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Hi everybody, I'm new here and I'm in dire need of help, I recently bought a Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500 from KSA, but travelled outside to malaysia first. I opened the phone here and used a different sim card first thing it asked me was for a "Sim Network Unlock Pin". now i already started it with a local sim, how am i supposed to over come this? ive also tried using online sites for codes but it was no help, what should i do to unlock??
next time, search.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1693491
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2282683
SilentRazor said:
next time, search.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1693491
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2282683
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Click to collapse
I tried both methods but none of them worked :/
some suggestions...
Sorry you're having this trouble, qnfk... and that your welcome here by the above poster was not only less than friendly, it was unhelpful, since the solutions he recommended are for a different problem, namely unlocking a carrier lock not the region lock. Your phone is likely to have only one or the other.
I noticed that you have found the thread, Region Lock Unlocking for i9500 S4, though it hasn't become very active yet.
I have 3 suggestions for you:
A. Type *#12580*369# on your phone to check RF Cal for the date of manufacture and *#1234# for the firmware version codes for AP, CP & CSC.
B. Follow these directions to access the MCC blacklist in your device's customer.xml file:
dxzh said:
...use a file manager app like ES file explorer to look at the file /system/csc/customer.xml and then look for the lines starting:
<Settings>
- <Main>
- <Security>
<NbNetworkLock>...
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Click to collapse
C. Read this entire thread: Check the countries that you can’t use your galaxy S4 in. Consider posting your questions there with the above information. It's a fairly active thread and I'm sure you'd be welcome... in fact, you'll find that the OP referenced your situation last week.
Your circumstances are unusual since Asian phones are officially supposed to be region unlocked. If you do post on that thread, you might consider also providing information about the background of your phone, such as where you bought it, how the seller represented its origin to you and whether or not it had a region-lock sticker on the box.
Good Luck!
midnite_blue said:
Sorry you're having this trouble, qnfk... and that your welcome here by the above poster was not only less than friendly, it was unhelpful, since the solutions he recommended are for a different problem, namely unlocking a carrier lock not the region lock. Your phone is likely to have only one or the other.
I noticed that you have found the thread, Region Lock Unlocking for i9500 S4, though it hasn't become very active yet.
I have 3 suggestions for you:
A. Type *#12580*369# on your phone to check RF Cal for the date of manufacture and *#1234# for the firmware version codes for AP, CP & CSC.
B. Follow these directions to access the MCC blacklist in your device's customer.xml file:
C. Read this entire thread: Check the countries that you can’t use your galaxy S4 in. Consider posting your questions there with the above information. It's a fairly active thread and I'm sure you'd be welcome... in fact, you'll find that the OP referenced your situation last week.
Your circumstances are unusual since Asian phones are officially supposed to be region unlocked. If you do post on that thread, you might consider also providing information about the background of your phone, such as where you bought it, how the seller represented its origin to you and whether or not it had a region-lock sticker on the box.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for your help I'll continue to post my problem in the other thread.
almost giving up on GT-I9500
I have a GT-I9500 that is Region locked(Middle East),I tried almost everything but nothing works for me.....H*ll I don't mind paying for unlocking codes,but i read somewhere that Region Locked is different,so buying unlocking codes might not really work,the phone comes with the new bootloader(phone made 2013.10.13),pls if anybody has a solution/suggestion or even a reliable website that can provide genuine "Region Unlocking codes" should share.
what i ve tried so far but still did not work
1-Region unlock app by @Chainfire
2-Try entering service mode by *#0011#
3-Root and install a custom rom(Crash Rom)
4-Terminal Emulator (to calculate unlock codes)
5-Change the Modem (tried all the modems,more than 10)
If anybody can help,pls kindly assist....
Thank you all
nuramohammed26 said:
I have a GT-I9500 that is Region locked(Middle East),I tried almost everything but nothing works for me.....H*ll I don't mind paying for unlocking codes,but i read somewhere that Region Locked is different,so buying unlocking codes might not really work,the phone comes with the new bootloader(phone made 2013.10.13),pls if anybody has a solution/suggestion or even a reliable website that can provide genuine "Region Unlocking codes" should share.
what i ve tried so far but still did not work
1-Region unlock app by @Chainfire
2-Try entering service mode by *#0011#
3-Root and install a custom rom(Crash Rom)
4-Terminal Emulator (to calculate unlock codes)
5-Change the Modem (tried all the modems,more than 10)
If anybody can help,pls kindly assist....
