Database Users

Sprint & Rooted Devices

An email came out last week from Sprint & their ploicy on rooted devices. I don't have a copy of this email (as of today I'm no longer working in a service center) but to summarize:
The service centers are to perform any hardware based service on a rooted device as normal. Sprint does not condone rooting your device & the tech is to tell you about the dangers of rooting your device then perform the repair as usual.
Obvoiusly, if you're running a custom rom they can't help with software issues...
So if you guys have cracked screens, broken cameras or what not. Take it to an ASC they'll fix it.

admiral ackbar says "its a trap!"

I've taken my rooted device in for repair many times. I've had a speaker replaced, 2 cracked camera lens. And a whole phone replaced when I shattered my screen. I always end up showing whatever custom Rom and kernel off to the employee that helps me out. Many times I find myself selling evos and Sprint service as people always ask me how I like the phone. As long as this customer service continues I'll be a customer of sprint's.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Sweet I'll still return to stock if I need repairs(I like feeling safe) but its still nice for them to adopt a policy like that. I hope other carriers also think about copying sprint.

This would be great if its true, no more unrooting for repairs
Sent from my SPH-P100 using XDA App

Screenshot or it didn't happen...
Swyped via my cyanogenized and gingerbreaded EVO

I've had four speakers and two screens replaced by my local sprint store (not corporate). They never had a problem with my phone being rooted. The tech has a rooted EVO. We've even compared roms we were running.

NewZJ said:
admiral ackbar says "its a trap!"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That made me spit my pepsi out...
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Sent from the best darn phone in the world! My HTC Evo

Wait what if I have a rooted sprint phone and take it into a Verizon store will they yell at me and keep my phone?

robertroland said:
Wait what if I have a rooted sprint phone and take it into a Verizon store will they yell at me and keep my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a sprint phone why would you take it into a vzw STORE? ^.-

cmsjr123 said:
It is a sprint phone why would you take it into a vzw STORE? ^.-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he was making a joke.

I went to Sprint this morning to have my blown speaker replaced. They explicitly stated they would not work on my phone if had root. So I spent several hours today unrooting and rerooting. Guess my ASC didn't get the memo.

Cracked screens are still not covered in-store, fyi. Asurion handles those.

I've taken my phone in while rooted for hardware repairs. However, this is absolutely awesome if this is Sprint's official position on the matter of rooting! One more reason to love Sprint! It would be nice if this meant that they would discourage HTC from using encrypted bootloaders for phones shipping to Sprint...

This would be wise on Sprints part. Those that are going to root will root regardless...BUT if you accept this then you may attract new customers that just want to make sure they are secure if something happens.
It's all adding up.
1. GV & Sprint partner (this can be used in great ways by people if they know how)
2. Google's Dev phone on Sprints network
3. Allowing rooting of devices
This could help them become the "Developer Service" if they continue to get good phones and dev phones. There is an opportunity to capture a market that nobody really has tapped into (well...T-Mobile tried but let's be honest, they suck)

tke0834 said:
An email came out last week from Sprint & their ploicy on rooted devices. I don't have a copy of this email (as of today I'm no longer working in a service center) but to summarize:
The service centers are to perform any hardware based service on a rooted device as normal. Sprint does not condone rooting your device & the tech is to tell you about the dangers of rooting your device then perform the repair as usual.
Obvoiusly, if you're running a custom rom they can't help with software issues...
So if you guys have cracked screens, broken cameras or what not. Take it to an ASC they'll fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is probably because Sprint got dragged to court under the The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act (P.L. 93-637) of 1975, and lost.
http://www.mlmlaw.com/library/guides/ftc/warranties/undermag.htm

Before buying a used Note 3? Most important things to check.

i am going to buy a used note 3
i already have some info about a used phone here
please tell me how to check if note 3 has been tripped or not
i mean how can i check knox is 0x1 or 0x0 (without using a pc)

Put the phone in download mode
Power button + volume down + home button.
Once done, it'll ask you to confirm by pressing volume up and it'll show you all the info you need.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

nicholes said:
i am going to buy a used note 3
i already have some info about a used phone here
please tell me how to check if note 3 has been tripped or not
i mean how can i check knox is 0x1 or 0x0 (without using a pc)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Knox warranty void: Home + Vol Down + Power button
- Dial *#0*# and test all functions here

Thanks for all the kind information.
anything else i should check?

nicholes said:
Thanks for all the kind information.
anything else i should check?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the IMEI it might be an idea to see if it's been blocked because its been reported stolen or lost...

