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Ls997 ZVC to US996?

Is it possible to safely flash a us996 unlocked rom onto my ls997zvc? And will it allow me to continue to use my gsm att based sim card? I bought this phone used the other day. He said it was Verizon unlocked but turns out its this sprint model. No carrier branding anywhere. No splash screen on boot. I almost thought it was a non carrier based unlocked phone until i looked up the model number.

Bump
Buuuuuump. I bought my phone through sprint, paid it off, they keep telling me It's unlocked, but i have to factory reset every time i turn my phone off to get it to work with the other carrier sim. I've contacted them over and over and all they say is "we sent the unlock signal, that's all we can do on our end" but their signal is only working on factory reset. I really want to root this and install the unlocked firmware so i can have my phone without having to reinstall everything constantly. I mistakenly upgraded to ZVC update before having it unlocked and now I'm stuck. Any updates on an unlock eta?

Unfortunately I believe that ZVC is ARB 2 and it has the latest lafd with copy2 pulled, so that means that even once the lafsploit is finished, the LS997 will not be able to use it because you can't roll back to a firmware version that has copy2. If I am wrong, and ZVC is still ARB 1, then you can roll back to a version that has copy2.
If I can find a dump of the ZVC firmware, I can tell you for certain what ARB version it is. If no one has made a dump, you can do it yourself by grabbing the patched LG UP, and used the dump option. If you grab one of the full stock flashable zips from another model, you can see what partitions need to be included. I could just tell you, but I think people need to learn
-- Brian

I accidentally updated mine to zvd the other day. A brand new release. Would be very nice if you could tell me exactly how to flash the us996 firware safely. Ther3 has to be a way to unlock this damned phone. I paid 200 for it and now i am ****ed.
Please help me out. I could post a dump of the zvd firmware if i can figure it out

runningnak3d said:
Unfortunately I believe that ZVC is ARB 2 and it has the latest lafd with copy2 pulled, so that means that even once the lafsploit is finished, the LS997 will not be able to use it because you can't roll back to a firmware version that has copy2. If I am wrong, and ZVC is still ARB 1, then you can roll back to a version that has copy2.
If I can find a dump of the ZVC firmware, I can tell you for certain what ARB version it is. If no one has made a dump, you can do it yourself by grabbing the patched LG UP, and used the dump option. If you grab one of the full stock flashable zips from another model, you can see what partitions need to be included. I could just tell you, but I think people need to learn
-- Brian
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Click to collapse
Yo im back zvc is ARB01 btw. Im looking for a way to root it PM me if ya wanna talk.

Please let me know if find a way for zvd. Im stuck with a worthless phone because of some lying asshole on cl.

@me2151 Welcome back dude
If all goes as planned, we will soon be able to root any model on any ARB version. My info above about ARB 2 being an issue was incorrect (must have been on crack when I typed that post).
LG phones with unlockable bootloaders (or that have an engineering aboot / abl) will be rootable indefinitely -- a hole that can't be closed without changing their security significantly.
-- Brian

runningnak3d said:
@me2151 Welcome back dude
If all goes as planned, we will soon be able to root any model on any ARB version. My info above about ARB 2 being an issue was incorrect (must have been on crack when I typed that post).
LG phones with unlockable bootloaders (or that have an engineering aboot / abl) will be rootable indefinitely -- a hole that can't be closed without changing their security significantly.
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please keep me informed on your progress. I really just want to do this to gsm unlock my phone for my at&t sim card. Guy sold me it saying it was unlocked already.
Do i have to root to flash us996 rom onto my phone? And does that unlock it or the root method from dirty santa exploit what uicc unlocks the phone. I read tidbits of information on this forum that say the phone is uicc unlocked after rooting and/or flashing us996 firmware, but all are supposedly only possible on zv7 or older firmware of Sprint phones.

runningnak3d said:
Unfortunately I believe that ZVC is ARB 2 and it has the latest lafd with copy2 pulled, so that means that even once the lafsploit is finished, the LS997 will not be able to use it because you can't roll back to a firmware version that has copy2. If I am wrong, and ZVC is still ARB 1, then you can roll back to a version that has copy2.
If I can find a dump of the ZVC firmware, I can tell you for certain what ARB version it is. If no one has made a dump, you can do it yourself by grabbing the patched LG UP, and used the dump option. If you grab one of the full stock flashable zips from another model, you can see what partitions need to be included. I could just tell you, but I think people need to learn
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
me2151 said:
Yo im back zvc is ARB01 btw. Im looking for a way to root it PM me if ya wanna talk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, I'm here with Ls997 ZVA, ARB=1 and are waiting for any update from you guys.
Thank you ^^

Does anybody know If i can do the similar thing but towards using TMobile network?? Can I flash Tmo H918 stock rom to LS997 Sprint variant?? I just want to use my Tmo Sim, or maybe if my LS997-SVC still a problem?

