[Q] Help a noob learn to beat the system? - General Questions and Answers

AT&T Developer Program has sent me a new HTC Aria (HTC Intruder).
I've never had a SmartPhone. Imagine that. But I am a web developer with reasonable skills in that context and want to start deploying to mobile devices.
The device has no SIM and doesn't really do anything. So I have to learn if it is possible to get a SIM, have it configured somehow so I can use the phone --only-- at WiFi spots so I do not have to buy a voice and data plan --or-- hopefully other developers can recommend strategy and tactics to help me get this phone operable so I can at least install my own HTML5 apps and test viewing them and such.
izitso?
canitbe?

You don't need a sim card to use Voip, wifi or apps...

You dont need a SIM card to use wifi, apps, or things like that. Why you say that what message the smartphones gives to you ?

I also dont think u need any wifi to use developer mode on the phone for apps...if you hit setting and hit apps you will see development

csgallagher said:
AT&T Developer Program has sent me a new HTC Aria (HTC Intruder).
I've never had a SmartPhone. Imagine that. But I am a web developer with reasonable skills in that context and want to start deploying to mobile devices.
The device has no SIM and doesn't really do anything. So I have to learn if it is possible to get a SIM, have it configured somehow so I can use the phone --only-- at WiFi spots so I do not have to buy a voice and data plan --or-- hopefully other developers can recommend strategy and tactics to help me get this phone operable so I can at least install my own HTML5 apps and test viewing them and such.
izitso?
canitbe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you root the device, you can (backup first!) delete the contents of the /efs folder. This will scrub the IMEI of your device, and it will revert to an unbranded "generic" IMEI instead. Once you have done this, you can simply use an AT&T GoPhone SIM card on it without issue.

Jade Eyed Wolf said:
If you root the device, you can (backup first!) delete the contents of the /efs folder. This will scrub the IMEI of your device, and it will revert to an unbranded "generic" IMEI instead. Once you have done this, you can simply use an AT&T GoPhone SIM card on it without issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. That's what I think I'll look into then because I can currently cope with GoPhone terms.

dragondgold said:
You dont need a SIM card to use wifi, apps, or things like that. Why you say that what message the smartphones gives to you ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier splash screen loads then displays "No SIM card in Phone" with red ! warning icon and asks Please inseart a SIM card but I now get into settings tonight (wierd).
I think I have to try WiFi in a coffee shop or try some "official" WiFi hotspot for ATT to determine if the carrier imposes using their WiFi and only their WiFi.

Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A

csgallagher said:
Carrier splash screen loads then displays "No SIM card in Phone" with red ! warning icon and asks Please inseart a SIM card but I now get into settings tonight (wierd).
I think I have to try WiFi in a coffee shop or try some "official" WiFi hotspot for ATT to determine if the carrier imposes using their WiFi and only their WiFi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? Wi-fi is wi-fi. The carriers do not make you use "their" wi-fi. You want to develop, but you are having problems with the very very basics here.

lowandbehold said:
What? Wi-fi is wi-fi. The carriers do not make you use "their" wi-fi. You want to develop, but you are having problems with the very very basics here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I know I said that right out I am a noob "in this context." I have no idea how the carriers have or have not modified Android to maintain control of the devices they load their branded modifications on.
Hence if a phone is "locked" I presumed a carrier could cripple the use before a SIM card representing a customer account was installed and configured to operate the phone further.
I also know what rooting does but not the effects of any changes to UI afterwards. Again, its been my presumption that part of operating the device is added by a carrier using some kind of mobile development framework that may or may not be available after rooting.

Rooting doesn't change the framework. Its actually quite a simple concept: you add a superuser binary to the system ROM which the user has permission to execute. In order to control access to the binary, people generally install the superuser application off the market AFTER initially rooting their phone.
The trick is finding a way to write the new superuser binary to a read only file system.

