Restore *not change* my IMEI - Captivate General

I know this is a touchy subject due to the potentially illegal uses of IMEI numbers. Let me be very clear, I want to restore MY original IMEI number. Here is my situation:
Through various ROM flashes I have changed my IMEI number. Kies says my device in unregistered because I have the wrong IMEI. I wanted to try going back to stock since GB is now available without using a custom ROM. I have my device's original IMEI number saved in a document (in case it was ever stolen). I do not have a backup of my original EFS folder, only the IMEI number itself saved in a text document.
Is there any way for me to manually input my devices IMEI number and save it back into my phone?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=881162
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Thanks for the suggestion. I had already seen this, but since it was talking about setting the values to a "generic" setting I was trying to avoid it. I tried it anyway and it didn't fix the problem. I unrooted the phone and took it to AT&T. The problem ended up being that the APN setting couldn't be accessed and they weren't configured. The rep was able to do a hard reset. Not sure what kind of reset it was though. Not factory. It didn't revert back to Froyo, but it did remove all the apps (to include all google apps) I had to reinstall the market and restart the phone before it would work. Anyway, everything seems to be working fine now. I just wish I could have seen what the rep was doing so I could describe the solution better, but he was on the other side of the counter and didn't seem to want me to see.

IMei Problems in turkey and registration rules
Hi there
I know this will probably yield me a "no its illegal" reply but please hear me out on this. Im a good person!
I moved to turkey 6 months ago to work here as an IT teacher in an international school. I brought with me my lovely HTC HD2 which i had hacked using XDA software to now run andoid (was very pleased with my phone). registered my phone here with my passport. The phone then broke and while trying to fix it I snapped some of the internal data cables...
I have my old HTC wildfire here but cant use it on the GSM network as im only allowed to register 1 phone to my passport every two years!
I know its not technically allowed but i was thinking of changing the imei on my wildfire to that of my broken (but registered) HTC HD2 and was figuring if i got caught for it that they would see that the imei number is in fact registered to me anyway.
I have searched high and low for solutions for this. I found the Iwizard but I think that this was released in 2007 and my phone was released in 2010 so i am presuming that this will not work. also had some problems and questions about using activesync on my windows 7 computer along with presuming that I cant connect an android phone to activesync.
As I said before. Im not tying to commit a crime here but just trying not to go out and spend lots of money (and phones do cost lots of money here) on buying a turkish phone.
if anyone can help then please let me know
my email is [email protected]
cheers..

Thats called cloning. Will not be discussed here as it is illegal in the states and many other places. Check Turkish law, they may not have any laws against it, however you would still be on your own as its not discussed here.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

just because something is illegal doesnt mean it is illegal to discuss it. it is called freedom of speech. this guy stated he wish he knew how to clone a phone. if you preface your response with the fact the information is not intended for illegal use, you are not aiding anyone. he is responsible for his own actions. a good example of this is when a group attempted to ban "the anarchists cookbook" , a judge ruled that even though the book detailed how to construct illegal devices it could not be baned. the judge cited the first amendment.
i would never advise anyone to break a law but i would not look down on anyone who seeks information. my point is this: it is illegal to make TNT in your basement but it is not illegal to speak or write about how TNT is made. the op should seek his information on the web elsewhere since xda is not for q and a for phone cloning. there are many web sites that explain cloning and it is not illegal to read or write about this matter.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Uh ya, and in short, its not discussed on XDA. I never trounced on anyone's freedom of speech.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

georgiajad said:
just because something is illegal doesnt mean it is illegal to discuss it. it is called freedom of speech. this guy stated he wish he knew how to clone a phone. if you preface your response with the fact the information is not intended for illegal use, you are not aiding anyone. he is responsible for his own actions. a good example of this is when a group attempted to ban "the anarchists cookbook" , a judge ruled that even though the book detailed how to construct illegal devices it could not be baned. the judge cited the first amendment.
i would never advise anyone to break a law but i would not look down on anyone who seeks information. my point is this: it is illegal to make TNT in your basement but it is not illegal to speak or write about how TNT is made. the op should seek his information on the web elsewhere since xda is not for q and a for phone cloning. there are many web sites that explain cloning and it is not illegal to read or write about this matter.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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It's not about whether or not it is illegal for the topic to be discussed. If you allow potentially illegal information to be placed on the forum freely then you open the community up to unnecessary scrutiny. There are a lot of people out there that do not like developers helping people alter there mobile devices. Yes it's legal, but it also pisses a lot of companies off. So one way the community protects itself is through self-censorship.