Don't buy a China Fake Note 3
Use CPUZ to identify the specs
Gesendet von meinem SM-N9005 mit Tapatalk

nicholes said:
i am going to buy a used note 3
i already have some info about a used phone here
please tell me how to check if note 3 has been tripped or not
i mean how can i check knox is 0x1 or 0x0 (without using a pc)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMHO top on the list:
- check if it is not a fake Note 3
- check if the model works for your country/carrier (huge problem in some places of the world, including US, where the LTE or even 3G bands are different from one carrier to another)
- check if phone is not under contract; if you have any doubts see if you can pay with a credit card or something that can cover your loss if the owner later (usually 45+ days later) reports the phone stolen and your IMEI gets blacklisted.

there are too many things i have come to know from all you guys. now i feel that i should go for note 2 (brand new)
in case if i buy note 2 . what i am loosing ? i mean anything special with note 3 i can get for daily use?
i think both the device are almost same, only difference that note 3 does it faster.is that true?

xclub_101 said:
IMHO top on the list:
- check if it is not a fake Note 3
- check if the model works for your country/carrier (huge problem in some places of the world, including US, where the LTE or even 3G bands are different from one carrier to another)
- check if phone is not under contract; if you have any doubts see if you can pay with a credit card or something that can cover your loss if the owner later (usually 45+ days later) reports the phone stolen and your IMEI gets blacklisted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am experiencing this right now. I bought a Note 3 on Swappa in November and a few days ago it was blocked (you can read the full story in my thread). It's a crappy thing to go through. Now i'm scrambling to find a way to not have a useless phone or lose lots of money selling it.
IF you (OP) can, I would say to just save the extra money and get it straight from T-Mobile. If it's a phone you will keep for a couple of years, then the extra $150 or so is worth it for the piece of mind imho.
As for the Note 2 vs Note 3, the Note 3 is faster yes, but it also has a larger 1080p screen (vs 720p on the Note 2). I think the battery life is better as well.
If you don't really need the larger screen on the Note 3, you might want to check out the Nexus 5 as well.

Besides dead pixels, also check for "Burn in" on the amoled screen..
*#0*# and spend some time checking the screen on all the colors (blue, red, green, white)

Techngro said:
I am experiencing this right now. I bought a Note 3 on Swappa in November and a few days ago it was blocked (you can read the full story in my thread). It's a crappy thing to go through. Now i'm scrambling to find a way to not have a useless phone or lose lots of money selling it.
IF you (OP) can, I would say to just save the extra money and get it straight from T-Mobile. If it's a phone you will keep for a couple of years, then the extra $150 or so is worth it for the piece of mind imho.
As for the Note 2 vs Note 3, the Note 3 is faster yes, but it also has a larger 1080p screen (vs 720p on the Note 2). I think the battery life is better as well.
If you don't really need the larger screen on the Note 3, you might want to check out the Nexus 5 as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks .
i saw your thread ,i feel bad for what happened with you . thanks for the kind info. BTW did you sell your phone?
and yes ,i dont need a larger screen (as it is slightly bigger and better) i think i would be happy with note 2 screen
anything else can i miss?except the fastness and the screen?

Note 3 also has a newer and better wacom digitzer so a better s pen than note 2. It looks better to. And more future proof. But note 2 is still a very good phone.
Sent from Note 3 SM-N9005

nicholes said:
Thanks .
i saw your thread ,i feel bad for what happened with you . thanks for the kind info. BTW did you sell your phone?
and yes ,i dont need a larger screen (as it is slightly bigger and better) i think i would be happy with note 2 screen
anything else can i miss?except the fastness and the screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am trying to get it unlocked first and see whether I can use it on a smaller carrier like Straight Talk or Simple Mobile. If not, I might end up just getting a cheap $99 4G phone and tethering the Note 3 like a tablet. Sucks, but there aren't many good choices left.