Related

newbie please help with activation

Hi,
I don't have a data plan but I was able to activate the phone for a single day using my sisters t-mobile sim with the $20 internet plan. It worked for just one day and hasn't been able to connect since. In the short time that it was activated I was able to installed the latest custom firmware RC33 by JF. I think it has telnet at recovery. I have no idea how to use the telnet feature from recovery mode but can someone tell me how to access to the 127.0.0.1. I the read tutorial by JF on how to activate the phone without a sim or data using adb and telnet so my plan was to connect to the phone using telnet from recovery mode and using the disable setup code or enable wifi code. I already tried connecting the phone to my computer but adb could not find the device. Can someone help me please .
amiah said:
Hi,
I don't have a data plan but I was able to activate the phone for a single day using my sisters t-mobile sim with the $20 internet plan. It worked for just one day and hasn't been able to connect since. In the short time that it was activated I was able to installed the latest custom firmware RC33 by JF. I think it has telnet at recovery. I have no idea how to use the telnet feature from recovery mode but can someone tell me how to access to the 127.0.0.1. I the read tutorial by JF on how to activate the phone without a sim or data using adb and telnet so my plan was to connect to the phone using telnet from recovery mode and using the disable setup code or enable wifi code. I already tried connecting the phone to my computer but adb could not find the device. Can someone help me please .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to install the drivers in order to use ADB. The information is there
amiah said:
Hi,
I don't have a data plan but I was able to activate the phone for a single day using my sisters t-mobile sim with the $20 internet plan. It worked for just one day and hasn't been able to connect since. In the short time that it was activated I was able to installed the latest custom firmware RC33 by JF. I think it has telnet at recovery. I have no idea how to use the telnet feature from recovery mode but can someone tell me how to access to the 127.0.0.1. I the read tutorial by JF on how to activate the phone without a sim or data using adb and telnet so my plan was to connect to the phone using telnet from recovery mode and using the disable setup code or enable wifi code. I already tried connecting the phone to my computer but adb could not find the device. Can someone help me please .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We're not mind-readers; If you want clear answers you need to word the request clearly.
- If you successfully activated the phone then it should no longer give you the login screen. Are you getting the login screen again or is it some other issue?
- What do you mean by "it worked for just one day?" What worked?
- Are you yourself on T-Mo or not? Do you have a sim card inserted?
- Are you trying to access the inet via wifi or do you have a dataplan with another provider?
- You should know that if you cannot get adb to work then all this is for naught. You probably don't have the adb drivers installed.
Imo since you obviously didn't have the technical capability to understand the rather complex directions in JF's thread, the best course of action is to just go and get a T-Mo dataplan. It'll save you and this subforum a lot of headache.
jashsu said:
We're not mind-readers; If you want clear answers you need to word the request clearly.
- If you successfully activated the phone then it should no longer give you the login screen. Are you getting the login screen again or is it some other issue?
- What do you mean by "it worked for just one day?" What worked?
- Are you yourself on T-Mo or not? Do you have a sim card inserted?
- Are you trying to access the inet via wifi or do you have a dataplan with another provider?
- You should know that if you cannot get adb to work then all this is for naught. You probably don't have the adb drivers installed.
Imo since you obviously didn't have the technical capability to understand the rather complex directions in JF's thread, the best course of action is to just go and get a T-Mo dataplan. It'll save you and this subforum a lot of headache.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have t-mobile pay-as-you-go, I used my sisters sim to get past the welcome screen because she has the $20 internet plan with t-mobile. After it was past the welcome screen I inserted my sim card and the phone didn't show the welcome screen again. However when I powered off the phone and powered it back on and the welcome screen was back. I again inserted my sisters sim card but this time it wouldn't connect to t-mobile. I tired various APN settings. So the phone is not activated. I keep getting the login screen. I am not sure what you mean by adb drivers installed? Do you mean on my phone? How can I tell? I have the android USB drivers installed on my PC. I am truly very sorry jashsu if I am wasting your time. I hope someone who doesn't mind helping a newbie can help me. I can't afford the data plan with t-mobile. My only option is to sell the phone. Thank you.
momentarylapseofreason said:
You need to install the drivers in order to use ADB. The information is there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean the usb drivers, I did install them.
i would suggest downgrading to rc29 again using your sisters sim with her data plan then sign in re-root then go into settings turn off all the google syncs then using your sim. although it is kinda pointless seeings how this is a data rich phone and unless you constantly have a wifi connection there would be no point in having this phone. but hey what do i know im still an above average newb ... no expert at all
For any of this to work, you have to the the ADB working, or Android Debug Bridge. You can search around on the forum, or go to android.google.com and follow the instructions for setting up the development environment.
But if you are just going to be using the phone for music, photos, gps and so forth, there really are much better phones for that purpose.

Best security application?: Locate, wipe, lock, etc...

Hey
Whats the best security application out there? So I can lock, locate, make it ring, wipe, etc...
I like seekdroid. Its $0.99. But its the only I've used...
so if a thief removed the sim do these apps still work?
AndroidLost. a new addition
P.S its FREE
ermacwins said:
so if a thief removed the sim do these apps still work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. They are installed on the phone. IMEI is stored so in theory some should
riahc3 said:
Yes. They are installed on the phone. IMEI is stored so in theory some should
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't think that most of these apps will still work if you disable mobile data or even remove the sim. i guess most of them use the google market push option to lock/wipe/whatever and without internet access they won't ever receive the lock/wipe request.
so i think they're just useful if you lost your phone and no one has found it already...
j4velin said:
i don't think that most of these apps will still work if you disable mobile data or even remove the sim....so i think they're just useful if you lost your phone and no one has found it already...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the problem all of these apps suffer from. An experienced thief will pull out the SIM card as soon as he can to cut off the mobile phone network and data connection. We've had a few iPhones/Blackberrys stolen at work and they disappear from the network minutes after so they don't respond to a wipe command sent from Exchange or a SMS with a wipe command in it.
I guess the apps are useful if you have lost your phone, or if somebody isn't savvy enough to remove the SIM. I use an app like this, but back it up with another; Autowipe. This lets you wipe the phone if the person changes the SIM or puts the incorrect password/pattern/pin in a number of times. Granted, it won't get your phone back, but it should protect your data.
If you're interested; its here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=717469
(I know it's in the Nexus One forum, but it works on an HTC Desire too).
I use prey ... it texts you the new sim card number to a nominated other number when the sim card is changed. I have not tried putting in a different sim but in theory it should lock the phone when a new sim is put in.
None of these programs work when you reflash the phone though.
indesisiv said:
I use prey ... it texts you the new sim card number to a nominated other number when the sim card is changed. I have not tried putting in a different sim but in theory it should lock the phone when a new sim is put in.
None of these programs work when you reflash the phone though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's interesting and an improvement on what I have seen before, but it still leaves your data at risk: after stealing your phone, I'll hold down the power button and put it into aircraft mode; now I can keep trying your swipe pattern until I get access.
Personally I want the data wiped off the phone immediately. I guess stuff like this should be built into Android so it can't be removed.
But thanks for the heads up re prey. I'll take a look at that.