that's right

reply
ConeyKiller said:
Thats called cloning. Will not be discussed here as it is illegal in the states and many other places. Check Turkish law, they may not have any laws against it, however you would still be on your own as its not discussed here.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
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cheers for taking the time to at least explain this. I was under the impression that someone from XDA had previously posted software on here for the very purpose i am describing in my last post (re turkey). I saw a screen capture of the software (iwizard) and it has a picture of a turkish cup of tea on it. I was guessing that XDA had decided to help people in turkey with the the registration issues we have. But after about 1 week of free time spent searching the internet for solutions I am ready to give in and just go out and buy a turkish mobile phone (can sell me blocked one in england next time i go home) .
Cheers and thanks for all the great software I have previously had from the site for my HTC HD2
f

Related

Dualing phones

I'm currently running an HTC touch pro 2 and i still have my HTC touch pro. I turned my TP1 on the other day for the first time in many months and the phone picked up a text message, not only did it pick it up, it picked it up at the same time my TP2 did. Unfortunately it hasn't happened since.
What i'd like to know, is there a way i can emulate the IMIE number on the tp2, so that i can have both my TP2 and my TP1 working at the same time.
I want to be able to use my TP1 as a full data device while i make my calls on my TP2 or vice versa.
If you can't post the answer here for what ever reason feel free to private message me.
*edit it will recieve every txt message that is sent to my number but it won't send and it won't take incoming calls.
Good luck with that, cause that aint gonna happen. Well, at least not anyway that I can possibly think of. Carriers wont allow more than one phone per mobile number. They say it isn't possible, but I personally think it IS possible and that they just wont allow it. Technically, it should be able to work. But the problems would fall with the GPS. Even if GPS was on in one device while off on the other, they couldn't track someone if they wanted to. I'm sure there are other reasons to this. I have never heard of what you are experiencing. They probabbly didn't fully remove the old phone's IMIE data from the system, hence why you can receive texts but not send anything. What service are you on?
THE-COPS said:
Good luck with that, cause that aint gonna happen. Well, at least not anyway that I can possibly think of. Carriers wont allow more than one phone per mobile number. They say it isn't possible, but I personally think it IS possible and that they just wont allow it. Technically, it should be able to work. But the problems would fall with the GPS. Even if GPS was on in one device while off on the other, they couldn't track someone if they wanted to. I'm sure there are other reasons to this. I have never heard of what you are experiencing. They probabbly didn't fully remove the old phone's IMIE data from the system, hence why you can receive texts but not send anything. What service are you on?
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1) unfortunately telus.
2) The GPS on my phones has been completely deactivated except for when I want to turn it on. I refuse to allow someone to turn it on remotely, also in Canada that's akin to wireless phone tapping so the cops can't do it. And even if they could legally i'd still reprogram my phone so they can't.
3) That's my point. If they didn't fully remove it and my old phone can still get the txt messages that means they can re-add the old MEIE numbers back to the system and both should work. OR if i could put an emulator onto my phone or even hard code the MEIE number change on my old phone to the same as my new one...
Remember back in the day when cellphones were still a new thing, the brick and bag phones and so on, well someone figured out how to clone phones and the practice caught on like wildfire and since then has been literally outlawed. AS IN IT IS ILLEGAL TO CLONE ONE OR MORE PHONES TO THE SAME IMEI, MSID, DEC OR HEX SERIAL TO GAIN USE OF MULTIPLE PHONES ON THE SAME LINE AT THE SAME TIME. Not being mean or an ass to you, but I would research this a little bit and tread lightly on the subject. Stuff like this is not tolerated very well on xda.
Plus, now it would be almost impossible to do this with any carrier as the data the phone sends out is not just what you want it to. Whenever it connects to the network is sends and receives configuration data such as manufacturer and model among other things and will throw red flags if it doesnt match up to what the expected result of the data sent and received to the network and carrier has on file.
Again, tread lightly on this path.
"AS IN IT IS ILLEGAL TO CLONE" I'm serious, I'd like to see an actual Canadian law stating this. And if it's not illegal in Canada then it's a legit question. Well it's still legit.
"not tolerated very well on xda." Why? the whole point of these forums is to learn and teach people how to modify their phones. If they didn't want people sharing this information they should never have started this website to begin with.
As to my actual question and as to one stated answer
"They probably didn't fully remove the old phone's IMIE data from the system"
If it's still partially in the system that means it could be wholly in the system and means it should be able to be done. If they say it can't but i'm still getting txts on both phones that means the carriers are lying and are just making excuses to get more money. If thats all it is i'll do my best to get every penny out of them for every penny they're stealing from me.
Ok rant done, how do I clone my IMIE number? (no i won't tread lightly)
slight22 said:
"AS IN IT IS ILLEGAL TO CLONE" I'm serious, I'd like to see an actual Canadian law stating this. And if it's not illegal in Canada then it's a legit question. Well it's still legit.
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its considered fraud under the law in most counties, like changing the VIN on a car, even if there isnt a specific law to deal with it
and besides that, its against the rules of this forum, so even if it was legal to do its not ok to ask about here
defaultdotxbe said:
its considered fraud under the law in most counties, like changing the VIN on a car, even if there isnt a specific law to deal with it
and besides that, its against the rules of this forum, so even if it was legal to do its not ok to ask about here
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Your making a mountain out of a mole hill and there is a very real difference between a 6 or 8 hundred dollar phone and 15 thousand dollar plus car; unless you own both then i see no issue switching out the vin, as long as you own the cars.
as to being the against forum policy i challenge that on the simple fact there is nothing wrong with sharing knowledge.
slight22 said:
Your making a mountain out of a mole hill and there is a very real difference between a 6 or 8 hundred dollar phone and 15 thousand dollar plus car; unless you own both then i see no issue switching out the vin, as long as you own the cars.
Click to expand...
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lawmakers disagree
as to being the against forum policy i challenge that on the simple fact there is nothing wrong with sharing knowledge.
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Click to collapse
forum admins disagree
"lawmakers disagree"
I can't trace out anywhere where they say cloning your phones IMIE is illegal in Canada, and i also just got of the phone with HTC and they said they don't know of any laws saying it is.
As to the forum admins, they are allowed to disagree, but i'll be they want to know just as much as I do.
Another thread (closed) on this site which discusses ESN cloning: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=380172
Just search on google, and you will find what you need. There are programs like cdma workshop out there.

