I recently purchased a used S4 and ran into a snag in that it won't connect to U.S. Cellular despite it being a USC phone. When I took it into the store to get a SIM card and to have it activated it kept trying to connect to the Verizon network. Everything about the phone says USC (branding, boot screen, PRL, and broadband version). Have tried several factory resets, PRL updates and a second SIM card and the USC techs had no additional ideas. There are no 3G or 4G symbols and there is a small triangle over the antenna bars. The ESN is clean with USC and Verizon has no record of it being activated on their system. I was guessing that the previous owner might have tried flashing it to jump carriers. I know there is an update to 5.0 but I was holding off in case that somehow might make things worse. Let me know if you need more info than I included below.
I know my S4 model doesn't match this forum but it is the best I could find given there is not one for my carrier.
Model SCH-R970 (U.S. Cellular)
Android version 4.2.2 R970TYUFNK1
What is your model in download mode?
The model is SCH-R970. The current binary and system status are official. The Knox Warranty Void is 0x1.
Related
I am really new to the world of ROOTING & FLASHING and have already bricked one device. I have followed a lot of information provided by the gurus on here but am at a standstill with my new device as I cannot afford to brick a second one due to my lack of knowledge when it comes to this stuff.
I do not wish to root my device at this time but did read the post talking about "regional" lock. It seems this is only relevant if people unlock their device through the rooting method. Since my device is from WIND Mobile (unactivated) and I purchased an unlock code from cellunlocker.net, I assume I can input my Telus SIM and I would not have to worry about a regional lock? As I understand, the purchased unlock code would supersede the regional lock correct?
As for Telus... When I unlock my WIND device, I assume it will be like my original where Telus voice worked but data was limited with 3G. This was due to the radio band for LTE being crippled in the device. I was told without rooting, I could still use the device with LTE but would have to FLASH the LTE modem through the ODIN software. When I look at the link which provides "flashable" modems, there is nothing there for my specific model.
AllGamer posted a modem (.bin) file for the Puerto Rico modem which supports LTE but confirmed with me this is not a file which can be flashed through ODIN and has to be packaged (or something to this affect). This is all too new to me and so if anyone could provide the steps to FLASH a compatible LTE modem onto my device without rooting so I have LTE support enabled, this would be great!
Thank you!
Issue is resolved. Currently, you cannot just flash the modem and must root and install a custom ROM supporting LTE. Once this device has been out long enough, the possibilities of modification will be greater but for now, my device from WIND works with Telus and has LTE data.
First, Telus, Rogers, Bell, Wind....all these carrier carry the same model of Note3 and running the same ROM
all you have to do is pull out your Wind sim card and do a factory reset. Then put in your Telus Sim card.
Phone will find Telus CSC setting and set it up as Telus phone.
As long your phone is sim unlock with Wind Mobile, any Canadian carrier should be working with your phone
About LTE, maybe there just don't have any LTE signal in the area, or your LTE setting has been turn off.
All you need to do is go into setting check under network and see if the phone is running GSM/CDMA/LTE or GSM/CDMA only, just switch between 2 and you will get your LTE with Telus LTE sim.
You don't have to worry about region code once your purchase unlocked online. region lock only apply when the phone never activate with local sim card and trying to activate with sim card from other countries. Just put in your Telus SIM and setting up the phone. Wind has this phone becuz it support AWS network, it doesn't mean the phone come with different modem!
Since you are not looking to root your phone or anything....there really no need for any flashing!
yuenluv said:
First, Telus, Rogers, Bell, Wind....all these carrier carry the same model of Note3 and running the same ROM
all you have to do is pull out your Wind sim card and do a factory reset. Then put in your Telus Sim card.
Phone will find Telus CSC setting and set it up as Telus phone.
As long your phone is sim unlock with Wind Mobile, any Canadian carrier should be working with your phone
About LTE, maybe there just don't have any LTE signal in the area, or your LTE setting has been turn off.
All you need to do is go into setting check under network and see if the phone is running GSM/CDMA/LTE or GSM/CDMA only, just switch between 2 and you will get your LTE with Telus LTE sim.
Since you are not looking to root your phone or anything....there really no need for any flashing!
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Click to collapse
You are only partially right with your response. Look at my other threads with how to get things functional. First, the phone is the same model for each Canadian carrier but as per the agreements between the carriers and Samsung, specific bands have been crippled. I unlocked my Note 3 so yes, the Telus SIM will be recognized upon a factory reset and will pick up the correct APN settings but since the LTE modem has been crippled, the device is great for voice but has sloooooow 3G data.
