So I picked up this old flagship budget phone and I was having no service at all. I tried resetting the phone, and reconfiguring APN settings, scanning for networks, but nothing worked.
So I did some research, and it turns out I was told I was getting the US996 (factory unlocked) version which is compatible with all carriers. But when I look under the battery, it says LS997 instead. But when I look at the software settings, it says Software Version US99610p. The seller must have flashed the US996 firmware onto an LS997 (Sprint) phone.
So at this point, I'm pretty sure I got scammed, and the sad part is this phone isn't refundable. I thought maybe if I could somehow get this phone off the US996 firmware and back to the LS997 firmware it originally came with, I'd have no problems. My carrier is Sprint as well.
But the sad part is, there's no LS997 KDZ's which I could just flash, since Sprint, unlike other carriers, does not release KDZ's.
So at this point, what are my options? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Not sure if this is of much help, but if I were you I would unlock the bootloader and just flash a custom rom.
d2xTaimen said:
Not sure if this is of much help, but if I were you I would unlock the bootloader and just flash a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought of that, but should I use the LS997 method or the US996 method to unlock?
Honestly Im not too sure since I have a H918 and none of those, Take my info with a grain of salt as I might be wrong, I think that the firmware update partition is not a part of the OS so you may be able to get away using the LS997 method?
Related
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.
Is it possible to safely flash a us996 unlocked rom onto my ls997zvc? And will it allow me to continue to use my gsm att based sim card? I bought this phone used the other day. He said it was Verizon unlocked but turns out its this sprint model. No carrier branding anywhere. No splash screen on boot. I almost thought it was a non carrier based unlocked phone until i looked up the model number.
Bump
Buuuuuump. I bought my phone through sprint, paid it off, they keep telling me It's unlocked, but i have to factory reset every time i turn my phone off to get it to work with the other carrier sim. I've contacted them over and over and all they say is "we sent the unlock signal, that's all we can do on our end" but their signal is only working on factory reset. I really want to root this and install the unlocked firmware so i can have my phone without having to reinstall everything constantly. I mistakenly upgraded to ZVC update before having it unlocked and now I'm stuck. Any updates on an unlock eta?
Unfortunately I believe that ZVC is ARB 2 and it has the latest lafd with copy2 pulled, so that means that even once the lafsploit is finished, the LS997 will not be able to use it because you can't roll back to a firmware version that has copy2. If I am wrong, and ZVC is still ARB 1, then you can roll back to a version that has copy2.
If I can find a dump of the ZVC firmware, I can tell you for certain what ARB version it is. If no one has made a dump, you can do it yourself by grabbing the patched LG UP, and used the dump option. If you grab one of the full stock flashable zips from another model, you can see what partitions need to be included. I could just tell you, but I think people need to learn
-- Brian
I accidentally updated mine to zvd the other day. A brand new release. Would be very nice if you could tell me exactly how to flash the us996 firware safely. Ther3 has to be a way to unlock this damned phone. I paid 200 for it and now i am ****ed.
Please help me out. I could post a dump of the zvd firmware if i can figure it out
runningnak3d said:
Unfortunately I believe that ZVC is ARB 2 and it has the latest lafd with copy2 pulled, so that means that even once the lafsploit is finished, the LS997 will not be able to use it because you can't roll back to a firmware version that has copy2. If I am wrong, and ZVC is still ARB 1, then you can roll back to a version that has copy2.
If I can find a dump of the ZVC firmware, I can tell you for certain what ARB version it is. If no one has made a dump, you can do it yourself by grabbing the patched LG UP, and used the dump option. If you grab one of the full stock flashable zips from another model, you can see what partitions need to be included. I could just tell you, but I think people need to learn
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yo im back zvc is ARB01 btw. Im looking for a way to root it PM me if ya wanna talk.
Please let me know if find a way for zvd. Im stuck with a worthless phone because of some lying asshole on cl.
@me2151 Welcome back dude
If all goes as planned, we will soon be able to root any model on any ARB version. My info above about ARB 2 being an issue was incorrect (must have been on crack when I typed that post).
LG phones with unlockable bootloaders (or that have an engineering aboot / abl) will be rootable indefinitely -- a hole that can't be closed without changing their security significantly.
-- Brian
runningnak3d said:
@me2151 Welcome back dude
If all goes as planned, we will soon be able to root any model on any ARB version. My info above about ARB 2 being an issue was incorrect (must have been on crack when I typed that post).
LG phones with unlockable bootloaders (or that have an engineering aboot / abl) will be rootable indefinitely -- a hole that can't be closed without changing their security significantly.
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please keep me informed on your progress. I really just want to do this to gsm unlock my phone for my at&t sim card. Guy sold me it saying it was unlocked already.
Do i have to root to flash us996 rom onto my phone? And does that unlock it or the root method from dirty santa exploit what uicc unlocks the phone. I read tidbits of information on this forum that say the phone is uicc unlocked after rooting and/or flashing us996 firmware, but all are supposedly only possible on zv7 or older firmware of Sprint phones.
runningnak3d said:
Unfortunately I believe that ZVC is ARB 2 and it has the latest lafd with copy2 pulled, so that means that even once the lafsploit is finished, the LS997 will not be able to use it because you can't roll back to a firmware version that has copy2. If I am wrong, and ZVC is still ARB 1, then you can roll back to a version that has copy2.
