Hi guys
I recently purchased an S4 from an on-line professional seller, the guy apparently owns a physical store but sells some phones on-line
when the phone arrived, I turned it on without the SIM, insert my home's wi-fi connection password, and the phone started to update both apps, and the OS to lollipop
I installed the backup I previously got from my old s3 mini, installed all my apps from playstore, and once I installed whatsapp, I turned the phone off, and than on again, this with my SIM since whatsapp has to confirm my number
The phone accepted my PIN code, whatsapp accepted my number and restored it's backup, but the phone also asked for this SIM network unlock pin
I told the guy what's happening, he told me he would send me a new phone, but I suspect this can go wrong
If that's the case, can anyone here tell me how can I overcome this SIM network unlock pin issue ?
thanks in advance
Regards
Antonio
If the phone were unlocked for use on any carrier, you would never see the SIM unlock pin request screen. Since you are seeing that screen, the phone is not unlocked.
To resolve this, root your phone and downgrade the phone's modem to an Android 4.2.2 version. Find a copy of RegionLock Away on XDA or through Google, copy it to your S4 and install it. Run it. Afterward, upgrade the modem to a more current version, and enjoy.
That's roughly what I had to do when the SIM unlock screen popped up on me.
Which s4 do you have? If it is the i337, region lock away may not work as you may not be able to downgrade the modem.
Related
I just purchased a unlocked my touch 3g ( I believe Magic) no slide.
At times my phone asks me to do a update.
When I look at what the update is it shows "Android System Update 1.2...The system is required to install Android version 2.2.1 on your device."
My phone states my firmware version is 1.6
So my questions are:
Do I need to perform this update?
Will this update lock my phone again ?
This is my 1st android phone and truthfully I'm not real technical. I have been going around googling different thing to make mysel more familar with the phone and Android.
Any help woul sure be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Ok so 81 views and nobody knows.
Anybody have any idea what other sites out there may deal with this type of thing that they may be able to direct me to?
Thanks
Could you please provide the info on your fastboot? You can get to fastboot by turning the phone off, then turning it on while holding down the volume down button.
Sent from my Sapphire/dream using XDA App
Ok, I think this is what your looking for?
Saphire Put 32a Ship S- ON G
HBOOT-1.33.0013(SAPP31000)
CPLD-13
Radio-2.22.23.02
Oct 21 2009,22:33:27
I hope this helps and what you were asking for
Thanks
First off, you do not need to update if you don't want to. Second, I think the update will relock the phone, so I recommend not updating at all, unless you have a reliable method of unlocking again.
Sent from my Sapphire/dream using XDA App
I appreciate the info
Ok there are two things:
1) Sim Lock.. if your phone is sim unlocked it will remain sim unlocked.. actually I don't think there is any documented way to re-sim lock the phone.
2) Root.. if your phone is rooted i recommend installing a rooted version of the upgrade if you desire to upgrade.. otherwise the upgrade will either unroot the phone or fail because the phone is currently rooted (possibly causing it not to boot into android until you restore a good firmware)
Remember the sim lock is different from root.. and you can be rooted but sim-locked... or sim-unlocked but not rooted.. the simlock is just the tie in to the carrier and part of the Radio.. not part of the android firmware. Further its in a special radio settings region that is not flashed when you change the phone's radio.
So if you have the stock un-rooted/un-modified firmware and wish to update feel free.. just note you may want to back up what you can first.. some people have had problems with the update going slow until they factory reset after the update..
ezterry,
Thanks for the info.
Truthfully I'm unsure about many things on this phone.
I purchased this phone off Ebay as a unlocked only phone.
When I received the phone I just popped in my sim-set up the phone and was done.
At this point though I'm not even sure its unlocked because it is a T=Mobile phone and my service is myfamily mobile,which is just T-Mobile sold at Walmart.
I put in a sim card from my neighbors AT &T and it asked me for a pin #.
I skipped putting in a pin and the phone opened up but said no service. With that I am just assuming it is truly unlocked.
Am I correct?
Um.. if it asked for an unlock code its locked.. if it was sold unlocked and showing the code you ought to have been provided the code by the seller.
Pin usually just means the owner of the sim locked put a pin on the sim to prevent it from its data/service being accessed by others. (The sims owner ought to know the pin) This pin needs to be entered into any phone the sim is put in.
As soon as I find another person with a different sim card I am going to try it again.