[GUIDE] How to change APN for mobile data on Kyocera Brigadier

This guide it will show how to change APN on Kyocera Brigadier and get rid of Verizon Bloatware.
This is for those who use Brigadier in other network (country ) than Verizon USA.
This tutorial is for Windows only. (because drivers and Debloater software)
1. Go to Settings then scroll down to "About phone" and then down to "Build number". Click on the item 7 times in a row. This will say Now you are a Developer.
2 Open the "Developer Options" and mark "USB debugging".
3. First make sure you have installed correctly the drivers for Kyocera Brigadier and your computer sees properly the phone.
You can install drivers from here
4. Connect the phone and select Media Sync Mode. (now the computer must see your E6782). Cancel the installation of Verizon software.
5. Go here to download and install Debloater. (skip warnings of your windows or antivirus)
6. Open Debloater (your phone still connected to computer) (make sure the phone is connected before open Debloater)
7. In up left corner you have "Read Device Packages" - press it, (t will read the processes of your phone)
8. Check the apps (first column) or processes (second column) that you don´t want to use.
Search for qualcomm and check qcrilmsgtunnel.apk alias com.qualcomm.qcrilmsgtunnel (this is what block the editing of APN)
I checked all Amazon, Nhl, all Verizon except VZWService (it will mess the programmable button and every time you open the phone it will ask for program it)
9. When you finish to mark click Apply and wait for Debloater block all services.
10. Disconnect your phone and go to Settings > More > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names and you will see in right corner a plus. Click it and introduce your Network provider settings and save.
Usually on name put whatever you want, on APN put net and APN type put default but you can check on provider's website for manual settings.
11. Check on mobile data, close Wi-Fi and verify if you have mobile internet.
12. Restart the phone and then go back and verify if you can edit again APN. (if not, repeat steps 6-10)
GOOD LUCK!
How To Change APN For Mobile Data On Kyocera Brigadier
Nice job, thank you! So, who is going to be the first to try this on AT&T or T-Mobile in the United States?
PROBLEM!
Obsy said:
This guide it will show how to change APN on Kyocera Brigadier and get rid of Verizon Bloatware.
This is for those who use Brigadier in other network (country ) than Verizon USA.
This tutorial is for Windows only. (because drivers and Debloater software)
1. Go to Settings then scroll down to "About phone" and then down to "Build number". Click on the item 7 times in a row. This will say Now you are a Developer.
2 Open the "Developer Options" and mark "USB debugging".
3. First make sure you have installed correctly the drivers for Kyocera Brigadier and your computer sees properly the phone.
You can install drivers from here
4. Connect the phone and select Media Sync Mode. (now the computer must see your E6782). Cancel the installation of Verizon software.
5. Go here to download and install Debloater. (skip warnings of your windows or antivirus)
6. Open Debloater (your phone still connected to computer) (make sure the phone is connected before open Debloater)
7. In up left corner you have "Read Device Packages" - press it, (t will read the processes of your phone)
8. Check the apps (first column) or processes (second column) that you don´t want to use.
Search for qualcomm and check qcrilmsgtunnel.apk alias com.qualcomm.qcrilmsgtunnel (this is what block the editing of APN)
I checked all Amazon, Nhl, all Verizon except VZWService (it will mess the programmable button and every time you open the phone it will ask for program it)
9. When you finish to mark click Apply and wait for Debloater block all services.
10. Disconnect your phone and go to Settings > More > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names and you will see in right corner a plus. Click it and introduce your Network provider settings and save.
Usually on name put whatever you want, on APN put net and APN type put default but you can check on provider's website for manual settings.
11. Check on mobile data, close Wi-Fi and verify if you have mobile internet.
12. Restart the phone and then go back and verify if you can edit again APN. (if not, repeat steps 6-10)
GOOD LUCK!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!!
I've tried on my kyocera brigadier,installing usb driver for windows 7 64-bit,installed debloader (v3.15) and skipped the installation of Verizon software.
Usb debug mode and windows mediasync enabled.
I opened Debloader and the phone was correctly recognised by the program (2 green dot but not the one for the brigadier rooted naturally).
The problem is that when I click on the button that says "Read Device packages",it doesn't read anything! It is stuck on "processing 0 files..." and nothing else happens!!
Someone has had more luck than me?
thank you!!
P.S: mine is an Italian provider "Wind" and the proper apn is "internet.wind"
Sorry te hear this... Usually, all people who I spoke did it right and it always works. So I belive it's a problem with your software... Normally it should work. Try to uninstall and reinstall the software and the drivers... But if you say you see 2 greens circles idk what happens...
Sent from my E6782 using XDA Free mobile app
How to get Kyocera DuraScout in RO
Hi Obsy,
Can you please help me with some information on this phone, which version to get, from where and if it fully works in Romania. I am not really knowledgeable with phones...
1. Is the US Verizon version of e6782 (they call it Brigadier) capable of GSM connection?
2. There is a version for US small provider BlueGrass, do you know if this is the same as Verizon? of different is some way?
3. On Kyocera site there is also a version called DuraScout, is it the same as Brigadier? What I could understand is that Brigadier might be the CDMA version, and DuraScout the GSM version. Do you have an idea if this is so or not?
4. If we can change the APN in Romania to work on Orange, does it fully work? I mean LTE speed and HSDPA?
Do all other functions work?
5. Is The Verizon version locked in some other way than APN?
Thank you very much for your answer.
PS: I wrote in english because I see this is an english forum.
HI! Yes it's an international forum so usually English it's a must.
I will merge 1,2,3 questions and 4 with 5, so:
First, about Brigadier from Bluegrass idk to much things about frequency but I guess it's identically.
Between Brigadier and Durascout I always choose Brigadier because of Sapphire screen and dedicated camera button. What I don't like is the back of phone.
