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Long time reader and tinkerer, but first time poster... This is a two-part thread:
I picked up a cheap used Samsung Galaxy S4 phone, hoping to unlock it and use it. When I received it, it was a SM-S975L, which I can barely find any information on:
Model number: SM-S975L
Baseband version: S975LUDUANB1
Kernel version: 3.4.0-2485535 [email protected] #1 Tue Feb 4 17:57:30 KST 2014
Build number: JSS15J.S975LUDUANB1
SE for Android status: SEPF_SM-S975L_4.3_0017
Product code: SM-S975LZKATFN
Current firmware on my phone: www DOT sammobile DOT com/firmwares/3/?download=28755
Part 1: Custom ROM.
I want to use a Google Edition ROM instead of the bloatware that comes on carrier devices. I'm unable to find a recovery for the SM-S975L, much less a custom ROM though. Is anyone out there that would entertain the idea?
PARt 2: SIM Unlock.
With my sim in the phone, a SIM Unlock code screen doesn't pop up on its own. I typed #7465625*638*# into the dialer and it did finally appear. I was able to successfully sim-unlock it once. But after a phone reboot, the phone was re-locked and the sim unlock code I previously used no longer works. Has anyone ever had this happen? I would like a permanent solution to sim-unlock.
Thanks!
Hi jeredh....I have the same questions as I just ordered this model. Have you solved or tried out anything on your 2 questions?
-JC
I wound up selling it and changing to an S5 Active. No luck at all finding anyone or anything for that phone.
Another purchaser of the S975L here. Thought $249 was a great deal for this phone, but got home and realized that it's actually a really locked down phone. No permanent way to unlock it (unless you own it for a year in which case Tracfone will unlock it), bootloader is locked, no one has developed a custom ROM for it, and the complete tethering framework has been removed (so not even rooted tethering apps will work). It's a good bet that Straight Talk will never update the firmware on it either. That last one is a huge bummer because Android 4.3 is *okay* for now, but KitKat has been out for a while, and Lollipop will be ported very soon. It's fantastic hardware gimped by awful software. A shame really. I'll probably hang on to this phone for a little while since it's a definite improvement over my old iPhone 4S, but I'd like to move to something I have a little more control over.
The only solace I have is that it's easily rootable using TowelRoot.
Follow this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/help/how-to-unlock-galaxy-s4-straighttalk-sm-t2816029 aromerblz is making nice progress. Twrp can be installed just fine. Read the thread
jeredh said:
Long time reader and tinkerer, but first time poster... This is a two-part thread:
I picked up a cheap used Samsung Galaxy S4 phone, hoping to unlock it and use it. When I received it, it was a SM-S975L, which I can barely find any information on:
Model number: SM-S975L
Baseband version: S975LUDUANB1
Kernel version: 3.4.0-2485535 [email protected] #1 Tue Feb 4 17:57:30 KST 2014
Build number: JSS15J.S975LUDUANB1
SE for Android status: SEPF_SM-S975L_4.3_0017
Product code: SM-S975LZKATFN
Current firmware on my phone: www DOT sammobile DOT com/firmwares/3/?download=28755
Part 1: Custom ROM.
I want to use a Google Edition ROM instead of the bloatware that comes on carrier devices. I'm unable to find a recovery for the SM-S975L, much less a custom ROM though. Is anyone out there that would entertain the idea?
PARt 2: SIM Unlock.
With my sim in the phone, a SIM Unlock code screen doesn't pop up on its own. I typed #7465625*638*# into the dialer and it did finally appear. I was able to successfully sim-unlock it once. But after a phone reboot, the phone was re-locked and the sim unlock code I previously used no longer works. Has anyone ever had this happen? I would like a permanent solution to sim-unlock.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the unlock code and root, then follow this.
1. install samsung phone info tools from the market. Run it and allow super user access on it.
