Long time reader and tinkerer, but first time poster... This is a two-part thread:
I picked up a cheap used Samsung Galaxy S4 phone, hoping to unlock it and use it. When I received it, it was a SM-S975L, which I can barely find any information on:
Model number: SM-S975L
Baseband version: S975LUDUANB1
Kernel version: 3.4.0-2485535 [email protected] #1 Tue Feb 4 17:57:30 KST 2014
Build number: JSS15J.S975LUDUANB1
SE for Android status: SEPF_SM-S975L_4.3_0017
Product code: SM-S975LZKATFN
Current firmware on my phone: www DOT sammobile DOT com/firmwares/3/?download=28755
Part 1: Custom ROM.
I want to use a Google Edition ROM instead of the bloatware that comes on carrier devices. I'm unable to find a recovery for the SM-S975L, much less a custom ROM though. Is anyone out there that would entertain the idea?
PARt 2: SIM Unlock.
With my sim in the phone, a SIM Unlock code screen doesn't pop up on its own. I typed #7465625*638*# into the dialer and it did finally appear. I was able to successfully sim-unlock it once. But after a phone reboot, the phone was re-locked and the sim unlock code I previously used no longer works. Has anyone ever had this happen? I would like a permanent solution to sim-unlock.
Thanks!
Hi jeredh....I have the same questions as I just ordered this model. Have you solved or tried out anything on your 2 questions?
-JC
I wound up selling it and changing to an S5 Active. No luck at all finding anyone or anything for that phone.
Another purchaser of the S975L here. Thought $249 was a great deal for this phone, but got home and realized that it's actually a really locked down phone. No permanent way to unlock it (unless you own it for a year in which case Tracfone will unlock it), bootloader is locked, no one has developed a custom ROM for it, and the complete tethering framework has been removed (so not even rooted tethering apps will work). It's a good bet that Straight Talk will never update the firmware on it either. That last one is a huge bummer because Android 4.3 is *okay* for now, but KitKat has been out for a while, and Lollipop will be ported very soon. It's fantastic hardware gimped by awful software. A shame really. I'll probably hang on to this phone for a little while since it's a definite improvement over my old iPhone 4S, but I'd like to move to something I have a little more control over.
The only solace I have is that it's easily rootable using TowelRoot.
Follow this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/help/how-to-unlock-galaxy-s4-straighttalk-sm-t2816029 aromerblz is making nice progress. Twrp can be installed just fine. Read the thread
jeredh said:
Long time reader and tinkerer, but first time poster... This is a two-part thread:
I picked up a cheap used Samsung Galaxy S4 phone, hoping to unlock it and use it. When I received it, it was a SM-S975L, which I can barely find any information on:
Model number: SM-S975L
Baseband version: S975LUDUANB1
Kernel version: 3.4.0-2485535 [email protected] #1 Tue Feb 4 17:57:30 KST 2014
Build number: JSS15J.S975LUDUANB1
SE for Android status: SEPF_SM-S975L_4.3_0017
Product code: SM-S975LZKATFN
Current firmware on my phone: www DOT sammobile DOT com/firmwares/3/?download=28755
Part 1: Custom ROM.
I want to use a Google Edition ROM instead of the bloatware that comes on carrier devices. I'm unable to find a recovery for the SM-S975L, much less a custom ROM though. Is anyone out there that would entertain the idea?
PARt 2: SIM Unlock.
With my sim in the phone, a SIM Unlock code screen doesn't pop up on its own. I typed #7465625*638*# into the dialer and it did finally appear. I was able to successfully sim-unlock it once. But after a phone reboot, the phone was re-locked and the sim unlock code I previously used no longer works. Has anyone ever had this happen? I would like a permanent solution to sim-unlock.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the unlock code and root, then follow this.
1. install samsung phone info tools from the market. Run it and allow super user access on it.
2. Press menu and go to secret codes, and let it load.
3. Once generated scroll until you find 7465625*638* you should see two. One that says unlock and other says lock.
4. Select the one that says lock. Press it and select "launch 0" on MCC/MNC field enter your carriers MCC/MNC code.(google it if you dnt know it) on the Control Key enter unlock code. Press ok.