Techngro said:
I am trying to get it unlocked first and see whether I can use it on a smaller carrier like Straight Talk or Simple Mobile. If not, I might end up just getting a cheap $99 4G phone and tethering the Note 3 like a tablet. Sucks, but there aren't many good choices left.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am in india . do you think your phone can work here?
if yes ,i think we can have a deal.
EDIT:- let me think .. let me confirm. your phone is completetly in working condition , only you cannot make or receive phone calls. is it?
does wifi works.
can you make internet working with another mobile using hotsopt?
if yes i would buy your phone please dont sell it to any other person . i will be highly obliged to you if you give me your phone.

I dont know if this will help, but it might be worth a shot.
If you buy a used phone, and the previous owner pulls a fast one with customer service, ask customer service if there is a way you can verify the legitimate sale of the device. I would not suggest buying a used phone from online stores if you can avoid it.
One way you can prevent sellers from getting over on you, is to notify the website you used to buy the phone, that the seller is engaging in illegal behavior. In the USA, once you sell a product, unless otherwise stated in the TOS/EULA/Copyright, etc, you no longer own it. This is especially true, when you are buying a product in any condition, from any party other than a licensed retailer and/or the company who branded and/or created the product.
Some websites like Ebay and Paypal will help to protect the funds you used to purchase the device, if the seller engages in such behavior. It is best to report any incidents as soon as possible, after the problem arises. The seller may not be indemnified if they report the device stolen after the normal refund period offered by Ebay, Paypal, etc. In the USA, it is illegal to deface, or cause to be defaced, any material or non material product which you do not legally own and/or have permission from the owner to deface and/or make changes to. Any intentional or avoidable (in good faith) act/s which cause a product to no longer work as it did at the time of purchase is considered defacing, or causing to be defaced. There are no criminal liabilities here, but, if Paypal/Ebay/Swappa/etc, wont help you, then you might be able to regain your lost funds in the form of civil damages.
Please keep in mind im speaking from the point of USA laws and regulations.

nicholes said:
i am in india . do you think your phone can work here?
if yes ,i think we can have a deal.
EDIT:- let me think .. let me confirm. your phone is completetly in working condition , only you cannot make or receive phone calls. is it?
does wifi works.
can you make internet working with another mobile using hotsopt?
if yes i would buy your phone please dont sell it to any other person . i will be highly obliged to you if you give me your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll send you a PM.

What Are The Chances ?

That I go out and plunk down $600.00 for a new VZW S5 and out of the box it is of a newer version that can't be rooted?
(I have to buy full retail to keep un-limited data plan)
I should be able to power it up out of box prior to purchase to check version number? What ver should I be looking for or what to avoid like the plague?

Chopstix9 said:
That I go out and plunk down $600.00 for a new VZW S5 and out of the box it is of a newer version that can't be rooted?
(I have to buy full retail to keep un-limited data plan)
I should be able to power it up out of box prior to purchase to check version number? What ver should I be looking for or what to avoid like the plague?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has nothing to do with when the phone was made. It has to do with the firmware of the phone and since the firmware version hasnt changed since the phone was rooted then you will be fine. It may not even make a difference when new firmware is released. It depends on if google fixes the loophole because its not just a samsung problem, its an android problem. The root works for most any android device. If you have been keeping up with you it, you would know that Google recently hired the guy, geohot, that found the root, so it is only a matter of time before it is fixed but it will take a long time to release new firmwares for every phone infected. This may never happen and it just may be fixed in new phone releases such as the note 4 or galaxy s 6.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app