2. Press menu and go to secret codes, and let it load.
3. Once generated scroll until you find 7465625*638* you should see two. One that says unlock and other says lock.
4. Select the one that says lock. Press it and select "launch 0" on MCC/MNC field enter your carriers MCC/MNC code.(google it if you dnt know it) on the Control Key enter unlock code. Press ok.
5. Select the 7465625*638* that has unlock on it, press launch 0, enter unlock code. Press ok.
6. Hit thanks, device should be unlock with no neet to reboot.
**You need to do this everytime you turn off, turn on, or restart the phone.
Question: Wondering how you got the unlock code?
WAITING
Hello,
I will follow the question, how did you manage to get a code?
I really want to at least unlock my phone to use it,
I know aromerblz is going to make a guide, I have to wait and try it, I am really not having idea what to do to make it work
NO UNLOCK CODE for Permanent Unlock!
.
An UNLOCK CODE for this phone only TEMPORARILY unlocks it.. everytime you power off and phone on OR restart it then it will ask for the code again.. This phone is very well programmed and cannot be permanently unlocked. This is a Straighttalk phone.. its not meant for other carriers.. if you bought this thinking you were getting a deal you were probably wrong.
network unlock
if I purchase a code from a third party and I enter it everytime I reboot does it work on the other network everytime ?
Sm-s975l unlock info
This model is permanatly unlockable through Straighttalk after a 1yr of active service ( If you are late adding time & if your phone deactivates, you must begin the 1yr requirement from the begining )
But good News there are 2 compatible Models of the S4 you can use to Customize your SM-S975L.
Most ROMS are compatible. You will need to have your Device "ROOTED" with Custom Recover Software.
Just my advice use TWRP as Cmod tends to Brick Devices " Just from Personal Experience "
The M919 - Forums General Location
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-tmobile
The I9505 - Forums General Location
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4
The Most Compatible ROM for the SM-S975L was Created by a Very Talented Developer "The Sickness"
Download V11 4.4.2 & the Mod File. Now Boot into Recovery Flash the Rom 1st following the instructions provided on the download page allow the 1st boot up to complete. Name your phone & all that other fun setup info Stuff. Then reboot into Recovery, & do a advance wipe on Cache & Delvic lol & you can now flash the MOD pack, I recommend choosing the Ktweaker OC Kernel by Ktoonz you can pplay around with the other Mods but be warned the S5 Mods Tend to cause device errors with settings/menu/&keyboard. This rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2683507
DONT LET ANYONE TELL YOU THE INSANE HYBRID 4.4.4 ROM UPGRADE IS BETTER ITS NOT THAT ROM IS BLOATED AND SLOW AS DIRT
There aren many ROMs to choose from icecream sanwich to marshmellow But none as good as "Sickness's" INSANE KITKAT Versions Vary but the Only Rom that comes even Close is SPIKE LABS 4.4.4 GAMING ROM with kernel juicer but its still a bit jittery at times when the GPU is pushed & games are Drawing Heavily On Your Device..
As far as the Baseband is concerned you can remove it and attempt to upgrade it Via ABD pull & push. " Aquire ABD & fastboot files & launch CMD W/ADMIN RIGHTS" & it is possible to use ABD CMDs to remove & apply another Basebamd but this could super brick your Device if it is not unlocked.
Hope this Helps Lot Peeps
aromerblz said:
If you have the unlock code and root, then follow this.
1. install samsung phone info tools from the market. Run it and allow super user access on it.
2. Press menu and go to secret codes, and let it load.
3. Once generated scroll until you find 7465625*638* you should see two. One that says unlock and other says lock.
4. Select the one that says lock. Press it and select "launch 0" on MCC/MNC field enter your carriers MCC/MNC code.(google it if you dnt know it) on the Control Key enter unlock code. Press ok.
5. Select the 7465625*638* that has unlock on it, press launch 0, enter unlock code. Press ok.
6. Hit thanks, device should be unlock with no neet to reboot.
**You need to do this everytime you turn off, turn on, or restart the phone.
Question: Wondering how you got the unlock code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in the same boat, had an unlock code, it worked one time then after a reboot it would not accept the unlock code. I happened upon this post (while I was searching for the stock ROM to reload on it), and decided "what the hell let me try these steps"....it works. I don't mind going through these steps on each reboot. Infact I made it a bit easier, I installed Shortcut Master (Lite) and made two short cuts, one for the lock and one for the unlock.
