Database Users

[Guide] Unlocking bootloader on operator branded phones via omnius

Hi all,
If you have a locked bootloader on a branded phone (for example, from Rogers) normal BL (bootloader) unlocking methods will not work. Fortunately, there is a way to unlock your bootloader - it will, however, cost money.
I have a very good experience with Omnius. The program is simple and fast, and the whole process of unlocking the bootloader took less than 3 minutes. Here is how I did it:
go to Omnius downloads, and download Omnius for SE.
Install it. The installation includes all the drivers you need for this process.
Now you need to purchase credits. You can use any of the re-sellers listed here. I personally used GSMServer single unlock licence for 19 USD.
After about a day, you will get an email with username and password. This is your new Omnius account that has enough credits for one unlock. (I am not sure if it is only for BL unlock or also for SIM unlock.. It definitely works for BL unlock though.)
1. Now start Omnius. In the upper left corner choose your SE model.
2. In the server settings, enter the username and password you got from the reseller of your choice.
3.Next click on "Unlock", and select "Unlock bootloader". A picture guide appears that is super easy to follow - it tells you where the test point is, what to do, what to press, when to remove battery, everything. Few seconds later, your bootloader is unlocked!
Hope this worked for you guys!!
(I am in no way affiliated with Omnius, or any resellers listed on their website. I am simply summing up my experience, as I know that BL unlocking for branded phones is a bit of a problem. I hope I did not break any XDA rules by posting a guide involving a paid service!)

Does it void warranty ?
Sent from my LT15i using xda premium

Yes it does. But I should have mentioned - this method LEAVES ALL DRM UNTOUCHED, so that by simply relocking BL nobody can find out you did anything with your phone I had my phone in repair 3 times, every single time with unlocked bootloader. I had no problem so far

I just rooted. Does it void warranty instead ?
Sent from my LT15i using xda premium

Rooting doesn't void your warranty. Only unlocking your bootloader voids it.
Swyped from my SE Xperia arc (LT15i) using Tapatalk 2

Because Sony Mobile was protected
Sent from my LT15i using xda premium

Don't matter, Sony don't recommend rooting, but it will not void warranty.
Sent from my LT15i using xda premium

Best choise!

Does this require any special cable to be used for the test point method? I have seen people just use a paperclip but then I have also seen people use a cable attached to their USB cable, so I am not 100% sure on what I need to use.

totalfailz said:
Does this require any special cable to be used for the test point method? I have seen people just use a paperclip but then I have also seen people use a cable attached to their USB cable, so I am not 100% sure on what I need to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing special; a paperclip will do.
Sent from my LT15a using xda app-developers app

DdcCabuslay said:
Nothing special; a paperclip will do.
Sent from my LT15a using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah that's great! thanks one other question, is it the same method for the arc s? is this method done 100% by me and not by someone connected to my computer? like I have seen some people do.

So what do I need to do specifically to unlock it? Will I have to open my phone up or do I just plug my USB cable in? Also will it be unlocked for good? If I update or downgrade firmwares will it remain unlocked?

Shiv122 said:
So what do I need to do specifically to unlock it? Will I have to open my phone up or do I just plug my USB cable in? Also will it be unlocked for good? If I update or downgrade firmwares will it remain unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I can answer the last two questions but someone correct me if im wrong xD you need to open up a tab on the back of the phone underneath the sim card holder to reveal "test points" you will then use them to put your phone in a certain mode which allows you to unlock the boot loader. im also sure that the boot loader if separate from the firmware so once you have unlocked it then it is unlocked for good. im not 100% sure how to do it though because I have seen so many different ways and its just got me confused haha.