Its simple just get the VZW Developer S5 if your going to buy it outright. So you can enjoy root and all that unlocked bootloader goodness. Here's the link for the Developer S5 http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/ET-G900VMKAVZW
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA-FORUM, powered by appyet.com

miller1821 said:
It has nothing to do with when the phone was made. It has to do with the firmware of the phone and since the firmware version hasnt changed since the phone was rooted then you will be fine. It may not even make a difference when new firmware is released. It depends on if google fixes the loophole because its not just a samsung problem, its an android problem. The root works for most any android device. If you have been keeping up with you it, you would know that Google recently hired the guy, geohot, that found the root, so it is only a matter of time before it is fixed but it will take a long time to release new firmwares for every phone infected. This may never happen and it just may be fixed in new phone releases such as the note 4 or galaxy s 6.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you read Google hired George at?
Sent from my S5 using your mom

Dennisg34 said:
Where did you read Google hired George at?
Sent from my S5 using your mom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here from BBC.

22jk said:
Its simple just get the VZW Developer S5 if your going to buy it outright. So you can enjoy root and all that unlocked bootloader goodness. Here's the link for the Developer S5 http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/ET-G900VMKAVZW
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA-FORUM, powered by appyet.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point !! The only problem I envision I may encounter is the extended warranty. I bought the GNEX the week it hit the market and pay the 5 bux a month for the extended warranty. I drive a truck and am rough on phones. The charging port loosens up and quits working. I've already checked with VZW and they offer it on the standard S5. I am on my 5th GNEX over the years that they have over-nighted me at no cost with the warranty. I'm going to have to find out if I can get that on the dev edition.
Edit:Yeah I was afraid of that .... just got out of a chat session with VZW rep. To get the extended warranty I would have to buy the phone from VZW. They don't sell the dev edition, I would have to get it directly from Sammy and that only has the one year warranty. I didn't see anywhere on the sammy site to open a chat window to enquire about an extended warranty but I doubt it's available. Not to mention you have to send the phone in under their warranty terms and wait for a replacement. With VZW, they over-night a phone along with a paid return sticker and package and I have 10 days to return the broken phone. Can't go without my phone for weeks waiting for a replacement.
I've been running custom ROMS since my original MotoDroid and can't imagine going back to running stock. BUT !! I am grandfathered into the un-limited data plan and run the house off of the phones. Got rid of cable internet when they lit my town with 4G and I get 27.5m down and 18+ up.... So long as I can enable the wifi hotspot to broadcast, I guess I could live with a less than un-locked phone for now. Hoping in the future it will be.

You can get the warranty. When I was activating my phone I purchased online elsewhere the rep told me I could get it since they currently have "open enrollment" this was exactly a week ago. It's call back and all about it.

22jk said:
Its simple just get the VZW Developer S5 if your going to buy it outright. So you can enjoy root and all that unlocked bootloader goodness. Here's the link for the Developer S5 http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/ET-G900VMKAVZW
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA-FORUM, powered by appyet.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whtciv2k said:
You can get the warranty. When I was activating my phone I purchased online elsewhere the rep told me I could get it since they currently have "open enrollment" this was exactly a week ago. It's call back and all about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If VZW does not stock the dev edition, they aren't going to have a refurbed one on hand to replace mine with under the extended warranty. I can see what would happen now. Even if they sold me the extended warranty, if something happened and I had to get it replaced, the phone they will send out will be a standard consumer grade S5. I'll try another vzw rep but they were emphatic I must purchase from VZW to add the extended warranty to the phone.
Edit: just chatted with another rep and they told me yes I could get the ext warr when I activate phone. I mentioned how will they replace it if they don't stock it? rep's reply "good point" ... he agreed with me they would send out a consumer grade phone as a replacememt.

Chopstix9 said:
If VZW does not stock the dev edition, they aren't going to have a refurbed one on hand to replace mine with under the extended warranty. I can see what would happen now. Even if they sold me the extended warranty, if something happened and I had to get it replaced, the phone they will send out will be a standard consumer grade S5. I'll try another vzw rep but they were emphatic I must purchase from VZW to add the extended warranty to the phone.
Edit: just chatted with another rep and they told me yes I could get the ext warr when I activate phone. I mentioned how will they replace it if they don't stock it? rep's reply "good point" ... he agreed with me they would send out a consumer grade phone as a replacememt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rep probably had no clue. This is what they will do. The phone is exactly the same except for the dev has unlocked bootloader. So they will take an original refurb and rebrand it as a dev edition with unlocked bootloader and dev firmware. Its not that hard, just because we cant flash certain things doesnt mean they cant. You will get a refurb equal to what you bought. That simple.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app