Changing IMEI on HTC Sensation

Dear members
Could anyone please let me know
1. if it is possible to change IMEI on HTC sensation
2. if possible - how can i do this?
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Please only answer if you have answers - but do not tell me it is illegal, or that this was discussed before, because
1) I have lookd on the forum and did not fine the solution for my device HTC sensation.
2) it is not illegal in my country
3) My country's Mobile carriers do not care about laws at all. I have purchased HTC Sensation and it was blocked on the 3rd day of using it just because it was not purchased from their "official stores". Of course HTC Sensation is not availabel in any official stores and will not be for several months from now.
The carriersa are breaking all the existing antitrust laws by blocking the phones that were purchased from other carriers or directly from HTC retail stores etc.
fot those interested - the country is JAPAN
I am now unable to Call/Receive calls due to phone blocked by IMEI by Softbank. So I want to change IMEI to my old device's number i used to have with Softbak until now.
4) even if it is illegal to change IMEI in some countries, it is not illegal to share the knowledge.
------------------
Thanks in advance for help and advice.
It may not be illegal in your country but it is here in the USA and since this site falls under US laws, guess what? it is illegal for this site to help you....
XDA RULES #9
9. Don't get us in trouble.
Don't post copyrighted materials or do other things that will obviously lead to legal trouble. If you wouldn't do it on your own homepage, you probably don't want to do it here either. This does not mean we agree with everything the software piracy lobby try to impose on us, it simply means you cannot break any laws here, since we'll end up dealing with legal hassle caused by you. Please use common sense: respect the forum, its users, and those that write great code.
Hello,
As far as i know it is not illegal in US to share knowldge.
For instance -
1) it is illegal to take video without someone's consent, but it is not illegal to buy and sell photo and video cameras.
2) it is illegal to upload and download pirated music, but it is not illegal to say that you can find many websites were you can download music for free on the Internet.
3) it is illegal to kill somebody, but it is not illagal to say that you can kill someone with a gun.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
umka83 said:
Hello,
As far as i know it is not illegal in US to share knowldge.
For instance -
1) it is illegal to take video without someone's consent, but it is not illegal to buy and sell photo and video cameras.
2) it is illegal to upload and download pirated music, but it is not illegal to say that you can find many websites were you can download music for free on the Internet.
3) it is illegal to kill somebody, but it is not illagal to say that you can kill someone with a gun.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol.. This made me laugh .... I have a question, since it's illegal to change imei here in uk / USA. Are you still liable to be prosecuted if you went to a country where it was legal, changed imei there and then return home after x amount of days / weeks? To a country where it's illegal?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
According to international law you may not be prosecuted for something that is not considered a crime in the jurisdiction where you actually commited something that is considered crime in your country.
Few acceptions apply, however: disclosing any calssified information to the other country's authorities or secrete services or the like would still be prosecuted.
So if you are intereste if you can go to a country were changing IMEI is legal, change it there, and then go back - you cannot be prosecuted, unless you country's laws forbid you to use or import a phone with a modified IMEI.
But anyway -can we keep this more on topic please?
It is illegal as far as xda is concerned.