5. Select the 7465625*638* that has unlock on it, press launch 0, enter unlock code. Press ok.
6. Hit thanks, device should be unlock with no neet to reboot.
**You need to do this everytime you turn off, turn on, or restart the phone.
Question: Wondering how you got the unlock code?
WAITING
Hello,
I will follow the question, how did you manage to get a code?
I really want to at least unlock my phone to use it,
I know aromerblz is going to make a guide, I have to wait and try it, I am really not having idea what to do to make it work
NO UNLOCK CODE for Permanent Unlock!
.
An UNLOCK CODE for this phone only TEMPORARILY unlocks it.. everytime you power off and phone on OR restart it then it will ask for the code again.. This phone is very well programmed and cannot be permanently unlocked. This is a Straighttalk phone.. its not meant for other carriers.. if you bought this thinking you were getting a deal you were probably wrong.
network unlock
if I purchase a code from a third party and I enter it everytime I reboot does it work on the other network everytime ?
Sm-s975l unlock info
This model is permanatly unlockable through Straighttalk after a 1yr of active service ( If you are late adding time & if your phone deactivates, you must begin the 1yr requirement from the begining )
But good News there are 2 compatible Models of the S4 you can use to Customize your SM-S975L.
Most ROMS are compatible. You will need to have your Device "ROOTED" with Custom Recover Software.
Just my advice use TWRP as Cmod tends to Brick Devices " Just from Personal Experience "
The M919 - Forums General Location
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-tmobile
The I9505 - Forums General Location
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4
The Most Compatible ROM for the SM-S975L was Created by a Very Talented Developer "The Sickness"
Download V11 4.4.2 & the Mod File. Now Boot into Recovery Flash the Rom 1st following the instructions provided on the download page allow the 1st boot up to complete. Name your phone & all that other fun setup info Stuff. Then reboot into Recovery, & do a advance wipe on Cache & Delvic lol & you can now flash the MOD pack, I recommend choosing the Ktweaker OC Kernel by Ktoonz you can pplay around with the other Mods but be warned the S5 Mods Tend to cause device errors with settings/menu/&keyboard. This rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2683507
DONT LET ANYONE TELL YOU THE INSANE HYBRID 4.4.4 ROM UPGRADE IS BETTER ITS NOT THAT ROM IS BLOATED AND SLOW AS DIRT
There aren many ROMs to choose from icecream sanwich to marshmellow But none as good as "Sickness's" INSANE KITKAT Versions Vary but the Only Rom that comes even Close is SPIKE LABS 4.4.4 GAMING ROM with kernel juicer but its still a bit jittery at times when the GPU is pushed & games are Drawing Heavily On Your Device..
As far as the Baseband is concerned you can remove it and attempt to upgrade it Via ABD pull & push. " Aquire ABD & fastboot files & launch CMD W/ADMIN RIGHTS" & it is possible to use ABD CMDs to remove & apply another Basebamd but this could super brick your Device if it is not unlocked.
Hope this Helps Lot Peeps
aromerblz said:
If you have the unlock code and root, then follow this.
1. install samsung phone info tools from the market. Run it and allow super user access on it.
2. Press menu and go to secret codes, and let it load.
3. Once generated scroll until you find 7465625*638* you should see two. One that says unlock and other says lock.
4. Select the one that says lock. Press it and select "launch 0" on MCC/MNC field enter your carriers MCC/MNC code.(google it if you dnt know it) on the Control Key enter unlock code. Press ok.
5. Select the 7465625*638* that has unlock on it, press launch 0, enter unlock code. Press ok.
6. Hit thanks, device should be unlock with no neet to reboot.
**You need to do this everytime you turn off, turn on, or restart the phone.
Question: Wondering how you got the unlock code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in the same boat, had an unlock code, it worked one time then after a reboot it would not accept the unlock code. I happened upon this post (while I was searching for the stock ROM to reload on it), and decided "what the hell let me try these steps"....it works. I don't mind going through these steps on each reboot. Infact I made it a bit easier, I installed Shortcut Master (Lite) and made two short cuts, one for the lock and one for the unlock.