miller1821 said:
The rep probably had no clue. This is what they will do. The phone is exactly the same except for the dev has unlocked bootloader. So they will take an original refurb and rebrand it as a dev edition with unlocked bootloader and dev firmware. Its not that hard, just because we cant flash certain things doesnt mean they cant. You will get a refurb equal to what you bought. That simple.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly that simple. It is true, you get a refurb equal to what you bought if bought from VZW. They do not sell the dev edition and I was told since dev edition is un-locked it automatically voids any warranty that VZW would recognize/honor, since they do not sell un-locked phones. My only hope would be if Samsung sold an extended warranty, which they don't. I did verify, they are currently having an 'open enrollment' where you can warranty a phone bought from other than VZW, but the un-locked proviso is in place according to them. It was the store manager I talked this over with and he seems quite knowlegble. I've dealt with him for years.
Yes, I love ROM's have been flashing since my original moto-droid. But so long as I can activate tethering to run the house on the phone I'd be all right. Looking for an answer as to whether I can revert to full stock to be able to do a warranty exchange if I safestrap it ...

Note 5 carrier limitations

I told myself I'd never go back to a TouchWiz device, but alas here I am getting ready to make a move to the Note 5. I'm also switching carriers as T-mobile gets terrible service at my new home. While comparing AT&T and Verizon, I noticed that Verizon may not end up supporting Samsung Pay.
So I thought I would take this discussion here (if it belongs in Q&A please move it): What sort of carrier limitations will be placed on the Note 5 by AT&T or Verizon? Any insight to help me choose which version to go with would be a big help.
Along with not supporting Samsung Pay, I've heard that Verizon still is stubborn as hell with locking down their phones. It would be a deal breaker if I'm unable to root.
Anything else I should expect when deciding on the carrier?

Take your pick as far as locked down phones are concerned. I think both AT&T and Verizon are equally bad on locking down devices.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

You wont be unlocking your device ever if you want to use samsung pay, you can't use it on a rooted device period for security reasons.

We should be able to sue if Verizon blocks Samsung pay...
Sent from my SM-G925V using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2

You can sue anyone for anything in the US. Whether you would win or not, or want to pay the lawyer fees, is another story...
So go ahead. ?
Or were you just complaining?

Kaboose666 said:
You wont be unlocking your device ever if you want to use samsung pay, you can't use it on a rooted device period for security reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sure about this? Unless I'm mistaken people have been using Google Wallet with rooted devices for a while.

hahajoker said:
You sure about this? Unless I'm mistaken people have been using Google Wallet with rooted devices for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am 99% sure, Samsung uses Knox security and when your device boots up Knox does a security check on the device, if it detects root, samsung pay will NOT work, period. Ever. You can't reset it, once it detects it you're pretty much F'd. And it's still up in the air if that will affect your hardware warranty or not, though I doubt it will.
This is specific to Knox and samsung pay.

Kaboose666 said:
I am 99% sure, Samsung uses Knox security and when your device boots up Knox does a security check on the device, if it detects root, samsung pay will NOT work, period. Ever. You can't reset it, once it detects it you're pretty much F'd. And it's still up in the air if that will affect your hardware warranty or not, though I doubt it will.
This is specific to Knox and samsung pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I forgot all about good ol Knox and all the bull**** that comes with it. I want to like the Note 5 but Samsung is making it really hard.

hahajoker said:
Thanks for the info. I forgot all about good ol Knox and all the bull**** that comes with it. I want to like the Note 5 but Samsung is making it really hard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I am using my note5 and I have to say I really do enjoy the phone, but I am coming from an LG G2, coming from something else it may not be as good of an option.