[Q] IMEI switching, Good or Bad?

It has recently come to my attention that a few people are upset at the actions I took to get the threads closed which told you how to change your IMEI number.
The way I understand it is that Changing your IMEI is illegal in most countries. So I asked a mod if this knid of thing was allowed on XDA developers. The moderation team closed the thread, not me. They decided it was not suitable.
So I'm curious to know what the general opinion on this matter is.
And rather than me receive PM's from people making personal attacks I thought it would be better to discuss in public.
Please let me know your thoughts
cjward23 said:
It has recently come to my attention that a few people are upset at the actions I took to get the threads closed which told you how to change your IMEI number.
The way I understand it is that Changing your IMEI is illegal in most countries. So I asked a mod if this knid of thing was allowed on XDA developers. The moderation team closed the thread, not me. They decided it was not suitable.
So I'm curious to know what the general opinion on this matter is.
And rather than me receive PM's from people making personal attacks I thought it would be better to discuss in public.
Please let me know your thoughts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Share the trick dude!
Sent from my HTC Desire S
hamedunix said:
Share the trick dude!
Sent from my HTC Desire S
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Click to collapse
You are asking Cjward to participate in an illegal activity.
IMEIs allows phones to be rendered useless if the phone is reported stolen. Sharing "the trick" of changing IMEIs not only promotes theft of Android phones, but it is illegal in some countries.It would allow the possibility of getting XDA in trouble if such information was posted here and we don't want that.
cjward23 said:
It has recently come to my attention that a few people are upset at the actions I took to get the threads closed which told you how to change your IMEI number.
The way I understand it is that Changing your IMEI is illegal in most countries. So I asked a mod if this knid of thing was allowed on XDA developers. The moderation team closed the thread, not me. They decided it was not suitable.
So I'm curious to know what the general opinion on this matter is.
And rather than me receive PM's from people making personal attacks I thought it would be better to discuss in public.
Please let me know your thoughts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess one of those people would be me. It was not meant as a personal attack. I'll just repost what I said before on another thread so there are no confisions:
Some guy thread about imei unlocking got closed and locked in the general section. This has nothing to do with this rom, but i can't reply there. So here are my thoughts.
The action may be ilegal, but the information itself isn't. You are ultimately responsible for what you do with it.
There are lots of examples throughout History about information limiting for "the good of the people". Usually ends up with book burning.
Another example: I'm pretty sure that in my country it's illegal to record calls without the consent of the other party. The should I take out 2 way call recording from the kernel, and should xda delete all info on this site on how to do it?
What about the google apps we all include in our custom roms? There's a reason CM7 does not include them. It's illegal. Should xda remove all threads and roms that do not comply?
I'm sorry for the rambling, but i enjoy my freedom, and selfrighteous actions like these make my blood go hot.
Peace
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda premium​
After this there were more examples on illegal stuff we do around here. If anyone actually reads the HTC terms of service, pretty much everything we do with sense roms is illegal. The point is, information should not be limited. Here's a drastic example:
The best way to kill someone fast: shoot him on the head.
Am I condoning murder? Will that line be edited bi mods?
Ridiculous example of course, but the line of reasoning is the same.
Peace.
This is not meant to start a flame war, or pose as a personal attack on anyone.
@lowveld
It wasn't you, I received 2 PM's and one of them wasn't very nice.
I'm very intrested to see what the general consensus is on this matter.
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk
There are quite a few of examples there. Some that are irrelevant, some that you are right (HTC example), but since HTC has not acted on XDA, and most likely have used developer's fixes I assume they are fine with it because they are not making a profit and it is beneficial to them. As for the call recorder one...Well you could just use it legally...I mean I can't see how changing your IMEI is legal in any way.
Cimer said:
There are quite a few of examples there. Some that are irrelevant, some that you are right (HTC example), but since HTC has not acted on XDA, and most likely has used developer's fixes I assume they are fine with it. As for the call recorder one...Well you could just use it legally...I mean I can't see how changing your IMEI is legal in any way.
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I would also like to know what effort someone could get from in it legal matters.
When I understand it the right way there is none except the possibility to mask a stolen phone.
Swyped from my Desire S
Don't You think that knowledge of how to do such a "trick" can encourage theft and sale/use of stolen goods? It's like sharing info about how to steal a car and what to do next to make it "legal" again for further sale.
You guys must be really thick to refuse to understand that:
1. It is illegal
2. Wast majority of our community is against it
3. This is xda developers, not xda thieves guild
Please provide links to laws cant find anything about it
Cimer said:
You are asking Cjward to participate in an illegal activity.
IMEIs allows phones to be rendered useless if the phone is reported stolen. Sharing "the trick" of changing IMEIs not only promotes theft of Android phones, but it is illegal in some countries.It would allow the possibility of getting XDA in trouble if such information was posted here and we don't want that.