Is it ok/enough for the process? http://www.gsmserver.com/shop/gsm/omnius_one_day_full_license.php

Sigray said:
Is it ok/enough for the process? http://www.gsmserver.com/shop/gsm/omnius_one_day_full_license.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm I am not sure. I think you need also some credits for the unlocking.

my xperia arc s ic carrier branded (sim lock) and in service meni is bootloader unlock allowed: no ... can i unlock my bootloader with omnius without sim unlocking it and will i have enabled fastboot

Yup, that's what this does. It will unlock the bootloader on your phone.
Btw I feel that you should have fastboot working even now without unlocking.

why do you feel this

Further unlocks
Hi there,
I have one question.
I have read a lot of threads about unlocking the bootloader of branded phones, and I haven't found an answer for this question.
Let's say I buy my credits and all, and then I go and unlock the bl, wonderful, but then let's say that I need to send my phone to warranty. So I lock the bl again. Then my phone comes back and I want to unlock the bl again, do I need to buy credits to do it again? Or will the credits I bought on the first time will suffice for the same phone over and over?
Thanks btw for this thread, helped a lot.

Thank you!

I been scammed, lol Galaxy tab 10.1 gt-7500R

So, I was told it was unlocked but I had no way to confirm.... I had dealt with this guy before, so I was not too worried about it. I put in my telus sim and it says pin unlock code....
So, can I unlock/root/rom it... if I do not know what carrier it is locked to? Is there a way to find out?
Any links or suggestions appreciated. specific links appreciated.
I found an unlock code for $7, good enough
thx

That is what I paid on ebay
Sent from my GT-P7500 using xda app-developers app for my p7500r unlock code .... worked great

Mr.Kakarot said:
So, I was told it was unlocked but I had no way to confirm.... I had dealt with this guy before, so I was not too worried about it. I put in my telus sim and it says pin unlock code....
So, can I unlock/root/rom it... if I do not know what carrier it is locked to? Is there a way to find out?
Any links or suggestions appreciated. specific links appreciated.
I found an unlock code for $7, good enough
thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't matter who it used to be locked to, get an online retailer to supply an unlock code (you need the imea), boom your done.
Unlocking / root is different. Basically unlocking refers to unlocking the bootloader of the ROM (nothing to do with the sim card), and rooting allows you root access to the file system, kinda like being an admin on a windows computer, you have the ability to edit / replace (an possibly F*** up) system files. There are plenty of great write ups that explain this stuf waaaaaay further but that is the gist of it.
Cheers,
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2

I'm sure the free tool on the play store is able to unlock the tab providing you're rooted, someone put a post up on xda about it, just have a search for it.
Swyped from my finger to your face, on my Samsung Galaxy Note.

unable to unlock galaxy s4 i337

I searched and see some people are having the same problem as I do.
My problem, I can not get my ATT galaxy S4 SGH-I337 to unlock. I tried the free method. I bought code, two places, got the same code. But no luck on unlocking this bad boy. Anyone figured out how to unlock it yet? What can I do?

you mean SIM unlock, yes? cell un locker.net worked for me, as did free method. i was going overseas, tried free method which worked with t-mob in USA, but wanted the code just to be safe.

You could use the search function and read the threads that are just like yours: "how do I unlock when free version fails" type thing.
Yes it takes a few minutes to review the first few pages of the general and QA forums, or to use the search function, but I promise you that others have already posted solutions that worked for them.

Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and Help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

Here you go
navy2012 said:
I searched and see some people are having the same problem as I do.
My problem, I can not get my ATT galaxy S4 SGH-I337 to unlock. I tried the free method. I bought code, two places, got the same code. But no luck on unlocking this bad boy. Anyone figured out how to unlock it yet? What can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2282683

unable to unlock galaxy s4 i337 ATT
Thanks for all the replies. As I have said, I tried the free ways of unlocking and the buying the code way to unlocking. But still no luck. I can not get it to sim unlock. Anyone having this problem?

Did you try fastgsm.com 15 dollar cable (usb power cord) unlock..worked like a charm for me when I was in the same boat your in
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

I'm the same boat here bought the code (2 places same code), code will not unlock, now I'm on CM10, but I can not find anywhere that ROM version makes a difference to unlocking did not with teh Atrix and S3 I unlocked. Still kind of stuck, Maybe is it is the F3 modem or something else, really just do not know or understand why I'm encountering issues since other than this thread everyone seems to be having no issues.
Thanks,
ERIC

navy2012 said:
Thanks for all the replies. As I have said, I tried the free ways of unlocking and the buying the code way to unlocking. But still no luck. I can not get it to sim unlock. Anyone having this problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works, you missed a step somewhere, try once again. It is the US version you have correct?

