Related
Hey Guys,
I got a Verizon model that I've been using on T-mobile. I've been very happy with it so far but I'm wondering, since it is rootable, can we somehow someday unlock the t-mobile 4g lte bands ? I believe its the same phone on each network... just software locked. Cant really find anything online about it but i think it may be possible.
Hope the experts weigh in on this
Bump
Bump
Xplic1T said:
Hey Guys,
I got a Verizon model that I've been using on T-mobile. I've been very happy with it so far but I'm wondering, since it is rootable, can we somehow someday unlock the t-mobile 4g lte bands ? I believe its the same phone on each network... just software locked. Cant really find anything online about it but i think it may be possible.
Hope the experts weigh in on this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you had Verizon sim unlock it? I'm assuming so otherwise I don't think it would work but you say its working with the exception of LTE? I'm unfamiliar with T-Mobile bands but I think the Verizon G2 has them all. Is there a difference in the plan to include their LTE? You're certain your area has LTE?
Check out the Nexus 4 forums. There are a ton of hybrid radios they flash to enable LTE and educate on Radio differences. There's a sticky on top for all LTE diilscussion. I don't think you'll need to flash radios, but you'll find resources on how to possibly enable it in APN settings.
Have you modified any APN settings?
Are you running stock software?
Edit: I am no expert. Hope that's OK?
Xplic1T said:
Hey Guys,
I got a Verizon model that I've been using on T-mobile. I've been very happy with it so far but I'm wondering, since it is rootable, can we somehow someday unlock the t-mobile 4g lte bands ? I believe its the same phone on each network... just software locked. Cant really find anything online about it but i think it may be possible.
Hope the experts weigh in on this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as far as i know you would just have to modify the apns and tell it to connect to tmobile's network instead of verizon. sometimes it will just do it on its own though
Bump. I see people posting all over that it is possible but I cant seem to find the proper threads. Heck, people have talked about flashing a t-mobile stock rom to it and it works... Is this true?
big gulps huh? said:
Bump. I see people posting all over that it is possible but I cant seem to find the proper threads. Heck, people have talked about flashing a t-mobile stock rom to it and it works... Is this true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is indeed true, you need to be on the 11a firmware which means not taking the ota update to 12b from verizon. Then you flash the Tmobile stock ROM and a patch made by tangjun269 found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49301459
You will also need to flash the 12b modem before flashing the Tmobile ROM and patch in order to get LTE
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Does it work just like the tmobile variant? After its been flashed? And does hspa+ work too?
Sent from my SGP311 using xda app-developers app
Ok, so i ordered a SM-N910U from 28mobile.com, and they sent me a carrier branded SM-n910K, which by its specifications should work with Brazilian LTE (band 7 - 2600). However I am stuck on 3g. I was wondering if maybe the whole internet is wrong and this device doesnt support this band, or maybe its some sort of carrier lock. Also, how do i disable the awful branding, will flash a different firmware work and which do i flash?
Thanks
repl0id said:
Ok, so i ordered a SM-N910U from 28mobile.com, and they sent me a carrier branded SM-n910K, which by its specifications should work with Brazilian LTE (band 7 - 2600). However I am stuck on 3g. I was wondering if maybe the whole internet is wrong and this device doesnt support this band, or maybe its some sort of carrier lock. Also, how do i disable the awful branding, will flash a different firmware work and which do i flash?Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) check frequencies that U model supports @ samsung website (its asian/hong kong, right? those miss some frequencieos)
2) check which frequencies are used for 4g by your brazilian telco.
3) compare.
if frequencies match, you might want to try:
1) getting a new sim that is surely 4g-capable
2) getting an iphone nano-sim. this is crazy, but for many users in russian forums that has solved 4g connectivity issues with one telco.
3) making sure your plan supports 4g
4) ensure you have 4g coverage.
lisbon2004 said:
1) check frequencies that U model supports @ samsung website (its asian/hong kong, right? those miss some frequencieos)
2) check which frequencies are used for 4g by your brazilian telco.
3) compare.
if frequencies match, you might want to try:
1) getting a new sim that is surely 4g-capable
2) getting an iphone nano-sim. this is crazy, but for many users in russian forums that has solved 4g connectivity issues with one telco.
3) making sure your plan supports 4g
4) ensure you have 4g coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Sim is 4g
2)will try
3) IT does
4) I do
Is the SM-N910U the same as the SM-N910K as far as LTE bands go? I dont get it, they are both supposed to support Band 7 - 2600MHZ, which is the one we have over here. What about flashing a different firmware? I've been trying with odin, to no success.
They do support that frequency so it's probably something to do with your sim card or carrier?