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sent from my IPhone 8S using time wrap app professional
Cimer said:
There are quite a few of examples there. Some that are irrelevant, some that you are right (HTC example), but since HTC has not acted on XDA, and most likely have used developer's fixes I assume they are fine with it because they are not making a profit and it is beneficial to them. As for the call recorder one...Well you could just use it legally...I mean I can't see how changing your IMEI is legal in any way.
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Click to collapse
A few years back I had a Asus P527, windows mobile device. Due to some flashing issues, me and a coupe of dozen other users ended up with the same (default) IMEI. At the time, a service provider from India threatened to cut out service to anyone in that situation. So I figured out how to change the IMEI in that situation, and all was well. But it was still illegal in strict definitions.
But the example is pointless, and the discussion is pointless if you're making points like "HTC has not acted" and "is most likely fine". That does not bear any impact whatsoever on the legality of the action.
And what you find "not relevant" was not meant as a actual real life example, but what in mathematics is referred as "reduction to absurdity". Apply the same set of rules to a different situation with the same premises, and you see the ridicule in the rules themselves.
Cheers
And I'm through with this. Peace.
Nothing more to say ..!!!
lowveld said:
A few years back I had a Asus P527, windows mobile device. Due to some flashing issues, me and a coupe of dozen other users ended up with the same (default) IMEI. At the time, a service provider from India threatened to cut out service to anyone in that situation. So I figured out how to change the IMEI in that situation, and all was well. But it was still illegal in strict definitions.
But the example is pointless, and the discussion is pointless if you're making points like "HTC has not acted" and "is most likely fine". That does not bear any impact whatsoever on the legality of the action.
And what you find "not relevant" was not meant as a actual real life example, but what in mathematics is referred as "reduction to absurdity". Apply the same set of rules to a different situation with the same premises, and you see the ridicule in the rules themselves.
Cheers
And I'm through with this. Peace.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sent from my IPhone 8S using time wrap app professional
Just mind your own threads next time.
Destroyer
The trick is on my site PERMANENT
Sent from my HTC Desire S using XDA Premium App
hey, cjward did what he thought was correct. DON'T GO AGAINST HIM, JUST BECAUSE HE REPORTED SOMETHING HE FELT WAS WRONG. HE IS, IN ABSOLUTELY NO WAY, AT FAULT. Even though i feel that information should be shared without any problems, and brokenworm's thread shouldn't have been deleted, i feel sad that people are flaming cjward. I completely agree with lowveld.
Got to admit when I first saw this posted, I actually questioned to myself whether or not this would be useful or not.
Unfortunately the reasons I had come up with as to why this could be useful, were not in a lawful manner. I thought about this further, came up with the idea again except expanded but with more self-justification. I've given up on the idea in a whole.
Unfortunately I feel that the information should be there, but the associated information pertaining to the relevant law(s) and legal ramifications boldly displayed with what it obviously should and shouldn't be used for, should said distribution of information.
I have to disagree with the way brokenworm is going about this though, immature in the least.
Technically, good.
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda premium
Dont flame the proud policeman?
shrome99 said:
hey, cjward did what he thought was correct. DON'T GO AGAINST HIM, JUST BECAUSE HE REPORTED SOMETHING HE FELT WAS WRONG. HE IS, IN ABSOLUTELY NO WAY, AT FAULT. Even though i feel that information should be shared without any problems, and brokenworm's thread shouldn't have been deleted, i feel sad that people are flaming cjward. I completely agree with lowveld.
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sent from my IPhone 8S using time wrap app professional
In my opinion I think it's bad ;( why? Becoz it's 1 of the unique information to identify who owns the phone by looking at the IMEI, so if a thief knows how to do this he can modify the IMEI so no one will know if the phone was stolen.
Just my little opinion peace!
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda premium
i have a question, probably noobish one but would apreciate any response. what is the benefit of changing the imei? why would we want/need to do it? i guess it's like changing the mac adress of a nic but in this case i know what the benefits are but do not find them relevant in the case of the imei. sorry for the question if it's not apropriate..
xxmorph3u5xx said:
i have a question, probably noobish one but would apreciate any response. what is the benefit of changing the imei? why would we want/need to do it? i guess it's like changing the mac adress of a nic but in this case i know what the benefits are but do not find them relevant in the case of the imei. sorry for the question if it's not apropriate..
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Click to collapse
Unless you are a theif, drug dealer, pimp, fraudster, terrorist or politician you will probably never have a reason to change your phones IMEI number.
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk
cjward23 said:
Unless you are a theif, drug dealer, pimp, fraudster, terrorist or politician you will probably never have a reason to change your phones IMEI number.
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk
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Thank you CJ. You hit rock bottom there. I actually considered you an even minded guy, but generalizations like that kind of prove me wrong.
Fu**, I even told you that I had done it before, so in what way is this not a personal attack? Care to tell me what you think I am? Thief? Rapist?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=579741

ALL Android phones have hidden Carrier IQ software stealing info!?!