Kaboose666 said:
Well I am using my note5 and I have to say I really do enjoy the phone, but I am coming from an LG G2, coming from something else it may not be as good of an option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm coming from a nexus 6. I love my phone and I'd rather not switch but in order to get free of T-mobile the cheapest route is to upgrade to a flip phone and pay it off immediately. That means I have to turn in my Nexus.

Verizon has always been super slow to support anything. ATT has too, but not as slow as Verizon. Verizon and samsung pay.

mircury said:
Verizon has always been super slow to support anything. ATT has too, but not as slow as Verizon. Verizon and samsung pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think I'm done with Verizon. Att offering $300 to switch. Think I'm going to do it. And get monthly data rollover.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app

Who's at fault for locked broader?

Broader/bootloader, whatever. Here. Here's your thread. Please stop clogging other threads with your theories.
I'm not saying it's aliens, but it's aliens.
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app

Lol I feel you, OP. This has gotten sad.
Unfortunately, I don't think it matters anymore who's fault it is (both), since the only people who can do anything about it have moved on to the international version, or other devices completely. I was one of the hopeful, but the petty bickering in here and the lack of updates from Tmo has made me all but give up. The main thread got closed down, and the push pretty much died there. Ice was supposed to have Forbes cover the story and have a lawyer look into possible legal action, neither of which panned out, through no fault of Ice's. It's just the way the cookie crumbled.
For the sake of being on topic, it's both Samsung and Tmo's fault sort of. Samsung locked the phone and Tmo didn't request it be unlocked. Either one of them could unlock it easily, which is why I held out hope in the first place, but the lack of action, or even updates leads me to believe we're SOL. I'm going to file an insurance claim with Upsie and request they send me an international version. I suggest anyone who wants root do the same. Upsie's deductible is only $25, but you have to purchase a new insurance plan once you get your new phone.

Bootloader* (Squared)

AKW said:
Lol I feel you, OP. This has gotten sad.
Unfortunately, I don't think it matters anymore who's fault it is (both), since the only people who can do anything about it have moved on to the international version, or other devices completely. I was one of the hopeful, but the petty bickering in here and the lack of updates from Tmo has made me all but give up. The main thread got closed down, and the push pretty much died there. Ice was supposed to have Forbes cover the story and have a lawyer look into possible legal action, neither of which panned out, through no fault of Ice's. It's just the way the cookie crumbled.
For the sake of being on topic, it's both Samsung and Tmo's fault sort of. Samsung locked the phone and Tmo didn't request it be unlocked. Either one of them could unlock it easily, which is why I held out hope in the first place, but the lack of action, or even updates leads me to believe we're SOL. I'm going to file an insurance claim with Upsie and request they send me an international version. I suggest anyone who wants root do the same. Upsie's deductible is only $25, but you have to purchase a new insurance plan once you get your new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile has always been on the stance since the Amaze. It's up to the manufacturer to lock it or not. They would never request it to be locked. To date all bootloaders prior to the S7 were unlocked except where manufacturers have locked them. IE HTC. LG did lock a bootloader once and they themselves admitted(front office response) they locked it.
Someone may bring up Sony device. They still haven't answered this question. What does T-Mobile have to gain to lock those devices and not every other device on their network? Have yet to see a valid reason.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

Ker~Man said:
Bootloader* (Squared)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn phone. Haha
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app

Tidbits said:
T-Mobile has always been on the stance since the Amaze. It's up to the manufacturer to lock it or not. They would never request it to be locked. To date all bootloaders prior to the S7 were unlocked except where manufacturers have locked them. IE HTC. LG did lock a bootloader once and they themselves admitted(front office response) they locked it.
Someone may bring up Sony device. They still haven't answered this question. What does T-Mobile have to gain to lock those devices and not every other device on their network? Have yet to see a valid reason.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that they requested it to be locked, it's that they didn't request it to be unlocked. Samsung is the one who physically locked it, but Tmo just it took as is.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