Thank you for posting these steps.
erichss said:
I was in the same boat, had an unlock code, it worked one time then after a reboot it would not accept the unlock code. I happened upon this post (while I was searching for the stock ROM to reload on it), and decided "what the hell let me try these steps"....it works. I don't mind going through these steps on each reboot. Infact I made it a bit easier, I installed Shortcut Master (Lite) and made two short cuts, one for the lock and one for the unlock.
Thank you for posting these steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome..
aromerblz said:
You are welcome..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Though I do have a question. Are there any ROMs out there that are based on Android 5.x that will work with this? I tried flashing Cyangenmod but the "secret" codes needed don't seem to work at all, infact Phone Info only shows like 12 or 13 codes.
erichss said:
Though I do have a question. Are there any ROMs out there that are based on Android 5.x that will work with this? I tried flashing Cyangenmod but the "secret" codes needed don't seem to work at all, infact Phone Info only shows like 12 or 13 codes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is.. Any TW based ROM for the SGH-M919 or GT-I9505 works for this phone. CM, AICP or ASOP ROM's do not work as they lack the perso codes for unlock.
aromerblz said:
Yes there is.. Any TW based ROM for the SGH-M919 or GT-I9505 works for this phone. CM, AICP or ASOP ROM's do not work as they lack the perso codes for unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
You happen to have links to them?
erichss said:
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clarification, they do work if you live in the USA as you will still use with TracFone service. But to uses on another carrier you need the unlock code and a TW based custom ROM. Where you got your code?
aromerblz said:
Clarification, they do work if you live in the USA as you will still use with TracFone service. But to uses on another carrier you need the unlock code and a TW based custom ROM. Where you got your code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my code from imei-unlocker.com
Like I mentioned in my original reply, the code worked once then after a reboot it was locked and the code was not working. But with the steps that was posted, I am able to use my T-Mobile SIM and just go through them steps after each reboot.
Oh and the best part, the site actually refunded my money cause I was working with them as to why the code stopped working.
erichss said:
I got my code from imei-unlocker.com
Like I mentioned in my original reply, the code worked once then after a reboot it was locked and the code was not working. But with the steps that was posted, I am able to use my T-Mobile SIM and just go through them steps after each reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, missed that. Cool then.
aromerblz said:
Oops, missed that. Cool then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all good. Just need to find a TW based ROM now. Thanks
If you have links to any that you know to be decent, it would be much appreciated
Straight Talk SM-S975S unlock
This phone is unlockable by design. The only way Straight Talk gets around the" unlock law " is they offer you a credit towards another phone, my offer was $100. I have a friend that works for Samsung and he researched it at work, talked to the tech's and was
told Straight Talk ordered the phones this way to stop people from buying their cheap phones then switching companies.
Related
Hi all, good evening to all.
Need to fix my issue as soon as possible because need to unlock the phone and use it out of country. My AT&T Galaxy S4 (SGH i337) on Android Verion 4.2.2, Baseband Verison i337 ucuamf3, Build # JDQ39.i337 ucuamf3, Kernel Version i337 ucuamf3.
Spoke to AT&T customer service for few times regarding on the unlock code for the phone, confirmed i have the correct unlock code for the phone,and am had tried 6 times by using the same code was provided by AT&T, unfortunately every time i tried keep saying invalid number.
The phone was flashed one time by myself but can't remember which method i used but was found in this site somewhere.
Today went to AT&T store, a very nice sale person told me because the phone was unable to get unlock because it was flashed, he can tell when the phone reboot itself it has a "unlock lock simple" and "custom" word on the screen. He told me the only way to have the phone unlock is have the phone flash back to original by using ODIN 3.0.7 and ODIN Flash of MF3.
Can anyone please tell me above is right programs to have my Galaxy S4 flash back to original? If they are the right programs, where i can get them and step by step instructions to flash my phone.
Need help badly, thanks in advance
ert6ic said:
Hi all, good evening to all.