Thank you for posting these steps.
erichss said:
I was in the same boat, had an unlock code, it worked one time then after a reboot it would not accept the unlock code. I happened upon this post (while I was searching for the stock ROM to reload on it), and decided "what the hell let me try these steps"....it works. I don't mind going through these steps on each reboot. Infact I made it a bit easier, I installed Shortcut Master (Lite) and made two short cuts, one for the lock and one for the unlock.
Thank you for posting these steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome..
aromerblz said:
You are welcome..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Though I do have a question. Are there any ROMs out there that are based on Android 5.x that will work with this? I tried flashing Cyangenmod but the "secret" codes needed don't seem to work at all, infact Phone Info only shows like 12 or 13 codes.
erichss said:
Though I do have a question. Are there any ROMs out there that are based on Android 5.x that will work with this? I tried flashing Cyangenmod but the "secret" codes needed don't seem to work at all, infact Phone Info only shows like 12 or 13 codes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is.. Any TW based ROM for the SGH-M919 or GT-I9505 works for this phone. CM, AICP or ASOP ROM's do not work as they lack the perso codes for unlock.
aromerblz said:
Yes there is.. Any TW based ROM for the SGH-M919 or GT-I9505 works for this phone. CM, AICP or ASOP ROM's do not work as they lack the perso codes for unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
You happen to have links to them?
erichss said:
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clarification, they do work if you live in the USA as you will still use with TracFone service. But to uses on another carrier you need the unlock code and a TW based custom ROM. Where you got your code?
aromerblz said:
Clarification, they do work if you live in the USA as you will still use with TracFone service. But to uses on another carrier you need the unlock code and a TW based custom ROM. Where you got your code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my code from imei-unlocker.com
Like I mentioned in my original reply, the code worked once then after a reboot it was locked and the code was not working. But with the steps that was posted, I am able to use my T-Mobile SIM and just go through them steps after each reboot.
Oh and the best part, the site actually refunded my money cause I was working with them as to why the code stopped working.
erichss said:
I got my code from imei-unlocker.com
Like I mentioned in my original reply, the code worked once then after a reboot it was locked and the code was not working. But with the steps that was posted, I am able to use my T-Mobile SIM and just go through them steps after each reboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, missed that. Cool then.
aromerblz said:
Oops, missed that. Cool then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all good. Just need to find a TW based ROM now. Thanks
If you have links to any that you know to be decent, it would be much appreciated
Straight Talk SM-S975S unlock
This phone is unlockable by design. The only way Straight Talk gets around the" unlock law " is they offer you a credit towards another phone, my offer was $100. I have a friend that works for Samsung and he researched it at work, talked to the tech's and was
told Straight Talk ordered the phones this way to stop people from buying their cheap phones then switching companies.
Hello!
I bought my mom an inexpensive S4 and it came with Orange wireless service provider and it's in French out for the box.
It's having some problem suck as MMS issues and all that, not to mention it's just being a pain in the butt to work with.
I want to flash the stock AT&T ROM to it ASAP so she will stop yelling at me about it, but I can't seem to find a copy around here. Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong areas, but I would appreciate some help locating it, thanks!
Also, it's been a while since I have done any ROM changes, so maybe showing me how they do it now would be helpful as well, thanks.
-Dave M.
AT&T ROMs cannot be installed on your phone. Odin will reject it at best, and you could hard brick the S4.
Unlock the phone by using the service menu exploit, RegionLock Away, or by purchasing an unlock code. Once the S4 is unlocked, you can install an unbranded firmware in place of the Orange-branded firmware. Keep in mind that this phone will never get LTE in the states as the frequencies are different.