In order to get the device working with LTE, you must flash an LTE capable modem onto the device. Since this device is new on the market, no modem (.bin) file has been made flashable. At this point, the only option is to root your phone. Even when rooting and installing the Telus firmware (ROM), this will still not enable LTE as there's a safeguard in the device. Once the phone has been rooted, you must go into the regional settings for the device and select the carrier setting for the ROM you just installed. This will format the device and reboot with your carrier setting thus enabling LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto connect) within your network settings menu. Only at this point, will you have true LTE capability otherwise, you're using a phone with hindered capabilities. Using Telus on 3G is like driving a Corvette with a Cavalier motor.
cellrama said:
You are only partially right with your response. Look at my other threads with how to get things functional. First, the phone is the same model for each Canadian carrier but as per the agreements between the carriers and Samsung, specific bands have been crippled. I unlocked my Note 3 so yes, the Telus SIM will be recognized upon a factory reset and will pick up the correct APN settings but since the LTE modem has been crippled, the device is great for voice but has sloooooow 3G data.
In order to get the device working with LTE, you must flash an LTE capable modem onto the device. Since this device is new on the market, no modem (.bin) file has been made flashable. At this point, the only option is to root your phone. Even when rooting and installing the Telus firmware (ROM), this will still not enable LTE as there's a safeguard in the device. Once the phone has been rooted, you must go into the regional settings for the device and select the carrier setting for the ROM you just installed. This will format the device and reboot with your carrier setting thus enabling LTE/WCDMA/GSM (auto connect) within your network settings menu. Only at this point, will you have true LTE capability otherwise, you're using a phone with hindered capabilities. Using Telus on 3G is like driving a Corvette with a Cavalier motor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the case, just download Telus ROM from samsungupdate and flash it with Odin3
yuenluv said:
In the case, just download Telus ROM from samsungupdate and flash it with Odin3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL :laugh: I have already rooted, flashed the Telus ROM and enabled LTE on my device. It is a little more complicated than what you've suggested but yes, you are partially right. Even with the Telus ROM, you need to ensure you've enabled the radio/modem for LTE capability. Thanks for your suggestions!
So my wife bought this unlocked sph-L720. Checked the IMEI online and it said the device was clear with Sprint, and was not blacklisted. So after we leave she factory resets the device, which royally f's it. When it restarted, the baseband version, imei, meid, all the information aside from the model number and android version were unavailable in the setting menu. no wifi would work. had no sim card for the device. After looking online for a solution I just flashed the sprint stock firmware for the model number and andriod version with Odin to restore the phone back to normal. Now sprint says they wont unlock the phone because a past balance owed on the phone. I just want to be able to use the thing on verizon. Is there anything I can do?
Hi All - hoping to get your help and advice.
Original S8 was a USA SM-G950U on T-Mobile that was successfully flashed and unlocked to SM-G950U1 (CSC = XAA). The phone was fully functional, successfully received OTA updates and was on the latest firmware (G950U1UES5CRL2) in use in Hong Kong (3HK 4G LTE) until yesterday when I did a hard-reboot and cache-wipe a few days after a system update and now the cellular radio won't connect to any network. I've tested the SIM card (works fine on other phones), rebooted without the SIM inside (no impact), tried upgrading to Android 9.0 as well as older Bootloader v5 firmware to see if the cellular radio would turn on and re-connect but no luck.
Current State: When looking under "Mobile networks", Network mode shows "Preferred network mode: CDMA/EVDO/GSM/WCDMA" whereas it used to be "LTE/3G/2G". This option is available under the drop down list but I can't selected it. Under "Network Operators", tapping "Search networks" results in an error "Error while searching for networks". Tapping "Select automatically" pops an error "Unable to connect. Try later".
After exhaustive testing, it feels like the phone is behaving like it's SIM-locked since everything else works thru wifi but it's on the SM-G950U1 XAA unlocked firmware so it shouldn't be locked?? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
eyecee said:
Hi All - hoping to get your help and advice.
Original S8 was a USA SM-G950U on T-Mobile that was successfully flashed and unlocked to SM-G950U1 (CSC = XAA). The phone was fully functional, successfully received OTA updates and was on the latest firmware (G950U1UES5CRL2) in use in Hong Kong (3HK 4G LTE) until yesterday when I did a hard-reboot and cache-wipe a few days after a system update and now the cellular radio won't connect to any network. I've tested the SIM card (works fine on other phones), rebooted without the SIM inside (no impact), tried upgrading to Android 9.0 as well as older Bootloader v5 firmware to see if the cellular radio would turn on and re-connect but no luck.
Current State: When looking under "Mobile networks", Network mode shows "Preferred network mode: CDMA/EVDO/GSM/WCDMA" whereas it used to be "LTE/3G/2G". This option is available under the drop down list but I can't selected it. Under "Network Operators", tapping "Search networks" results in an error "Error while searching for networks". Tapping "Select automatically" pops an error "Unable to connect. Try later".