Need to fix my issue as soon as possible because need to unlock the phone and use it out of country. My AT&T Galaxy S4 (SGH i337) on Android Verion 4.2.2, Baseband Verison i337 ucuamf3, Build # JDQ39.i337 ucuamf3, Kernel Version i337 ucuamf3.
Spoke to AT&T customer service for few times regarding on the unlock code for the phone, confirmed i have the correct unlock code for the phone,and am had tried 6 times by using the same code was provided by AT&T, unfortunately every time i tried keep saying invalid number.
The phone was flashed one time by myself but can't remember which method i used but was found in this site somewhere.
Today went to AT&T store, a very nice sale person told me because the phone was unable to get unlock because it was flashed, he can tell when the phone reboot itself it has a "unlock lock simple" and "custom" word on the screen. He told me the only way to have the phone unlock is have the phone flash back to original by using ODIN 3.0.7 and ODIN Flash of MF3.
Can anyone please tell me above is right programs to have my Galaxy S4 flash back to original? If they are the right programs, where i can get them and step by step instructions to flash my phone.
Need help badly, thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to know way more information than can be posted in a single reply. The best thing for you to do is read the "pinned" threads in the general and Q & A sections. Those threads will provide you with the information you need to know about your phone and answer the questions you have. If you try to rush things, you will end up with an unusable phone. Good luck.
Hi Guy,
I need some help Sim unlocking my new Samsung Galaxy s5 european edition (SM-G900F). I assumed it would be a similar process to sim unlocking my S3 but i cant find anything which works. I am currently locked to EE and i need it to work with Vodafone.
The only xda thread for it i can find is http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2717361 but the first step doesnt even work to get into debug service menu via the dialer.
Do any of the old sim unlocker apps still work after people have testest like voodoo sim unlock http://project-voodoo.org/android-apps ?
Could some one help me get my phone sim unlocked ?
note. i still havent rooted the phone as i have read that it needs to be stock for the sim unlock process to work.
Cheers guys
Z
Since you have not rooted, there is no way to launch the secret codes.
If you have rooted, you can use my app Phone INFO ★Samsung★ --> enter the menu 'Secret Codes' to launch the secret codes.
vndnguyen said:
Since you have not rooted, there is no way to launch the secret codes.
If you have rooted, you can use my app Phone INFO ★Samsung★ --> enter the menu 'Secret Codes' to launch the secret codes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok il root it thats no issue but would your app allow me to sim unlock it then or is that just to get in to the debugging menu ?
ahmed786 said:
Ok il root it thats no issue but would your app allow me to sim unlock it then or is that just to get in to the debugging menu ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Debug menu, Service main menu, Unlock menu... etc
It allow you unlock only if you do have unlock code.
vndnguyen said:
Debug menu, Service main menu, Unlock menu... etc
It allow you unlock only if you do have unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where do i get the unlock code from ?
ahmed786 said:
I need some help Sim unlocking my new Samsung Galaxy s5 european edition (SM-G900F). I assumed it would be a similar process to sim unlocking my S3 but i cant find anything which works. I am currently locked to EE and i need it to work with Vodafone.
The only xda thread for it i can find is http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2717361 but the first step doesnt even work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't search very hard as there are literally dozens, if not hundreds of S5 SIM unlock threads. In short, there is no known free method. The old methods for the S3/S4 do not work on the S5. You can read more here which is just one of many threads on the subject.
You will have to pay a third party vendor (Ebay, et al) to unlock your SIM if your carrier won't provide you with an unlock code. And as you might expect, most carriers will not.
.
ahmed786 said:
where do i get the unlock code from ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to purchase it (online), or it you don't want to pay you can request it from Samsung by following this guide (if you are lucky)
cheers guys,
do you guys know of the best and cheapest unlocking website for the UK ?
samsung sm-g900f unlock with cert free
here try this its work for me
you can also use the srs server at http://www.unlocksamsungonline.nl/unlock-samsung-SM-G900F
it can do sim and region unlock for SM-G900F without root and without trigger the KNOX security
I really dont get it. If any website could create this codes, why is there no option for us to do it by ourselfs. Every phone shop can do this and I bet they dont all ask Samsung for the codes. So HOW do they do it? What software or generator do they use and why dont we use it too?