Second, the Brigadier works very well in Romania. (I'm on Orange too) It won't work LTE but HSPA+. I have a friend which said he could make 4G work (he did it on Hydro Life) but it must root.
Until we can make root there is some Verizon services who I can't stop but I don't bother anymore coz my interest was mobile data.
In the Bluegrass version I think exist much less bloatware but it's a little expensive...
Send me a message with your telephone number to discuss more.
Sent from my E6782 using XDA Free mobile app
Sorry, I made a mistake... A confusion between Durascout and Duraforce... So Durascout is identically with Brigadier the only difference is branding (Verizon vs Kyocera). Duraforce from AT&T is the one without Sapphire screen and camera button
Sent from my E6782 using XDA Free mobile app
How To Change APN For Mobile Data On Kyocera Brigadier
I got a Kyocera Brigadier today and made the change to allow APN changes. Then I tried a T-Mobile SIM card, but I get only data, no phone calls or texts. Does anybody know what I should try next?
Curious because normally we can do calls and sms but no data.... Only if u get a coded phone by Verizon and the things are a little complicated. From where you get the phone and how much?
Sent from my E6782 using XDA Free mobile app
How To Change APN For Mobile Data On Kyocera Brigadier
I downloaded Debloater last night and made the change to allow access to the APN Settings. At the risk of pointing out the obvious, not all cables are created equally. The first micro USB cable appeared to connect to the Brigadier, but I could connect with that software. I tried a different micro USB cable and suddenly Debloater was able to connect with the Brigadier and I made the update. So, just in case anybody here has similar problems communicating wiht the phone, give some thought to trying a different sync cable!
Are All T-Mobile Nano SIM Cards Created Equally?
As posted above, is there more than one type of T-Mobile nano SIM card? Here is why I ask. Recently I bought a Kyocera Brigadier.
-It phone works great with a Verizon nano SIM card.
-I unlocked it with Bebloater software to allow the APN settings to be changed.
-The phone works great with an AT&T SIM card.
-Today I stopped at a T-Mobile store, they removed a nano SIM card from an Apple iPhone 6 and the Kyocera Brigadier worked great.
-Later I stopped at a different T-Mobile store, activated a brand new nano SIM card and the Brigadier Kyocera turns off and on constantly with that SIM card.
So, I am just wondering why the Brigadier would work fine with SIM card that was already activated, but not with a new activation?
Obsy said:
Sorry te hear this... Usually, all people who I spoke did it right and it always works. So I belive it's a problem with your software... Normally it should work. Try to uninstall and reinstall the software and the drivers... But if you say you see 2 greens circles idk what happens...
Sent from my E6782 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it! Maybe some bugs in the installation. The "only" thing remaining is root it. Waiting as everyone...
Sent from my E6782 using XDA Free mobile app
Great! Thanks so much, now data is fine.
I an in NZ, with 2Degrees mobile.
Phone worked for voice, but no data. (phone is version 1.102)
2 minor problems:
1) kyocera drivers have extension .MAN , need to rename to .MSI
2)Initially the usb debugging permission prompt on the phone was hidden behind some other app or something, so the ADB wasn't connecting.
So I am left with 2 issues:
- powerup FUD message: "This Sim Card is from an Unknown Source"
The fix is supposed to be to freeze the setup wizard, but I have done that from debloater, and I still get the message.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...elp-please-t2815912/post56990094#post56990094
2) Can't do phone update. I suspect I need to get a verizon SIM card to do the update
Welcome!
I didn't managed to get rid of the annoying message...
For update the phone u must have an activated Verizon SIM card
Regards!
Sent from my E6782 using XDA Free mobile app
Do you think it will work OK from overseas with the verizon card?
Not sure what to get, looking on ebay, there are a confusing plethora of sim cards, many of which seem to be specific to iphone or cdma and so on.....
-------
On another note here is another Brigagdier peculiarity:
This page:
teckfront.com/enable-home-button-wake-android-kitkat-4-4-phone
shows KitKat having a setup menu item
Devices->Buttons->Home Button Wake
On the brigadier this seems to have been replaced with the "Programmable Key" item.
Any ideas to get the default Kit Kat "Buttons" option back again?
I find the power button wake pretty cack-handed and annoying, and the programmable key is not very responsive.
I have the original Verizon SIM card which the phone came with but unfortunately I cannot activate it from my country... No signal... So none of Verizon function work.
Verizon input a lot of annoying things (software) to Brigadier... I have set the red key to wake up the phone. (you must long press the button)
I think there is a lot of apps that can remap the buttons but I guess it must root...
Sent from my E6782 using XDA Free mobile app
If you like, you can post the SIM to my son in USA, and I will get him to take it to a Verizon store, and ask them to activate it.
Can't really guarantee success - anything to do with US cellphone companies seems to be problems! But anyway, probably worth the cost of an envelope....
Then he can post it back to me, and I will send it to you.
Thanks for your help but to activate the SIM it is necessary a plan to be paid so I cancelled this idea.
Regards!
Sent from my E6782 using XDA Free mobile app
They do seem to have paygo plans, and a $15 load looks like the min. $15 expires in a month, but most countries sims seem to live for 3-12 months without any load.
Todays problem is that there is no audio from my microphone to the person I am calling. My microphone is electrically and acoustically working as there is internal echo i.e. as I speak I can hear an echo coming out of the earpiece, and in speakerphone I can get feedback.
But when I call another phone, they hear nothing.
If I use sound recorder, nothing is recorded either.
Enabling everything I disabled makes no difference......
Do you know if I do a factory reset, will I need a Verizon SIM again to get the phone going?
Or can I get it working again with a local SIM?
You can do factory reset without any SIM, but I think it won't resolve anything... It might be an hardware issue. Better you can write to Kyocera about this problem. I have an annoying delay (the other person can't hear me for 1-2 seconds) after answering and another problem is a fizzle at every sounds played, even if the phone is on silent. These are software problems... So.. Good luck!
Sent from my E6782 using XDA Free mobile app

