I acquired a US Cellular Touch, and I would like to get it working on Verizon. I have followed all of the steps in the "How to Flash your Vogue (CDMA Only)" thread (unable to link b/c I'm a new user).
Currently, I have the stock Verizon ROM flashed on there. The bootloader is the custom Coke 2.31, so I can flash any ROM I wish. I have radio version 3.37.78 (the one included in the stock Verizon ROM). I am able to run BAFMSL, and then launch the EPST tool. I believe all I need to do is modify the settings in there for Verizon, but I'm just wondering what they need to be set to? When I dial a *228, it still gets US Cellular. Do I just need to upload a Verizon PRL? Obviously, once it gets switched to Verizon, I'll need to call them and have them activate it on my plan.
My end game is to have it running Android on Verizon, but I wanted to get it switched to Verizon before worrying about the Android stuff.
Yeah, you need Verizon's PRL file to get it to locate Verizons network. Just use Google or look on the forums, I'm pretty sure it's here somewhere.
Thanks for the post. I did aquire a recent PRL for verizon, and it successfully finds their towers. I can call *228, and get the verizon prompt. It fails at the auto-program (both activating and updating). I'm guessing that's because the ESN is not in their system. Any suggestions? I just got off the phone with their customer service, and she said they were unable to because it wasn't a Verizon phone. Has anyone else been able to add a non-verizon phone to their account? Would I have better luck in a store?
Edit: My original post is contained below. I have edited since I now own the US Cellular variant, and want to share some information about it, and to help clarify some of the rooting process. I ran into some snags that may be obvious to the pros, but for the noobs and novices, a little more detail can be helpful. Also, this information should be useful for either USC or Retail variants.
First, the USC Moto E4 appears to be very much the same as the Retail Unlocked E4 being sold for $130. It has the same SKU of XT1768, can be bootloader unlocked, rooted, and appears to work with most carriers out of the box. I picked up my USC variant for $50 on eBay, and, as of this post, USC has them for $20 plus $35 for 1 month of service. Quite a deal if you can get one.
My thoughts/experiences are:
1. The USC Moto E4 (XT1768) appears to be fully unlocked*.
A. Out of the box it worked with my Tracfone AT&T sim for calls, text, and data WITHOUT having to configure anything.
B. It passed IMEI checks for Page Plus , Verizon, and Tracfone Verizon.
C. It passed IMEI checks for Ting GSM.
D. It, however failed for Tello, which is Sprint only.
EDIT - Thanks to @shogunreaper. He says the phone is compatible with Sprint & Tello once you ask Sprint to add the imei to their list. See here.
* Conclusion: The US Cellular E4 is almost fully unlocked. The retail version says it’s compatible with Sprint, but the US Cellular does not appear to be. It seems that it would/should work for all the other carriers. There is speculation that Moto may have not yet released IMEI numbers to Sprint yet, thus the reason the IMEI is failing for Tello/Sprint. Apparently this was the case for previous unlocked Moto phones. Not a problem for me as I will likely never use Sprint.YMMV.
2. BOOTLOADER UNLOCKING
I followed these instructions.
Unlocking the bootloader will cause the bootscreen to display "Bad Key" when you turn on the phone. THIS IS NORMAL. It will boot normally and your phone will work fine. Currently looking for a method to replace the bootscreen so "Bad Key" isn't displayed.
3. Flash the US Retail Stock Firmware
I did this to see what would happen, if anything, and to de-brand the phone as much as possible. To be fair the USC E4 only comes with 4 bloat apps and a modified Boot Animation with the US Cellular logo. The Retail Stock firmware removes all that. THIS IS OPTIONAL. To flash the retail firmware:
A. Download RSD Lite. This is similar to Odin, for those that have/had Samsung phones.
B. Downloaded firmware. I used the “Retail” version.
C. Unzip firmware to separate folder, install RSD Lite, & put phone into fastboot mode, & connect to PC. In RSD Lite, search for folder with firmware and select the “Flash” file. Process should take about 10-20 minutes.
4. Installed TWRP
A. Used the TWRP image from @squid2. I permanently flashed it with twrp-perry-3.1.1-r2.img
B. It wasn’t obvious to me, but the TWRP image should be placed on your PC, in the same folder you run ADB from, meaning put the TWRP img to be flashed in "platform-tools" for ADB. I originally placed the TWRP image on the phone’s SD card and it didn’t work. Don’t be dumb like me!
C. When you enter the command fastboot flash recovery twrp.img, make sure the twrp.img part matches the file name you downloaded, such as fastboot flash recovery twrp-perry-3.1.1-r2.img or fastboot flash recovery twrp-perry-3.1.1-r3.img.