Need held unlocking sgh-i337m Telus version
I am new at this. First post ever.
Followed the instructions here to free unlock my phone
Went through the steps twice and did not unlock my device.
So I thought I did something wrong so I went to try one last time. However this time the phone won't allow me past the 1st step.
I enter: *#0011#
Then menu back
Then menu input 1
And at this point the phones restarts. It won't allow me to the full service menu.
Can someone help me please.
The phone is brand new and at one point the was a Samsung update the was downloaded and installed. Don't know if this download changed the system and access to service menu

For some people it fails doing the free method even though they followed it correctly and jt messes up something internally that prevents even the official code from working. The only work around to unlocking it at this stage is via a service called FastGSM from what I've read.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

USB cable method does not work for newer baseband versions
cammeron1978 said:
Did you try fastgsm.com 15 dollar cable (usb power cord) unlock..worked like a charm for me when I was in the same boat your in
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fastgsm cable does not work if your baseband version ends in anything later than ME1. Mine is MF3 and I did not understand this until after I bought the software for USB cable unlock from fastgsm. I have not found any method that will work for me so far.

This is old, but I just want to say that usb cable unlocking worked for me where others failed

Not this one
I spent hours searching forms, for me too non of the free methods worked, until I combined some of them and made a thred, this will work, I just did it myself
I just posted to xda http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48174440#post48174440
navy2012 said:
I searched and see some people are having the same problem as I do.
My problem, I can not get my ATT galaxy S4 SGH-I337 to unlock. I tried the free method. I bought code, two places, got the same code. But no luck on unlocking this bad boy. Anyone figured out how to unlock it yet? What can I do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] No unlock for at&t gs4?

My device:
At&t Galaxy S4 (US)
4.2.2 (Google Play Version)
SGH-i337
Baseband: XXXXXXXXMF3
From What I understand, it can't be unlocked for t-mobile and whatnot. I've been searching around today for a couple hours, and doesn't look like there is a working method anymore
When trying through *#0011#, pressing "1" doesn't bring up a second menu; the menu stays the same.
Unlock codes won't work because device is Region locked (I'm in the US)...
That is what I found while searching around today...
Any advice would help. I can't for the life of me find a thread that fits my description. They're all just general gs4 unlock guides from months ago...
Looking around I couldn't find someone actually post this, so I asked. Sorry if its a repeat?

So have you acquired the unlock code to know they don't work.
sent from a I337 MF3 S4

I found a guide to rooting MF3 Not sure if rooting it will help?:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2387577
Will try to root it first....
Then see what changes in the menu...

Click Here To Win said:
I found a guide to rooting MF3 Not sure if rooting it will help?:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2387577
Will try to root it first....
Then see what changes in the menu...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting isn't going to make any difference, but give it a try if it makes you feel better.

If you have a ATT phone you want Sim unlocked than the code you get from ATT will work if you want to use it with
T-mobile. (Same US region)
There is an app on playstore that will region unlock the phone but it is not a Sim unlock app.
sent from a I337 MF3 S4

You mind letting me know what you did, so I can copy your steps?
I'd much rather do that than following the generic guides...

Click Here To Win said:
You mind letting me know what you did, so I can copy your steps?
I'd much rather do that than following the generic guides...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the menu unlock and it was successful for me when I was on MDL.
I'm MF3 now and because I did it before it is permanently Sim unlocked.
Region lock away v1.0 on playstore.if the playstore don't bring it up than Google search it.
sent from a I337 MF3 S4

Yeah, I found out about that one...
It's not a SIM unlock though... So there isn't a way for me to unlock it yet that I've found.

You are rather confusing to me cause the sim and region unlock are the only two things you can unlock on this phone.if you have been talking about unlocking the bootloader than your heading is correct.
" NO UNLOCK FOR S4 "
now even if your bootloader was unlocked it has nothing to do with your sim or region and the ability to use it on a network that's in the same region as your phone currently.
sent from a I337 MF3 S4

Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and Help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

Sorry not trying to sound confusing.
I'm trying to unlock my mf3 Galaxy s4 for t-mobile. in the US. Don't need region unlock. (unless this makes it work on tmobile in the US?)
I've trying unlocking the phone through ATT customer service, but they can't/won't.
That's all I know so far...

