might fix the problem.
Heres a link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.notquiteinsane.galaxybuttonlights
Also check to see if you have powersaving enabled. When enabled the recent and back keys do not illuminate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, have just tried it, doesn't work or do anything I'm afraid

mightywhites29111971 said:
Thanks, have just tried it, doesn't work or do anything I'm afraid
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Click to collapse
I think your only option is to get a replacement then. Hope you get a working one becuase this really is a great phone.

So people say but I have had nothing but problems with it. The sound quality is poor, it never saves my settings and I had to pay £200 to replace the screen whilst out jogging. I didn't drop it, it was in my arm strap for the entire 2 mile jog back from the gym. I'd love to swap it for a HTC 10 as I had the M7 and M8 and they were great phones and I didn't have any issues with them.

mightywhites29111971 said:
So people say but I have had nothing but problems with it. The sound quality is poor, it never saves my settings and I had to pay £200 to replace the screen whilst out jogging. I didn't drop it, it was in my arm strap for the entire 2 mile jog back from the gym. I'd love to swap it for a HTC 10 as I had the M7 and M8 and they were great phones and I didn't have any issues with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must have just got a faulty one. I have had mine since it was released here in the uk and have not had a single problem with it other than the occasional reboot but thats acceptable and is just in the nature of Android. I would try a replacement but if you prefer you could sell it and put what ever you get towards a htc 10.

mightywhites29111971 said:
Mine are not lighting up and not working. I have done various resets and things would be back to normal, but that has stopped now. Have made enquiries and people are saying it's the Google app and you have to disable it then enable, but that doesn't work either. Has anyone else had this issue? Factory resets were advised in other threads but did not work. I'm getting so many bugs on this phone that it's starting to piss me off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is powersave mode on?

I've taken it to Samsung on Oxford St, London. After waiting 90 mins a member of staff tried the buttons and then said they will have to send it away for repair and it will take 7-8 days. Then instead of posting it back to me I have to go back to Oxford St and presumably have to wait the same time to get it back. Shambolic customer service.

music pause

So I always experience music pausing for no reason every few minutes.. First believed it may be power saving but it happens if screen has stayed on and all.. Any suggestions

ykjae said:
So I always experience music pausing for no reason every few minutes.. First believed it may be power saving but it happens if screen has stayed on and all.. Any suggestions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have u checked setting of music player? or any bluetooth or headphone setting?
:good:

Geeks Empire said:
have u checked setting of music player? or any bluetooth or headphone setting?
:good:
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Click to collapse
It couldn't be music player because it's also YouTube and SoundCloud.

ykjae said:
It couldn't be music player because it's also YouTube and SoundCloud.
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Click to collapse
doesn't your phone have option that pause video and ... when looking away from your phone!
i remember this feature in galaxy s4, s5

Geeks Empire said:
doesn't your phone have option that pause video and ... when looking away from your phone!
i remember this feature in galaxy s4, s5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't seen smart pause.. Smart stay and everything else I checked out and it's not causing the problem. I'm hoping it's not a hardware a problem. I'm going to reflash a different rom and see where it gets me.

This also started happening to me after last software update. Dont knownof its the app update or the phone os marshmellow update...

ssgunner20 said:
This also started happening to me after last software update. Dont knownof its the app update or the phone os marshmellow update...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. Not sure. All I wanna do is try to reflash rom but that takes a lot of backing up just when everything else is perfect.

Yea thats true. My gallery just started acting up too where half my pics appear to be half grayed out by a vertical bar.
Considering a reflash but to lazy to back up and ensure everything is backed up. Dont wanna miss nothing.

ssgunner20 said:
Yea thats true. My gallery just started acting up too where half my pics appear to be half grayed out by a vertical bar.
Considering a reflash but to lazy to back up and ensure everything is backed up. Dont wanna miss nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah its almost as it's probably worth just dealing with the problem lol.

same problem
ykjae said:
So I always experience music pausing for no reason every few minutes.. First believed it may be power saving but it happens if screen has stayed on and all.. Any suggestions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have same problem. not only music player but also Youtube, Browser. Dıd you find a solution?