D. Flashing TWRP to your phone will cause the bootscreen to display "N/A". THIS IS NORMAL. Currently looking for a method to replace the bootscreen so "N/A" is no longer displayed.
5. Root
Followed @KyleBryant guide (bottom of Post #1).
A. Download pph’s su zip.
B. Download no-verity-opt-encrypt.zip.
C. Flash both Superuser & No-Verity in TWRP.
D. Reboot the phone and INSTALL phh’s SUPERUSSER FROM PLAY STORE.
@KyleBryant says to format data in TWRP, reboot to TWRP, then flash the zips. I wound up doing this because after flashing the zips, Root Checker said I didn’t have root…but I think that’s because I didn’t install the SuperUser apk. DUH! Also, formatting data wipes your phone clean. Wasn’t a problem for me as I was doing this on a new phone. So…decide if you want to format data or not. For a new phone it’s not a big deal. If you’ve been using the phone for a while and have all your data, etc…, backup what you need first before formatting data.
6. Remove N/A on boot image
Thanks to @mikaleee, we now have a template to replace the logo.bin. Guide is here.
7. Disable/Remove Increasing ringtone. I posted the procedure here.
Hopefully this helps.
ORIGINAL POST
On another forum, it is mentioned that US Cellular also has the E4 for $20, and reported to be SKU XT1768. Comparing the specs on US Cellular (features tab) to GSM Arena, it appears to have the same bands, specs, etc... However, it has US Cellular bloat. The one user with the US Cellular E4 confirms that his phone works with AT&T WITHOUT sim unlocking. Unfortunately, nobody can confirm if the US Cellular E4 can be bootloader unlocked. I contacted an eBay seller that has several for a really good price, but he can not confirm about the boootloader either. So...does anyone have the US Cellular Moto E4? And does it qualify for bootloader unlocking?
I went so far as to order one from US Cellular, but was rejected because my mailing address is not in their service area.
Thanks,
mn1968 said:
On another forum, it is mentioned that US Cellular also has the E4 for $20, and reported to be SKU XT1768. Comparing the specs on US Cellular (features tab) to GSM Arena, it appears to have the same bands, specs, etc... However, it has US Cellular bloat. The one user with the US Cellular E4 confirms that his phone works with AT&T WITHOUT sim unlocking. Unfortunately, nobody can confirm if the US Cellular E4 can be bootloader unlocked. I contacted an eBay seller that has several for a really good price, but he can not confirm about the boootloader either. So...does anyone have the US Cellular Moto E4? And does it qualify for bootloader unlocking?
I went so far as to order one from US Cellular, but was rejected because my mailing address is not in their service area.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a US Cellular E4, but a couple years ago I was messing around with E2s, (Moto e 2015). Started with a Sprint version, which was bootloader unlockable but not SIM unlockable. Switched to USC version, which was also bootloader unlockable, and also is running on AT&T. There was a little trickery required to get it to see the AT&T SIM iirc, but it's been a while since I've messed what it / used it as a phone. Still sees regular use as a media player.
My guess is the USC one will be unlockable. I looked on USC site, can get it here, but it appears I have to sign up for a month of prepaid service too for another $35. If I can find one for $20 with no commitment I'll grab it and test.
If it is an XT1768 and the bootloader is unlockable, you can flash the retail version firmware which supports AT&T out of the box.
I have a US Cellular version that worked with no tweaks using a GSM BYOP TracFone SIM. Activated immediately.
I'll try and unlock the bootloader tonight and let you know.
yes it is I had one a few weeks ago and got the code from Motorola if you go to settings>about phone>tap build number 7 times then go to developers settings then you sill see allow oem unlock
allc0re said:
I have a US Cellular version that worked with no tweaks using a GSM BYOP TracFone SIM. Activated immediately.
I'll try and unlock the bootloader tonight and let you know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be awesome. I ordered one from eBay for $50. Figured it was cheap enough to take a gamble on. I should get it tomorrow.
mattvail692 said:
yes it is I had one a few weeks ago and got the code from Motorola if you go to settings>about phone>tap build number 7 times then go to developers settings then you sill see allow oem unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet! Did you follow through and root as well?
I haven't rooted yet it seems like things are still in the early stages but will once things start looking more built together this is still a new device so things are going to be a little rough but I will root eventually
I just unlocked the bootloader. It's a go!
(bootloader) Bootloader is unlocked! Rebooting phone
OKAY [ 0.697s]
finished. total time: 0.699s
allc0re said:
I have a US Cellular version that worked with no tweaks using a GSM BYOP TracFone SIM. Activated immediately.
I'll try and unlock the bootloader tonight and let you know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you want to say that it's factory unlocked?
Could you try with another GSM SIM card and confirm?
Thanks!
Deleted. Was just a rehash of 1st post.