Yes, I was made aware of the no 4G, no LTE issue with using a European phone by the guy who didn't know what he was doing when he programmed in the wrong APN settings at the AT&T corporate store...
Supposedly, the company I bought it off said this phone was unlocked already, so what then? It's been about 2 years since I did anything with ROMs, so I might be a little out of the know about the new stuff, thanks.
If it's already unlocked, then you can install any I9505 stock ROM you want. Download this ROM from Sammobile and follow the instructions on that page to install it. It's UK firmware so at the language prompt it will default to English. Be aware that you may have to flash the ROM twice before the S4's wireless radios function properly.
If everything goes as expected the APN should be automatically set. If not there are tutorials all over the place on adding an APN.
EDIT: Download the drivers from Samsung's website if not included in the Odin download on Sammobile. You'll need to have them installed for Odin to function.
Thanks. Now, how can I check to make sure this one is unlocked? Service mode is weird, because I had to do the Q followed by 0000 in key input to get it to give me the menu...
Put your Mom's AT&T SIM into the phone. If it asks for an unlock code then the S4 is still carrier locked.
Oh, okay. It's been working for like 2 months like this, lol.
Aren't there still a few carriers that aren't blocked for other regions? I just want to be sure, absolutely. I just want to know if there's another way to check.
Since it was Orange by origin (and those guys tend to lock stuff) I would say you would NOT be able to run AT&T on it as well (Orange ONLY lock - not really region lock)
When you say AT&T works I would assume previous owner already did what was needed and unlocked this device.
Sounds solid, thanks a bunch, fellas.
I just really wish there were a touchwiz ROM from AT&T for this particular model...
No, no you don't. If anything, you have it far easier by not having AT&T firmware. Unless of course you happen to LIKE encrypted (i.e. locked) bootloaders. AT&T and Verizon lock their bootloaders, which makes the simple things like rooting, bloatware removal, and custom ROMs far more difficult, and in some cases bordering on the impossible.
Your Mom may not give a damn, but by not having to deal with the headache of a locked bootloader you've made your life easier.
I've dealt with several so-called finished custom roms, such as the likes of such as Cyanogenmod and others, and lets just say they aren't quite as solid as the stuff that the phone comes with.
There's always something that doesn't work like it's supposed to or some important app that won't work somehow. Last time, I went with a stock rom, custom recovery (I like TWRP) and rooted the device and it ran just like I wanted. SO yeah, I'd like to use a stock touchwiz rom for the US if it's available somewhere.
I understand not wanting to toss a custom ROM on the phone, but that wasn't the point of my post. The ROM I prompted you to download several posts upthread is a stock Touchwiz ROM. In fact, up until this morning it was the same ROM I was using on my O2 I9505 that I'm using here in the US. As the I9505 is not available and never will be available from a carrier in the United States, there will never be a US ROM available for this phone. The ROM I had you download, unlike the AT&T ROM, has no carrier branding of any kind, no carrier bloatware, and no locked bootloader. As a result, you don't have the carrier meddling around with the ROM and making the experience worse by having crud added.
My point is, bluntly, that you're far better off now than you would be with an AT&T device. So, hopefully, now that you got everything sorted out your Mom can enjoy the phone.
Hey there,
Long time admirer, not a big poster. More of a reader. I couldnt find anything relevant to my question hence the thread.
So from what Ive gleaned on xda the G935 version can be rooted, my question is can I bypass a carrier lock through a custom ROM or would this be possible just by rooting?
A friend has a G935 that has been blocked to Optus and I was wondering if I could help him resolve the issue and help him bring it over to Telstra by some "black magic" as he calls it.
Thanks in advance for any responses
any suggestions, i have the same issue
Ive tried unlocking rooted phones before myself with no luck. Not sure if its possible without some special hardware and programs. There is a guy on here that has unlocked my sprint s7e and lg g5 before. He hooks up to u remotely and runs a program. I think he charges 15$ and it works 100% till u factory reset. Search "sprint unlock" and u will prob run across a couple of his threads. U can ask him if your model is compatible with his method
He can unlock without rooting your phone
Hey there. So, as the title says, is there a way of unlocking bad IMEI on this phone? (3rd party tools, flash new ROM, flash custom ROM, android apps, root, web services, ...)