Rookie1919 said:
I really dont get it. If any website could create this codes, why is there no option for us to do it by ourselfs. Every phone shop can do this and I bet they dont all ask Samsung for the codes. So HOW do they do it? What software or generator do they use and why dont we use it too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good Point,funny how none of the experts here either cant or wont answer the same question!.
hi guys (and girls
i have Samsung GT-I9500 that kindly ask for sim unlock code.
i have seen device can be unlock via service mode (which i can't really get in to , i tried few roms , also rooted but always got menu not exists)
1. how can i unlock it ?
2 which rom/modem will enable me to operate the service mode menu (on i9500 noti9505)
this is my first thread , and i deeply search this forum before i post it
highly appreciated!
Yhali,
You'll need to downgrade to Android 4.2.2 in order to do this, if you're not already on 4.2.2.
Root using CF-Autoroot.
Install RegionLock Away and run it.
That should remove your SIM lock. Then install the current ROM for your device, twice.
GT-I9500 SIM network unlock PIN
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
You'll need to downgrade to Android 4.2.2 in order to do this, if you're not already on 4.2.2.
Root using CF-Autoroot.
Install RegionLock Away and run it.
That should remove your SIM lock. Then install the current ROM for your device, twice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have tried it with no luck , still get
"SIM network unlock PIN"
i have android 4.2.2 (see attached picture)
Can u please advise ?
RegionLock Away may not work for the 9500. I have a 9505, so I can't give you any insight into what is or isn't happening. If however, it doesn't work, then you may have no choice but to purchase an unlock code. Especially if the Service Menu trick isn't working for you either.
Yup, if the service menu trick isn't working, you will need to purchase an unlock code.
GT-I9500 SIM network unlock PIN
abhishek1234321 said:
Yup, if the service menu trick isn't working, you will need to purchase an unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes , region lock doesn't work.
does anyone was able to unlock GT-I9500 ?
(which modem will give me access to service mode) ?
Thanks!
Yahli.
Hello everyone,
Sorry if this was posted already - I am typing this up in between other projects and I wanted to put something out here so I wouldn't forget. This last weekend, I purchased a used Galaxy S5 CDMA phone branded by US Cellular. I searched and searched for a way to unlock it but I was not able to find anything that worked for me. My phone is currently running Android 4.4.2 and none of the *# dial codes would do anything for me. Finally I was near a local US Cellular today so I brought my phone in and they unlocked the SIM for me so I can use it with other carriers. I haven't had a chance to go through the phone yet after the unlock, but I plan on looking at it tonight when I get home to find out if I can figure out how it was unlocked so I can share that info with anyone on the site who would like to unlock their SM-G900R4. I'm hoping that during their unlocking process, the hidden menus were left visible so I can look at the phone's file structure. I'll report back as soon as I know more.
pellet said:
Hello everyone,
Sorry if this was posted already - I am typing this up in between other projects and I wanted to put something out here so I wouldn't forget. This last weekend, I purchased a used Galaxy S5 CDMA phone branded by US Cellular. I searched and searched for a way to unlock it but I was not able to find anything that worked for me. My phone is currently running Android 4.4.2 and none of the *# dial codes would do anything for me. Finally I was near a local US Cellular today so I brought my phone in and they unlocked the SIM for me so I can use it with other carriers. I haven't had a chance to go through the phone yet after the unlock, but I plan on looking at it tonight when I get home to find out if I can figure out how it was unlocked so I can share that info with anyone on the site who would like to unlock their SM-G900R4. I'm hoping that during their unlocking process, the hidden menus were left visible so I can look at the phone's file structure. I'll report back as soon as I know more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a quick follow up... I didn't have a chance to go through my phone extensively last night, but I did see something that may or may not be of interest. When I got my phone back after being unlocked, there was an icon for mceFramework. When I clicked on it, it ran in the upper corner of the phone and when I swiped down it said it would be uninstalled. From what I have read about it, it has really nothing to do with the unlocking of the phone though.
