Database Users

[Q] SGH-i337m - is my phone unlocked?

Sup all...
Simple enough question. I've spent many days doing searches here in XDA and google but haven't been able to find a clear answer. Or maybe I didn't look hard enough or understand the responses to others questions regarding this topic.
I recently got an S4 (i337m) from Telus. From what I understand, this is the Canadian model (jfltecan). I am not sure if it is unlocked or not however. I know that I should just use a sim from a dif carrier to test, but I don't have access to one at the moment. No one I know has a micro sim that is with a carrier I could use to test with.
I've installed TWRP and flashed Slimbean and afterward I flashed Paranoidandroid roms successfully if that is some sort of indication as to the lock/unlock state of the phone.
So is there any other way to tell? Is there a method of unlocking this phone other than using the *#0011# method or similar methods that I've tried and do not work. Is an Odin method available?
Thanks

If you got it from Telus, directly, 99.99% it's locked
The only way to confirm is by popping in a SIM from another carrier.

I think it depends on how u buy the device. I think if you get the phone on a contract, its locked, but i think if you purchase the device for full price, it should be unlocked. That's atleast how i think it works.

You are most likely sim locked. There is no Odin method to unlock. You should really just buy a code to unlock. Be very careful using the free unlock methods. After a number of attempts the phone will lock itself so you'll never be able to unlock. Others have also messed up their phones trying it.

Buy a code or even safer, FastGSM.com USB cable method to unlock

I am also on telus, if this works like the s3 unlock you need to be on the stock Rom, can be rooted but must be stock.check the s4 thread to be sure though. You can go back to the custom Rom after you unlock and the phone should still be unlocked

Your phone's boot loader is unlocked. Meaning we can install a custom recovery and install a custom ROM very easily. Your phone is Sim locked if you bought it from telus. This means you cannot insert a Sim card in your phone unless its telus. Any other carrier will not work. You can unlock your phone through Telus. They have restrictions on this however. You're better off buying an unlock code off the internet. Its fast and most likely cheaper and no it does not void warranty. Hope this helps

Thanks!
Just wanted to thank everyone for the replies/info.
My phone was sim locked. I did the easy method of purchasing an unlock code from a local shop here. All is good. I can use the phone on any supported GSM carrier and I am able to flash custom roms and what not.
Thanks again to all for the info. Much appreciated and it helped me increase my understanding on this topic.
-Talabis

How to unlock S5 region lock

Hi,
I have a Galaxy S5 which is region locked to the Americas. I'm trying to use it in other region, but when inserting non-USA SIM it asks me for a PIN code to unlock.
I have stumbled acrosst his site (with another one that offers the same service):
---.fastgsm.com/en/page/how-to-unlock-samsung-via-imei-s5230-star-s5620-monte-galaxy-tab-s3370
replace --- with www
Do you think it is safe? What other alternatives I have rather than going to the USA and making a five minutes call?

Sounds like SIM-Lock rather than Region Lock. - Both are different and I think you may have confused them
SIM-Lock means it is locked to a carrier, region lock would show no signal and no service etc until you had bypassed it by making that 5minute phone call

radicalisto said:
Sounds like SIM-Lock rather than Region Lock. - Both are different and I think you may have confused them
SIM-Lock means it is locked to a carrier, region lock would show no signal and no service etc until you had bypassed it by making that 5minute phone call
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's SIM unlocked. I get message saying to insert "SIM network unlock PIN" which is region-lock, according to search in google.

European Model: This product should be activated with a SIM card issued from a mobile operator within Europe. (as defined EU/EEA, Switzerland and the following Non-EEA countries Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M), Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino, Serbia and Vatican City.) To use SIM cards from other regions, a cumulative call over five minutes must first be made with the SIM card from European operators.

I'm having the same problem with the SM-G900H from America. I'm in Singapore now. Is it possible to use a USA-sim to unlock the phone WITHIN Singapore?

timweri said:
I'm having the same problem with the SM-G900H from America. I'm in Singapore now. Is it possible to use a USA-sim to unlock the phone WITHIN Singapore?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure, I would try this with roaming but I guess the system is smarter and will check for location.
I ended up buying an unlock code from Cellunlocker.net. They are very fast and responsive, and the code did the work for me.