Thanks for your answers and help.
How is a bad imei, because you tried flashing a custom rom and it caused issues.
If the case, with z3 box you can flash a new certificate for the imei, but it will require you to go a store that has the box.
If the imei is bad because you bought the phone second hand, the answer is no, you need to talk to your provider and see if they can unban it.
Cosmic Blue said:
How is a bad imei, because you tried flashing a custom rom and it caused issues.
If the case, with z3 box you can flash a new certificate for the imei, but it will require you to go a store that has the box.
If the imei is bad because you bought the phone second hand, the answer is no, you need to talk to your provider and see if they can unban it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it second hand. And by my provider you mean, my provider (Vodafone) or provider of the phone where is the IMEI locked (Verizon which does not exist in Czech Republick)?
BTW thanks for your answer.
Hello guys, I'm posting this for first time.
My girlfriend is having a Samsung S5 from AT&T and I want to root it as she told me system apps from AT&T are taking too much space on her phone and so I was thinking can I flash any custom rom on it?
As I see the AT&T thread separate, I want to ask some things
Does Network provider has to do something with it ?
I can flash custom rom on her phone or not?
And same odin thing works ? Like unlocking bootloader and fishing custom recovery
I have never rooted any Samsung phone ever
I'm having a oneplus and HTC.
If anyone can tell me what all do I need to do, I would appreciate it a lot .
Att version has locked bootloader .... Root is possible and there a few roms but they are all based off the stock rom just tweaked a bit ...
cpt.macp said:
Hello guys, I'm posting this for first time.
My girlfriend is having a Samsung S5 from AT&T and I want to root it as she told me system apps from AT&T are taking too much space on her phone and so I was thinking can I flash any custom rom on it?
As I see the AT&T thread separate, I want to ask some things
Does Network provider has to do something with it ?
I can flash custom rom on her phone or not?
And same odin thing works ? Like unlocking bootloader and fishing custom recovery
I have never rooted any Samsung phone ever
I'm having a oneplus and HTC.
If anyone can tell me what all do I need to do, I would appreciate it a lot .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should consider two things:
1. ATT phone may be sim-locked (locked to their network), but it has nothing to do with custom firmware. This problem may be solved more or less easily.
2. ATT phone (SM-G900A) does have a locked bootloader. This is a real problem.
That's why you're limited to touchwiz-based ROMs and stock kernels.
This means, in it's turn, that you cannot have root on 6.0 and above, you cannot have custom recovery, LOS, etc.
If it was my device and I was going to use it as a smartphone (to communicate with others) on a GSM network, I'd install this ROM in unrooted variant and the latest firmware (boot, modem, kernel).
bbsc said:
You should consider two things:
1. ATT phone may be sim-locked (locked to their network), but it has nothing to do with custom firmware. This problem may be solved more or less easily.
2. ATT phone (SM-G900A) does have a locked bootloader. This is a real problem.
That's why you're limited to touchwiz-based ROMs and stock kernels.
This means, in it's turn, that you cannot have root on 6.0 and above, you cannot have custom recovery, LOS, etc.
If it was my device and I was going to use it as a smartphone (to communicate with others) on a GSM network, I'd install this ROM in unrooted variant and the latest firmware (boot, modem, kernel).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been over 2 years for her phone, unlocking bootloader won't be an issue ( we can unlock it right?) . And she will be using AT&T only because she is using family plan.
If you dare saying the real problem is locked bootloader then we can just unlock it , or I understood it wrong
cpt.macp said:
It's been over 2 years for her phone, unlocking bootloader won't be an issue ( we can unlock it right?) . And she will be using AT&T only because she is using family plan. If you dare saying the real problem is locked bootloader then we can just unlock it , or I understood it wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that the following thread may help you out with this. It's S5 AT&T device specific.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3516196
Good Luck!
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