Unknown activity HTC ONE M9

I have unknown activity on my phone.
Along with numerous "unknown" outgoing calls with no number shown on my device (and 2 other M9 phones on the same plan) or any number registering on my carrier's system (when I called R, they said their system did show connected calls lasting various amounts of time, the could not determine what number the calls were going to), there's also a call in the log going to "(unknown)" "***,144***"
Anybody have any clue what's going on? R gave the bs answer that all 3 of us were calling our VM, even while we were sleeping. However, the times we did check our VM, the number did register on the phones and with the carrier's system.
Thanks!
Im adding a question. My M9 was unlocked without my knowledge. I'm guessing that ***,144*** might be the secret unlock code. IS there a way I can determine if it's been rooted as well?
--
squidstings said:
I have unknown activity on my phone.
Along with numerous "unknown" outgoing calls with no number shown on my device (and 2 other M9 phones on the same plan) or any number registering on my carrier's system (when I called R, they said their system did show connected calls lasting various amounts of time, the could not determine what number the calls were going to), there's also a call in the log going to "(unknown)" "***,144***"
Anybody have any clue what's going on? R gave the bs answer that all 3 of us were calling our VM, even while we were sleeping. However, the times we did check our VM, the number did register on the phones and with the carrier's system.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting issue. I am not sure about the rooting. You are probably going to need to ask experts around here. Hopefully, they can help you with that. As for security, you could try checking if you have any suspicious apps running in the background or installed (You might be using same GPS or another app for example). It could be that one of the malicious apps had access to your calls which lead to them outputting calls to somewhere. You could try disconnecting your internet for a day and see if the calls persist (That is probably not an option for you, but it is an idea). Additionally, you could try a factory reset on one of the phones and see if the problem is still there.
squidstings said:
Im adding a question. My M9 was unlocked without my knowledge. I'm guessing that ***,144*** might be the secret unlock code. IS there a way I can determine if it's been rooted as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just saw this,
https://www.xda-developers.com/htc-says-the-ads-in-its-keyboard-are-a-mistake-fix-icoming/
which reminded me of your issue, though I don't suppose it's linked, but it does make you wonder WTF HTC are up to!
Anyhow with your issue I wasn't going to answer as I don't know the answer but my thoughts may help in some small way. I don't thank the 144 is a phone developers code to "root" or turn of security in some way as that would not show on your provides call logs as they stay internal to the phone (mostly). Also I don't think it's adware callng a premium number as your phone company says it does not register properly, so nobody will be paid.
That only leaves a more malicious form of hacking, I would say. So maybe that code does enable your data to be sent but untrckable over a network. That suggests to me it's possibly your actual network (who are R? What country, is it?) or maybe even your government if you are an activist or something? Though more likely is a criminal or business competitor, assuming the other people affected are business colleagues. So could be your boss trying to snoop on you all, if not HTC or the Chinese Communist Party aparatus!
What to do? As Ross says disconnecting is probably not practicable. If you have malicious activity they probably are using data as well as calls. So I would install a firewall to block most apps and log attempted connections (normally have to pay for this) then check IP addresses tell see if they are legit. However this may not show anything as data may go via root. So setting up a proxy to route traffic to your PC and use a sniffing program to see traffic or at least I P addresses.
You can download root checking apps from play store. Also check your security settings any app with admin rights? Also use a good antivirus you might get lucky, but even if negative you may still be infected.
Only way to really clean your system is to reinstall your OS, though a factory reset will fix often. But first you need to know how you were all compromised and fix that else it will just return, I would think it's most likely your local work network, (but could be your provider R or even something else you connect to in sore way eg Bluetooth, or an app you all have (you can boot into safe mode to disable 3rd party apps, but with HTC system apps possibly containing apps that use the Baidu apk etc that still has a possible backdoor unpatched (as far as I know) safe mode will not help white those!)
You might have to look into freezing/uninstalling all HTC installed apps.
IronRoo said:
just saw this,
https://www.xda-developers.com/htc-says-the-ads-in-its-keyboard-are-a-mistake-fix-icoming/
which reminded me of your issue, though I don't suppose it's linked, but it does make you wonder WTF HTC are up to!
Anyhow with your issue I wasn't going to answer as I don't know the answer but my thoughts may help in some small way. I don't thank the 144 is a phone developers code to "root" or turn of security in some way as that would not show on your provides call logs as they stay internal to the phone (mostly). Also I don't think it's adware callng a premium number as your phone company says it does not register properly, so nobody will be paid.
That only leaves a more malicious form of hacking, I would say. So maybe that code does enable your data to be sent but untrckable over a network. That suggests to me it's possibly your actual network (who are R? What country, is it?) or maybe even your government if you are an activist or something? Though more likely is a criminal or business competitor, assuming the other people affected are business colleagues. So could be your boss trying to snoop on you all, if not HTC or the Chinese Communist Party aparatus!
You might have to look into freezing/uninstalling all HTC installed apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
Rogers, Canada. But I've switched carriers within the last few days.
I've actually done the FR 5 times now. Disabeling the pre-installed "Gmail" (I think it's more Google thn HTC related seems to have stopped the calls. I've disabled as much as I could.
so here's the kicker. I'm literally nobody! On disability, no exciting employment history and those In my family who have, aren't in contact, nor do I have contact info. And it was my wife and daughter who had the other phones, but mine was central i think. daughters phone was locked. So nothing so exciting. Which is why I even bothered asking lol
squidstings said:
Thank you!
Rogers, Canada. But I've switched carriers within the last few days.
I've actually done the FR 5 times now. Disabeling the pre-installed "Gmail" (I think it's more Google thn HTC related seems to have stopped the calls. I've disabled as much as I could.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah! Rogers Canada should be a well controlled and trustworthy provider, so probably not them, though a rogue employee or having their network compromised can't be ruled out.
Also if official Gmail app it should be safe though it does have some quite intrusive permissions like full network access, view confidential info etc, but all are legit if you want the full functionality of Gmail. But it shouldn't have access to place phone calls, so should not be able to create the behaviour you describe.
That leaves a rouge app, but you would all need to have it I suppose, HTC app (or system behavior) or local hack ie via your router or via your PC. A good anti virus should find rogue app on phone and similarly on PC. HTC system apps hard to spot without doing the firewall etc etc. So I would also be double checking your local router for firmware update and resetting it with a new strong password, to prevent possible return, so to any Bluetooth devices.
Hope it doesn't return! All the best
been a while but, just how does one get a "," in the phone keyboard? long press * for P, but no ",".
Now that time has passed and more people might be awake and less likely to make excuses, I'm wondering if this issue can be solved, or at lest thought about intelligently. Maybe someone who knows how it CAN happen, instead of trying to find ways I'm mistaken. this was on THREE SEPARATE PHONES in 2 separate cities.
squidstings said:
been a while but, just how does one get a "," in the phone keyboard? long press * for P, but no ",".
Now that time has passed and more people might be awake and less likely to make excuses, I'm wondering if this issue can be solved, or at lest thought about intelligently. Maybe someone who knows how it CAN happen, instead of trying to find ways I'm mistaken. this was on THREE SEPARATE PHONES in 2 separate cities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check with a root app to see if your device is rooted
check permissions also you can take back permissions with a app on fdroid
unknown app check with virus total or
IF someone has root on your phone they can do what they want and when they want
a app that has call access they can transfer information over a phone connection which can be anything
The troubling thing here is that your phone was unlocked w/o you which implies root access
IF you bought your phone new you might not be anybody but to be put in perspective amazon lets you steal $500 if you use another id and they say it is not you so you do not lose out
but if it is used this can be from the previous user.
The best thing to do if it does not stop is to upgrade the software on the phone if you have already done that then use a Root firewall or change to a rom here on xda (you can all change making the transition easier).
Applied Protocol said:
Check with a root app to see if your device is rooted
check permissions also you can take back permissions with a app on fdroid
unknown app check with virus total or
IF someone has root on your phone they can do what they want and when they want
a app that has call access they can transfer information over a phone connection which can be anything
The troubling thing here is that your phone was unlocked w/o you which implies root access
IF you bought your phone new you might not be anybody but to be put in perspective amazon lets you steal $500 if you use another id and they say it is not you so you do not lose out
but if it is used this can be from the previous user.
The best thing to do if it does not stop is to upgrade the software on the phone if you have already done that then use a Root firewall or change to a rom here on xda (you can all change making the transition easier).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for taking the issue seriously and not trying to force kool aid down my throat (if carrier was "trust"worthy, THEY would have solved it).
It didn't show root. 2 of 3 m9s were mysteriously unlocked. the 3rd did prompt for a code, but did also show those "unknown #" calls. However, I'm still stuck on the code. I can't even enter a ",". Didn't check the other units for it, but it's still the only unanswered issue that could explain the unlock (aside from your suggestion). No one's even heard of it, but programmers are known for adding backdoors. If anyone's got a new, s-on unit and feels like trying it, that's about the only way to get an answer.
It's dead now anyways. Battery won't charge unless powered off and went from 24+hours regular standby to about 3 hours with extreme powersave on, overnight and doesn't extend with usb power. usb data comm isn't even recognized. All 3 have failed actually (different ways) so I'm going back to my m7 which still works great. Except, it says s-on but works with different carriers and I can't even enter the code I paid for (no prompt. is there another way?)
So, here's the tinfoil hat part. Although I'm nobody, This all started around the time of the '16 election. when I was arguing with a youtube account named (not looking to attract attention so no name, but you know it) for the person who came 2nd.
Thank you for your help. It's a shame it's pooched before solving the issue. But hopefully, the code will be solved.
But any help entering my sim unlock code a different way would be appreciated. But if other carrier sims work, should root be doable while showing s-on?
Thanks a TON!!
squidstings said:
Thank you for taking the issue seriously and not trying to force kool aid down my throat (if carrier was "trust"worthy, THEY would have solved it).
No one's even heard of it, but programmers are known for adding backdoors. If anyone's got a new, s-on unit and feels like trying it, that's about the only way to get an answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would seem in your case that it is a setting change that was made and not comparable to other phones. Probably what we are talking about is a connection to a command server. S-on is a protection so that one cannot change the state of certain partitions namely the recovery boot and system however their are ways to get around this. You would need to get a root app to do that.
As a general rule you need to prove something is going on and funny numbers are a indication but nobody in the security community would touch it because it is very open. What you need to do however is
Get a copy of the calls use pcap and
check your firmware with the standard HTC firmware
this will show you what the phone call is doing and will help the android community overall (improved security)
Also programmers do not try to add backdoors they try to have a good product it is the hacking/security teams of _________ that do that. This being a programmer myself.