Andy Chi said:
Does anybody know If i can do the similar thing but towards using TMobile network?? Can I flash Tmo H918 stock rom to LS997 Sprint variant?? I just want to use my Tmo Sim, or maybe if my LS997-SVC still a problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 years late but better than never I suppose?
No idea what my LS997 is using. Performed the dirty santa a long time ago to root, and just this morning I flashed /e/OS over Lineage to test the waters with a de-googled experience. I'm now on T-mobile magenta max plan following the merge and daily driver is a Pixel 4A 5G. Popped the SIM into the V20 running /e/OS and data works but voice and text do not. Not sure if this is a hardware, firmware, or software incompatibility.
Honestly the V20 really pissed me off with how locked down it was. I am NEVER buying a phone that is not easy to root or repair. that is 100% deal breaking for me. Pixel phones have unlockable bootloaders so not too much bull**** necessary to break from the clutches of these damn phone companies and carriers.

LG G6 Using different KDZ's

I'm new to the LG Ecosystem and I have a few questions.
I have an LG G6 H870 from Entel in Chile, its currently on Android 7.
1) Can I flash it to something like the OPEN EU images which are newer?
Because they're all H870's are they the exact same hardware, meaning the functionality on different H870 kdzs should work fine? The Entel doesnt even have a 2018 release yet so I don't have great confidence they will update the LG G6.
2) Does flashing a KDZ affect the boot loader?
If I unlocked the bootloader for rooting would flashing the KDZ back reset it back to locked?
3) Is it safe to flash a KDZ via a virtual machine? The LG Bridge app wont detect my phone on Mac no matter what I try (High Sierra), (adb is fine iv tried the drivers etc), however it shows up when I connect it to a Windows 7 VM.
4) Is it likely that when the official Oreo 8.1 update comes it would be better to switch to something like an OPEN EU or UK image?
Or even just flash the new 8.1 KDZ when its available?
5) If I rooted and flashed something like LineageOS, can I easily go back to any of the KDZs with the LG tool?
I noticed theres an "error link which seems to download a KDZ for resetting your phone. Does that work off some kind of internal hardware serial, meaning that if things are ever soft-bricked I could just hit that button and go back to square one no problems?
6) Anything else I should be aware of or concerned about if I want to play with flashing different KDZs or custom roms? I dont care about warranty e.g. unlocked bootloader.
7) Whats the best tool for unlocking bootloader and gaining root these days, I know theres a tonne of AIO tools and things like KingRoot. Any suggestions from other LG G6 modders?

madhavajay said:
I'm new to the LG Ecosystem and I have a few questions.
I have an LG G6 H870 from Entel in Chile, its currently on Android 7.
1) Can I flash it to something like the OPEN EU images which are newer?
Because they're all H870's are they the exact same hardware, meaning the functionality on different H870 kdzs should work fine? The Entel doesnt even have a 2018 release yet so I don't have great confidence they will update the LG G6.
2) Does flashing a KDZ affect the boot loader?
If I unlocked the bootloader for rooting would flashing the KDZ back reset it back to locked?
3) Is it safe to flash a KDZ via a virtual machine? The LG Bridge app wont detect my phone on Mac no matter what I try (High Sierra), (adb is fine iv tried the drivers etc), however it shows up when I connect it to a Windows 7 VM.
4) Is it likely that when the official Oreo 8.1 update comes it would be better to switch to something like an OPEN EU or UK image?
Or even just flash the new 8.1 KDZ when its available?
5) If I rooted and flashed something like LineageOS, can I easily go back to any of the KDZs with the LG tool?
I noticed theres an "error link which seems to download a KDZ for resetting your phone. Does that work off some kind of internal hardware serial, meaning that if things are ever soft-bricked I could just hit that button and go back to square one no problems?
6) Anything else I should be aware of or concerned about if I want to play with flashing different KDZs or custom roms? I dont care about warranty e.g. unlocked bootloader.
7) Whats the best tool for unlocking bootloader and gaining root these days, I know theres a tonne of AIO tools and things like KingRoot. Any suggestions from other LG G6 modders?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) If it's just an "H870" than yes, it should be fine.
2) You cannot unlock the bootloader. Only unbranded US997 and European H870 can.
3) Never tried, it should, but in this i cannot give you a certain answer.
4) 8.1? We don't know it'll be 8.1. Anyway it's always better to flash the right firmware for your region.
5) You cannot do any kind of modding on your device atm, see the 2nd answer.
6) Flashing a wrong kdz could hard brick your device, so be careful on names. For the warranty you're good to go, you cannot do any kind of modding.
7) For G6 there is no "best" tool, there is only ONE way to unlock the bootloader but it won't work on your model (as explained in the 2nd answer), other tools like KingRoot don't work at all.
Bonus answer: No, flashing an european firmware won't allow you to unlock the bootloader.

Sorry for the noob question, it's probably been asked on here, but have not been able to find a solid answer. I have a US Cellular LG G6, which by now I know bootloader can't be unlocked. But, is there any way to update to Android Oreo? Currently on Android Nougat 7.0. thanks in advance.

FrankoHN said:
Sorry for the noob question, it's probably been asked on here, but have not been able to find a solid answer. I have a US Cellular LG G6, which by now I know bootloader can't be unlocked. But, is there any way to update to Android Oreo? Currently on Android Nougat 7.0. thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes if you use non-UScellular US997 KDZ (21B is latest) US99721b_00_0823.kdz
https://lg-firmwares.com/downloads-file/16302/US997U21b_00_0823.kdz

HueyT said:
Yes if you use non-UScellular US997 KDZ (21B is latest) US99721b_00_0823.kdz
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Click to collapse
Thanks. I just want to be sure before flashing any firmware, don't want to brick my phone :crying:

FrankoHN said:
Thanks. I just want to be sure before flashing any firmware, don't want to brick my phone :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See this KDZ guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/development/uppercut-lgup-loader-g5-variants-t3511295

FrankoHN said:
Sorry for the noob question, it's probably been asked on here, but have not been able to find a solid answer. I have a US Cellular LG G6, which by now I know bootloader can't be unlocked. But, is there any way to update to Android Oreo? Currently on Android Nougat 7.0. thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have found out the hard way that there are several versions of the model US997 variant of the LG G6:
https: //lg-firmwares.c o m/lg-us997-firmwares/firmwares/
(I apologize that the forum's spam filters are preventing me from posting a working link. Just take out the spaces.)
There is a USA unlocked version, two US cellular versions, two "Brightpoint" versions (whatever that is), and an Amazon version. And they all share the same model number. This is quite confusing because with most phones, usually there is only one version per model number. If your phone is stuck on Android Nougat, chances are you're like me and you're on the USA unlocked version of this phone, not the US Cellular version. The US Cellular and Brightspot versions have all been updated to Oreo and the latest update was in September 2018.
I have no idea why LG isn't upgrading the USA unlocked version. It was very frustrating when I bought it used and found out it was still stuck on Nougat, which I was not expecting.

midtempo said:
I have found out the hard way that there are several versions of the model US997 variant of the LG G6:
https: //lg-firmwares.c o m/lg-us997-firmwares/firmwares/
(I apologize that the forum's spam filters are preventing me from posting a working link. Just take out the spaces.)
There is a USA unlocked version, two US cellular versions, two "Brightpoint" versions (whatever that is), and an Amazon version. And they all share the same model number. This is quite confusing because with most phones, usually there is only one version per model number. If your phone is stuck on Android Nougat, chances are you're like me and you're on the USA unlocked version of this phone, not the US Cellular version. The US Cellular and Brightspot versions have all been updated to Oreo and the latest update was in September 2018.
I have no idea why LG isn't upgrading the USA unlocked version. It was very frustrating when I bought it used and found out it was still stuck on Nougat, which I was not expecting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use the US997 and NOT US997U and it'll work perfectly on non-US-Cellular or US-Cellular KDZ. 21B is latest Oreo

midtempo said:
I have found out the hard way that there are several versions of the model US997 variant of the LG G6:
https: //lg-firmwares.c o m/lg-us997-firmwares/firmwares/
(I apologize that the forum's spam filters are preventing me from posting a working link. Just take out the spaces.)
There is a USA unlocked version, two US cellular versions, two "Brightpoint" versions (whatever that is), and an Amazon version. And they all share the same model number. This is quite confusing because with most phones, usually there is only one version per model number. If your phone is stuck on Android Nougat, chances are you're like me and you're on the USA unlocked version of this phone, not the US Cellular version. The US Cellular and Brightspot versions have all been updated to Oreo and the latest update was in September 2018.
I have no idea why LG isn't upgrading the USA unlocked version. It was very frustrating when I bought it used and found out it was still stuck on Nougat, which I was not expecting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually the US Unlocked version has gotten the update and it's bootloader unlockable... My phone is the US997Z which is the US Cellular version. I believe you have to be connected to their service to be able to receive the update through their towers. I went ahead a upgraded my LG G6 with the US unlocked version kdz as the @HueyT mentions above. Update went great using LG up and uppercut no set back going through the update. If you need help I would happily help you out. Because I was in the same boat as you.

FrankoHN said:
Actually the US Unlocked version has gotten the update and it's bootloader unlockable... My phone is the US997Z which is the US Cellular version. I believe you have to be connected to their service to be able to receive the update through their towers. I went ahead a upgraded my LG G6 with the US unlocked version kdz as the @HueyT mentions above. Update went great using LG up and uppercut no set back going through the update. If you need help I would happily help you out. Because I was in the same boat as you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's very strange that some versions of the LG G6 "US997" are not updated to Oreo yet and other ones with this version are. But if there is anyone out there reading this, you know know there is a workaround and you can force your computer to update the firmware on your LG G6 with the official LG ROM that runs Android Oreo.
For the $254 I paid for this phone used, with a case and the original charger, I can live with a phone that I have to update manually if I won't get OTA updates for some reason. And I did not break the phone's security because I'm still able to use Google Pay and online banking.

Is it possible to change Ls997zvb firmware

Hello all,
I'm really new to the phone modification scene. I tinker around with computers mostly. I have an unlocked sprint version of the LG v20, the only problem is I am not receiving data on my new carrier (even with the correct apn added). I'm pretty sure this is a firmware issue. I was wondering if there was a way to flash the us996 or verizon version of the phone to get data to work. I know the sprint version is super locked down. I just didn't know if using a modded version of LGUP and the us996 kdz would brick the phone or not, or if there was a way to flash different firmware on the version I am on.
Thanks and cheers,,

horneepapi said:
Hello all,
I'm really new to the phone modification scene. I tinker around with computers mostly. I have an unlocked sprint version of the LG v20, the only problem is I am not receiving data on my new carrier (even with the correct apn added). I'm pretty sure this is a firmware issue. I was wondering if there was a way to flash the us996 or verizon version of the phone to get data to work. I know the sprint version is super locked down. I just didn't know if using a modded version of LGUP and the us996 kdz would brick the phone or not, or if there was a way to flash different firmware on the version I am on.
Thanks and cheers,,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
everything is possible, if you do it by yourself

horneepapi said:
Hello all,
I'm really new to the phone modification scene. I tinker around with computers mostly. I have an unlocked sprint version of the LG v20, the only problem is I am not receiving data on my new carrier (even with the correct apn added). I'm pretty sure this is a firmware issue. I was wondering if there was a way to flash the us996 or verizon version of the phone to get data to work. I know the sprint version is super locked down. I just didn't know if using a modded version of LGUP and the us996 kdz would brick the phone or not, or if there was a way to flash different firmware on the version I am on.
Thanks and cheers,,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your firmware has anti-rollback enabled (ARB1), and the US996 and VS995 do not (ARB0), so flashing any KDZ (Sprint does not provide KDZ files at all) will surely brick your phone permanently. You're pretty much stuck with the Sprint firmware you currently have, and the only change possible is taking an official over-the-air update to Oreo, but that could re-lock the phone to Sprint only again.
If you're getting into phone modification, then you'll be much better off with any other LG V20 variant as they are all rootable, unlike the Sprint model with ARB1.

C D said:
. You're pretty much stuck with the Sprint firmware you currently have, and the only change possible is taking an official over-the-air update to Oreo, but that could re-lock the phone to Sprint only again.
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Click to collapse
That really sucks, yeah I don't really want to try and hassle with sprint customer support, I got the phone second-hand from my step-brother. So, i'm not sure if they would even unlock it again for me. Thanks for the information. I wasn't sure if there was a way to flash certain parts of the software to possible fix the modem issues or not.

Which model is the easiest bootloader unlock and candidate for Lineage OS?

I've seen the US996 official unlock, but I want to know if anyone of these are preferable since they are easiest to find second-hand:
T-Mobile
AT&T
Verizon
Thanks in advance.

Gorilla Daddy said:
I've seen the US996 official unlock, but I want to know if anyone of these are preferable since they are easiest to find second-hand:
T-Mobile
AT&T
Verizon
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-mobile process (technical version and skips some details). Same process, but reworded and simplified (and includes ALL the details).
T-mobile (and the factory unlocked US996) let's you actually unlock the bootloader so it takes a bit less time to boot (the other models sit longer at a bootloader locked warning, but they use an engineering bootloader that eventually continues booting)
The ATT is a pain to root too, because there are no firmware files available for it thanks to ATT deciding to use a different OTA format. It's process involves crossflashing then flashing back some att firmware.
(you didn't ask but) Sprint's is unrootable. (if it's taken an OTA anytime in the past 2.5 YEARS or so, so basically 95% of them) (thank Sprint for doing such a great job locking it down! Wouldn't want people extending the useful life of their phones!)
The rest all involve using the LG UP program mentioned and linked in those other guides above in upgrade mode to downgrade to a firmware released in January 2017 or earlier (it needs to have the December 2016 android security patch or earlier) and do an exploit to install an engineering bootloader.
The Verizon model uses the above process but the vibration motor will run continuously when booting until a custom kernel is installed iirc
The international model (H990) uses the above process with a few minor tweaks to get it working

The Verizon and AT&T can be flashed with us996-usa KDZ and then rooted using dirtysanta. This gets rid of verizon vibrate on boot issue and bloatware on both. And AT&T network restrictions.
Sent from my LGE LG-US996 using XDA Labs

ezzony said:
The Verizon and AT&T can be flashed with us996-usa KDZ and then rooted using dirtysanta. This gets rid of verizon vibrate on boot issue and bloatware on both. And AT&T network restrictions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Does that mean that a network SIM locked AT&T or Verizon model gets SIM unlocked when we flash us996-usa KDZ?

Gorilla Daddy said:
Thanks. Does that mean that a network SIM locked AT&T or Verizon model gets SIM unlocked when we flash us996-usa KDZ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO. It would be nice if it were that easy.
Edit: I would also suggest that if you have a code to unlock your fone do it while it has the carrier locked firmware as a precaution.

Several us996 on fleabay right now
Sent from my LG-US996 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

If you're going to use Lineage I recommend Resurrection Remix instead, it runs better in my experience than Lineage does, but your usage may vary.

No signal on LG V20 US996/LS997

So I picked up this old flagship budget phone and I was having no service at all. I tried resetting the phone, and reconfiguring APN settings, scanning for networks, but nothing worked.
So I did some research, and it turns out I was told I was getting the US996 (factory unlocked) version which is compatible with all carriers. But when I look under the battery, it says LS997 instead. But when I look at the software settings, it says Software Version US99610p. The seller must have flashed the US996 firmware onto an LS997 (Sprint) phone.
So at this point, I'm pretty sure I got scammed, and the sad part is this phone isn't refundable. I thought maybe if I could somehow get this phone off the US996 firmware and back to the LS997 firmware it originally came with, I'd have no problems. My carrier is Sprint as well.
But the sad part is, there's no LS997 KDZ's which I could just flash, since Sprint, unlike other carriers, does not release KDZ's.
So at this point, what are my options? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Not sure if this is of much help, but if I were you I would unlock the bootloader and just flash a custom rom.

d2xTaimen said:
Not sure if this is of much help, but if I were you I would unlock the bootloader and just flash a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought of that, but should I use the LS997 method or the US996 method to unlock?

Honestly Im not too sure since I have a H918 and none of those, Take my info with a grain of salt as I might be wrong, I think that the firmware update partition is not a part of the OS so you may be able to get away using the LS997 method?