I do think it was a pin # that was asked.
Unfortunately the owner did not provide any sort of code when I purchased.
Its my understanding,and I may be wrong,that you can purchase unlocked phones new,and if so I'm not sure weather or not codes are provided for new phones.
This is all very new to me so I am not sure.
exautomgr said:
Its my understanding,and I may be wrong,that you can purchase unlocked phones new,and if so I'm not sure weather or not codes are provided for new phones..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If a HTC Dream/Sapphire was sim locked at the factory you must put in a sim card from another carrier and unlock the phone.. If it was never locked (such as the Google versions of the phones) this is not needed.
Once Sim Unlocked it will remain so regardless.
Yes, this is a My touch 3g google version phone
exautomgr said:
Yes, this is a My touch 3g google version phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MT3G = T-Mobile = locked to T-Mobile US but running the Google firmware
ION = Google Development Phone = factory sim unlocked
ezterry said:
MT3G = T-Mobile = locked to T-Mobile US but running the Google firmware
ION = Google Development Phone = factory sim unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does this mean the phone is not unlocked and can only be used on T-Mobile?
or
Is it possible someone paid a 3rd party for a code to un-lock it?
I guess I really need to try like a AAT & T sim and see if I could service,as that was my undrstanding. I was under the impression that any gsm service provider uising a sim card would be operable.
You have gone in a circle now.. I told you if its sim locked when you put in a sim of a diffrent provider it will ask for an unlock code.. once sim unlocked it will *never* be locked again.
You will of course need a non tmo-us sim to be sure.
All I know is the MT3G will have been shipped from the factory locked.. I will not know the current state since the seller prob made sure it was unlocked if it wasn't already so if the phone was sold unlocked ..
The only other way I know to test is harder to do and possible risky with the firmware changes to do it w/o special htc serial wires.
And FYI a pin protected sim will ask for the sims pin before the sims carrier can be read (thus you need to provide the sims pin before it will ask for the unlock code if the phone is sim locked)
Ok,gotcha.
Sorry,told you not to savy
So I'll test another sim again and see what happens.
Thanks again for all the support
ezterry said:
You have gone in a circle now.. I told you if its sim locked when you put in a sim of a diffrent provider it will ask for an unlock code.. once sim unlocked it will *never* be locked again.
You will of course need a non tmo-us sim to be sure.
All I know is the MT3G will have been shipped from the factory locked.. I will not know the current state since the seller prob made sure it was unlocked if it wasn't already so if the phone was sold unlocked ..
The only other way I know to test is harder to do and possible risky with the firmware changes to do it w/o special htc serial wires.
And FYI a pin protected sim will ask for the sims pin before the sims carrier can be read (thus you need to provide the sims pin before it will ask for the unlock code if the phone is sim locked)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok.
So I pulled the sim card from my neighbors AT &T phone and when the phone booted up it asked me for :
"sim network unlock pin"
unlock
dismiss
My neighbor told me he didn't have a sim pin,but he used the code he has to lock his phone.
I received the same message when I tried someone elses sim who also states they have no pin number.
Message being: "Network Unlock Request Un succussful"
So am I correct in my thinking that this phone is not unlocked? and or it is sim locked?
I just e-mailed the seller asking him if he had the unlock code for the phone,so I can now only wait for his response. In the past he was not very responsive to past e-mails
Hi,
I need anyone's help for my mobile as it says Not registered on Network when I tried to call although the SIM is already inserted .
- This mobile was for Africa & ME version but already opened in ASIA (Non competible regaion ) and started asking the code.
- So it was routed by SU and tried to unlocked it but failed
- Then the mobile was sent back to Saudi Arabia, where I unrouted the mobile thru SU (by complete unroot option in side the SU, installed original firmware successfully. But when I try to call, it display a message as " Not registered on Network"
- I already inserted a paper between the SIM & SIM slot - no use , tried to change the setting thru Mobile Network but not accessible as it dispays " insert SIM to access the network".... ,, On & off several times - no use, went to Flight mode and back - no use...
Need anyone's guide / suggestions to resolve this issue.
Thanks
Farhan
So, if I understand you correctly, this S4 was an African phone that was powered up in Asia? If correct, then you encountered Samsung's region locking, meaning the device requires a SIM from the appropriate region. Needless to say, you don't have one of those.