And 28mobile told me I was receiving one model only to get the k model like you. Wasn't happy. The updates for firmwares are slow
lawtq said:
They do support that frequency so it's probably something to do with your sim card or carrier?
And 28mobile told me I was receiving one model only to get the k model like you. Wasn't happy. The updates for firmwares are slow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I am on a LTE plan, tried 3 different sims already, they are all stuck on 3G...And all our carriers have the same band, which is 7...So it's not the sim or the carrier...its the phone. I bet that there's some sort of lock going on, since all roaming options are grayed out (the phone is not stuck on roaming, however). I am trying to flash any other model's firmware, like U, C and even S, but odin always fails when trying.
repl0id said:
Ok, so i ordered a SM-N910U from 28mobile.com, and they sent me a carrier branded SM-n910K, which by its specifications should work with Brazilian LTE (band 7 - 2600). However I am stuck on 3g. I was wondering if maybe the whole internet is wrong and this device doesnt support this band, or maybe its some sort of carrier lock. Also, how do i disable the awful branding, will flash a different firmware work and which do i flash?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you ordered the "U"-model, and got a branded "K"-model, I would complain to the shop you bought it and demand a swap to the model you ordered!
I can't find any definitive answers on this. All I know is the minimum is 25, 26 and 41 but it'd be nice to know the full list. I travel internationally and without other LTE bands like band 7, it makes it tough to use it anywhere outside the US.
EDIT: Someone answered this question in another thread but it would be good to get screenshots to verify this.
m03sizlak said:
LTE Bands: 2 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 12 / 13 / 25 / 26 / 41
I've heard that the FCC filings show that the Sprint variant is not capable (tested or approved) for GSM or WCDMA, which is kind of disappointing since I travel a lot in Canada. Any confirmation on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This list of bands is a little better than both the Sprint variants of the LG G5 and Samsung Galaxy S7. If this phone can be unlocked, you at least have a way to go abroad and use LTE connections in much of Europe and elsewhere. Band 7 is the most common band in the world from what I understand.
I'm curious about this comment about GSM and WCDMA. Hopefully someone can verify this one way or another.
asuh said:
I'm curious about this comment about GSM and WCDMA. Hopefully someone can verify this one way or another.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever get an answer on this? I have a Sprint variant of the 10 and am trying to unlock it as I will be travel for the next 2 years. I've done everything I can think of but cannot get the phone's radio to work with any unlocked ROM. I could use some help here. Any advice or information you can provide?
vijn said:
Did you ever get an answer on this? I have a Sprint variant of the 10 and am trying to unlock it as I will be travel for the next 2 years. I've done everything I can think of but cannot get the phone's radio to work with any unlocked ROM. I could use some help here. Any advice or information you can provide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you plan to travel outside the US during most of this time, your best options are to sell your HTC 10 and get one of the few unlocked flagship phones on Sprint's networks, assuming you want to stay with Sprint.
Here are your options:
Google Pixel
Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-930U
Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-935U
Nexus 6P or 5X
Motorola X Pure Edition
Apple iPhone
Here's a full list as of February 2017 of radio unlocked phones compatible with Sprint.
There are other unlocked phones that are not compatible with Sprint because CDMA and LTE bands are crippled or missing.
asuh said:
If you plan to travel outside the US during most of this time, your best options are to sell your HTC 10 and get one of the few unlocked flagship phones on Sprint's networks, assuming you want to stay with Sprint.
Here are your options:
Google Pixel
Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-930U
Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-935U
Nexus 6P or 5X
Motorola X Pure Edition
Apple iPhone
Here's a full list as of February 2017 of radio unlocked phones compatible with Sprint.
There are other unlocked phones that are not compatible with Sprint because CDMA and LTE bands are crippled or missing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. The thing is I'm not on Sprint and have no desire to be. I won't be in the states long. I bought the phone thinking that like most, it could be unlocked and used as needed wherever I travel to. I knew it wasn't unlocked but figured I could do it myself. Well, I've tried a number of times, and keep having an issue with the radio. Can you explain what you mean by bands being crippled? What I'm trying to find out now is whether it's possible for me to get this HTC10 completely unlocked. I think I've done everything right but maybe not. I'm kinda desperate at this point. I love this phone. And if I have to I'll return it and grab another that can be unlocked but I just have a hard time believing that the phone can't be unlocked. It's a strange concept for me. Any help or info would be appreciated.
vijn said:
Thanks for the response. The thing is I'm not on Sprint and have no desire to be. I won't be in the states long. I bought the phone thinking that like most, it could be unlocked and used as needed wherever I travel to. I knew it wasn't unlocked but figured I could do it myself. Well, I've tried a number of times, and keep having an issue with the radio. Can you explain what you mean by bands being crippled? What I'm trying to find out now is whether it's possible for me to get this HTC10 completely unlocked. I think I've done everything right but maybe not. I'm kinda desperate at this point. I love this phone. And if I have to I'll return it and grab another that can be unlocked but I just have a hard time believing that the phone can't be unlocked. It's a strange concept for me. Any help or info would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, go go Google and look up what LTE bands are.