Basically I still deal with it. And it's not as bad. I really just want to upgrade to nougat but without xposed.. Nope

I upgraded to nougat. But problem still exists

I had the possibly similar issue
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/help/audio-randomly-cutting-s7-edge-t3373944/post72126191#post72126191

Type of pause?
How long is pause?
Is it clipping?
Is it at a high volume?
Do you have any type of mono or Bluetooth apps installed?
Are you using WIFI or mobile connection for streaning?
Does it occur at certain locations or everywhere?
*Do you use OK GOOGLE or any similar Voice activated apps?
*Check your NOTIFICATIONS! Try changing SOUND NOTIFICATIONS to VIBRATE for all apps by going into sounds & notif in settings.. Change MODE to vibrate.
*Also try playing in AIRPLANE mode & do not disturb
*Does it occur when streaming to a tv or media device?
With these questions we can rule out various "connectivity" issues or interference as WELL as apps fighting for control over speaker or microphone, for notifications etc. As there are many
You should find the cause as with almost all media streaming apps most have options to go into a do not disturb mode as other apps utilize the same reaources resulting in conflicts like you described! After changing to VIBRATE notification mode and/or AIRPLANE mode, it becomes just a matter of narrowing down offending app.. Until then it will work at least!
HOPE THIS HELPS! There r days I need help! too

I had same problem and ı thought this problem can be related to an app ı installed. And it was. When i uninstalled Sputnik news. My problem had gone. If u have it, uninstal. If u dont have, may be one of other app causes. Try uninstalling each app, and find the app causes this problem

Disabling Camera Shutter Sound

I simply found this little trick which will let you have silent camera shutter, as you're entitled to have at first place. Some stupid regional thing made Google think as soon as you insert a SIM card you can't have silent camera shutter, whatever, their problem.
In any case, it couldn't be more easy. Just take your SIM card out of the phone. Reboot. Open camera settings. Then you'll see the option Camera sounds (see screenshot if needed), simply uncheck it, insert SIM back, done. Fortunately the setting will stick even after a reboot. Though you won't see that option there any more, until you use the SIM out again and reboot.
Wish there was a way like this for the screenshot sound. When SIM card is out of the phone, you simply put the phone to vibrate or DND, screenshot sound will disable too, but unfortunately after reinserting SIM the sound comes back
Enjoy.

just unlock your bootloader, then do a fastboot boot twrp recovery, then delete the audio files

flex360 said:
just unlock your bootloader, then do a fastboot boot twrp recovery, then delete the audio files
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That has not worked for a while, since Nougat release. Google made sounds part of the APK, the seperate files don't do anything.
Thanks for the tip, it even works on O DP3 and after a reboot with the SIM the option for sound is still there.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

I dont get it, the sound off option has been there since February.
Doesnt require anything special other than to open camera.app settings and toggle it off.

uicnren said:
I dont get it, the sound off option has been there since February.
Doesnt require anything special other than to open camera.app settings and toggle it off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because wherever you live the regional thing doesn't apply for you. So when you insert your SIM card the setting remains there, not for us, those who live in India and I'm sure we aren't alone either! Hope you get it now!

You could also boot into recovery (not flash) , copy off the framework-res.apk, decompile it, open up values.xml and disable it from there

is working for me, and today update to android 8 and continue working, THX!.

I can turn if off just from the camera app... I'm using a China SIM card.

Google released an app update for Camera that allows the user to disable shutter sound.
Then it went away I guess.
Then came back again this week or last week via PlayStore update.

Doesn't matter if an update was pushed or not, cause the moment an Indian SIM is inserted in the phone that disabling option will be gone. Obviously like I mentioned 100 times there is no such stupid law/rule in this country to have a damn option like that at first place but I think Google thought as Japan had to have it why not India as its in Asia too, I mean I don't know, I am trying to lower my IQ to think from Google's point of view.
That's the only simply way I found to have it disabled. Hope there indeed will be an update for real though.

Its there to prevent you from taking under skirt pics, Asia is famous for that crap ))

kolyan said:
Its there to prevent you from taking under skirt pics, Asia is famous for that crap ))
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
India is in Asia, Asia is not in India!