This is not a hardware issue, but firmware. Therefore, inserting pieces of paper into the SIM card tray does nothing except waste time and potentially damage the SIM card tray. Airplane mode will not shut the region lock off nor will it deactivate a SIM lock.
To solve this...
1. Purchase an unlock code and type it in to remove the SIM lock. This is also supposed to remove the region locking.
If the unlock code does not remove the region locking, follow these additional steps.
2. Root.
3. Install and run RegionLock Away to remove the region locking.
On the I9505, users could downgrade the modem to an Android 4.2.2 version, root, and then run RegionLock Away to remove both the region lock and the SIM lock, thus completely unlocking the phone. However, you have an I9515, which came with Android 4.4.2 out of the box. Since the I9515 never had an Android 4.2.2 ROM available, RegionLock Away cannot remove the SIM lock, though it can still remove the region lock, which is its intended purpose. This is why you have to purchase an unlock code.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
So, if I understand you correctly, this S4 was an African phone that was powered up in Asia? If correct, then you encountered Samsung's region locking, meaning the device requires a SIM from the appropriate region. Needless to say, you don't have one of those.
This is not a hardware issue, but firmware. Therefore, inserting pieces of paper into the SIM card tray does nothing except waste time and potentially damage the SIM card tray. Airplane mode will not shut the region lock off nor will it deactivate a SIM lock.
To solve this...
1. Purchase an unlock code and type it in to remove the SIM lock. This is also supposed to remove the region locking.
If the unlock code does not remove the region locking, follow these additional steps.
2. Root.
3. Install and run RegionLock Away to remove the region locking.
On the I9505, users could downgrade the modem to an Android 4.2.2 version, root, and then run RegionLock Away to remove both the region lock and the SIM lock, thus completely unlocking the phone. However, you have an I9515, which came with Android 4.4.2 out of the box. Since the I9515 never had an Android 4.2.2 ROM available, RegionLock Away cannot remove the SIM lock, though it can still remove the region lock, which is its intended purpose. This is why you have to purchase an unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your advise. :good:
As you understood that it is belongs to North African & Middle East.
In the phone box there is one sticker pasted which says need to insert the SIM from North Africa or Middle East first to active the phone where the Saudi Arabia also in the list, but now when I inserted the Mobily SIM from KSA, it displays the above message.
So still whether I have to go far a Unlock code or you have additional idea ?
Regards,
Farhan
I would buy the unlock code. The unlock code not only will remove the SIM lock, but it should also remove the region lock. As a bonus, you'll increase the S4's resale value, as unlocked devices command a premium over ones that are still locked to their carriers.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I would buy the unlock code. The unlock code not only will remove the SIM lock, but it should also remove the region lock. As a bonus, you'll increase the S4's resale value, as unlocked devices command a premium over ones that are still locked to their carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to a sim unlocking site where it says guaranteed unlocking service if the phone is not Hard Locked. So please tell me how to know my phone is hard locked or not.
For your info. wifi is working in my phone
Also, will you recommend any unlocking service site to try.
Thanks
Farhan
A little searching will do you wonders. I generally point people to sammobile's unlocking service, but if you do a search on Google you'll find hundreds of them.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
A little searching will do you wonders. I generally point people to sammobile's unlocking service, but if you do a search on Google you'll find hundreds of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am coming back again to this thread after I communicated with a SIM lock Service Provider who clarified many questions and finaly advised me to take the phone to a workshop who can have original SIM and I tried the same but could not find any workshop to help in this regard.
But when I was checking a forum someone asked to check the status of the IMEI CERTIFICATE status by typing *#0011# which I did so and the mobile displayed as IMEI CERTI: FAIL.
I believe here is the problem for not recognizing the SIM . Please need your guide how to solve it.
IMEI certification is a red herring. My device, when it was on Touchwiz, worked perfectly even though the IMEI Certification result was "Fail".
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
IMEI certification is a red herring. My device, when it was on Touchwiz, worked perfectly even though the IMEI Certification result was "Fail".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it is not the case you mean ?
I already flashed the official firmware successfuly and yesterday, I clicked the 'check update' option in the setting and it updated the latest version of the firmware. all options are working except this SIM access.
So do you think any causes like baseband version or modem problem etc.
Nope. I think you have a hardware issue. Especially if you've tried everything software related, including flashing the modem again.