Thank you all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have same problem would love some help is there any way to open region lock ?
yaarz said:
I have same problem would love some help is there any way to open region lock ?
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Click to collapse
Same situation, someone help in this regard.
goutham960 said:
Same situation, someone help in this regard.
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Click to collapse
same by me ...
midnite_blue said:
Sorry you're having this trouble, qnfk... and that your welcome here by the above poster was not only less than friendly, it was unhelpful, since the solutions he recommended are for a different problem, namely unlocking a carrier lock not the region lock. Your phone is likely to have only one or the other.
I noticed that you have found the thread, Region Lock Unlocking for i9500 S4, though it hasn't become very active yet.
I have 3 suggestions for you:
A. Type *#12580*369# on your phone to check RF Cal for the date of manufacture and *#1234# for the firmware version codes for AP, CP & CSC.
B. Follow these directions to access the MCC blacklist in your device's customer.xml file:
C. Read this entire thread: Check the countries that you can’t use your galaxy S4 in. Consider posting your questions there with the above information. It's a fairly active thread and I'm sure you'd be welcome... in fact, you'll find that the OP referenced your situation last week.
Your circumstances are unusual since Asian phones are officially supposed to be region unlocked. If you do post on that thread, you might consider also providing information about the background of your phone, such as where you bought it, how the seller represented its origin to you and whether or not it had a region-lock sticker on the box.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What if the RF Cal version says not active?
Hello guys,
Does anyone work on unlocking the new Region Lock for i9500 ?
I know some work being done for note3, but what about s4 ?
I'm stuck with a US locked i9500 (outside of US). The "activation" with US sim did not work (it worked in US but once i'm abroad it is locked, but even here works with american sim). I can test things on my phone / provide logs if needed.
thanks,
Im actually also having the same problem. I even tried unlocking through code and using apps,didnt work for me
maybe this works
I haven't tried but you can check these methods.
1. I heard that root is needed together with the app like region lock away.apk by chainfire
2. Further, it seems that purchasing a SIM unlock code not only unlocks the device’s SIM, but also its region.
3. With root explorer navigate to system/csc/customer.xml*file (if you can)
It will contain list of Network Lock fields including one for your country MCC for e.g for Thiland it's MCC is (520) and China MCC (460).You can find your country mcc by googling.
Thailand NetworkLock field in CSC file might look like:*<NetworkLock>520BB</NetworkLock>.
China NetworkLock field in CSC file might look like:*<NetworkLock>460BB</NetworkLock>.
This would help understand what might be the reason for the change in lock state whether it is a change in the regional NetworkLock list in the CSC .
Find your country in which you are in respective mcc code and search in the xml file if you find it delete that mcc code line and save it. But please don't forget to make backup in case if it doesn't work
Tell me if it works otherwise some other person will surely help you guys.
alifarrukhsss said:
I haven't tried but you can check these methods.
1. I heard that root is needed together with the app like region lock away.apk by chainfire
2. Further, it seems that purchasing a SIM unlock code not only unlocks the device’s SIM, but also its region.
3. With root explorer navigate to system/csc/customer.xml*file (if you can)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Tried the RegionAway app v1.3 by chainfire. it was sucessfull but nothing changed. it is still locked. ( the app is designed for note3 as far as i understand)
2. i've heard about many who tried their luck with purchasing codes - it does not work. Also confirmed with unlocksamsungonline.com it wont help
3. my customer.xml does not contain the string "lock". This is probably because i've downloaded and flashed an official version of my local firmware. (thought maybe it will unlock) - it didnt. Also tried to flash older modems - or it does not work completely or still locked.
Also got a comment from unlocksamsungonline.com that "I9500 is Andriod1 model with new EFSv2 security" and is a problem ....
locked
MadCat108 said:
1. Tried the RegionAway app v1.3 by chainfire. it was sucessfull but nothing changed. it is still locked. ( the app is designed for note3 as far as i understand)
2. i've heard about many who tried their luck with purchasing codes - it does not work. Also confirmed with unlocksamsungonline.com it wont help
3. my customer.xml does not contain the string "lock". This is probably because i've downloaded and flashed an official version of my local firmware. (thought maybe it will unlock) - it didnt. Also tried to flash older modems - or it does not work completely or still locked.
Also got a comment from unlocksamsungonline.com that "I9500 is Andriod1 model with new EFSv2 security" and is a problem ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Deleted
Any luck??