U mentioned something about the region.if your phone is the i337 ATT branded/model phone keep calling ATT and lie to them that you need the unlock code for your phone cause you plan on going out of the country on the coolest vacation ever and it is cheaper for you to acquire a foreign sim card and you need the code for the sim to work.
sent from a I337 MF3 S4

I factory unlock phones as kind of a side job and all AT&T servers have changed their unlocking so it's extremely hard if not impossible to get the unlock through AT&T. You can still get a manufacturer unlock but it's pricey.

Ok I'm not understanding this... So if I get Region Unlock from the google play store will it make me be able to use any SIM card inside US?
And also where can I find a manufacture unlock?
And If all else fails is there alternate options?

Click Here To Win said:
Ok I'm not understanding this... So if I get Region Unlock from the google play store will it make me be able to use any SIM card inside US?
And also where can I find a manufacture unlock?
And If all else fails is there alternate options?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its just a region unlock you still have to sim unlock it.
I understand now why its so hard for you to just call ATT for the unlock code cause its not your phone.there is no nifty little trick anymore . someone mentioned a way to mod the system to get the service menu back but it is work.GOOGLE/SEARCH
sent from a I337 MF3 S4

No, i tried calling att several times. They keep telling me I need to have it on contract for 6 months before I can have it unlocked. I dont have that time...
Every other way doesnt work for me...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Thanks that what was I was wondering.... theres got to be a work around for mf3 users....
Id much rather do it through att, but because of their new rules I cant.
Im fairly new to android, accustomed to the easy ios exploiting, so thats why I asked so many things.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Click Here To Win said:
Thanks that what was I was wondering.... theres got to be a work around for mf3 users....
Id much rather do it through att, but because of their new rules I cant.
Im fairly new to android, accustomed to the easy ios exploiting, so thats why I asked so many things.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if all else fails, you can just buy the unlock code.
I've been reading the unlock thread and it seems you can get "Unlock your Galaxy S4" by unlockunit from the play store to unlock it.
Haven't tried it personally as my phone is in the mail...but I'm hoping it is a non MF3 and easy to unlock phone.
A lot to hope for, I know
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2282683

Never mind guy, I got it working wihth unlockunit app.... finally gave in and paid $25 for it......

Good to hear.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Cant unlock

Total noob, so any and all help very much appreciated. I had an issue with my phone not booting, so after lots of tricks and tips I was still stuck in a bootloop. I ended up finding an image and followed the instructions and voila my phone boots, all be it wiped and needing all apps and such installed. However I soon realized my phone is no longer unlocked. so now I cant use my Straight talk sim card. I need help ASAP if possible and more than willing to compensate anyone who can help me get my phone and txt messaging working again. Im pretty versed in PC stuff, as I work in IT, but I have never done any phone moding or flashing until now, so detailed explanations would be great, or if needed we can link up using a remote software program or FB. Thanks!

42 views yet no replies? I sure hope someone out there can help me.
Wfisher74 said:
Total noob, so any and all help very much appreciated. I had an issue with my phone not booting, so after lots of tricks and tips I was still stuck in a bootloop. I ended up finding an image and followed the instructions and voila my phone boots, all be it wiped and needing all apps and such installed. However I soon realized my phone is no longer unlocked. so now I cant use my Straight talk sim card. I need help ASAP if possible and more than willing to compensate anyone who can help me get my phone and txt messaging working again. Im pretty versed in PC stuff, as I work in IT, but I have never done any phone moding or flashing until now, so detailed explanations would be great, or if needed we can link up using a remote software program or FB. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Correct me if I'm wrong your looking for a way to unlock from carrier not bootloader.... If that is the case look here (can't tell you if it works big red is the only one that seems to work where I spend most of my time)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=60690666
If your looking for bootloader unlock it make not be possible depending on software ver and kernel... If you want to look into it I would start here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43125188
I hope that points you in the right direction... The general portion for our phone has a lot of great information
Sent from my moto_msm8960_jbbl using XDA Free mobile app