Ok guys i just saw this today and it really got me worried:
http://m.gizmodo.com/5863849/your-android-phone-is-secretly-recording-everything-you-do?autoplay
I'm sorry if i'm breaking a rule by posting this link, but if true, this is something to really worry about! Just read!
Update: here is a link for an app designed to detect and remove it from your android phones
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17612559&postcount=110
Hope it helps!
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Whole post, just in case:
If you have any decently modern Android phone, everything you do is being recorded by hidden software lurking inside. It even circumvents web encryption and grabs everything—including your passwords and Google queries.
Worse: it's the handset manufacturers and the carriers who—in the name of "making your user experience better"—install this software without any way for you to opt-out. This video, recorded by 25-year-old Android developer Trevor Eckhart, shows how it works. This is bad. Really bad.
Update: Nokia wrote to us saying that Carrier IQ's spyware is not included in any of their cellphones.
Fast forward to 9:00 for the damning sequence.
The spying software is developed by a company called Carrier IQ. In their site, the company says they are "the only embedded analytics company to support millions of devices simultaneously, we give Wireless Carriers and Handset Manufacturers unprecedented insight into their customers' mobile experience."
Who has this problem? It seems like a good goal and, indeed, most manufacturers and carriers agree: according to Eckhart, the spyware is included in most Android phones out there.
Eckhart claims that Carrier IQ software is also included in Blackberry and Nokia smartphones too. It probably works exactly the same in those smartphones as well. However, there's no proof showing these problems in those phones. There's no mention about Apple's iPhone.
It also doesn't even matter if your telephone was purchased free of carrier contracts. As Eckhart shows in this video, it's always there.
The problem is that it does a lot more than log anonymous generic data. It grabs everything.
How does it work? Carrier IQ's software is installed in your phone at the deepest level. You don't know it's there. You are never warned this is happening. You can't opt-in and you certainly can't opt-out.
The commercial spyware sits between the user and the applications in the phone so, no matter how secure and private your apps are, the spyware intercepts anything you do. From your location to your web browsing addresses and passwords to the content of your text messages.
This even happens using a private Wi-Fi connection instead of the carrier 3G or 4G connection.
The company denied all this in a public statement (PDF):
While we look at many aspects of a device's performance, we are counting and summarizing performance, not recording keystrokes or providing tracking tools
But the video clearly demonstrates that this is not true: Keystrokes submit unique key codes to Carrier IQ. Even secure connections are intercepted by the spyware, allowing it to record your moves in the open. These connections to the web are encrypted but, since Carrier IQ's spyware sits between the browser and the user, it grabs it and sends it in plain text.
The spyware can even log your location, even if the user declines to allow an app to know where it is. The hidden Carrier IQ app ignores your desires, intercepts the data and gets your location anyway.
What can you do to avoid it? Unfortunately, not much. The hidden spyware is always running, and there's no option in any of the menus to deactivate it. Unless you're a grade-A blackbelt hacker, you're out of luck. Even Eckhart, who is a developer, finds it difficult to remove:
Why is this not opt-in and why is it so hard to fully remove?
It's an excellent question. One that urgently needs an answer, from Carrier IQ but especially from every handset manufacturer and carrier involved in this situation.
The solution to this problem is not installing a custom ROM. That's something that shouldn't be required from consumers, something that normal people will not be willing to do. Products must respect privacy rights out of the box. Consumers must be informed about this the moment they turn on their phones in a clear way. They should have the possibility to opt-in and opt-out whenever they want, with a single click. This matter should be solved now by Carrier IQ, the handset manufacturer and the carriers.
If it isn't solved as soon as possible, authorities in the US and Europe should nail them with everything they have. [Twitter, Android Security Test, EFF and Carrier IQ via Threat Level]
Update from Nokia's PR firm Next15, Gretchen Bender: I know you've followed today's news that software from CarrierIQ has been found on Nokia devices. I wanted to quickly reach out following your story to let you know that in fact, CarrierIQ does not ship products for any Nokia devices. Therefore, these reports are inaccurate.
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
I was waiting to see this thread open here. This is a bomb to the platform's reputation.
Does rooting and installing any 3rd party ROM eliminate this?
Also, does this only apply to US carriers and devices?
AOSP mods (including cyanogenmod) don't have carrier IQ since Google didn't do it in the first place. Nor do the Nexus phones..
Nor do a handful of OTHER phones. I'm curious to see just how far that goes. It kinda explains why manufacturers/cell providers are SO insistent on locking firmware though.
Updated OP with link to removal app
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Barzobius said:
Ok guys i just saw this today and it really got me worried:
http://m.gizmodo.com/5863849/your-android-phone-is-secretly-recording-everything-you-do?autoplay
I'm sorry if i'm breaking a rule by posting this link, but if true, this is something to really worry about! Just read!
Update: here is a link for an app designed to detect and remove it from your android phones
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17612559&postcount=110
Hope it helps!
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for posting the link! l was watching the XDA:TV and Bob was on about this, while playing the video l was searching all over the market place, couldn't find it. Now l did.
Barzobius said:
Ok guys i just saw this today and it really got me worried:
http://m.gizmodo.com/5863849/your-android-phone-is-secretly-recording-everything-you-do?autoplay
I'm sorry if i'm breaking a rule by posting this link, but if true, this is something to really worry about! Just read!
Update: here is a link for an app designed to detect and remove it from your android phones
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=17612559&postcount=110
Hope it helps!
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I happened upon it as well here:
http://news.yahoo.com/smartphone-spying-204933867.html
So, a rooted device doesn't have it? That's good news. I'm now thinking of flashing my G2 to get rid of this (if it has it).
Does anyone here know how to find it on the device?
Joe
We have a thread with same topic in General section