My 2c: the fact that Des (tmo prod vp) had to ask someone on twitter what would he do with root showed me how disconnected the power-that-be from the needs of the niche development community. It is what is. Like him, many people who are the face of tech is unfortunately just power users, with no deeper connection than somehow ending up in the tech dept by luck or by proficiency in climbing the ladder. If those who can move mountains for us on this don't understand the need in the first place , there will be no movement.
tldr; so long, SM-G930T and SM-G935T. Hope we meet again on better terms. Tmo and Samsung, give my VR and gift cards, and I'll be on my way possibly with the F. Thanks for the Netflix!

lost_ said:
My 2c: the fact that Des (tmo prod vp) had to ask someone on twitter what would he do with root showed me how disconnected the power-that-be from the needs of the niche development community. It is what is. Like him, many people who are the face of tech is unfortunately just power users, with no deeper connection than somehow ending up in the tech dept by luck or by proficiency in climbing the ladder. If those who can move mountains for us on this don't understand the need in the first place , there will be no movement.
tldr; so long, SM-G930T and SM-G935T. Hope we meet again on better terms. Tmo and Samsung, give my VR and gift cards, and I'll be on my way possibly with the F. Thanks for the Netflix!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha yeah bet...Enjoy your new phone. The galaxy s7 edge is easily touted as the Best android smartphone out right now in terms of design, features and specs. Everybody who leaves samsung for another phone because they want root is either new to the game or just wants to tag along.. folks who have had ROOT since way back when, don't really care that much. At least I dont..i could see rooting and all if I needed it back when I was 16. Android is mature enough!!
And honestly yall should too. Returning a phone because it has EVERYTHING YOU want except root? Hahaha it's like me letting go of the perfect woman because she can't **** other guys lol. It's a SECURED device. People with root are less secure more vulnerable but hey I speak from experience. First people where crying because they didn't have an SD card Yada, yadayada not it has that, the best battery life on any phone. Yet people aren't happy? F IT, you can't please the whole gotdamn world. I know A LOT of us are indeed happy with the phone and didn't get it for the freebies like I'm sure you jumped to the g5 to get the little battery and little cam huh?
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

nano303 said:
Haha yeah bet...Enjoy your new phone. The galaxy s7 edge is easily touted as the Best android smartphone out right now in terms of design, features and specs. Everybody who leaves samsung for another phone because they want root is either new to the game or just wants to tag along.. folks who have had ROOT since way back when, don't really care that much. At least I dont..i could see rooting and all if I needed it back when I was 16. Android is mature enough!!
And honestly yall should too. Returning a phone because it has EVERYTHING YOU want except root? Hahaha it's like me letting go of the perfect woman because she can't **** other guys lol. It's a SECURED device. People with root are less secure more vulnerable but hey I speak from experience. First people where crying because they didn't have an SD card Yada, yadayada not it has that, the best battery life on any phone. Yet people aren't happy? F IT, you can't please the whole gotdamn world. I know A LOT of us are indeed happy with the phone and didn't get it for the freebies like I'm sure you jumped to the g5 to get the little battery and little cam huh?
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was why the other threads got closed. Back to square one. LOL.

lost_ said:
This was why the other threads got closed. Back to square one. LOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is? Lol. No sht...OK then...nevermind...pointless
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

Well just my 2c it doesn't matter who is at fault the fact is our device is locked down. No way I would consider returning this device. Would I like root sure but for now it isn't happening. Most of these threads are just meant to vent but really serve no purpose.
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA Premium HD app

..

lost_ said:
This was why the other threads got closed. Back to square one. LOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
v8dreaming said:
That's why I started this thread, but the bounty thread still got locked.
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app

AKW said:
It's not that they requested it to be locked, it's that they didn't request it to be unlocked. Samsung is the one who physically locked it, but Tmo just it took as is.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who's to say T-Mobile didn't even get the option or the choice? Samsung has been awfully quiet in this whole thing. Legere put them under the bus and do you think T-Mobile would say a lie which Samsung has proof it wasn't true to have it blow up in T-Mobile's face for lying. Think about it for a minute.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

Tidbits said:
Who's to say T-Mobile didn't even get the option or the choice? Samsung has been awfully quiet in this whole thing. Legere put them under the bus and do you think T-Mobile would say a lie which Samsung has proof it wasn't true to have it blow up in T-Mobile's face for lying. Think about it for a minute.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again though, it WAS Samsung who locked the bootloader, so Tmo isn't lying, and I'm sure they DID have the choice, and they chose not to request and unlocked version.