If I can find a dump of the ZVC firmware, I can tell you for certain what ARB version it is. If no one has made a dump, you can do it yourself by grabbing the patched LG UP, and used the dump option. If you grab one of the full stock flashable zips from another model, you can see what partitions need to be included. I could just tell you, but I think people need to learn
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
me2151 said:
Yo im back zvc is ARB01 btw. Im looking for a way to root it PM me if ya wanna talk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, I'm here with Ls997 ZVA, ARB=1 and are waiting for any update from you guys.
Thank you ^^
Does anybody know If i can do the similar thing but towards using TMobile network?? Can I flash Tmo H918 stock rom to LS997 Sprint variant?? I just want to use my Tmo Sim, or maybe if my LS997-SVC still a problem?
Andy Chi said:
Does anybody know If i can do the similar thing but towards using TMobile network?? Can I flash Tmo H918 stock rom to LS997 Sprint variant?? I just want to use my Tmo Sim, or maybe if my LS997-SVC still a problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 years late but better than never I suppose?
No idea what my LS997 is using. Performed the dirty santa a long time ago to root, and just this morning I flashed /e/OS over Lineage to test the waters with a de-googled experience. I'm now on T-mobile magenta max plan following the merge and daily driver is a Pixel 4A 5G. Popped the SIM into the V20 running /e/OS and data works but voice and text do not. Not sure if this is a hardware, firmware, or software incompatibility.
Honestly the V20 really pissed me off with how locked down it was. I am NEVER buying a phone that is not easy to root or repair. that is 100% deal breaking for me. Pixel phones have unlockable bootloaders so not too much bull**** necessary to break from the clutches of these damn phone companies and carriers.
Anybody know if I can lgup uppercut flash the H918 stock Rom to the Sprint LS997ZVC??? I have read a comment that I found saying something that LS997ZVC is ARB1 and if I'm gonna flash a room to it, it has to have an equivalent ARB1 rom?. I order a TMobile variant LG V20 from Amazon and they freaking sent me a Sprint Variant.... I took the phone to Sprint and they said the device is network unlocked but when I try TMobile Sim with the correct Tmo APN(fast.tmobile.com blah blah) in the phone it doesn't even work. TMobile even says the phone should be able to work on their network but it's "up to Sprint".... WTH... I have read the US996 to LS997 thread but the guy had no signal ability at all after flashing due to that the us996 flashed into the wrong partitions. I even tried eBay for a network unlock code but they say the phone is already unlocked.. WTH man.
Can someone help and guide me through this?
No, you can't flash the H918 KDZ onto your phone. The RSA key in the CPU is different -- you will have a 9008 brick.
Your phone doesn't work on T-Mobile's network because Sprint is run by a bunch of assholes and they deliberately lockout the bands that you need via the modem firmware. Since your phone is ARB 1, you can't root it currently to fix it.
Sorry -- return it to Amazon if they sent you the wrong phone.
-- Brian
AH BUMMER!. Oh well, İ appreciate you taking your time to reply bro. Thanks
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.
Hello all,
I'm really new to the phone modification scene. I tinker around with computers mostly. I have an unlocked sprint version of the LG v20, the only problem is I am not receiving data on my new carrier (even with the correct apn added). I'm pretty sure this is a firmware issue. I was wondering if there was a way to flash the us996 or verizon version of the phone to get data to work. I know the sprint version is super locked down. I just didn't know if using a modded version of LGUP and the us996 kdz would brick the phone or not, or if there was a way to flash different firmware on the version I am on.
Thanks and cheers,,
horneepapi said:
Hello all,
I'm really new to the phone modification scene. I tinker around with computers mostly. I have an unlocked sprint version of the LG v20, the only problem is I am not receiving data on my new carrier (even with the correct apn added). I'm pretty sure this is a firmware issue. I was wondering if there was a way to flash the us996 or verizon version of the phone to get data to work. I know the sprint version is super locked down. I just didn't know if using a modded version of LGUP and the us996 kdz would brick the phone or not, or if there was a way to flash different firmware on the version I am on.
Thanks and cheers,,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
everything is possible, if you do it by yourself
horneepapi said:
Hello all,
I'm really new to the phone modification scene. I tinker around with computers mostly. I have an unlocked sprint version of the LG v20, the only problem is I am not receiving data on my new carrier (even with the correct apn added). I'm pretty sure this is a firmware issue. I was wondering if there was a way to flash the us996 or verizon version of the phone to get data to work. I know the sprint version is super locked down. I just didn't know if using a modded version of LGUP and the us996 kdz would brick the phone or not, or if there was a way to flash different firmware on the version I am on.
Thanks and cheers,,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your firmware has anti-rollback enabled (ARB1), and the US996 and VS995 do not (ARB0), so flashing any KDZ (Sprint does not provide KDZ files at all) will surely brick your phone permanently. You're pretty much stuck with the Sprint firmware you currently have, and the only change possible is taking an official over-the-air update to Oreo, but that could re-lock the phone to Sprint only again.
If you're getting into phone modification, then you'll be much better off with any other LG V20 variant as they are all rootable, unlike the Sprint model with ARB1.
C D said:
. You're pretty much stuck with the Sprint firmware you currently have, and the only change possible is taking an official over-the-air update to Oreo, but that could re-lock the phone to Sprint only again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really sucks, yeah I don't really want to try and hassle with sprint customer support, I got the phone second-hand from my step-brother. So, i'm not sure if they would even unlock it again for me. Thanks for the information. I wasn't sure if there was a way to flash certain parts of the software to possible fix the modem issues or not.