I have an S4 GT-I9500 from Colombia, manufactured in Korea, haven't rooted the phone yet, looking for anyone who has region unlocked their phone. Can't unlock from service mode as UMTS is limited. Help Needed desperately
innov8ed said:
I have an S4 GT-I9500 from Colombia, manufactured in Korea, haven't rooted the phone yet, looking for anyone who has region unlocked their phone. Can't unlock from service mode as UMTS is limited. Help Needed desperately
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eventually i found a guy with Z3X box and he unlocked it in 3min by pushing "Unlock" button on his laptop
Hi, I updated it yesterday and did the ANG9 change csc root + PHE but now looking at the app info samsung phone I get a product code different from other S5 devices.
Here I leave a picture:
In product code instead of two would have a script appear, is not it? How do you have?
It's a little weird this...
No one?
Hi
My friend has got S4 (I9505). He wasn't flashing his phone with anything - it is original like it was bought. He has got now I9505XXUBMGA firmware (Android 4.2.2) with BTU CSC, which is outdated. System status says that phone is not modified, but despite this, he is unable to do OTA/Kies update. In both cases (when using OTA or when connecting to PC with Kies) he got message "This is the latest firmware". This is not true, latest for BTU CSC is I9505XXUGNG8 (Android 4.4.2).
Questions:
1) What can prevent OTA/Kies from update of unmodified phone?
2) Can software say, that phone is unmodified when it is not true? For example when flashing count is not "0"? Maybe someone flashed my friends phone before he had bought it? Changed kernel or recovery can lead to such problems?
3) Freezing of some Samsung bloatware can lead to locking both OTA and Kies on PC?
4) Are we able to diagnose this phone (how?) and fix OTA to avoid Odin flashing? (I know that there is hard to brick Samsung phone completely, but there are always some small chances that something will go wrong, my friend is not keen on flashing and I'm not so rich to buy him another one S4 when something will fail )
Thanks for answers
From what I recall, the S4 firmware will report a status of Official if all the pieces match, regardless of whether the firmware actually is for the S4 in question. So it is possible, and in fact likely, that your friend's phone was carrier branded at one point, but was then subsequently unlocked and the firmware flashed with an unbranded firmware.
You can find out if the device was flashed by entering the IMEI here. One item it will tell you is who the original carrier is. From there you can put two and two together.
Thank You very much for reply, that's important clue. I don't know how phone was bought, but CSC reports UK (BTU) and I'm not in UK - Poland. So it could be sold by some UK carrier and then unlocked to unbranded firmware.
IMEI gives no results, but I will try to get more informations about how phone was bought, that can explain a lot... Looks like in this case Odin will be only way to push Android further...
Thanks for answer, now I know for what I should look :good:
If anybody else will run into other idea - also feel free to answer, I will check anything as I want to help my friend Thanks everybody, XDA is great
Just a follow up. When you entered the IMEI at the link I gave, did it come up with the device's model number, e.g. GT-I9505ZKAXXX? If so, did yours read "GT-I9505ZKABTU" or some other model?
No, unfortunately not, I see no data after entering IMEI, only information about API, however if I enter IMEI on main page of this website I see some basic data. This lead me to information that Reporting Body Identifier is BABT (IMEI starts with 35) and BABT means United Kingdom.
Website didn't show model number, but my friend has installed Phone INFO ★Samsung★ and inside it there is model number (Product Code):
GT2I9505ZKABTU
This is very similar to Yours suggestion, but I see something weird - shouldn't be "-" after "GT" instead of "2"? Product Code with "GT2" instead of "GT-" is OK?
Thanks for answer
Then I sent you to the wrong page. You want the Samsung warranty page: https://imeidata.net/warranty/samsung
That page is the one that is supposed to tell you everything about your phone. Post that information here, minus the IMEI of course.
You had send correct link On Warranty page when I enter IMEI I got no data, only some data on mainpage of this website - looks like they don't have any information about this IMEI
I think they want you to register with the site, which is something new. Regardless, the reason we can't go by the Phone Info information your friend provided is that when a new firmware is installed the product code changes. For example, my I9505 was originally a GT-I9505ZKAO2U, which means my S4 was originally tied to the carrier O2 in the UK. Before I purchased the phone, the product code changed to GT-I9505ZKASIM, which is Slovenian firmware, specifically SI Mobil. About a month after I purchased the phone I installed a Black Edition firmware, which changed the product code to GT-I9505ZKAAUT, an unbranded Swiss firmware.