After exhaustive testing, it feels like the phone is behaving like it's SIM-locked since everything else works thru wifi but it's on the SM-G950U1 XAA unlocked firmware so it shouldn't be locked?? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just because you flash unlocked firmware does not remove the T-Mobile SIM lock
TheMadScientist said:
Just because you flash unlocked firmware does not remove the T-Mobile SIM lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your feedback! What's strange was that my S8 with the unlocked firmware (SM-G950U1) was working perfectly for 6 months and I was able to make calls, get LTE data connectivity, etc. Now the phone is still working via wifi but the cellular function is dead. Any suggestions or advice on how to remove the T-Mobile SIM lock?
eyecee said:
Thanks for your feedback! What's strange was that my S8 with the unlocked firmware (SM-G950U1) was working perfectly for 6 months and I was able to make calls, get LTE data connectivity, etc. Now the phone is still working via wifi but the cellular function is dead. Any suggestions or advice on how to remove the T-Mobile SIM lock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We need to verify some how if it truly is Sim locked or not first.
TheMadScientist said:
We need to verify some how if it truly is Sim locked or not first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried 2 different SIM cards (though both from the same carrier) and both were not connecting to the mobile network. The phone can detect when there isn't a SIM card inserted so that is a minor indicator that the SIM card slot is functional.... any other suggestions on how to verify whether my S8 is SIM locked?
EDIT: Both SIM cards work in other phones (iPhone6s, iPhoneX).
eyecee said:
I've tried 2 different SIM cards (though both from the same carrier) and both were not connecting to the mobile network. The phone can detect when there isn't a SIM card inserted so that is a minor indicator that the SIM card slot is functional.... any other suggestions on how to verify whether my S8 is SIM locked?
EDIT: Both SIM cards work in other phones (iPhone6s, iPhoneX).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of coarse not always but most of the time it will display a warning or something about sim not accepted. This sounds like to me. A couple things. Simlocked. Maybe install the T-Mobile firmware again and try the T-Mobile unlock app. It should say this device is already unlocked or successful. If that passes. It could be a disabled band or something. Sounds like the latter. Like it's not picking up your carriers signal. Again the us models I believe are pretty universal so maybe a different firmware may enable it again. Or last the device has somehow become blacklisted which unfortunately I have seen plenty of people here in US sell devices still on contract maybe pay a few months and quit then blacklists
eyecee said:
Hi All - hoping to get your help and advice.
Original S8 was a USA SM-G950U on T-Mobile that was successfully flashed and unlocked to SM-G950U1 (CSC = XAA). The phone was fully functional, successfully received OTA updates and was on the latest firmware (G950U1UES5CRL2) in use in Hong Kong (3HK 4G LTE) until yesterday when I did a hard-reboot and cache-wipe a few days after a system update and now the cellular radio won't connect to any network. I've tested the SIM card (works fine on other phones), rebooted without the SIM inside (no impact), tried upgrading to Android 9.0 as well as older Bootloader v5 firmware to see if the cellular radio would turn on and re-connect but no luck.
Current State: When looking under "Mobile networks", Network mode shows "Preferred network mode: CDMA/EVDO/GSM/WCDMA" whereas it used to be "LTE/3G/2G". This option is available under the drop down list but I can't selected it. Under "Network Operators", tapping "Search networks" results in an error "Error while searching for networks". Tapping "Select automatically" pops an error "Unable to connect. Try later".
After exhaustive testing, it feels like the phone is behaving like it's SIM-locked since everything else works thru wifi but it's on the SM-G950U1 XAA unlocked firmware so it shouldn't be locked?? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have the same problem, have SM-G950U TMB Bad ESN , get Unlock/Unfreeze codes from support T-Mobile, easy unlock FRP, unlock phone througt codes, can't unlock network througt T-Mobile app, use samtool - unlock network shows TMB/XAA/TMB, after restart phone are can't see network, can't find network, with signal all ok and in other phones all ok with sim. Try to change SCS to XAA -> can't find network, try flash SM-G950U1 latest frim -> Not working, Try Flash SM-G950U TMB Latest - Model/Network status wrong... odin error... , Now can't flash any SM-G950, only SM-G950U1XXXXXX , try 950U1 TMB not work, and trying many SPR,XAS,XAA,VZN ... in all frimwares network don't work. now don't know what to do, possible i will try to flash SM-G950F
Nirexes said:
Have the same problem, have SM-G950U TMB Bad ESN , get Unlock/Unfreeze codes from support T-Mobile, easy unlock FRP, unlock phone througt codes, can't unlock network througt T-Mobile app, use samtool - unlock network shows TMB/XAA/TMB, after restart phone are can't see network, can't find network, with signal all ok and in other phones all ok with sim. Try to change SCS to XAA -> can't find network, try flash SM-G950U1 latest frim -> Not working, Try Flash SM-G950U TMB Latest - Model/Network status wrong... odin error... , Now can't flash any SM-G950, only SM-G950U1XXXXXX , try 950U1 TMB not work, and trying many SPR,XAS,XAA,VZN ... in all frimwares network don't work. now don't know what to do, possible i will try to flash SM-G950F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't fish 950f different chipsets. What country are you trying to use it in. If it's blacklisted that's more than likely your answer right there.