More secure to change sim card after number change?

or is it equally secure to use the same sim card but a new different number.
On the same carrier
kjarak said:
or is it equally secure to use the same sim card but a new different number. On the same carrier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In general...
Carriers tie the Phone Number with the SIM card Number and the SIM Card Number is tied to a devices IMEI (aka Serial Number).
So if you have a phone number for a device, and then change the SIM Card, the device will not be able to use that phone number on a different SIM.
The only way to tie the phone number to a different SIM is for the carrier to port the phone number over to the new SIM.
This cannot be modified or bypassed on the device because their all tied in to the carriers system for the towers.
I hope that I had explained this okay via text...
Good Luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Thank you. I was trying to figure out the following scenario.
Let's say I suspect some kind of remote tampering or location tracking without physical access to my phone.
Which one is more secure:
1. Change the phone number with the same carrier
2. Change the phone number and ask for a new sim card on the same carrier.
This is a European carrier.
kjarak said:
Thank you. I was trying to figure out the following scenario.
Let's say I suspect some kind of remote tampering or location tracking without physical access to my phone.
Which one is more secure:
1. Change the phone number with the same carrier
2. Change the phone number and ask for a new sim card on the same carrier.
This is a European carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's one thing that you need to know: tracking your device is also possible when the IMEI number is known(and the IMEI can be changed also) so even when you switch the sim card and the device has location services or internet access it's quite easy to locate your device once it's been setup.
Actually one of these people has all the info from the phone box (IMEI, etc)
Are there other ways to track. Is it easy for anyone to track me with an app, etc. Is it equally easy to track an older non-smart phone.
I saw several time, errors with I think triangle with exclamation mark (I can't remember the exact words) that I have no access to network. This would stay briefly and then be removed. What are the implications of this.
If someone has my number, is it fairly easy for them to get the IMEI.
If they have the IMEI, does this allow them to track location or also get access to my data.
How can I protect myself.
strongst said:
There's one thing that you need to know: tracking your device is also possible when the IMEI number is known(and the IMEI can be changed also) so even when you switch the sim card and the device has location services or internet access it's quite easy to locate your device once it's been setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How would these 2 situations be explained.
I am putting the regular (not smart) phone in the pocket. It turns on. It appears I called my own number. It's possible that I pressed dial but I felt I wasn't pressing any keys. It's an old phone with a square large button below the screen. The call log on the phone does show that a call was made to the same phone (calling my own number). would this be visible on the phone if it was done remotely (or would that even be possible: remotely causing a phone to call itself)
I am told by an older guy that someone called from my number and gave a different name than mine (I am asked if I use a different name). The phone was in my possession at all times and it's a smart phone.
I was testing google find my device. I am getting "can't reach device" with location ON on phone. Why would this happen?
On the other hand, I can "play a sound"
kjarak said:
I was testing google find my device. I am getting "can't reach device" with location ON on phone. Why would this happen?
On the other hand, I can "play a sound"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, yeah seems like your device is high jacked by someone. There was a case like yours some month ago here on xda(don't remember the thread right now). You should wipe your device completely(within twrp format every partition.
Then install a aosp based rom.
Maybe this wipes the remote access too, but sadly I'm not sure cause the other guy did it he same but after this it was like before.
Which part makes you think it's hijacked?
not being able to find the device.? or something else (someone calling with the same number in the above post)
It did find the device after I moved it a little bit. It wasn't finding it when it was still.
Then it was not finding the device after I turned off location.
Is that how it works if someone is searching by using IMEI with an app. ie. if I turn off location then device cannot be located.
Which AOSP ROM?
In that case, if remote access wasn't wiped, what was the reason?
If someone has the IMEI, can they hijack repeatedly?
strongst said:
Hi, yeah seems like your device is high jacked by someone. There was a case like yours some month ago here on xda(don't remember the thread right now). You should wipe your device completely(within twrp format every partition.
Then install a aosp based rom.
Maybe this wipes the remote access too, but sadly I'm not sure cause the other guy did it he same but after this it was like before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kjarak said:
Which part makes you think it's hijacked?
not being able to find the device.? or something else (someone calling with the same number in the above post)
It did find the device after I moved it a little bit. It wasn't finding it when it was still.
Then it was not finding the device after I turned off location.