etaiso said:
I'm not sure, I would try this with roaming but I guess the system is smarter and will check for location.
I ended up buying an unlock code from Cellunlocker.net. They are very fast and responsive, and the code did the work for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure. I think you're lucky...
I purchased a code from them but it doesn't work. I asked them and got this:
Hi
We do not unlock region locks. We only unlock the network.
This was written in red font on our website while placing your order:
All SAMSUNG devices manufactured after the date of JULY 2013 and Samsung devices running on Android version is Android 4.4 (KITKAT) are subject to REGION LOCKING
If your phone has been used previously with the original carrier, this will not apply to you. However, if your device is BRAND NEW, your must activate it with the original carrier.
If your Samsung device becomes Region locked, you will not be able to fully factory Unlock your Samsung devices so it can be used internationally. Even the correct code will not work anymore.
*All USA and European Carriers ARE subject to Region Locking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally ignored this as on their website, above this part says:
PLEASE READ THIS DISCLAIMER: If you have a Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, Note 2, Note 3 or your Android version is Android 4.4 (KITKAT)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any other site that can really unlock a region lock?

Try this:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1...e-at-t-t-mobile-metropcs-rogers-bell-etc_tech

Try this

timweri said:
I'm not sure. I think you're lucky...
I purchased a code from them but it doesn't work. I asked them and got this:
I totally ignored this as on their website, above this part says:
Is there any other site that can really unlock a region lock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I selected the "Phone freeze + network unlock" from their menu. They provided 4 different codes, and when first used the network unlock code it didn't work, but I then entered the freeze code and it did the job.

cellunlocker.net:
Dosn't provide codes for Region Lock only for decives that open for Region Lock & Close for network lock !
*All Canadian Carriers are NOT subject to Region Locking
*All USA and European Carriers ARE subject to Region Locking
*There will be absolutely no refunds, if your device is Region Locked and an Unlock code is provided for your Samsung Device.
*If you are not sure please contact us first before placing your order
http://www.cellunlocker.net/samsung-unlock.php
Only fastgsm.com help to unloack SIM lock + region lock ...

etaiso said:
I have a Galaxy S5 which is region locked to the Americas. I'm trying to use it in other region, but when inserting non-USA SIM it asks me for a PIN code to unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung region locks to make it difficult to do exactly what you are trying to do. Reliable information on the topic is difficult to come by as it doesn't affect most of us.. hence most of us have little direct experience with region locking. And those affected frequently make assumptions and guesses but seldom study the issue methodically.
Some very knowledgeable people say that a normal SIM unlock will likely remove the region unlock as well. So that may be the best option for many. The question of whether using an Americas SIM, e.g. a prepaid SIM for example outside of the America's will release the region lock? The question gets raised from time to time but I have yet to see an authorative answer.. so the only thing that we can say is that it would probably work.
Lastly, one can, with root, directly examine and modify the region lock blacklist. So it is easily circumvented if you root your phone. I can vouch for the later. The other suggestions should work as well, but were not tested myself.
.

what about the people who already bought the phone and came back to their own country.?
it s too late for me to use a sim based in the purchase country. my phone has no sim lock, when i put the sim and try to call someone it says "not registered on network". I wonder is this because region lock or a different problem?
i would appreciate any kind of help.

I suppose you could try flashing firmware from your region and change your CSC. Worth trying since you don't have much choice.

russ18uk said:
I suppose you could try flashing firmware from your region and change your CSC. Worth trying since you don't have much choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the advice but my phone is G900H and G900FQ is the phone available in my region
i will try to change CSC when i get my phone back. It is in samsung service now. They are trying to fix it but no luck so far

My friend use .fastgsm.com to unloack SIM lock + region lock ...
I wounder if there is a way with root to unloack it ?
for some reson no one in XDA didn't give a solution to the problem...
anyone know another web to unlock SIM lock + region lock for non-rooted?
what about root deviecs?

Region lock on the 900A
I am looking to buy the galaxy s5 for use in several Sub-saharan African countries. I already have an old ATT sim with me and I will probably be ordering the 900A in/from the US and i want to make sure that the region-lock is not an issue. Will i be able to region unlock with an ATT sim card while in Africa or do i need to have someone make the 5min call for me while the phone is in the US? and is this call meant to be to or from the s5? Also, can the american s5 models be bought already sim-unlocked? (meaning only the region lock is left)?
Thanks!

timweri said:
I'm having the same problem with the SM-G900H from America. I'm in Singapore now. Is it possible to use a USA-sim to unlock the phone WITHIN Singapore?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are u sure that u have g900H? cauze the specific model is unlocked for all regions/countries
http://swappa.com/specs/samsung-galaxy-s-5-g900h