Crippled LTE bands = the hardware inside the phone will not allow certain LTE bands to work unless physically altered. It doesn't matter which ROM you install, you will not unlock all the LTE bands without physical alteration. https://www.quora.com/Does-installing-different-rom-change-LTE-band-frequency
So no, HTC 10 will never be completely unlocked. Look at the list above and buy one of those phones if you want a completely unlocked phone.
asuh said:
First, go go Google and look up what LTE bands are.
Crippled LTE bands = the hardware inside the phone will not allow certain LTE bands to work unless physically altered. It doesn't matter which ROM you install, you will not unlock all the LTE bands without physical alteration. https://www.quora.com/Does-installing-different-rom-change-LTE-band-frequency
So no, HTC 10 will never be completely unlocked. Look at the list above and buy one of those phones if you want a completely unlocked phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure I fully understand. Yes, I know that different chips have different bands that they work with. So, what you're saying is the Sprint HTC10 variant uses either a different chip or has some sort of other hardware configuration that is incompatible with GSM and the wider LTE bands and that no matter what I do with this phone I'll never have a truly unlocked phone? That's what I have understood, so my best option is to send it back. Ok, I get that. But I have read across tons of forums and threads of people who unlocked their Sprint 10s and are able to use them on other non-cdma carriers. So, how does that work? Are all the Sprint 10s the same or are some more limited than others? Are you essentially saying that i would have to get an unlocked/dev edition of the htc10 to be able to use GSM in other countries?
Sorry if i'm asking stupid questions here, I'm just trying to fully understand this. Thanks again for helping me out on this.
If anyone reading this knows better, please feel free to correct me.
This is my understanding of LTE bands and CDMA/GSM radios.
Phones like HTC 10, which are locked, include hardware that are built for specific usages. Prior to HTC 10, HTC phones built for Sprint's CDMA radio were specifically built to lock out GSM radio signals and most other LTE bands using the hardware. This means you'd have to open the physical device and modify the wiring inside the phone in order to allow other signals to work.
As of HTC 10, the locks are supposedly now just software based but I haven't seen proof of that. What this essentially means is that you should be able to unlock the bootloader and flash new Roms that could allow the GSM radio to work universally. However, lots of people are having issues with it. Here's one story of someone who was mostly successful but still had issues:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68960210&postcount=47
Read through the thread above and you'll see a lot of people having issues trying to fully unlock the radios and LTE bands for this phone.
If you ultimately don't want to be on Sprint anyway, I think you really should consider getting something already unlocked that can universally work anywhere. And lots of interesting non-Sprint compatible phones like OnePlus 3t (among the others on the lists I provided) are already unlocked and have a lot of good capabilities and would work great anywhere. The Pixel is one of the best devices out there and the camera is amazing from what most people say.
So I think your options are limited and I'd highly suggest you consider getting a Pixel or something else already unlocked.
asuh said:
If anyone reading this knows better, please feel free to correct me.
This is my understanding of LTE bands and CDMA/GSM radios.
Phones like HTC 10, which are locked, include hardware that are built for specific usages. Prior to HTC 10, HTC phones built for Sprint's CDMA radio were specifically built to lock out GSM radio signals and most other LTE bands using the hardware. This means you'd have to open the physical device and modify the wiring inside the phone in order to allow other signals to work.
As of HTC 10, the locks are supposedly now just software based but I haven't seen proof of that. What this essentially means is that you should be able to unlock the bootloader and flash new Roms that could allow the GSM radio to work universally. However, lots of people are having issues with it. Here's one story of someone who was mostly successful but still had issues:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68960210&postcount=47
Read through the thread above and you'll see a lot of people having issues trying to fully unlock the radios and LTE bands for this phone.
If you ultimately don't want to be on Sprint anyway, I think you really should consider getting something already unlocked that can universally work anywhere. And lots of interesting non-Sprint compatible phones like OnePlus 3t (among the others on the lists I provided) are already unlocked and have a lot of good capabilities and would work great anywhere. The Pixel is one of the best devices out there and the camera is amazing from what most people say.