[Q] modifying .apk

I am not a developer, while I seem to have more knowledge than the daily user, I do not have the knowledge base to attempt the project that I am curious about. I work for a local tow company as AAA tow truck driver. AAA has provided all its contract stations with an android device that runs an app that is basically a native interface for a web based portal for dispatching the calls. To make a long story short if I were to log into the web interface from my E4GT I can view the dispatched calls ok and the office seems to be able to track me ok, but the native app on the AAA device seems to be able to update statuses while the web interface doesn't seem to actually send the information. I got a hold of the native app apk file and it installed ok, however it asks for a user name that the web interface does not ask for. I assume that this is to prevent people (like me ) from installing on devices that weren't approved by AAA. I was wondering if perhaps there was a way to modify the program to skip this step and allow me to move right in to the log in. If anyone can point me in the direction of someone who may be able to undertake this project for me, I know several people who would rather use their own devices than the AAA device which we are held financially responsible for if it ever is broken or lost. If I were able to run it on my device I could toss their device in a drawer where it will stay safe until I need to return it. Please help. I included the .apk file if anyone is interested in giving this a go.
The likelihood is that modifying this original app in any way works break the law.
AAA obviously paid for the app to be developed and they will own the rights to it.
I suspect that your request breaks the rules of XDA.
The app was downloaded fire free with no copyright permissions agreed to at this location. (I tried to post a link but I guess in too new, I have it tho if you need evidence] therefore I would assume no laws were broken. That web page is the web based program and allows you to download the app without agreeing to anything.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Mark1537 said:
The app was downloaded fire free with no copyright permissions agreed to at this location. (I tried to post a link but I guess in too new, I have it tho if you need evidence] therefore I would assume no laws were broken. That web page is the web based program and allows you to download the app without agreeing to anything.p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can post a link by sticking it in as clear text, with no 'http://' if you really need to.
Just because you are able to download it for free doesn't mean there are no inherent copyright and licences - you will often find them as part of the installation procedure.
OK here's the link. d3me.ersace.com/d3me/htmls/index.jsp
The AAA servers have been having issues over the last couple days so the website seems to be down right now. It actually has been making with really tough because all or calls are being dispatched late and customers aren't happy. But there were no permissions on the installation either. It installed fast and asked for a user ID that I'm assuming belongs to someone in their tech dept. That's all.
After that it should go straight to the contract station and driver log in.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
The website is up again. Feel free to check it out. I've been trying to get a hold of someone from AAA to talk about getting me a log on, but I have no response. I can't see how they could object to me using software that they want me to use. I just don't want to risk the device that they are holding me responsible for. Aside from the fact that I don't want to carry multiple devices around. I don't want to break any laws, but there doesn't seen to be any restrictions on this particular app.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Mark1537 said:
The website is up again. Feel free to check it out. I've been trying to get a hold of someone from AAA to talk about getting me a log on, but I have no response. I can't see how they could object to me using software that they want me to use. I just don't want to risk the device that they are holding me responsible for. Aside from the fact that I don't want to carry multiple devices around. I don't want to break any laws, but there doesn't seen to be any restrictions on this particular app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The website seems to be back down again, at least as far as I can tell.
I just checked it this moment. And it's up.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Mark1537 said:
I just checked it this moment. And it's up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, just discovered that it's an https:// not an http:// link
By pressing ACCEPT, you agree not to use this application while operating a motor vehicle, and agree to the other limitations with respect to the use of this application as described in the accompanying materials.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be implicit to the software as well, so I would assume that the 'accompanying materials' probably includes their restrictions of use.
Regardless, I can't see you getting anywhere without the username and password. I reckon that social engineering is likely to be more successful than hacking the app, but I may be proved wrong.