Currently on his phone is an unbranded UK firmware. If the site doesn't reveal the original carrier, the box may, depending on how long he has owned his S4. Some boxes have the product code on a label attached to the box.
Looks like website is down - after registering I got still no data, just message "The TAC info not found on database, we will update in 1-2 days."
Thanks for help - I will try to get details from my friend and I will go back to this when I will have some new infos
What the heck is it? Is there an thread or FAQ on csc? Some times when I flash a rom it doesn't seem to matter other times boom! Big mess no 4G etc. Help!
I did actually try to search for some info on this before posting. Search doesn't work well for me in the xda app. Can barely use it on a computer. Any info you have would be of help
you could try google sometime, its almost your best friend :thumbup:
The Customer Service Code (CSC) plays an important role in the operation of your Samsung mobile device. Different countries have different standards for both voice and data communications to a cell phone tower. Although most countries follow the international standard for WiFi connects, there are variations from the standard. The CSC code ensures that your mobile device complies with the standards for your country, and your cell phone operator. The CSC code also determines the source for firmware updates via FOTA*or Samsung Kies.
The terminology used by various Internet sites is confusing. The CSC firmware code contains a number of fields, including the model number,*product code, and build date. The three characters after the model number are the product code. However, the product code is also called the CSC code, country code, or sales code. In actuality, the product code is either a sales code that defines the actual vendor, or a multi-csc code that represents a group of sales codes. Following are the possible scenarios:
The product code is a sales code that identifies a specific cell operator. This code is called a branded code, as the device boots with the operators logo, and contains operator apps.The product code is a sales code that is an open (unbranded) code. With this code, the device boots with the Samsung logo, and only includes Samsung apps.The product code is a multi-csc*code. These codes are commonly used for phones sold by independent vendors. Your mobile device still needs a source for software. The*/system/csc/sales_code.dat*file defines the sales code used for software updates. The easy way to get this information is with the "Phone INFO" app. The multi-csc group must include this sales code. The sales codes can be:The code is the open / unbranded code for the same country.
Warning!!!
Changing the CSC / product code on your Samsung device may invalidate the warranty. It may also invalidate the Samsung Knox warranty for Samsung devices
that support Samsung Knox. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that flashing new firmware will work, even when you flash valid firmware.
In many cases, flashing the sane firmware a second, or third, time may work.
Following are examples of cases in which you may want to change the CSC / product code:
If you move to another country, you may wish to change the CSC / product code to one that matches your new home. You just need to remember that not every Samsung model is sold in every country. Furthermore, not all models are available for every sales code, including the open (unbranded) codes.If you purchased a branded phone, you may wish to change the CSC / product code to an unbranded sales code. Again, there is no guarantee that an unbranded version of firmware exists for your model that is compatible with the cell phone frequencies in your country.You may wish to upgrade to new a new version of Android that is not yet available from your current sales code.
Following are some guidelines for selecting the correct firmware:
Use the "Phone INFO" app to obtain information about your current firmware. I recommend exporting the information, and printing the resulting text file. Should you need to restore the current firmware, you have a log of the current firmware values.You must use firmware that matches the model number, including all sub-codes. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S5*has more than 15 different model numbers. Each model was built for a specific market, and often has slightly different hardware. Some cell phone operators have custom models that only work on their cellular network.Unless you must have firmware branded by a specific cell phone operator, I recommend using firmware from and open (unbranded) sales code. The*sales code table*will help you find these codes.If your current phone has a multi-csc code, your best chance of finding the correct firmware is to select an unbranded sales code that uses the same multi-csc code. The*multi-csc table*list the sales codes that are members of each multi-csc group.For firmware that uses a multi-csc code, you need to select a sales code before attempting to connect to a cellular network. This is especially true for 3G and 4G connections. There are two ways to select a sales code:Enter *#06# in the phone dialer to obtain the IMEI number for the device. You can then enter *#272*Device IMEI# to select a sales code. If your Samsung device does not return a menu, the product code is not a multi-csc code.Install an CSC changer app, such as the "Phone INFO"*app. CSC changer apps do require root access, and they do not work on all phones and all versions of Android
Here is my phone info. When it boots it just says Samsung. Thanks for all your help!
So like if I flash a custom rom how do I keep my csc from changing? Do you think my csc is a sales code or a country code?
Pretty much hate csc. Wish s5 didn't even have them what good are they? Pain in the but
spankmatic22 said:
So like if I flash a custom rom how do I keep my csc from changing? Do you think my csc is a sales code or a country code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CSC wont change i think