So I think your options are limited and I'd highly suggest you consider getting a Pixel or something else already unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are software based. I have unlocked AT&T bands on my Sprint variant, 2 actually , and they worked perfectly fine. I would show you proof but I am back on T-Mobile which the Sprint HTC 10 already has LTE support for by default.
unlock
jblparisi said:
They are software based. I have unlocked AT&T bands on my Sprint variant, 2 actually , and they worked perfectly fine. I would show you proof but I am back on T-Mobile which the Sprint HTC 10 already has LTE support for by default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you unlock it manualy? can you show me some instruction?
jacobtvaliashvili said:
how did you unlock it manualy? can you show me some instruction?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See my other reply.
Hey guys I've had my Axon 7 for almost 2 years now, I am planning a trip to Tokyo for just over 2 weeks at the end of August and want to be able to get a sim in Japan and use my phone as normal. Now our Axon 7 u supports 3/4 of SoftBank lte bands and 2/3 of the other bands it needs. So this option doesn't seem too bad.
Now getting closer to my question.
International or us versions of the a7 all have the snapdragon 820 which contains the modem. This same chip is available around the world including Japan. So
Does the snapdragon 820 have different versions with different modems? Or is the software the reason only certain bands are available in different versions of the phone.
If the software decides which bands are available is it possible to edit it to unlock any bands I may want when I am in Tokyo this summer?
I am on unlocked bootloader twrp etc. and have used lineage os and other ROMs right now on a stock based room rooted
Any help and knowledge is appreciated. I googled around a bit and didn't find much on the subject
Simply having a chip that supports a band is not enough, it needs antennas that are properly modulated and shielded for that frequency.
Even if you were to patch the modem to enable a certain band, you would most likely not get reception at all or cause interference on other channels
masong397 said:
Hey guys I've had my Axon 7 for almost 2 years now, I am planning a trip to Tokyo for just over 2 weeks at the end of August and want to be able to get a sim in Japan and use my phone as normal. Now our Axon 7 u supports 3/4 of SoftBank lte bands and 2/3 of the other bands it needs. So this option doesn't seem too bad.
Now getting closer to my question.
International or us versions of the a7 all have the snapdragon 820 which contains the modem. This same chip is available around the world including Japan. So
Does the snapdragon 820 have different versions with different modems? Or is the software the reason only certain bands are available in different versions of the phone.
If the software decides which bands are available is it possible to edit it to unlock any bands I may want when I am in Tokyo this summer?
I am on unlocked bootloader twrp etc. and have used lineage os and other ROMs right now on a stock based room rooted
Any help and knowledge is appreciated. I googled around a bit and didn't find much on the subject
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing you aren't too aquaintanced with custom ROMs and that kinda stuff for the axon 7. lemme explain.
There are 3 versions: A2017 (china), A2017G (Int'l, the one used in Japan i think), and A2017U (US). All of them have different modems.
The updates for each device all come with different NHLOS.bin files, which are the modem files. If you flash the U file on a G you won't have any signal. Sometimes you can even wipe out your IMEIs.
But why do you need LTE for a 2 week trip though? You'll get phone signal and data anyways...
Choose an username... said:
I'm guessing you aren't too aquaintanced with custom ROMs and that kinda stuff for the axon 7. lemme explain.
There are 3 versions: A2017 (china), A2017G (Int'l, the one used in Japan i think), and A2017U (US). All of them have different modems.
The updates for each device all come with different NHLOS.bin files, which are the modem files. If you flash the U file on a G you won't have any signal. Sometimes you can even wipe out your IMEIs.
But why do you need LTE for a 2 week trip though? You'll get phone signal and data anyways...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know all about the different versions of the phone, I've been around here for a while. My first question was simply if the 820 has different versions with different banded modems. After reading your reply I'm still not sure. Like I said I know about the different versions of the phone and the fact that they have different modem firmware. My question was hardware related, based on another guys reply it seems not likely it's there antenna that is the deciding factor in what bands can work as far as hardware is concerned which obviously means there is no possibility of unlocking any bands
masong397 said:
I know all about the different versions of the phone, I've been around here for a while. My first question was simply if the 820 has different versions with different banded modems. After reading your reply I'm still not sure. Like I said I know about the different versions of the phone and the fact that they have different modem firmware. My question was hardware related, based on another guys reply it seems not likely it's there antenna that is the deciding factor in what bands can work as far as hardware is concerned which obviously means there is no possibility of unlocking any bands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I mean is that installing different modem firmware basically makes the modem inoperable. hence, there are key differences between the models
I'm in Tokyo right now and get LTE on Docomo via band 3, which doesn't seem to be advertised anywhere. I was quite surprised! Speeds have been great!