For the same issue, I was in the Sammobile forum where they found my phone is not showing the product code as it says the Product Code: Not Active in the 'Phone Info *SamSung* ' program (CSC page screen shot attached)
Also they told that need to do some work on the nv-data file to restore your Product Code . But when I checked my EFS folder (rooted folder), I could not find this file. I.e. nv_data.bin (see the screen shot of the EFS file folder)
They guided me to follow the steps in this link. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=780509
but could not continue due to the missing file.
Current situation of my mobile:
- It is rooted with Super SU.
- Took the backup of this folder to my PC but no use due to the above missing file.
- EMEI in the system (*#06#) and written under the batteries are the same. (Not changed)
- All other functions including touch screen, wifi are perfectly working except the recognizing the SIM.
Appreciate your advise
Thanks
nv_data.bin hasn't been present in the EFS folder for some time now. Its information is stored in hidden partitions on the device. Those partitions can be backed up with Wanam's EFS backup tool, but to see what is in them requires you to break open the backup images.
You would be better off getting the S4 looked at, rather than risk bricking the S4 by modifying data in those partitions.
Hi All - I recently bought a Samsung Galaxy S8 from someone else. It worked fine when I was with T-mobile but when I moved to another network and popped in a new SIM, it asked me to "Enter network unlock code". I figured it must be locked to T-mobile so I reached out to them. They said my account met all the unlock criteria and said they'll send me instructions via email. I got the email two days later saying I need to use the "Device Unlock App". However, there's no such app on phone and there's no way to install it either (its not in the Play Store). I went back to T-mobile and they said since the device wasn't purchased through T-mobile, its not be a T-mobile "branded" phone. My questions are:
1. If its not a T-mobile branded phone, why does it only work on the T-mobile network? I checked its not rooted. It doesn't have any T-mobile apps and doesn't show any splash screen with the T-mobile logo.
2. Someone said that Samsung GS8 locks to the network of the first SIM you put into an unlocked phone. Is that true?
3. T-mobile says they've "whitelisted" my IMEI, so if I can somehow get the Device Unlock app I may be able to unlock it. Any idea how I can do that? Do I need to flash the firmware and install the T-mobile version or is there another way.
Thanks!
If you need to app, you can try here: https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-14011
However, as your phone is asking for the unlock code, the app might work but not unlock your phone.
You really need to do a network check and see which network is your phone actually locked. If your phone needs unlocking code, you might need factory level codes.
I think you should visit :
https://support.t-mobile.com
Hi Everyone,
I just bought a brand new s10+ from marketplace. I ran a full imei report and everything is clean & not blacklisted. It was a sprint phone however the provider I use is consumer cellular (uses ATT towers). When I put my sim card in it obviously said invalid sim and request it get unlocked. I wasnt concerned because I was going to convert it to unlocked anyways via odin like I did my note 9. I reflashed it via odin with the u1 firmware. However the same thing is happening it keeps saying invalid sim and the button for mobile operators is not showing. I have a tmobile sim card and if I put that in it works fine. Being though tmobile and sprint are the same thats why it works fine. I also have a ATT sim card, If i put that in I get the same invalid sim message. So it still appears to be locked somehow. Only sprint / t mobile sim works. I thought by reflashing to unlocked it would unlock the phone sim.
Just to be clear the phone is brand new and never was attached to any account.
Any ideas? I dont know what to do here.
Thanks!!
As I understand, phones that are locked to a network are not just software branded... also the phones hardware ID. So flashing a generic firmware is not enough. You need to get the phone unlocked from the phone's original operator
I found out what I had to do. I had to use a remote unlock service to remove the software lock on the phone. Its fine now. Thanks
Hi Folks,
I have a VNS-L31 running C440B392, EMUI 5.0.4
It is UK region and currently locked to EE, or sort of. I have the unlock code from EE, no problems getting that but when I put in different SIM cards I'm not given the prompt to unlock the phone. The phone boots and tries to connect but then fails to register on the network.
Oddly, if I boot the phone, put in an EE SIM and allow it to connect, then swap the SIM to another network without rebooting it will connect to the alternate network for a short while.
I've been looking at the instructions for putting custom firmware on but most of the links are old and dead. Even trying to find copies of the stock ROM doesn't do well these days as the Huawei database is gone.
So, I'm not sure where I am with it other than waiting for a response from EE that may or may not help.
Factory reset makes no difference...
It's a lot of hassle to go to for a backup phone!
Cheers.