Depending on what time I get home tonight will determine if I get to really dig into the phone tonight or not. I'm hoping there is something I will be able to find that will be useful. The US Cellular phone is a bit different though, as I mentioned before regarding the *# codes... No matter what *# codes I try, they do not work... even something as simple as *#060# does nothing on my phone - even after being unlocked. If I find something, I'll report back.
pellet said:
Just a quick follow up... I didn't have a chance to go through my phone extensively last night, but I did see something that may or may not be of interest. When I got my phone back after being unlocked, there was an icon for mceFramework. When I clicked on it, it ran in the upper corner of the phone and when I swiped down it said it would be uninstalled. From what I have read about it, it has really nothing to do with the unlocking of the phone though.
Depending on what time I get home tonight will determine if I get to really dig into the phone tonight or not. I'm hoping there is something I will be able to find that will be useful. The US Cellular phone is a bit different though, as I mentioned before regarding the *# codes... No matter what *# codes I try, they do not work... even something as simple as *#060# does nothing on my phone - even after being unlocked. If I find something, I'll report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any luck figuring this one out? I've been told that my phone is unlockable, but I have to take it to a US Cellular store. The closest one to me is 28 hours away I'd love to fix this myself. Thanks!
Hey same problem here. I will pay someone to help me please... [email protected]
clcherryrun said:
Hey same problem here. I will pay someone to help me please... [email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am looking for help in this as well. Has anyone found the solution ? Getting to a US Cellular store is a problem for me as well .
To be able to dial the codes *#,
1- dowload root browser.
2- click on to efs folder
3- carrier folder
4-hiddemenu
5-click on open as
6-text file
7-RB text editor
8- change off to on.
9-Save ( top right icon to the left of SIZE ).
Found a couple apps earlier this evening that work well
Short cut master lite
And
Phone info samsung 3.3.10
Give every bit of info you would need to know and have temp read outs also
The US cellular unlocker is not available through Sammobile. Com. They have are handing people to us cellular for the unlocker
Its. CDMA, and i guess samsung does not run cdma based software.
SAMSUNG does have everything else though.
Firm ware
Odin 3.7.10
Keies
Etc
---------- Post added at 03:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:51 AM ----------
Ok ended that last post in haste
Those apps i listed will also reveal alll hidden commands and menus
There is a command one of them gives you to input into the dialer window,
*#0011#
Then press menu, back, menu,
Key in Q0 or Q0000
Then hit ok
This stated it did not need root permission to perform this
Could u please help me unlock my us cellular samsung galaxy s5 cdma phone its Model number is sm-g900r4
it works just on s6 s6 edge
Anyone got there s5 unlocked yet.....?
Hello, I came across this thread and just thought I'd share how I was able to unlock my Galaxy s5 Mini (US Cellular). I tried just about everything, but what finally worked was simply flashing the stock rom which can be found at the sammobile site. Use 'Odin', instructions included on the website.
1.21jigawatts said:
Hello, I came across this thread and just thought I'd share how I was able to unlock my Galaxy s5 Mini (US Cellular). I tried just about everything, but what finally worked was simply flashing the stock rom which can be found at the sammobile site. Use 'Odin', instructions included on the website.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock rom? like from a tmobile s5? Please clarify.
besusanameeva said:
Stock rom? like from a tmobile s5? Please clarify.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello -- stock rom by model number. I think in most cases this is just stock Android for the carrier of specified model, minus bloatware and network lock. Well, I correct myself -- there may be some bloatware, but certainly less than what was there after performing the factory reset. The link to 'sm-g900r4' rom is at sammobile(dotcom), firmwares, search for model number -- and download latest version.
In my case, phone model is 'sm-g800r4' (US Cellular). Everywhere I looked online suggested that I had to contact US Cellular and request instructions for unlocking, but they will only do this if you have the original sim card. So, I finally flashed the stock rom using Odin, following very basic instructions (included on the rom site). After flashing, I still had the US Cellular splash screen, but my verizon sim suddenly worked with the device. Next step for me -- root and replace that ugly US Cellular splash screen with the gorgeous lollipop boot animation. Very nice.
If you need assistance with specific instructions let me know, and I can provide a quick summary.
Simple instructions, great site to join for US Cell users.
http://teamuscellular.com/Forum/topic/9019-how-to-root-s5-on-601/
Help Please
1.21jigawatts said:
Hello -- stock rom by model number. I think in most cases this is just stock Android for the carrier of specified model, minus bloatware and network lock. Well, I correct myself -- there may be some bloatware, but certainly less than what was there after performing the factory reset. The link to 'sm-g900r4' rom is at sammobile(dotcom), firmwares, search for model number -- and download latest version.
In my case, phone model is 'sm-g800r4' (US Cellular). Everywhere I looked online suggested that I had to contact US Cellular and request instructions for unlocking, but they will only do this if you have the original sim card. So, I finally flashed the stock rom using Odin, following very basic instructions (included on the rom site). After flashing, I still had the US Cellular splash screen, but my verizon sim suddenly worked with the device. Next step for me -- root and replace that ugly US Cellular splash screen with the gorgeous lollipop boot animation. Very nice.
If you need assistance with specific instructions let me know, and I can provide a quick summary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man I have the GALAXY S5 SM-G900R4. I want to make sure it is unlocked for any network for when I travel.
Can you provide a walk through on what you did, what are the steps, I'm new to this I have no experience but I can follow instructions. Also how can I know if this phone is CDMA or GSM ?? I Opened it and it has the Sim Card Slot, Hopefully it is GSM which is what I need. Please help. Thank you very much.
prome002 said:
Hey man I have the GALAXY S5 SM-G900R4. I want to make sure it is unlocked for any network for when I travel.
Can you provide a walk through on what you did, what are the steps, I'm new to this I have no experience but I can follow instructions. Also how can I know if this phone is CDMA or GSM ?? I Opened it and it has the Sim Card Slot, Hopefully it is GSM which is what I need. Please help. Thank you very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but if you don't already know the us cellular brand is CDMA service
Cdarin1121 said:
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but if you don't already know the us cellular brand is CDMA service
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry to tell u but device is capable of receiving at least att cdma and ltes bands just not gsm the device can be unlocked just wont support everyone i am working on unlock as we speak and will figure this out
prome002 said:
Hey man I have the GALAXY S5 SM-G900R4. I want to make sure it is unlocked for any network for when I travel.
Can you provide a walk through on what you did, what are the steps, I'm new to this I have no experience but I can follow instructions. Also how can I know if this phone is CDMA or GSM ?? I Opened it and it has the Sim Card Slot, Hopefully it is GSM which is what I need. Please help. Thank you very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever figure out a way to unlock your phone?
hi so i have a few things id like to talk about. i was wondering why it is not possible to port aosp roms to s8 snapdragon? givin its the same android version. also when i was messing around when rooting my s8 i saw that the software i had installed in the steps i went into settings and saw that i could enable oem unlock it worked and whenever i go back to that software its still enabled however i could not use any fastboot commands still. also i flashed twrp (not safe strap already have that) and now my base recovery does not show up....
kadenball said:
hi so i have a few things id like to talk about. i was wondering why it is not possible to port aosp roms to s8 snapdragon? givin its the same android version. also when i was messing around when rooting my s8 i saw that the software i had installed in the steps i went into settings and saw that i could enable oem unlock it worked and whenever i go back to that software its still enabled however i could not use any fastboot commands still. also i flashed twrp (not safe strap already have that) and now my base recovery does not show up....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aosp roms requires a custom kernel to work, this requires:
1, unlocked bootloader(not possible on the snapdragon variant)
2, a custom recovery (not possible due to locked bootloader)
Just using the oem unlock option does not unlock the bootloader, more steps are required for most phones in order to unlock the bootloader, if it was that easy it would have been exploited by now, most of the guides on the snapdragon version mention that the bootloader is not unlockable.
You more than likely will need to restore the recovery through odin or something,
sofir786 said:
Aosp roms requires a custom kernel to work, this requires:
1, unlocked bootloader(not possible on the snapdragon variant)
2, a custom recovery (not possible due to locked bootloader)
Just using the oem unlock option does not unlock the bootloader, more steps are required for most phones in order to unlock the bootloader, if it was that easy it would have been exploited by now, most of the guides on the snapdragon version mention that the bootloader is not unlockable.
You more than likely will need to restore the recovery through odin or something,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks ya I fixed it! And ya I understand there are additional steps to doing this that's why I mentioned fastboot. If you could guide me in a direction to potentially learn more about the kernals and how they work or what I would need to be good at to exploit download mode or knox whatever is required to potentially exploit the bootloader I would not give up on it im fine with wasting my time. I had recently talked to Sam help chat and they told me someone could unlock the bootloader for me (a phone company near me) I talked to a guy over the phone that said it could be possible bc they have the Samsung tools to do so but he told me to call the next day because the other tech knew more then him, so I called the next day and he said they could do it but they would get in trouble for doing so. My plan is to go in when the guy that doesn't know much is working ? and get him to unlock it. Hopefully then I could upload the software here and free the snapdragon slaves!!! If your interested in the conversations I had with Samsung and this other company I could upload the screen shots thank you for your reply!
kadenball said:
Thanks ya I fixed it! And ya I understand there are additional steps to doing this that's why I mentioned fastboot. If you could guide me in a direction to potentially learn more about the kernals and how they work or what I would need to be good at to exploit download mode or knox whatever is required to potentially exploit the bootloader I would not give up on it im fine with wasting my time. I had recently talked to Sam help chat and they told me someone could unlock the bootloader for me (a phone company near me) I talked to a guy over the phone that said it could be possible bc they have the Samsung tools to do so but he told me to call the next day because the other tech knew more then him, so I called the next day and he said they could do it but they would get in trouble for doing so. My plan is to go in when the guy that doesn't know much is working ? and get him to unlock it. Hopefully then I could upload the software here and free the snapdragon slaves!!! If your interested in the conversations I had with Samsung and this other company I could upload the screen shots thank you for your reply!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never dabbled in making kernels or anything so I'm pretty useless with that. The phone has been out for over 3 years now and as of yet there is no software method to unlock the bootloader, android devs would have figured that one out by now if it was possible, if it is possible then maybe there some extra hardware thats required to unlock the bootloader, I honestly don't know enough, I'm experienced enough to know to do certain things but I don't know the ins and out of how bootloader are coded, how the instructions are carried out. But it would defo be interesting to see if they do this for you.
sofir786 said:
I've never dabbled in making kernels or anything so I'm pretty useless with that. The phone has been out for over 3 years now and as of yet there is no software method to unlock the bootloader, android devs would have figured that one out by now if it was possible, if it is possible then maybe there some extra hardware thats required to unlock the bootloader, I honestly don't know enough, I'm experienced enough to know to do certain things but I don't know the ins and out of how bootloader are coded, how the instructions are carried out. But it would defo be interesting to see if they do this for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya thanks man when I talked to the inexperienced tech guy he said I could come in and we could try but I didn't want to drive there and waste my time ? but the experienced dude said I could probably find another repair place that would do it (figured it's another one of their shops he was hinting at as there are a few around me) so I will attempt to do this and hopefully some how it works and I can upload the software here not sure if flashing it would unlock anyone elses bootloaders as I expect it to be some sort of key like the HTC phones used to require and is unique to each device. When I got that oem to appear I was trying anything and everything in adb and fastboot as I suspected if we could glitch the phone in fastboot mode we could unlock it lol at least that's what I hoped for, tried upload mode kernal panic the 3 different download modes and tried to replace the Samsung download mode driver and flash the fastboot Android driver on top of it but my lack of knowledge on these things hindered me from making any progress but I believe there's a exploit in this root software that was copyed from the s9 and simply devs don't want to waste there time because they believe it is impossible. I've seen much hard thing accomplished in this dev sight hopefully the right person can figure it out and Is motivated by this post or point me in the right direction ? thanks if you read all this if I get it unlocked you will def see another post lengthy post ?