Technically, it can work in Japan. It will get LTE in urban areas and a mix of LTE and HSPA+ elsewhere. From a practical point of view, the garbage radios in the Axon 7 are a serious problem if you're roaming. Hopping around on different bands and carriers causes the radio to constantly die, lose data, or lock onto the wrong cell tower. You'll have to cycle airplane mode frequently and you can't count on incoming calls/texts working.
I haven't had time to try LineageOS in Japan yet. It seems to have fewer radio problems so it might do OK.
Axon in Japan
Hey, I use a American Axon 7 in Japan with no issues, if you use any MVNO sim that uses NTT Docomo Network you should be fine, for example BicSim, IIJMio Travel sim etc.
Hi there. I live in Canada and use A2017G. How to switch it to USA bands and is it safe to do? Or should I wait for Oreo (seems like November)?
Thanks
I think you are stuck with whatever bands that are hardcoded into the G. Probably has something to do with the baseband/radio/modem. I did find an article on XDA awhile back that claims you can add bands to your phone, but it seemed mostly suited toward Samsung. In any case, it doesn't really matter, a G model should still receive a minimum of 4G with most US carriers, but maybe not LTE. I'd imagine Canadian carriers are similar. But I do have to wonder, you live in North America, so why buy a G. The U is the variant that is designed for this region. And U has better support, ROMs, etc.
Maybe you can just flash the A2017U modem
ttkian said:
Maybe you can just flash the A2017U modem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you can avoid suggesting things you clearly have no idea about.
While you're at it, why don't you flash a modem from another phone?
---------- Post added at 05:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:51 AM ----------
evilKabab said:
Hi there. I live in Canada and use A2017G. How to switch it to USA bands and is it safe to do? Or should I wait for Oreo (seems like November)?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't add bands that the phone doesn't have. By changing the daughterboard of an A2017U to an A2017's, a guy simply lost all connectivity, plain and simple. Antenna stuff is hardware stuff.
Oreo won't really add bands either
@Choose an username...: I have read other topics on XDA that say you can use QPST/QFIL to add basebands, on almost any device that has a Qualcomm CPU. But I havent tried this myself. It may just be a matter of placebo, or people wanting to believe that it works, when really nothing may be changing. You could also brick your phone during the attempt, which is part of the reason I havent tried yet.
I think that all A7s have nearly the same hardware, including the same (hardware) modem/radio, but with different basebands enabled/disabled depending on which model you have. But I have no proof of this. I will leave this to people that are willing to deeply dissect the hardware.
And then there are the modem files you can flash, which vary according to your model. I am not sure what would happen if you attempt to flash a A2017G/A2017 modem on a A2017U (or any other combo). I think the worst you will face is a loss of Internet/text/phone calls.
When I first bought my A7 I was going to get the Chinese version from AliExpress, because it has more RAM, storage, and ForceTouch. But then I realized that it doesn't have most of the basebands that my carrier (T-Mobile) supports. And you never know where most of the AE sellers get the hardware, they could be stolen, preowned, whatever. I have bought numerous 'new' items there before, but they ranged in quality, ranging from brand new to fair condition. So I thought better of it and bought a new A2017U from NewEgg, complete with ZTE's Passport warranty and 3 years SquareTrade insurance. And I'm glad I did, since a few months ago I had to make use of that warranty to get my A7 unbricked from DFU, before the tool was available.
I think only differences between A7 models are in processor i.e. bands. There are variants in SD 820.
AnonVendetta said:
... But then I realized that it doesn't have most of the basebands that my carrier (T-Mobile) supports.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We're in the same boat... My carrier using AWS bands just like T-MO. A2017G was working perfectly fine maybe missing just one band on LTE. And recently new band was introduced - LTE band 13 (700mhz), which supposed to improve indoor reception - big issue for Axon 7 and AWS. They call it 'Extended Rabge LTE.
So A2017U has that band, but A2017G doesnt. My assumption was that both phones are sharing the same hardware and bands available are controlled by software.
I clicked some numbers and got into some engineering menu where I see choices: USA Bands, Cellular 800. So I picked USA and restarted.
EPIC FAIL!
I lost 3g AWS on SIM1! Only 4G present, which is actually working fine. Just imagine phone with perfect 4G connectivity internet is flying, but you cannot place a phone call... (My carrier - Freedom Mobile doesnt have 2G GSM). I tried to switch it back - no luck
Solution - I use SIM2.
Oreo
Just installed it no OTA had to use sd card. That actually fixed SIM1 band problem. It doesnt seem I have band 13 (that is what I wanted), but connectivity seems better and switching between 3g and 4g is very fast...