The only reason I said to format data is to wipe encryption so you can mount the system. Nice guide too, thanks for the mentions.
Sent from my Moto E (4) using XDA Labs
Nice tutorial. Thanks
mn1968 said:
Deleted. Was just a rehash of 1st post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain the N/A on point 6? "Remove N/A on boot image."
Metconnect2000 said:
Can you explain the N/A on point 6? "Remove N/A on boot image."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an attempt to remove/hide the N/A that is displayed when bootloader is unlocked/TWRP is installed. If it works, you'll know.
EDIT - It did not work.
mn1968 said:
It's an attempt to remove/hide the N/A that is displayed when bootloader is unlocked/TWRP is installed. If it works, you'll know.
EDIT - It did not work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to hear that. But this would only possible an issue if you want to turn the device in for warranty purpose. Am I missing something? Also over at the Slickdeals, there are so many people debating on the band 12 for this phone. Do your carrier support that and if so can u test? Thanks
Metconnect2000 said:
Sorry to hear that. But this would only possible an issue if you want to turn the device in for warranty purpose. Am I missing something? Also over at the Slickdeals, there are so many people debating on the band 12 for this phone. Do your carrier support that and if so can u test? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The N/A on the boot screen is a cosmetic thing. Once you unlock the bootloader through Motorola, you agree that you are forfeiting your warranty.
As far as band 12, that's a T-Mobile thing. I use AT&T, so I can not test.
How can I flash retail rom? I have a sprint version xt1766 and tried to flash retail and other roms many times, and every time it fails to flash bootloader and gpt.bin, boot.img. I really would like to have a rom without all sprint bloatware....Do you think sprint version is flashable with retail rom? what am I missing? Many thanks!
@fountain1
1. Is it bootloader unlocked?
2. Does it have the fingerprint reader as well?
3. How are you attempting to flash? RSD Lite appears to be the preferred method. See post #1 for link.
4. It just may not be possible.
5. That's all I have. I can't be of any further help.
Yes, bootloader is unlocked, I am trying to flash it with fastboot cmd, rsdlite doesn't detect my phone on my Windows 10...I am not sure if it has a fingerprint scanner, cannot find it in settings....
Burguitox said:
Do you want to say that it's factory unlocked?
Could you try with another GSM SIM card and confirm?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only other GSM SIM I have to test with is a micro while the E4 takes a nano. Sorry, but I can't test that.
This device was bought outside India (I'll ask my friend which country if that's necessary). It was probably bought with MetroPCS sim. Now when I insert Indian sim I can only connect to 2g network, when I chose 3g I lose connection to the network.
So I figured this device is locked. There was this app provided by MetroPCS that provided a way to permanently unlock. I checked their site and it's stated that if your device meets all requirements (use their sim for 180 consecutive days etc) then your device will be unlocked for free. I tried unlocking through t that app and it was successful which means my device was eligible. It still didn't work.
So then I thought maybe changing ROM will solve this issue so installed TWRP and flashed custom ROM. Still nothing changed.
That made me think it's locked due to my imei. I was left with no option but to change my device's imei (I know it's illegal but I wasn't trying to change it to some random imei to hide identity or evading ban from MetroPCS) so I rooted it and tried Xposed framework. When I finally installed Xposed and got this module to work, i was still unable to access 3g/4g.
I've tried everything I could think of and still couldn't get it to work. Please please please help me, I am exhausted.
starktoni said:
This device was bought outside India (I'll ask my friend which country if that's necessary). It was probably bought with MetroPCS sim. Now when I insert Indian sim I can only connect to 2g network, when I chose 3g I lose connection to the network.
So I figured this device is locked. There was this app provided by MetroPCS that provided a way to permanently unlock. I checked their site and it's stated that if your device meets all requirements (use their sim for 180 consecutive days etc) then your device will be unlocked for free. I tried unlocking through t that app and it was successful which means my device was eligible. It still didn't work.
So then I thought maybe changing ROM will solve this issue so installed TWRP and flashed custom ROM. Still nothing changed.
That made me think it's locked due to my imei. I was left with no option but to change my device's imei (I know it's illegal but I wasn't trying to change it to some random imei to hide identity or evading ban from MetroPCS) so I rooted it and tried Xposed framework. When I finally installed Xposed and got this module to work, i was still unable to access 3g/4g.
I've tried everything I could think of and still couldn't get it to work. Please please please help me, I am exhausted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your radio/modem probably needs to be changed from one for the US, if that's where your phone was bought, to the one for India so that you'll be using the correct baseband. Search for a flashable one from one of the threads for the Indian variant. That would be my next try anyway.