AKW said:
Again though, it WAS Samsung who locked the bootloader, so Tmo isn't lying, and I'm sure they DID have the choice, and they chose not to request and unlocked version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source of this information that they did have a choice, or is this purely your speculation? So far Samsung is silent and hasn't said anything about it officially.
Also they are requesting it now and Samsung has a method already developed(see china). So why the Samsung dilly dally?
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

Tidbits said:
Source of this information that they did have a choice, or is this purely your speculation? So far Samsung is silent and hasn't said anything about it officially.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you could call it educated speculation. Historically, Tmo has had unlocked/unlockable bootloaders, while other carriers' were locked. This is the first phone in recent memory that has shipped locked down on Tmo, at least since I've been with them. This leads me to believethat they generally request theirs to be unlocked. If they didn't have the choice (which I guess is entirely possible) this would be the first time I can recall.
In addition, the fact that Samsung released their own Exynos versions with unlockable bootloaders lends itself to the theory that the BLs were locked at US carrier request. More than likely, AT&T and Verizon requested locked down versions, and for one reason or another, Tmo and Sprint didn't specifically request unlocked ones. I don't pretend to know what those reasons are, but I'm sure they're there.
It's also possible that ALL Snapdragon variants are locked by Qualcomm, since the only way to unlock the Asian Snapdragon variants is with the CROM Service app, but the CROM Service app doesn't work on US versions because we don't have the CROM lock on our bootloaders. This brings up the question of who's choice it was to exclude this lock as well. If it was Samsung, why did they include it on the Asian variants?Logically, it always comes back to the US carriers no matter how you look at it. This part is entirely speculation, however.

The LG G2 was locked and LG said they locked it themselves and no one was given the option and that included overseas as well.
All HTC devices were locked by HTC, but they gave an option to unlock it. HTC on carriers request will remove carrier devices from the unlock list if requested.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:27 AM ----------
Also just because other variants have the ability doesn't mean carriers were given an option. For example China which you brought up has the option. In China that could be a government request and in order to sell there they must have a method to do so.
They could easily flash a new bootloader and install allow Crom in the states. T-Mobile right now is playing nice and is taking the heat for something they probably didn't have an option, or could very well didn't know they had an option due to the fact Samsung never told them or they assumed it was unlocked as you always had to request it to be locked.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

Tidbits said:
The LG G2 was locked and LG said they locked it themselves and no one was given the option and that included overseas as well.
All HTC devices were locked by HTC, but they gave an option to unlock it. HTC on carriers request will remove carrier devices from the unlock list if requested.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The difference between those examples and this one is that in those cases, ALL devices were locked unless (in HTC's case) the carrier specifically requested otherwise. This only lends itself to my explanation. In this case, only the Snapdragon variants are locked. Samsung's own Exynos versions aren't. The only thing that makes sense is that Samsung locked the BLs at AT&T and Verizon's request, and Tmo and Sprint were like "*shrug* whatever". Or it's possible they wanted unlocked versions, but some other circumstances prevented that from happening.
I don't know for sure, this is just the most plausible explanation I can see. Either way though it doesn't really matter. As I said in my first post on this thread, the only ones who can do anything about it have moved on and by the time Tmo or Samsung release an unlock (if they ever do) there will be significantly less development than the international version, since most devs have jumped over there.

It can't be BOTH ways. It either has to be locked and carrier request to unlock or unlocked and carriers have to lock it. Right now you are using both ways. If Verizon and AT&T can request it to be locked then that means they were unlocked to begin with. That means Sprint and T-Mobile would have to request them to be unlocked. That would mean Samsung themselves couldn't have locked it. Now if it was reversed then you would have a point. Right now last I remember both Sprint and T-Mobile said it's Samsung who locked it. The way they talk it seems like they were never given the option. Samsung could clear the air but remains silent probably due to the fact they locked it themselves and NEVER gave anyone an option here in the states.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk