Database Users

Best/CheapestWay to Carrier Unlock Sprint LG V20 (Dirty Santa? US996 Rom? eBay Guys?)

Hi,
I just purchased a locked Sprint LG V20 online and I'm just wondering what the best (Cheapest) way to unlock it and use it on a Canadian network.
I've read on some threads when you do the Dirty Santa bootloader unlock, the carrier becomes unlocked as well? (Could someone please explain the exact way how or point me to a thread that can). I also read flashing a US cellular rom on a Sprint model will unlock the phone.
Then there's a method similar to the G5 where you can download the hidden menu dialer apk and unlock it that way.
Thanks,

changstalicious said:
Hi,
I just purchased a locked Sprint LG V20 online and I'm just wondering what the best (Cheapest) way to unlock it and use it on a Canadian network.
I've read on some threads when you do the Dirty Santa bootloader unlock, the carrier becomes unlocked as well? (Could someone please explain the exact way how or point me to a thread that can). I also read flashing a US cellular rom on a Sprint model will unlock the phone.
Then there's a method similar to the G5 where you can download the hidden menu dialer apk and unlock it that way.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check the software version on your cellular telephone device.
If it mentions zv5, it is rootable. If it says zv6, dont bother. Been patched.

I went on eBay to unlock my Sprint V20 to use with AT&T.

Undefeatable Boot loop :(

I was comfortably running WETA rom on my US Cellular US996 and I decided to install Magisk so I could use Android Pay. Doing so only allowed me to boot into Fastboot and Download. So I put in download and flashed the KDZ for it. It worked for about 5 minutes and then I was greeted with a static screen. I then re-flashed and now I get a boot loop that i cant escape. I have flashed both the 1205 and 1216 kdz files, as well as a bunch of factory resets.
The boot loader is now locked as well.
Any help is appreciated. I have gotten kind of attached to this phone and have assigned sentimental value to it. I would really hate to rid of it.
Thank you much!

Anyone?

US99610f_00_1205.kdz is intended for the Unlocked (Non US Cellular) variant of the US996
US99610g_00_1216.kdz is intended for...supposedly...a "Brightpoint" variant of the US996
You should probably try out US99610h_00_0413.kdz which are intended for the US Cellular variant of the US996. Hopefully you have better luck with that.

McNutnut said:
US99610f_00_1205.kdz is intended for the Unlocked (Non US Cellular) variant of the US996
US99610g_00_1216.kdz is intended for...supposedly...a "Brightpoint" variant of the US996
You should probably try out US99610h_00_0413.kdz which are intended for the US Cellular variant of the US996. Hopefully you have better luck with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, that didn't do it.

WinterDeer said:
Nope, that didn't do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without an unlocked bootloader I don't see much else that can be attempted. While I doubt it would work, you could try to flash the Unlocked US996 KDZ and then attempt to unlock your booatloader using LG's online tool. I've seen a report that the the LG website was flagging someones phone as the US Cellular variant when they flashed the US Cellular firmware onto their Unlocked variant. Possibly you could have some luck the other way around making LG's website think your phone is an Unlocked variant. If that works, you could possibly unlock your bootloader and try some more additional steps.
Another option is to open an RMA with LG. I've heard of them being pretty lenient on bricked phones due to root attempts.

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
Click to expand...
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.

Unbranding h910 AT&T

Hi.
I am expecting delivery of an LG V20 h910 from eBay in the coming days, but don't have an AT&T SIM (EU user).
Is there a way to flash an unlocked, stock version of the software (eg US996) so I can update the phone to the latest version?
I heard non-AT&T SIM users don't get updates thru AT&T, so wondering how I can get the latest software for it.
I would prefer not to root the phone, but would do if necessary (and if I can then get a fully functional, up-to-date software version).
Thanks in advance.

AWT86 said:
Hi.
I am expecting delivery of an LG V20 h910 from eBay in the coming days, but don't have an AT&T SIM (EU user).
Is there a way to flash an unlocked, stock version of the software (eg US996) so I can update the phone to the latest version?
I heard non-AT&T SIM users don't get updates thru AT&T, so wondering how I can get the latest software for it.
I would prefer not to root the phone, but would do if necessary (and if I can then get a fully functional, up-to-date software version).
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, if its not sim unlocked phone, it will forever stay sim locked unless you get the network unlock for it. EVEN if you flash any of the other brand roms. Also, AT&T doesn't have the full stock kdz to revert to, there are work arounds to return to stock. This phone has trouble with the screen ghosting/retention, as well as bonkers HDR camera performance, also not to forget, GPS inaccuracy upto 50 meters. I'd suggest look away from LG unless you're going for LG v30 which doesn't carry any of these issues.
If you have already bought, paid and "expecting" shipment anytime soon, you should make sure that its network unlocked H910. (make backup of your partitions before flashing any other brand rom because you will need modem, modemst1, modemst2 and misc partitions in-case you lose the signals). Then you can easily flash it with H915 rom which is the best among debloated stock roms. Flash H910 v10m firmware over it, then flash the modem/modemst1/modemst2/misc files from fastboot to get network signal. From there on forward, you may keep H915 rom with H910 v10m base, or you can even move on to lineage roms. I'd suggest stay rooted with manual color calibration for no-ghosting measures.

AWT86 said:
Hi.
I am expecting delivery of an LG V20 h910 from eBay in the coming days, but don't have an AT&T SIM (EU user).
Is there a way to flash an unlocked, stock version of the software (eg US996) so I can update the phone to the latest version?
I heard non-AT&T SIM users don't get updates thru AT&T, so wondering how I can get the latest software for it.
I would prefer not to root the phone, but would do if necessary (and if I can then get a fully functional, up-to-date software version).
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash another variant rom until you unlock the bootloader and root. As far as functionality with the 996 will depend on the bands your carrier supports
Sent from my LG-H910 using XDA Labs

I received my used AT&T V20 yesterday also bought from eBay. I'm on O2 and it works fine. Just be sure your phone is network unlocked. Only thing is the bloatware.

So much misinformation in this thread, but I will just address the original question....
Yes, you can flash the US996 KDZ without rooting .. just flash like you would any other KDZ. You lose some AT&T specific features while running US996, but if you are overseas, I don't think that will bother you.
As far as I know, that will SIM unlock the phone if it is locked. If it doesn't, then the engineering bootloader that you use to root will SIM unlock the phone as well as bootloader unlock it.
So, first try the US996 KDZ, if that doesn't SIM unlock, you will have to root.
-- Brian

CaseyS said:
I received my used AT&T V20 yesterday also bought from eBay. I'm on O2 and it works fine. Just be sure your phone is network unlocked. Only thing is the bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get any system updates?

runningnak3d said:
So much misinformation in this thread, but I will just address the original question....
Yes, you can flash the US996 KDZ without rooting .. just flash like you would any other KDZ. You lose some AT&T specific features while running US996, but if you are overseas, I don't think that will bother you.
As far as I know, that will SIM unlock the phone if it is locked. If it doesn't, then the engineering bootloader that you use to root will SIM unlock the phone as well as bootloader unlock it.
So, first try the US996 KDZ, if that doesn't SIM unlock, you will have to root.
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone should come pre-unlocked for all networks. I'm mainly concerned about system updates. US996 sounds good, as I can't use AT&T here (AT&T doesn't exist in my country). Would I be able to update the firmware in any way once US996 KDZ is installed? Thanks in advance.

AWT86 said:
Did you get any system updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No system updates. Had the latest update with the latest security patch, but I downgraded because I want to root it. Still 7.0, but with a earlier patch level.

Need Help With Choosing V20 Variant With The Most Support

Hello! I plan getting an LG V20, yet i can't seem to determine which of the variants have the most support (As in custom roms, kernels, recoveries, unbrick, etc...).
My previous device, the V10 T-Mobile version had an unlocked bootloader but couldn't be flashed with a custom rom or downgraded due to LG enabling the QFuse or Anti-Rollback.
I am hoping to get myself a V20 variant that has the most support and also free from anti-rollbacks like my previous V10.

Get and ATT. But it should be less than android 8.0 oreo or oreo 20g software version. Preferably on Android 7.0
TMobile one android 7.0 is also good. But I prefer h910 ATT

princedede said:
Get and ATT. But it should be less than android 8.0 oreo or oreo 20g software version. Preferably on Android 7.0
TMobile one android 7.0 is also good. But I prefer h910 ATT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion. Could you elaborate as to why i need to get a device that is less than android 8.0?
Back on my T-Mobile V10, the last official android version (MM) came with all the lock down that made it impossible to falsh the device.
Is it so with the V20s running Oreo?

Thanks for starting this thread, I was wondering too, especially regarding the T-Mobile and Verizon version as there seems to be plenty of them out there for a lesser price. I personally have an unlocked US996, but was thinking about picking up a ATT h910. The V20 is an amazing phone, what I'd consider one of the last "great phones" that had it all-hardware wise: removable battery, expandable memory, IR blaster, 3.5mm headphone jack, and an FM player.... in addition the Quad DAC and content creation features made it even sweeter (manual mode for the camera, very competent microphone). Though we all complained about LG's horrible software updates, in my book this phone is a beast and a legend, speaking hardware wise, they don't make 'em like this anymore...sadly so too..

ssnova said:
Thanks for starting this thread, I was wondering too, especially regarding the T-Mobile and Verizon version as there seems to be plenty of them out there for a lesser price. I personally have an unlocked US996, but was thinking about picking up a ATT h910. The V20 is an amazing phone, what I'd consider one of the last "great phones" that had it all-hardware wise: removable battery, expandable memory, IR blaster, 3.5mm headphone jack, and an FM player.... in addition the Quad DAC and content creation features made it even sweeter (manual mode for the camera, very competent microphone). Though we all complained about LG's horrible software updates, in my book this phone is a beast and a legend, speaking hardware wise, they don't make 'em like this anymore...sadly so too..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The V20 seems like a great device...judging from my previous V10. It is the reason why i am choosing to get the V20 over the Xiaomi Note 7 or Xiaomi 7.
But i still need a bit of clarification as to what makes some V20 variants better than others and why i am required to get a variant with Nougat instead of Oreo.
I just wanna get a variant that isn't locked down like my V10 was. Any suggestions or explanations on the matter is very welcome.

mickeyasamoah said:
The V20 seems like a great device...judging from my previous V10. It is the reason why i am choosing to get the V20 over the Xiaomi Note 7 or Xiaomi 7.
But i still need a bit of clarification as to what makes some V20 variants better than others and why i am required to get a variant with Nougat instead of Oreo.
I just wanna get a variant that isn't locked down like my V10 was. Any suggestions or explanations on the matter is very welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand, and I'm on a similar boat, as my US996 is stock and I'd like to pick up another one to run LOS/community developed and I was wondering if there was a more preferable V20 variant over the other. Hopefully someone more acquainted with the subject matter can chime in.

mickeyasamoah said:
Thanks for the suggestion. Could you elaborate as to why i need to get a device that is less than android 8.0?
Back on my T-Mobile V10, the last official android version (MM) came with all the lock down that made it impossible to falsh the device.
Is it so with the V20s running Oreo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is. That's why it's better to have a V20 with Android 7. For ATT H910, android 8.0 on version g is still rootable. 8.0 version H, I can't say. So basically just get the one with Android 7.0 installed
---------- Post added at 11:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:54 AM ----------
ssnova said:
I understand, and I'm on a similar boat, as my US996 is stock and I'd like to pick up another one to run LOS/community developed and I was wondering if there was a more preferable V20 variant over the other. Hopefully someone more acquainted with the subject matter can chime in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-mobile, ATT V20 is okay. U can get any. But let it be on Android 7.0

ssnova said:
I understand, and I'm on a similar boat, as my US996 is stock and I'd like to pick up another one to run LOS/community developed and I was wondering if there was a more preferable V20 variant over the other. Hopefully someone more acquainted with the subject matter can chime in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! Isn't the US996 supposed to be the Non-Branded version of the V20 which allows bootloader unlocks from the LG website?

princedede said:
Yes it is. That's why it's better to have a V20 with Android 7. For ATT H910, android 8.0 on version g is still rootable. 8.0 version H, I can't say. So basically just get the one with Android 7.0 installed
---------- Post added at 11:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:54 AM ----------
T-mobile, ATT V20 is okay. U can get any. But let it be on Android 7.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification. But what of the US996 version which is supposed to be the version unlockable from the LG website? Does it also have to be on android 7.0 too or does it not matter what version it might be on?

mickeyasamoah said:
Thanks for the clarification. But what of the US996 version which is supposed to be the version unlockable from the LG website? Does it also have to be on android 7.0 too or does it not matter what version it might be on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Due to the official LG support, the version should not matter for the unlocked US996. The tricky part may be actually finding the correct phone as there are two other US996 variants that are not unlockable from the LG website. The unlocked one has "USA" written to the right of the barcode on the sticker behind the battery, as seen in a couple of photos in this thread. The other two US996 models have "UCL" and "BPT" written instead.
Of course, all of them can be rooted and have custom ROMs, but it's a lot easier to get there on the US996 USA.
Generally, I'd say the US996 USA alongside the H910 and H918 have the most custom ROM support around here. Not sure if it matters to you, but do note that all the US996 models have the FM radio disabled. And generally, getting a V20 already on Oreo is not a huge problem (except for the LS997 model where it's unrootable due to anti-rollback) since you can still downgrade to Nougat to do the TWRP installation/rooting procedure.

C D said:
Due to the official LG support, the version should not matter for the unlocked US996. The tricky part may be actually finding the correct phone as there are two other US996 variants that are not unlockable from the LG website. The unlocked one has "USA" written to the right of the barcode on the sticker behind the battery, as seen in a couple of photos in this thread. The other two US996 models have "UCL" and "BPT" written instead.
Of course, all of them can be rooted and have custom ROMs, but it's a lot easier to get there on the US996 USA.
Generally, I'd say the US996 USA alongside the H910 and H918 have the most custom ROM support around here. Not sure if it matters to you, but do note that all the US996 models have the FM radio disabled. And generally, getting a V20 already on Oreo is not a huge problem (except for the LS997 model where it's unrootable due to anti-rollback) since you can still downgrade to Nougat to do the TWRP installation/rooting procedure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, this answers a lot. I was kind of confused because the other day I came across a thread about "cross flashing" V20's, from what I gather, you could flash a.. say H910 to US996, didn't delve too deep into it, but had me scratching my head, sounded like it almost didn't matter what version of V20 you got, you could do almost anything with it.
To the OP, yes the US996 is an unlocked US variant, but I'm gonna keep it stock for now.

C D said:
Due to the official LG support, the version should not matter for the unlocked US996. The tricky part may be actually finding the correct phone as there are two other US996 variants that are not unlockable from the LG website. The unlocked one has "USA" written to the right of the barcode on the sticker behind the battery, as seen in a couple of photos in this thread. The other two US996 models have "UCL" and "BPT" written instead.
Of course, all of them can be rooted and have custom ROMs, but it's a lot easier to get there on the US996 USA.
Generally, I'd say the US996 USA alongside the H910 and H918 have the most custom ROM support around here. Not sure if it matters to you, but do note that all the US996 models have the FM radio disabled. And generally, getting a V20 already on Oreo is not a huge problem (except for the LS997 model where it's unrootable due to anti-rollback) since you can still downgrade to Nougat to do the TWRP installation/rooting procedure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh my word! Thank you so very much for this detailed explanation, This indeed answers 90% of my questions.
Since anti-rollback wasn't enabled on all the variants except that LS997 variant, getting a v20 on Oreo doesn't mean the end of modding for the device, as i can always downgrade to an Nougat and root the device. Right?
Oh...and if i read you correctly, All V20 models except for the US996 model have FM Radio functionality enabled.
I can't wait to get myself a V20 now as all my previous LG devices were T-Mobile branded and did not have FM Radio support.
It's great to know that FM radio works on even the T-Mobile variant of the V20.
Thanks again for the detailed clarification.

ssnova said:
Thanks, this answers a lot. I was kind of confused because the other day I came across a thread about "cross flashing" V20's, from what I gather, you could flash a.. say H910 to US996, didn't delve too deep into it, but had me scratching my head, sounded like it almost didn't matter what version of V20 you got, you could do almost anything with it.
To the OP, yes the US996 is an unlocked US variant, but I'm gonna keep it stock for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rodger that!
With @C D's detailed explanation, I might get the T-Mobile Variant of the V20 as the bootloader on T-Mobile variants of all my previous LG devices were really easy to unlock with the following fastboot command without any unlock code or unlock.bin file.
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
I just hope the bootloader unlock process is as straight forward on the V20 too.

mickeyasamoah said:
Oh my word! Thank you so very much for this detailed explanation, This indeed answers 90% of my questions.
Since anti-rollback wasn't enabled on all the variants except that LS997 variant, getting a v20 on Oreo doesn't mean the end of modding for the device, as i can always downgrade to an Nougat and root the device. Right?
Oh...and if i read you correctly, All V20 models except for the US996 model have FM Radio functionality enabled.
I can't wait to get myself a V20 now as all my previous LG devices were T-Mobile branded and did not have FM Radio support.
It's great to know that FM radio works on even the T-Mobile variant of the V20.
Thanks again for the detailed clarification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're correct about downgrading. In fact, if you look at whatever rooting guide you end up following, it will most likely involve downgrading to Nougat.
A few more bits of info:
- The T-Mobile H918 actually does have anti-rollback, too, but can still be rooted using a different procedure. You can still downgrade to a certain version number.
- Another model with the FM radio disabled is the Verizon VS995, but someone on here cross-flashed it with H910 firmware to get FM radio working and only had to flash the VS995 modem files to get it going. Same thing has been done to US996 models, but apparently, the front and back cameras get flipped as a side effect.
mickeyasamoah said:
Rodger that!
With @C D's detailed explanation, I might get the T-Mobile Variant of the V20 as the bootloader on T-Mobile variants of all my previous LG devices were really easy to unlock with the following fastboot command without any unlock code or unlock.bin file.
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
I just hope the bootloader unlock process is as straight forward on the V20 too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only for the US996 USA, sadly. Most of the procedures for the other variants are quite unusual with plenty of steps, so read up carefully before you dive in. I have done it for two older LS997s while I also bought a used US996 USA and H918 that already came rooted.
Also, if you are going for the T-Mobile H918, absolutely make sure it is carrier SIM unlocked. As far as I'm aware, a locked H918 can only be unlocked if you are a current T-Mobile USA customer or via a paid service which can cost more than $80 USD (almost the price of a used V20). It's nothing like the simple unlock PIN codes you may have seen for other carriers.

C D said:
You're correct about downgrading. In fact, if you look at whatever rooting guide you end up following, it will most likely involve downgrading to Nougat.
A few more bits of info:
- The T-Mobile H918 actually does have anti-rollback, too, but can still be rooted using a different procedure. You can still downgrade to a certain version number.
- Another model with the FM radio disabled is the Verizon VS995, but someone on here cross-flashed it with H910 firmware to get FM radio working and only had to flash the VS995 modem files to get it going. Same thing has been done to US996 models, but apparently, the front and back cameras get flipped as a side effect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow....If the T-Mobile variant does come with anti-rollback, then i guess i would have to refrain from it even tho it might be downgradeable to some extent. Anti-rollbacks are always up to no good. Downgrade too much and u risk blowing a Qfuse or something.
Moving forward....How is the AT&T variant? Does it have any anti-rollbacks? I would rather have a variant that has no anti-rollback even if it's rooting or unlocking guide might be much complicated as compared to the H918.

C D said:
Only for the US996 USA, sadly. Most of the procedures for the other variants are quite unusual with plenty of steps, so read up carefully before you dive in. I have done it for two older LS997s while I also bought a used US996 USA and H918 that already came rooted.
Also, if you are going for the T-Mobile H918, absolutely make sure it is carrier SIM unlocked. As far as I'm aware, a locked H918 can only be unlocked if you are a current T-Mobile USA customer or via a paid service which can cost more than $80 USD (almost the price of a used V20). It's nothing like the simple unlock PIN codes you may have seen for other carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The anti-rollback on the H918 has really thrown me off. Else, the T-Mobile variants of all the LG devices i owned in the past were SIM unlocked. So that wouldn't have been an issue.

mickeyasamoah said:
Wow....If the T-Mobile variant does come with anti-rollback, then i guess i would have to refrain from it even tho it might be downgradeable to some extent. Anti-rollbacks are always up to no good. Downgrade too much and u risk blowing a Qfuse or something.
Moving forward....How is the AT&T variant? Does it have any anti-rollbacks? I would rather have a variant that has no anti-rollback even if it's rooting or unlocking guide might be much complicated as compared to the H918.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the H918 and LS997 have anti-rollback, so you'd be safe with the H910. However, both the LS997 and H910 (by now you probably realize how ridiculous LG has been with all these variations) have no official firmware (.kdz) files, so I'm not sure how difficult it would be to restore the phone in the unlikely scenario that you somehow lose TWRP recovery.
Look at the rooting guides specific to both H910 and H918 to see what you're up against and what pitfalls may lie ahead before you decide.

C D said:
Only the H918 and LS997 have anti-rollback, so you'd be safe with the H910. However, both the LS997 and H910 (by now you probably realize how ridiculous LG has been with all these variations) have no official firmware (.kdz) files, so I'm not sure how difficult it would be to restore the phone in the unlikely scenario that you somehow lose TWRP recovery.
Look at the rooting guides specific to both H910 and H918 to see what you're up against and what pitfalls may lie ahead before you decide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh My! These are some of the things LG does that made me say to myself in the past..."This would be my last LG device." But somehow, i keep finding myself crawling to LG.
Like you said, i have to read as to determine which variant's shortcomings is less damaging.
Before i go digging into V20 threads, is it possible the H910 has a tot even tho it doesn't have a kdz?

mickeyasamoah said:
Oh My! These are some of the things LG does that made me say to myself in the past..."This would be my last LG device." But somehow, i keep finding myself crawling to LG.
Like you said, i have to read as to determine which variant's shortcomings is less damaging.
Before i go digging into V20 threads, is it possible the H910 has a tot even tho it doesn't have a kdz?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never seen any firmware files at all available for the H910, and other V20 variants have KDZs only, no TOT files.

C D said:
I have never seen any firmware files at all available for the H910, and other V20 variants have KDZs only, no TOT files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow....LG really makes sure each variant lacks something. H918 has easy bootloader unlock but a dreadful anti-rollback, H910 has no rollback but has no firmware files.
I was just reading and i noticed that the anti-rollback on the H918 was introduced in the firmware version 10K.
Does this mean that an H918 with firmware version 10K and below would be fine? If yes, would a rooted H918 with 10K be able to flash custom Oreo ROMs?