Galaxy Note 4 European locked
I have note 4 which is region locked, I have tried most of all the online unlock services, but they ether do not unlock region lock or they did not find my IMEI in the database.
the region lock away app will not work cause it only for not 3
I emailed Samsung support and they just say you cannot unlock
and I cannot go to Europe to make five or ten minute call to activate and come back
so the only question now which have been asked before, if using a European sim card outside Europe and make a roaming call will solve it or not?
I hope that someone can try it and let us know it will be very much helpful

Similar problem in Alpha
I face a similar problem with my Samsung Alpha....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-alpha/help/region-lock-issue-help-required-t3044934
Can someone give me a lead on how to proceed with directly examining and modifying the region lock blacklist.
I have my device rooted.
Also, I read somewhere that installing a stock ROM from different Region, will not help with Region Unlocking.
Can some members please clarify and guide a way forward.
Thanks !!

Sim unlock p9 lite locked to uk ee?

Evening,
I have tried EE and various sim unlocking websites trying to get a sim unlock code for my P9 lite which is locked to EE in the UK but no one so far has been able to produce a code for me.
Has anyone on here sim unlocked a P9 lite locked to EE or can anyone recommend a tool to do the job?
Thanks in advance!

habalapeno said:
Evening,
I have tried EE and various sim unlocking websites trying to get a sim unlock code for my P9 lite which is locked to EE in the UK but no one so far has been able to produce a code for me.
Has anyone on here sim unlocked a P9 lite locked to EE or can anyone recommend a tool to do the job?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there. I'm in the same boat. The EE site won't accept my IMEI code. I did manage to get my bootloader unlock code for around £5 using a site mentioned in the unlock/root guide thread. A weird thing was that the Huawei site wouldn't accept my IMEI/serial number, and the guy who runs the site I ended up using for the unlock also said at one point via email that I'd given him an incorrect IMEI number. I insisted I hadn't and he eventually sent me my unlock code - not sure what to make of that.

Hi,
That's a weird one! I haven't been having that issue. My issue so far is none of these unlock code companies have been able to provide a code...
I went into town today and went in a few mobile phone unlock/repair places. Most were able to get a code which would have been pointless but one guy said that he could hook it up to his computer and unlock it that way. It was a case of "no unlock, no fee" so I went for it.
I paid £15 ad he unlocked it successfully ?
From my experience, getting someone to hook it up to their computer to unlock is the way forward!
I left the phone with the guy (after noting down the imei beforehand) and went back 30 mins later where it was unlocked waiting for me.
Popped in my partners ID Sim in and it picked up the network straight away!
Happy customer!
Go find someone who can hook it up to a pc for you! There are remote options but I don't entirely trust them.
Good luck!!!

Unlock
Try it out DC-Unlocker

Azuwey said:
Try it out DC-Unlocker
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+one for this.
Followed this - https://www.dc-unlocker.com/huawei-android-hisilicon-unlock-guide
But instead of letting the program unlock the sim I paid for just 4 credits (4 euros) to read the unlock codes, then when you put the wrong sim in the phone asks for the NCK code.

fabgav said:
+one for this.
Followed this - https://www.dc-unlocker.com/huawei-android-hisilicon-unlock-guide
But instead of letting the program unlock the sim I paid for just 4 credits (4 euros) to read the unlock codes, then when you put the wrong sim in the phone asks for the NCK code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did u managed to get the code ? They keep refunding my payment .

need a bit of help with a carrier unlock

hey there.
so short version.
i got a sprint s7, apparently it was not carrier unlocked when i got it. sprint says they will only unlock it if it's on an active service in good standing which i dont plan on getting on sprint at all. so i need a trusted place to get the unlock codes for it please, the cheaper the better because of my situation.
longer version.
my dad has early onset dementia so we had to take his phone from him and close his account. it's been a while and i found his S7 sitting there not doing anything and i need a new phone to put on my Verizon prepaid plan so after looking on the s7 the hardware is all the same just the firmware blocks out whichever bands each carrier chooses. so i need to go tomorrow and get one of Verizon sims to be ready so when i get the unlock code i can put it in right away and make sure i dont receive that sim error. or do i need to flash to the verizion firmware before i try to carrier unlock it?
any and all help is really appreciated as our family is really struggling atm and not having to purchase a new phone would save us alot of money.
p.s. device info is sm-g930p
baseband g930pvps4bqc1
android version 7

Here's a link to the remote unlocking service I used to have my 930P unlocked: https://www.gsmzambia.com/product/samsung-sprint/
You'll have to install Teamviewer and let them remotely control your PC to perform the unlock. I found them to be very reputable and helpful before, during and after the sale.
After unlocking, I'd recommend using Odin (https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24591023225177749) to flash the "U" firmware: http://updato.com/firmware-archive-select-model?record=52EF42AE925C11E7963AFA163EE8F90B
With U firmware, you won't have any of the Sprint bloatware that came preloaded on the phone, and it'll automatically detect and apply the proper settings for whichever SIM card you insert. If you don't want to flash alternate firmware, you can stick with what's already on the phone; you'll just have to manually enter the Verizon APN settings.

Unlockboot expensive, but do you recommend?

Hi,
I found that "unlockboot" can help me to unlock my S10+ SMG-G975U, that previusly UnlockUnit identify my device as Unavailable - CDMA and something like that topic.
Do you recommend unlockboot to unlock by 99USD?
Thank in advance!

Are you wanting to carrier unlock it or bootloader unlock it? The phone is already carrier unlocked, just insert your SIM. The bootloader cannot be unlocked on the G975U.

StoneyJSG said:
Are you wanting to carrier unlock it or bootloader unlock it? The phone is already carrier unlocked, just insert your SIM. The bootloader cannot be unlocked on the G975U.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
No, there is a message that said "Sorry, your device can´t be activated on another carrier's..."

What carrier are you on? If you flash the U1 unlocked firmware and insert a SIM, it should work. If you don't want to flash then it looks like you need an unlock code, which is odd because from what I have read the G975U is already carrier unlocked.

StoneyJSG said:
What carrier are you on? If you flash the U1 unlocked firmware and insert a SIM, it should work. If you don't want to flash then it looks like you need an unlock code, which is odd because from what I have read the G975U is already carrier unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will try to flash U1 fw. The cellphone is Verizon, and I am looking to move to Movistar (Telefonica) of Mexico.

StoneyJSG said:
What carrier are you on? If you flash the U1 unlocked firmware and insert a SIM, it should work. If you don't want to flash then it looks like you need an unlock code, which is odd because from what I have read the G975U is already carrier unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait wait. So you're saying my Sprint S10+ is already unlocked? Just need to flash the U1 software?

If you purchased a carrier branded model new it doesn't normally come unlocked. You need to own the phone outright before a carrier will unlock it and some carriers require that the phone be used on their network for a minimum period of time (usually 1 or 2 months) even if you did purchase it outright from them.
You cannot flash U1 firmware on an S10+ unless it's carrier unlocked.

Hello,
I flashed this one: https://forum.xda-developers.com/s10-plus/how-to/sm-g975u-firmware-downloads-tmo-spr-att-t3908657. Everything goes ok, and the message of unlocking appears, requesting me the unlock code.
Any suggestion?
Thank you!

jhs39 said:
If you purchased a carrier branded model new it doesn't normally come unlocked. You need to own the phone outright before a carrier will unlock it and some carriers require that the phone be used on their network for a minimum period of time (usually 1 or 2 months) even if you did purchase it outright from them.
You cannot flash U1 firmware on an S10+ unless it's carrier unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually you can flash U1 firmware anyway, but it will still be locked to the same carrier without the unlock code. Carrier locking is IMEI based, not software or device based.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using XDA Labs

Have you tried calling the carrier and asking them to unlock it? Most carriers will unlock your phone once you've had it for 3 months.

Psedog said:
Have you tried calling the carrier and asking them to unlock it? Most carriers will unlock your phone once you've had it for 3 months.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot get contact with agent support, I need to have a Verizon number get into the call

jwarrior319 said:
Actually you can flash U1 firmware anyway, but it will still be locked to the same carrier without the unlock code. Carrier locking is IMEI based, not software or device based.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Recently the firmware for the S10+ became all-inclusive like on the S9 models so I'm not sure if flashing U1 firmware over carrier firmware will get rid of the carrier apps anymore. They seem to get installed now automatically as part of the provisioning for the installed SIM card. If you have a network unlocked Verizon phone and insert a T-mobile SIM you end up with the T-mobile boot animation and T-mobile apps and all the Verizon stuff is gone. Maybe the U1 firmware doesn't work the same way.