Is that how it works if someone is searching by using IMEI with an app. ie. if I turn off location then device cannot be located.
Which AOSP ROM?
In that case, if remote access wasn't wiped, what was the reason?
If someone has the IMEI, can they hijack repeatedly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This makes me think someone hijacked your phone https://forum.xda-developers.com/ge...-change-sim-card-change-t3746592/post75146000
I don't know what device you have(you didn't wrote it) but try any non stock rom hence aosp based like LineageOS or ressurection remix for example and wipe your device before completely.
I don't know the root cause of this problem, I just remember me what was happening on the other member last year and maybe you are in the same situation.
If not, maybe there's help for you
It's an LG G3.
The link you posted leads to a ROM. Is it the correct link?
strongst said:
This makes me think someone hijacked your phone https://forum.xda-developers.com/ge...-change-sim-card-change-t3746592/post75146000
I don't know what device you have(you didn't wrote it) but try any non stock rom hence aosp based like LineageOS or ressurection remix for example and wipe your device before completely.
I don't know the root cause of this problem, I just remember me what was happening on the other member last year and maybe you are in the same situation.
If not, maybe there's help for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I put the SIM card which was briefly in the phone into a new phone, would that allow someone to continue to track me or should I get a new number and sim
kjarak said:
It's an LG G3.
The link you posted leads to a ROM. Is it the correct link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, wrong link
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ge...-change-sim-card-change-t3746592/post75546070
kjarak said:
If I put the SIM card which was briefly in the phone into a new phone, would that allow someone to continue to track me or should I get a new number and sim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should try. It's also possible to track you again if he has a duplicate sim(yeah, that's possible). But I don't think so.
That's a link to this thread in which we are posting.
strongst said:
Sorry, wrong link
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ge...-change-sim-card-change-t3746592/post75546070
You should try. It's also possible to track you again if he has a duplicate sim(yeah, that's possible). But I don't think so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kjarak said:
That's a link to this thread in which we are posting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly: your story let me think your phone/sim is hijacked.
I thought you found the thread you were talking about here of someone from a few months ago.
strongst said:
Hi, yeah seems like your device is high jacked by someone. There was a case like yours some month ago here on xda(don't remember the thread right now). You should wipe your device completely(within twrp format every partition.
Then install a aosp based rom.
Maybe this wipes the remote access too, but sadly I'm not sure cause the other guy did it he same but after this it was like before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kjarak said:
I thought you found the thread you were talking about here of someone from a few months ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was no solution sadly :crying:
If a phone is hijacked, does that mean the attacker has access to all data, camera, mic, calls, etc. Can make calls from the number, etc. or just track location.
Would this be visible to the phone company?
Is there a solution.
kjarak said:
If a phone is hijacked, does that mean the attacker has access to all data, camera, mic, calls, etc. Can make calls from the number, etc. or just track location.
Would this be visible to the phone company?
Is there a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With Trojans its all possible.
Did you already do what I wrote? Format the phone completely and install a aosp based rom? You didn't wrote what rom you're running and which apps... Maybe you have a app that's faulty
kjarak said:
If a phone is hijacked, does that mean the attacker has access to all data, camera, mic, calls, etc. Can make calls from the number, etc. or just track location.
Would this be visible to the phone company?
Is there a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Further to previous comments By strongest
Yes, if hijacked (trojan installed ) then it's likely they can access anything they want, though it depends on Trojan installed.
As you got a phone call from someone who gave a different name your phone may have been cloned (possibly after malware infection or if someone has hadphysical access to it & copied imie etc). This is good in that your phone bill will show activity of the other phone & you can get help from your phone company. Your Google acc may show something too....
have you done the basics? Installed good anti virus, checked if rooted, checked if app showing in device administrators etc. Even if it comes back negative a port may have been opened & Trojan self deleted. Then you need to either try a firewall or check network traffic to identify unknown connections so probably easiest to just reflash full stock ROM or custom ( best as LineageOS will give you security updates every month ) ( make sure you backup your pic, files, contacts etc first )
They can only track your imei if they have access to the network infrastructure (as far as I know) assuming you have removed any Trojans, tracker, spy app etc and have clean install a ROM,
If you had a Trojan you should assume they have ALL your passwords, including your WiFi (maybe router admin too!) Change them all (use a password manager)

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