Meabrams, thanks for your reply but I am not sure what I need at this point. Not sure by what you mean by "big red", is that another site? I wish I could explain to somone over the phone what is going on, but have no resources to contact for this kind of help. I did to the process listed in the link: Tutorial] Unlock ALL bands on xt907 (moto_msm8960) with no success. I will check out the other post and see if I get any further. Any assistance or help you may know of is much appreciated. Im hoping to transfer my phone to temporary straight talk phone until this is fixed, just hope I dont have to send it off to someone.
Edit....Ok my device is rooted (dont know for sure but I have super user installed (full version of SU)) and I can play apps that are not Google approved. I tried the Motopocalypse and cant get any further. Does it matter what version of Android i have? currently this phone is on 4.4.2 BUT I dont really care if it stays on that version...Do I /Can I go back to the 4.1 version I had before? I believe it was the stock version of the phone's android system by not positive as i bought this phone unlocked. I would contact the seller but they have disappeared from ebay.
meabrams said:
Correct me if I'm wrong your looking for a way to unlock from carrier not bootloader.... If that is the case look here (can't tell you if it works big red is the only one that seems to work where I spend most of my time)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=60690666
If your looking for bootloader unlock it make not be possible depending on software ver and kernel... If you want to look into it I would start here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43125188
I hope that points you in the right direction... The general portion for our phone has a lot of great information
Sent from my moto_msm8960_jbbl using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

More problems....arg
OK so my phone turns on, asks to run the setup again, as soon as I start the setup in android, after choosing my english language, it says "Please wait, this may take a few minutes." Well this has been doing it for 12 hours now......any help?? Im so frustrated at this point, I really need this phone to work. I have a temp phone to take calls on if anyone desires to be a superhero and help me fix this xt907. Thanks!
Wfisher74 said:
Meabrams, thanks for your reply but I am not sure what I need at this point. Not sure by what you mean by "big red", is that another site? I wish I could explain to somone over the phone what is going on, but have no resources to contact for this kind of help. I did to the process listed in the link: Tutorial] Unlock ALL bands on xt907 (moto_msm8960) with no success. I will check out the other post and see if I get any further. Any assistance or help you may know of is much appreciated. Im hoping to transfer my phone to temporary straight talk phone until this is fixed, just hope I dont have to send it off to someone.
Edit....Ok my device is rooted (dont know for sure but I have super user installed (full version of SU)) and I can play apps that are not Google approved. I tried the Motopocalypse and cant get any further. Does it matter what version of Android i have? currently this phone is on 4.4.2 BUT I dont really care if it stays on that version...Do I /Can I go back to the 4.1 version I had before? I believe it was the stock version of the phone's android system by not positive as i bought this phone unlocked. I would contact the seller but they have disappeared from ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Flashing Firmware via Fastboot
You mentioned you are stucked at the initial setup screen. This implies that you need to reflash the stock ROM. Please visit this link to read my post containing instructables to successfully flash stock ROM.
Q. Can I unlock bootloader?
No. As of KDA 20.62 15.1 update, the Trust Zone vulnerability has been fixed which allowed exploit to work.
Q. Can I root?
Yes! Head to this thread to root (install SU) on your RAZR.
Q. Can I downgrade?
Unfortunately no! You are stucked permanently with the Kitkat flavour.
US GSM Carrier Unlock
The method is fairly long but easy. Head to the thread here to unlock US GSM carriers which will allow you use Straight Talk.

mfbcool said:
Flashing Firmware via Fastboot
You mentioned you are stucked at the initial setup screen. This implies that you need to reflash the stock ROM. Please visit this link to read my post containing instructables to successfully flash stock ROM.
Q. Can I unlock bootloader?
No. As of KDA 20.62 15.1 update, the Trust Zone vulnerability has been fixed which allowed exploit to work.
Q. Can I root?
Yes! Head to this thread to root (install SU) on your RAZR.
Q. Can I downgrade?
Unfortunately no! You are stucked permanently with the Kitkat flavour.
US GSM Carrier Unlock
The method is fairly long but easy. Head to the thread here to unlock US GSM carriers which will allow you use Straight Talk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For moto luge is international sim roaming on att or tmobile also considered in the domestic blocking ?
I have tmobile.pl sim which roams in my note4 but not on luge
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk