[Q] Moto G5 Plus Stuck In "Limbo"? - Moto G5 Plus Questions & Answers

As of this point the warranty on it has long since expired (for both Motorola and Target, the place where it was purchased) so we're pretty much willing to try anything to get it working
I've got with me here a G5 Plus XT1687 that, at best, I can describe as being in a state of "limbo". Its bootloader mode can only be set to flashing_unlock and flashing_lock. We've obtained the unlock key from Motorola's tool and have tried fully unlocking the bootloader multiple times following the guide on XDA, but it seems to not want to accept the command fully and remains on flashing_unlock. When I try to relock everything to start over, it gets stuck on "flashing_lock" and won't go back to fully locked. When it's in the flashing_unlock state I am able to flash ROMs and TWRP builds, so technically it's unlocked.... sort of. I'm unable flash SOME things, like new bootloaders or gpt partition tables, but other things will work just fine, albeit with the occasional "invalid signature" message following flashing. But this right here is only the start of our problems.
Having purchased the US retail XT1687 model, it was supposed to come carrier unlocked out of the box. My friend who got this didn't have a SIM when he got it at the time, so he just used it as a WiFi-only media player sort of thing. When he finally got a T-Mobile SIM and put it in, it asked him for an unlock code. This of course doesn't make any sense, because we didn't get this from a carrier, so why would it be locked to anything in the first place. It was tried with multiple different SIM cards, running multiple different ROMs (and even stock firmware) all with the same result: the phone seems to be network locked to nothing at all.
I tried calling Motorola and they said they can't make an unlock code for us since it's the carrier that decides what algorithm to use for network unlock codes... but this phone didn't come from a carrier, so I don't know what to do.
Fixing the bootloader thing would be nice, but my main goal here is to try and remove this nonsensical network lock so my friend can actually use it with T-Mobile. At this point he doesn't want to send it back (since we'd have to pay for the repairs, and he got a cheap LG to use as a primary phone anyway). That being said, we're pretty much willing to try anything to get it working. Any suggestions?
EDIT: just want to mention as well, we've never had a problem with the IMEI being set to 0. It's always been what it originally was

Related

Noob new Blackstone - Unlocking clarification

Guys
I've searched the forums and realise I can buy a SIM unlock code for my Blackstone, however I'm trying to clarify the following.
1. If I install a different ROM do I still need to buy the unlock?
2. If I changed the EMEI (I want the phone to match my in car fixed EMEI - I realise the blackstone has to be switched off when in the car else conflicts) does that mean the phone has to be unlocked again?
3. Once the phone has been unlocked if I change the ROM will it have to be unlocked again?
What prompted the question is reading the Wiki few areas actually simlock the phones....therefore my assumption is a different ROM means it could become unlocked.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Regards
Its an unlocked phone my friend so obviously you pay a higher price for the phone itself able to use with any sim card. Carriers phone that are branded with the carrier logo are usually cheaper with a plan that could cost more then the phone overtime and is locked to the phone carrier which requires a sim unlocking code to use with other sim cards/ other carriers.
The answer to that is you can install any rom on the phone and if it an unlocked htc touch hd which you paid a lot for then it will be unlocked forever
if its locked to a carrier im not sure about that maybe someone can clarify.
any ideas please guys, I get the phone in a couple of hours.
bump
Anyone?
Try to keep this short
1. If I install a different ROM do I still need to buy the unlock?
No Simlock is based on the radio and hardware (short version).
Once unlocked yoiu can up your rom and your radio, it stays unlocked.
2. If I changed the EMEI (I want the phone to match my in car fixed EMEI - I realise the blackstone has to be switched off when in the car else conflicts) does that mean the phone has to be unlocked again?
Got me lost on this one.
Simlock is based on radio and Hardware.
So your IMEI is part of the phone which is either Sim Locked or not.
If you put your sim into what ever is in phone is in your car your number will be the same.
Once you have sim unlocked a device it remains unlocked.
Like I said you lost me.
3. Once the phone has been unlocked if I change the ROM will it have to be unlocked again?
No - Once done it remains unlocked regardless of rom or radio upgrade.
(and if you buy a new Simlocked Blackstrone you cant use your old code as the lock is based on the hardware)
What prompted the question is reading the Wiki few areas actually simlock the phones....therefore my assumption is a different ROM means it could become unlocked.
--->point me to the page that you feel needs updated, i will have a go at it.
(please PM me)

[Q] SIM Unlock

The whole unlocking process is different between the iPhone and Android devices. Obviously. I've always understood that once you get your iPhone unlocked and if you plug it into iTunes it'll inform you that your phone is unlocked. Now for Android devices such as the S4, how does the whole unlocking deal work? If I'm currently on CM10.2, can I put any SIM card into my phone and it'll work or do I still have to get an unlock code?
Carrier unlock is not related to the firmware you flash. You can change all the ROMs you want, if your phone is carrier-lock, it will remain lock unless you carrier-unlock it. You can look-up the forums for unlocking methods. I am not sure if anyone of them still works after the latest updates.

Smg935p conversion

So i have the smg935p but i am new to flashing roms and have been learning trial and error. I initially flashed a custom rom to the 9bit amd essentially soft bricked the phone. I did more research and flashed the stock rom(or so i thought) now my software version is G935AUCU8ARJ1. I have since had the phone unlocked by spint but now every sim i put into besides the original is showing invalid. Any ideas as ti what i can do about unlocking this phone to any carrier? I am currently using straight talk which i never wouldve switched if id known about the hotspot issue. Also if anyone knows how to bypass that issue that would also be wonderful. Can i perform this unlock or task of doing such without a computer?
9974chig said:
So i have the smg935p but i am new to flashing roms and have been learning trial and error. I initially flashed a custom rom to the 9bit amd essentially soft bricked the phone. I did more research and flashed the stock rom(or so i thought) now my software version is G935AUCU8ARJ1. I have since had the phone unlocked by spint but now every sim i put into besides the original is showing invalid. Any ideas as ti what i can do about unlocking this phone to any carrier? I am currently using straight talk which i never wouldve switched if id known about the hotspot issue. Also if anyone knows how to bypass that issue that would also be wonderful. Can i perform this unlock or task of doing such without a computer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you previously owned it, you can try contacting Sprint to get it Sim unlocked. You might have better luck finding an unlock service on eBay though

Question on T-Mobile Variant Amazon Renewed and Unlocked

So I recently picked up the T-Mobile version of the OnePlus 6T (A6013) from Amazon that was refurbished by Amazon. Based on the reviews, I expected that I would have to unlock the sim with T-Mobile before I could even use it. Now that I received the phone, upon booting, there was no T-Mobile animation, and I was able to pop both my AT&T sim and my (work) Verizon sim, both totally work to my pleasant surprise. Now that I'm digging into the unlock/root process, I'm a bit unsure if my bootloader is still locked and I need to take my phone from the T-Mobile rom to the international rom, or if I potentially can go straight into installing TWRP recovery and flash new ROMs.
Additionally, if I do go to the international rom, will I still be able to use my Verizon sim? That's not as important, but definitely a nice touch since it's for work, and I'd like to not have to carry around 2 phones anymore.
Any and all help would be much appreciated!! Thanks in advanced!
UPDATE:
So I went ahead and tried the update process to take my phone to 10.0, but every time I update it, even when attempting through OOS' local update function, when I try booting the phone, it gives me an error along the lines of "FW version does not match SW version" - does anybody know what's up with this? Can't seem to do anything else and have had to restore it multiple times with MSM Tool. Will going through the 7-day unlock process help rectify this?

Network locked V35

Hi. I recently bought the LG V35 supposedly unlocked; however, I am unable to activate on T-Mobile.
Backstory: After purchasing the V35, I followed the instructions on cross flashing to get rid of the AT&T bloat here https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v35/development/bootloader-unlock-root-instruction-t4052145. The firmware I downloaded was from https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-lmv350ulm-firmwares/; however, the AIO and the USA versions are both the same. I flashed one of the firmware and all is fine, except now I get "Network locked" after I insert my SIM card from T-Mobile. I went AT&T's site https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/ for an unlock code; however, I do not get a prompt on my phone to enter the code. This is after I flashed the phone.
My questions are, which version of the firmware was I to use so my phone is network unlocked AIO or USA? If they are both the same, how do I get the phone to be network unlocked so I can activate the V35 to T-Mobile.
TIA
boricua65 said:
Hi. I recently bought the LG V35 supposedly unlocked; however, I am unable to activate on T-Mobile.
Backstory: After purchasing the V35, I followed the instructions on cross flashing to get rid of the AT&T bloat here https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v35/development/bootloader-unlock-root-instruction-t4052145. The firmware I downloaded was from https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-lmv350ulm-firmwares/; however, the AIO and the USA versions are both the same. I flashed one of the firmware and all is fine, except now I get "Network locked" after I insert my SIM card from T-Mobile. I went AT&T's site https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/[url]https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/[/url] for an unlock code; however, I do not get a prompt on my phone to enter the code. This is after I flashed the phone.
My questions are, which version of the firmware was I to use so my phone is network unlocked AIO or USA? If they are both the same, how do I get the phone to be network unlocked so I can activate the V35 to T-Mobile.
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to be on AT&T firmware to use the carrier unlock code. If you cross flash to different firmware before carrier unlocking you are out of luck. EDIT: see posts below where new information has emerged.
Obviously your V35 was not carrier unlocked/SIM card unlocked, in spite of what the seller said?
Unlike with the LG V30 series, flashing carrier unlocked firmware does NOT carrier unlock AT&T LG V35. You need to use carrier unlock code prior to cross flashing different variant firmware.
Perhaps you can contact someone with Octoplus box and get back to AT&T firmware to use carrier unlock code. AT&T doesn't publicly release KDZ for their firmware, but some dealers with Medusa and Octoplus boxes still somehow have it.
boricua65 said:
Hi. I recently bought the LG V35 supposedly unlocked; however, I am unable to activate on T-Mobile.
Backstory: After purchasing the V35, I followed the instructions on cross flashing to get rid of the AT&T bloat here https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v35/development/bootloader-unlock-root-instruction-t4052145. The firmware I downloaded was from https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-lmv350ulm-firmwares/; however, the AIO and the USA versions are both the same. I flashed one of the firmware and all is fine, except now I get "Network locked" after I insert my SIM card from T-Mobile. I went AT&T's site https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/ for an unlock code; however, I do not get a prompt on my phone to enter the code. This is after I flashed the phone.
My questions are, which version of the firmware was I to use so my phone is network unlocked AIO or USA? If they are both the same, how do I get the phone to be network unlocked so I can activate the V35 to T-Mobile.
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that if you flash the firmware for south america, when you boot it with your sim card, a pop up will appear asking for an unlock code. Haven't done it myself but it sounds like in your situation it wouldn't hurt to try...
Of course, if u don't get a pop up, try the code that supposedly brings up pop up to enter code.
follow this link for the MIA version that should work.
cheers, let us know if you try it the results.
Thread Cleaned and it will end here regarding this back and forth, take care.
Hi OP, use LGUP to flash Mexican region kdz, insert your T-Mobile sim and unlock window will pop-up upon reboot and you can use the unlock code to unlock your phone. Good luck.
Android# said:
Hi OP, use LGUP to flash Mexican region kdz, insert your T-Mobile sim and unlock window will pop-up upon reboot and you can use the unlock code to unlock your phone. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this guaranteed to work? I really want to use this phone.
boricua65 said:
Is this guaranteed to work? I really want to use this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guaranteed? Well, as stated by those mentioning it here, I don't think we've actually done it, only repeating that others say it will work. So again, guaranteed? I couldn't guarantee it, but it seems unlikely that people would say it does work, and be lying about it?
Here's a GDrive link to the kdz you'd want to flash to try it. It's the latest Oreo for the south american region. Aside from using LGUP to flash it, you'd need an unlock code.
The md5 sum from this LG Page should match, to verify legitimacy.
Let us know if it works.
AsItLies said:
Guaranteed? Well, as stated by those mentioning it here, I don't think we've actually done it, only repeating that others say it will work. So again, guaranteed? I couldn't guarantee it, but it seems unlikely that people would say it does work, and be lying about it?
Here's a GDrive link to the kdz you'd want to flash to try it. It's the latest Oreo for the south american region. Aside from using LGUP to flash it, you'd need an unlock code.
The md5 sum from this LG Page should match, to verify legitimacy.
Let us know if it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I just flashed my phone from the link you provided and no dice. I reflashed, factory reset, insert the SIM card after completing set up, insert SIM card after factory reset the second time, etc. with no luck. I am not getting a pop to ask for the unlock code.
EDIT to add: So I found a set of instructions when I don't get a pop up asking for the network unlock code (below)
Second option (device doesn't ask for an unlock code with an unaccepted SIM)
1. Start the device with an accepted simcard (example LG V35 ThinQ was bought in Orange you need to insert an Orange card)
2. Go to the dial screen and press “2945#*model number#” (the same way you enter a phone number)
Example: the device is a P999 you need to enter “2945#*999#” or for KU990 you need to enter “2945#*990#” etc…
So far I am getting closer. Now I get a message saying SIM not provisioned. I will continue to research and troubleshoot. If I continue to run into a another roadblock, I will post here. Thank you all.
Okay, now I fracked up something else. I went from V350EM10h_OPEN_SCA_OP_118.kdz to V350ULM20f_00_NAO_US_
Okay now I am stuck at the LG Life's Good splash screen. I went back to LGUP and did not see it was defaulted to Refurbish going from V350EM10h_00_OPEN_SCA_OP_0118.kdz to V350ULM20f_00_NAO_US_OP_0218.kdz. I went back and reran LGUP with Upgrade chosen; however, the phone is still stuck at the splash screen. Help!
EDITED
boricua65 said:
Okay now I am stuck at the LG Life's Good splash screen. I went back to LGUP and did not see it was defaulted to Refurbish going from V350EM10h_00_OPEN_SCA_OP_0118.kdz to V350ULM20f_00_NAO_US_OP_0218.kdz. I went back and reran LGUP with Upgrade chosen; however, the phone is still stuck at the splash screen. Help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you've tired to reflash ulm and have an issue there. But did you get it sim unlocked?
here's also some instructions I found re unlocking sim if you don't get a pop-up
UNLOCK LG UNLOCK INSTRUCTIONS
ONCE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE UNLOCK CODE EMAIL, PLEASE FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
1) Insert a SIM card that is not from the original carrier in your phone and power on the phone.
2) Once finished loading your phone will ask you for the "SIM Network Unlock PIN".
If your phone does not prompt for a code, please dial 2945#* [model number] # to bring up the prompt
For example LG G4 D851: Dial 2945#*851#
3) Enter the LG Network Unlock Code.
If your phone asks for the "SIM network unlock PIN", use the NCK code.
If your phone asks for the "SIM Service Provider unlock PIN", use the SPCK code.
---------------------
But now you have an additional issue, you say you used 'refurbish' mode for both flashings? To the S.A. one and then back to the ulm one?
To my understanding, that should have worked. But whatever the case may have been, you're stuck now, from what I understand. If that's the case, all I can suggest is trying 'DL' mode for the ULM and select all partitions, OR maybe try 'Upgrade' (if you did refurbish" or refurbish if you did the other.
Sorry to hear you're having trouble, I guess, if you followed the procedure and it didn't work, then this is an indication there IS NOT a way to unlock the sim if you failed to do it on ATT OS.
Let us know if you're able to make any progress / got it sim unlocked or not. We'll have to start relaying the results so others don't have the same issue.
AsItLies said:
So you've tired to reflash ulm and have an issue there. But did you get it sim unlocked?
here's also some instructions I found re unlocking sim if you don't get a pop-up
UNLOCK LG UNLOCK INSTRUCTIONS
ONCE YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE UNLOCK CODE EMAIL, PLEASE FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
1) Insert a SIM card that is not from the original carrier in your phone and power on the phone.
2) Once finished loading your phone will ask you for the "SIM Network Unlock PIN".
If your phone does not prompt for a code, please dial 2945#* [model number] # to bring up the prompt
For example LG G4 D851: Dial 2945#*851#
3) Enter the LG Network Unlock Code.
If your phone asks for the "SIM network unlock PIN", use the NCK code.
If your phone asks for the "SIM Service Provider unlock PIN", use the SPCK code.
---------------------
But now you have an additional issue, you say you used 'refurbish' mode for both flashings? To the S.A. one and then back to the ulm one?
To my understanding, that should have worked. But whatever the case may have been, you're stuck now, from what I understand. If that's the case, all I can suggest is trying 'DL' mode for the ULM and select all partitions, OR maybe try 'Upgrade' (if you did refurbish" or refurbish if you did the other.
Sorry to hear you're having trouble, I guess, if you followed the procedure and it didn't work, then this is an indication there IS NOT a way to unlock the sim if you failed to do it on ATT OS.
Let us know if you're able to make any progress / got it sim unlocked or not. We'll have to start relaying the results so others don't have the same issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I was able to get the phone to be network unlocked. I mistakenly went from S.A. version to NAO as Refurbished instead of Upgrade on the LGUP.
boricua65 said:
Actually, I was able to get the phone to be network unlocked. I mistakenly went from S.A. version to NAO as Refurbished instead of Upgrade on the LGUP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're all set now? sim unlocked and back on ULM? If that's so, that's good news.
AsItLies said:
So you're all set now? sim unlocked and back on ULM? If that's so, that's good news.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the phone is network unlocked. It's still stuck at the LG logo screen and does not boot up.
boricua65 said:
Only the phone is network unlocked. It's still stuck at the LG logo screen and does not boot up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that's not good. I can only suggest try doing a partition D/L? I don't know if that would help or not, but not sure it could be worse than it is now? Certainly don't try the other options like chip erase etc. Those are not for a situation like this, they will certainly make things worse!
boricua65 said:
Hi. I recently bought the LG V35 supposedly unlocked; however, I am unable to activate on T-Mobile.
Backstory: After purchasing the V35, I followed the instructions on cross flashing to get rid of the AT&T bloat here https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v35/development/bootloader-unlock-root-instruction-t4052145. The firmware I downloaded was from https://lg-firmwares.com/lg-lmv350ulm-firmwares/; however, the AIO and the USA versions are both the same. I flashed one of the firmware and all is fine, except now I get "Network locked" after I insert my SIM card from T-Mobile. I went AT&T's site https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/ for an unlock code; however, I do not get a prompt on my phone to enter the code. This is after I flashed the phone.
My questions are, which version of the firmware was I to use so my phone is network unlocked AIO or USA? If they are both the same, how do I get the phone to be network unlocked so I can activate the V35 to T-Mobile.
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to tell you this but you can't network unlock after flashing. You should have researched that if you're modifying the phone
Vuzeultra said:
Sorry to tell you this but you can't network unlock after flashing. You should have researched that if you're modifying the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You did not ready the whole thread. I was able to network unlock my device after using a South American firmware. In my haste, I used LGUP and flashed the NAO firmware as a Refurbish instead as Upgrade.
AsItLies said:
Well that's not good. I can only suggest try doing a partition D/L? I don't know if that would help or not, but not sure it could be worse than it is now? Certainly don't try the other options like chip erase etc. Those are not for a situation like this, they will certainly make things worse!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With much trepidation, I did the Partition D/L and it work!!! :good::good::good: I got my phone back.
boricua65 said:
With much trepidation, I did the Partition D/L and it work!!! :good::good::good: I got my phone back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, good job.

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