Hi,
I have a Samsung S8 Active G892U which I bought used as an unlocked phone. It's clear it was originally a Sprint phone, but I have been using it with no problems on T-Mobile USA. It was running firmware G892USQS3BRI1 until today
Today I was prompted to install the latest software update ( G892USQS3BSA1 - this was clearly a Sprint update; it appears my phone is still getting Sprint updates, which makes sense, as it has Sprint firmware).
There was a warning on the Software update screen that the update would stop Volte working, and I would therefore no longer be able to access data while in a phone call. I (foolishly!!) assumed this would not affect me as I was on T-Mobile. I regularly use data while on the phone, so I know there was no issue with this previously.
The upgrade has completed, and I can no use data while making a call (I am in a LTE area at the moment). There is no sign of any option to enable or disable Volte anywhere in the settings menus
I did try going into Settings->Connections->Mobile Networks and changing Network Mode from "Automatic" to "LTE/CMDA." (as various forums indicated that doing that would provide a menu where I could re-enable volte)
This made the situation worse - I could no longer make calls. I have changed back to 'Automatic' , and can make calls again, but still loose data connectivity when making a call.
Is there any way I can restore my previous ability to use data while calling?
I am wondering:
a) If there is a way to renable Volte without reflashing the phone (that would be preferred)
b) If I do flash the phone, what would be the best firmware to go to - Sprint (presumably the previous version), T-Mobile or something custom (I'm clearly concerned about bricking the phone here)
c) It's several years since I've found myself re-flashing a phone - I see lots of references to "Odin" as the tool to use - is that correct, and could someone point me to the best guide on using it?
Thanks in advance..
You can flash the Sprint latest firmware over the current firmware and I think that should do the trick because I did it and so far so good but proceed with caution I have no experience in dirty flashing but as long as you just stick to the AP file and don't load the bootloader etc I think you should be safe from bricking because as far as I know when the boot loader is gone you can't repair anything
Hello everyone, I hope someone can help me.
I have a samsung galaxy tab s5e SM-T727U (Network unlocked) tablet, I want to root it and flash lineage rom, there is a guide on xda but I need to flash the US Cellular (SM-T727R4) rom to unlock the bootloader. I have a question, will the tablet lose the Network unlock? .. If I have an issue, can I go back to the SM-T727U rom?
Here is the guide thanks..
Post in thread 'Samsung galaxy tab s5e lte - flash different firmware' https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...lash-different-firmware.4007713/post-86189883
The bootloader cannot be unlocked for this model
I had an unlocked LTE S5e direct from Samsung.
on 6/18 I used the US Cellular firmware via Odin to unlock the bootloader. Then I followed the directions on the Lineage website to install the LTE version of the software.
The tablet works flawlessly. text w/ rcs, LTE data all work properly. Calling independant of "call & text on other devices" didnt work before the flash because the OEM software wouldnt allow for another Dialer/Phone app to be set as default. ( the "Go" version of phone could be set to default but actual calling would not )
I flashed Lineage-20 and calling wont work due to my carrier not provisioning the device as a phone on their end. In addition HD voice (VoLTE) has to be set on the account so the device can act as phone. In the USA the major carriers (and the MVNO's) have mostly shut down 2g/3g networks so having a device that is LTE capable and has all the correct bands isnt all that you need. Their is one company that hasnt fully shut down their 2g/3g networks that I will test on later this month.
That aside, flashing the vbmeta, recovery and rom went smoothly.
follow the directions and make sure you have working ADB, ODIN, Samsung drivers etc etc as it is instructed on the lineage web page for the Tab S5e.
LegionCmndr said:
I had an unlocked LTE S5e direct from Samsung.
on 6/18 I used the US Cellular firmware via Odin to unlock the bootloader. Then I followed the directions on the Lineage website to install the LTE version of the software.
The tablet works flawlessly. text w/ rcs, LTE data all work properly. Calling independant of "call & text on other devices" didnt work before the flash because the OEM software wouldnt allow for another Dialer/Phone app to be set as default. ( the "Go" version of phone could be set to default but actual calling would not )
I flashed Lineage-20 and calling wont work due to my carrier not provisioning the device as a phone on their end. In addition HD voice (VoLTE) has to be set on the account so the device can act as phone. In the USA the major carriers (and the MVNO's) have mostly shut down 2g/3g networks so having a device that is LTE capable and has all the correct bands isnt all that you need. Their is one company that hasnt fully shut down their 2g/3g networks that I will test on later this month.
That aside, flashing the vbmeta, recovery and rom went smoothly.
follow the directions and make sure you have working ADB, ODIN, Samsung drivers etc etc as it is instructed on the lineage web page for the Tab S5e.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks for your answer. I'll try. Calls don't interest me.. I can use google voice.. I just want to keep the tablet unlocked to use it with another carrier (tablet plan) ..