I'm finally getting some response from AAA, it was a handbook given during the training for the software. I have read through it and an struggling to find anything regarding the licensing or copyright infringement. I don't deny the ethical gray area that I am standing in, I am just trying to make my working life easier. If I can accomplish the task through the proper means by acquiring a log in of my own I will do that, I was just wondering if the same results could be achieved through alternative means.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Mark1537 said:
I'm finally getting some response from AAA, it was a handbook given during the training for the software. I have read through it and an struggling to find anything regarding the licensing or copyright infringement. I don't deny the ethical gray area that I am standing in, I am just trying to make my working life easier. If I can accomplish the task through the proper means by acquiring a log in of my own I will do that, I was just wondering if the same results could be achieved through alternative means.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I know this is a little old but my station just up graded to the tablets also so I am in the same boat now and was wondering if you where able to get any further with this
nope
bearclaw001 said:
Hi I know this is a little old but my station just up graded to the tablets also so I am in the same boat now and was wondering if you where able to get any further with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noboy was willing to help either here or at AAA, however; if you are a reliable driver that doesn't need to be tracked everywhere that you go, justmake sure that your dispatch tells you when they send you a call and the web link will work. It will even track you if you leave it runnng. But there is no alert sound. So if dispatch just sends calls and doesn't tell you, its no good. Luckily I have been able to just deal with it for now. I'm extra careful with their device, and hopefully nothing will happen. But the tablets...... that sems pricey.
Mark1537 said:
Noboy was willing to help either here or at AAA, however; if you are a reliable driver that doesn't need to be tracked everywhere that you go, justmake sure that your dispatch tells you when they send you a call and the web link will work. It will even track you if you leave it runnng. But there is no alert sound. So if dispatch just sends calls and doesn't tell you, its no good. Luckily I have been able to just deal with it for now. I'm extra careful with their device, and hopefully nothing will happen. But the tablets...... that sems pricey.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To say "Noboy was willing to help either here or..." is rather unfair. Nobody here would have any benefit from modifying the application to do what you wished, even if they did want to get involved in the legal gray area, and you can't exactly expect a developer to simply spend hours or days taking an app apart in the hope of modifying it when there is no real reason for them to do so.
Your best bet always was, and still is, to go back to AAA and ask them. If enough of the drivers start doing so they may consider allowing installation on a different device - although they may demand the device by sent to them first for the installation so they can pre-enter the required log-on information.
not an insult.
SimonTS said:
To say "Noboy was willing to help either here or..." is rather unfair. Nobody here would have any benefit from modifying the application to do what you wished, even if they did want to get involved in the legal gray area, and you can't exactly expect a developer to simply spend hours or days taking an app apart in the hope of modifying it when there is no real reason for them to do so.
Your best bet always was, and still is, to go back to AAA and ask them. If enough of the drivers start doing so they may consider allowing installation on a different device - although they may demand the device by sent to them first for the installation so they can pre-enter the required log-on information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My post was not meant as an insult, just a statement of fact. I always aknowledged the legal gray area, and more than understand why nobody would get involved. I guess I was hoping somebody might point me in the right direc,tion to accomplish the task on my own. I have since given up the task as I have stated already, and continue to utilize the various recources this site provides. I'm sorry you were offended, but once agan, it was not an insult. Have a nice day.
simple
Guys i know this is kinda a dead post but AAA locks the tablet to go to the one website only.. that is when you click on the "app" on the tablet, it is just opening the web page. its your shop number, password, truck id and user id.. no install needed.
If you install this on your own device (only some clubs allow "bring your own device") you need to enter the location url for your particular club usually http://spp.aaa.com/d3me*** where the *'s are your club number. Then you have to have an application username which is simply a password that gives you access rights to install the application. You will never see this on a club owned device like a cell phone or tablet provided by the club you are contracted for because it is preinstalled. So as "simple" as stated that is all you need on a club device but if you are trying to install on your device (which likely runs much faster and better anyway) then you need a club that allows BYOD to get the application installer password. (And no I wont post the installer password!)

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