TheMadScientist said:
You can't fish 950f different chipsets. What country are you trying to use it in. If it's blacklisted that's more than likely your answer right there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah can't flash 950F, Russia - No T-Mobile here. Don't know what to try right now, possible try get stock TMB, then unlock network again if its lock. No blacklists, T-Mobile support says status Clear, but maybee contract on T-Mobile not paid. Trying to flash custom modem, but didn't help too.
Stats here:
ADBSN: 98892A415243565036
MODEL NAME: SM-G950U1
DID: 205E7D06ED39
BOOTLOADER: G950U1UES7DSK4
PDA VERSION: G950U1UES7DSK4
MODEM VERSION: G950U1UES7DSK4
CSC VERSION: G950U1UES7DSK4
MODEM BOARD: MSM8998
ANDROID VERSION: 9
CARRIER: XAA
SALE COUNTRY: USA
CPU: QCOM
SIM STATE: LOADED
SIM CONFIG: SS
USB CONFIG: MTP,ADB
Warranty Bit: 0
USB Modem Connection Detected!
Model Name: SM-G950U1
IMEI: 355987081639857
SN: R28J41FBDBJ
UID: 98892A415243565036
SWVER: G950U1UES7DSK4/G950U1UES7DSK4/G950U1UES7DSK4/G950U1UES7DSK4/G950U1OYM7DSK4
Last summer I successfully flashed an SM-G935P (Sprint) to Verizon. I put it on the shelf without ever trying to use in on Verizon's network. I decided to switch to it from my S6 the other day. Before I did anything else I ran all system updates (via a wireless connection). All went well until I put in my already activated Verizon sim card. I get no coverage at all. Noda. The firmware loaded is G935VVRS8CRK2. Everything in settings =>About Phone looks right. Can anyone shed some light on what I may have done wrong?
P.S. I did try a Sprint sim card and it did show a 3g connection during initial setup. Is something left over from Spring that I need to wipe?
Flashing G935V firmware just converts your firmware to VZW (bootloader, radio, system) and you need to unlock your phone with Sprint still, but if you updated to Update 28 for S7 you can't go back to Sprint's firmware because the Update 28 contains bootloader v9!
TL;DR: you just need to unlock your device via sprint.
Here's a link to sprints unlock thing: https://www.sprint.com/en/legal/unlocking-your-sprint-device.html
The only thing is this, when I insert my Verizon sim card I am not prompted for an unlock code. Also, Sprint automatically unlocks their devices after ~50 days of active service on an account with good standing. Am I wrong?
Simple yet aggravating
So, the main issue I found after unlocking the Sprint G935P is (and I'm sure this is the problem you're having) you have to manually put in the APN settings to connect to Verizon.
Just Google "Verizon 4G LTE APN settings 2020" and enter what it tells you
I'm trying to get my SM-G935V to work eventually work on Sprint. I already flashed my firmware over to SM-G935U. However, the Sprint IMEI check says it won't work on their network. At a Sprint store, the rep won't even try at a store to test out a Sprint SIM to see if it works. Would a Sprint SIM work in my phone before having my IMEI whitelisted (if that's even possible)?
My second option while waiting was to use Red Pocket. I got a plan, I got a SIM card, but I got "Error! Activation Error We are sorry, but due to the rules set by our underlying carrier, your phone number cannot be activated on our CDMA LTE service."
The third option was trying to change my IMEI which appears still legal to do in the US, but not possible to do on my phone because it won't bring up Engineering Mode with the codes. My thought was it was because my CSC still shows as VZW. I thought G935UOYM9CSC2 was XAA originally but I can't get that to show up.
Any other ideas on getting off Verizon with this phone?
Flash the Unlocked firmware on it. You will have to use a modded Odin, see the appropriate thread for that.
However, it will not change the IMEI. If the phone is currently locked in a contract... there is no way around.
Changing IMEI is illegal and will cause problems.
I had never switched my SIM card from the Verizon network to another one until today. It reboots into recovery and changes the CSC. This is after flashing to SM-G935U firmware. When I was on the VZW CSC the secret codes (USSD codes) wouldn't work. After swapping in an AT&T SIM card, the codes now work. Red Pocket white listed my IMEI no problem. Now if I can get Sprint to do it...