I read in a different thread that you have to activate the phone with Verizon and wait 3 days. After that just put in another carrier SIM and the phone should auto unlock.

jhs39 said:
If you purchased a carrier branded model new it doesn't normally come unlocked. You need to own the phone outright before a carrier will unlock it and some carriers require that the phone be used on their network for a minimum period of time (usually 1 or 2 months) even if you did purchase it outright from them.
You cannot flash U1 firmware on an S10+ unless it's carrier unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is incomplete and some is inaccurate..
his vzw device doesnt need to be paid off but does need to wait 60 days from activating on the verizon network before they unlock it..
also you can absolutely flash u1 firmware on a u device, it has literally nothing to do with the sim lock.. and no, flashing u1 on u doesnt magically unlock the sim..
pretty sure on U firmware vzw device will say message cannot be used on another carrier yet.. on u1 will i believe prompt for unlock code when a dif. carrier sim is inserted
https://www.verizon.com/about/consumer-safety/device-unlocking-policy
sprint however needs to be fully paid off and active at least 50 days and account needs to be in good standing to be eligible for sim unlock

StoneyJSG said:
I read in a different thread that you have to activate the phone with Verizon and wait 3 days. After that just put in another carrier SIM and the phone should auto unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its a 60 day period, not 3 days lmao

hackerjj22 said:
Hi,
I found that "unlockboot" can help me to unlock my S10+ SMG-G975U, that previusly UnlockUnit identify my device as Unavailable - CDMA and something like that topic.
Do you recommend unlockboot to unlock by 99USD?
Thank in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you trying to unlock the Sim or the bootloader? i have the same phone and was disappointed to find out i couldn't unlock my bootloader. no root no custom rom smh. but it's because Samsung removed the developer option to "oem unlock" which must be enabled to unlock. so done online service claiming to be able to do so is crap and waste of money. also if you're trying to unlock the Sim which I think that's what the site is claiming to be able to do because Sprint is a CDMA network if you unlock the SIM the only other service you can put it onto would be boost or Virgin Mobile which just use Sprint's towers. they're the only network still using CDMA. so pointless all the way around sorry buddy.

kw69747 said:
are you trying to unlock the Sim or the bootloader? i have the same phone and was disappointed to find out i couldn't unlock my bootloader. no root no custom rom smh. but it's because Samsung removed the developer option to "oem unlock" which must be enabled to unlock. so done online service claiming to be able to do so is crap and waste of money. also if you're trying to unlock the Sim which I think that's what the site is claiming to be able to do because Sprint is a CDMA network if you unlock the SIM the only other service you can put it onto would be boost or Virgin Mobile which just use Sprint's towers. they're the only network still using CDMA. so pointless all the way around sorry buddy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply!
I am trying to unlock the sim, the cellphone was Verizon US, (refurbished by asurion). And wanted to use Movistar (Telefonica, from Mexico just GSM). I am searching to do a root and try to follow this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1693491. So what I understand, the site "Unlockboot" could do a CDMA unlock, and after 3 days of chatting with the person that is on service there, sounds that are possible, also is possible that I can continue using my GSM provider of Mexico. But it is very expensive 99$ USD is 2000$ MXN... Also, I do not trust a web service, also if there isn't a reference on this forum.
So that's the update...

kw69747 said:
are you trying to unlock the Sim or the bootloader? i have the same phone and was disappointed to find out i couldn't unlock my bootloader. no root no custom rom smh. but it's because Samsung removed the developer option to "oem unlock" which must be enabled to unlock. so done online service claiming to be able to do so is crap and waste of money. also if you're trying to unlock the Sim which I think that's what the site is claiming to be able to do because Sprint is a CDMA network if you unlock the SIM the only other service you can put it onto would be boost or Virgin Mobile which just use Sprint's towers. they're the only network still using CDMA. so pointless all the way around sorry buddy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are wrong.. U variants will work on all us carriers once sim unlocked.. its been this way a few years now..
also, i can get oem unlock but youre still not missing anything because bl unlock doesnt work still lol

I think ibowtoandroid who maintains multiple Samsung device threads on XDA has an unlock service but I'm not sure what he charges.
---------- Post added at 01:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:27 AM ----------
Where I live there are multiple independent phone shops that sell SIM cards and phones and are not affiliated with a single carrier and also phone repair shops that offer to SIM unlock a phone as a walk in service. You can probably find a shop to do it if you don't trust an online service.

jhs39 said:
I think ibowtoandroid who maintains multiple Samsung device threads on XDA has an unlock service but I'm not sure what he charges.
---------- Post added at 01:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:27 AM ----------
Where I live there are multiple independent phone shops that sell SIM cards and phones and are not affiliated with a single carrier and also phone repair shops that offer to SIM unlock a phone as a walk in service. You can probably find a shop to do it if you don't trust an online service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me contact him, thanks!