This does not work for a Nexus 6. I found another way to silence the google camera easily also, put phone in dnd mode.

I made sure to buy my Pixel XL when I was back in the UK and this was one of the reasons. Australian phones also have this inability to turn off the camera sounds. So when you're out walking in the park and want to take pictures of a wallaby or if you go to a wildlife park/zoo and want to get some photos of a koala you can't do it with an australian mobile phone because of the "I'M USING A CAMERA' noise that emanates and scares off the animals and makes people turn around.
Best way is to root and save a silence audio sound file in place of the real sound file although on previous phones I just deleted the sound file and it seemed to work fine. However, the system will still be calling for that file when you take a photo and will be getting a "file not found".

Poor audio quality on recordings while using non-ZTE apps

Hello everybody,
When I try to make a video or audio recording using an app that is not from ZTE, the audio is really garbage, specially if there is music around.
I've attached some audio files(I had to zip them because xda didn't let me upload the files separately) to show the huge difference in quality, check it out, the same part of the music, but the sound is horrible!!
And it is the same if I try to make a video, using the camera app is really good, but if I use Instagram/Snapchat the quality drops to almost nothing.
For example, if I want make a snap while in a barbecue with friends and there is some music going on, I better forget, because nobody can distinguish the voices and the music..
Anybody knows how to fix this?
It is really annoying and unsatisfying to use the phone

renatop said:
Hello everybody,
When I try to make a video or audio recording using an app that is not from ZTE, the audio is really garbage, specially if there is music around.
I've attached some audio files(I had to zip them because xda didn't let me upload the files separately) to show the huge difference in quality, check it out, the same part of the music, but the sound is horrible!!
And it is the same if I try to make a video, using the camera app is really good, but if I use Instagram/Snapchat the quality drops to almost nothing.
For example, if I want make a snap while in a barbecue with friends and there is some music going on, I better forget, because nobody can distinguish the voices and the music..
Anybody knows how to fix this?
It is really annoying and unsatisfying to use the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's probably because the stock apps are adapted to use the AK4961. You can try a custom ROM maybe (LOS might do the trick). Try to dual boot LOS to see if this fixes your problem

@renatop,
Have you tried in other APP, or such problem all happen in music APP? Have you fixed your phone's problem yet?

Choose an username... said:
That's probably because the stock apps are adapted to use the AK4961. You can try a custom ROM maybe (LOS might do the trick). Try to dual boot LOS to see if this fixes your problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if I could do it without rooting my device?

William Guo said:
@renatop,
Have you tried in other APP, or such problem all happen in music APP? Have you fixed your phone's problem yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, no, I didn't fix.
My problem is recording audio or video in spaces/rooms with music...
If you check the files that I attached to my first post you will listen how bad it records when I'm not using a ZTE app...

renatop said:
Do you know if I could do it without rooting my device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well yes, but i guess you mean if you can do it without unlocking the bootloader, in which case no. you have to unlock the bootloader to be able to install a custom recovery, and then install a custom ROM like lineageOS. The thing is, you won't have warranty and unless you relock it (which means going back to stock) you'll have to pay a fee if you need to repair it.
If you install a custom ROM you'll have a close to vanilla Android system, like Nexus/Pixels or moto phones. Most things work differently there, for example the camera is slightly worse and the phone didn't use the dedicated DAC until practically a couple of weeks ago. But it usually solves problems like this one.

Choose an username... said:
Well yes, but i guess you mean if you can do it without unlocking the bootloader, in which case no. you have to unlock the bootloader to be able to install a custom recovery, and then install a custom ROM like lineageOS. The thing is, you won't have warranty and unless you relock it (which means going back to stock) you'll have to pay a fee if you need to repair it.
If you install a custom ROM you'll have a close to vanilla Android system, like Nexus/Pixels or moto phones. Most things work differently there, for example the camera is slightly worse and the phone didn't use the dedicated DAC until practically a couple of weeks ago. But it usually solves problems like this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ok...Thanks for the info!
I was interested in changing my ROM but the DAC issue was something that hold me back...
Maybe I will try this later...
Someone else with stock ROM could also do this test to confirm that this is not only with my phone...