I am in Jamaica for the foreseeable future. My friend shipped me my phone without activating it first.
Can my Verizon Galaxy S 3 SCH-i535 be rooted/unlocked before being activated from Verizon.
I can not activate it once I am outside the USA.
Thanks in advance!
I read a post that said you could bypass the activation screen by tapping the corners of the screen. Can't recall if it was all at the same time, or in a specific order, but if you search around you will find the post.
After you bypass that, you could get the files you need over and get cwm installed.
I rooted with root-66. I don't think you actually need to do anything other than boot into odin mode and flash in order to root. I haven't tried to root a phone that wasn't activated, but i feel confident you will be successful.
Keep us posted.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2
Related
Background Information:
I need to return my Verizon SGS3 for an exchange (within the first 14 days) because of a battery problem. My battery is draining WAY too fast and getting too hot. To the point where the battery cover is melting.
- I have flashed root66 to my device using Odin and installed the CWM via the CWM App.
- I have already went to the Samsung Site to obtain the Stock VZW software and flashed it back to my phone via Odin.
- The CWM is gone and the there is no trace of SuperUser that I can see (meaning the app is not installed).
- When I boot the device, the "Unlock" symbol is no longer their, and only the Samsung logo is visable (like it was when it was stock).
So I called Verizon to setup an exchange and the lady asked me if I had altered the phone in anyway. I told her no, but then realized I needed to find out more so I told her I had another call and would call back later. She said that the Warehouse would be checking the phone upon arrival to check and see if the phone's software has bee altered in any way.
Question(s)/Issue(s):
I wanted to make sure that what I did (in regards to returning the phone to it's factory state [to my knowledge]) was sufficient enough. Because I don't want to get charged $299 for returning an "altered" phone to them.
Has anyone successfully returned a Verizon SGS3 that was rooted and then flashed back to the software from the Samsung Support site and returned/exchanged the phone without a problem?[/B]
-h3llsdr0id
Sorry not answering your question, but do you have to send the phone? Can't you just go to Verizon store and exchange it?
[email protected] said:
Sorry not answering your question, but do you have to send the phone? Can't you just go to Verizon store and exchange it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just that I live 4 hours away from the closest Verizon Store...
So I kind of have to send it. Am I cool sending it back the way I did everything?
I mean is Verizon gonna know it was rooted?
-h3llsdr0id
If you can use triangle away and non root stock software they should not be able to tell. Not sure about triangle away for Verizon, but for tmo it works.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
jjlean said:
If you can use triangle away and non root stock software they should not be able to tell. Not sure about triangle away for Verizon, but for tmo it works.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app[/QUOTE
It works on all the US variants now
So flash stock in Odin and make sure reset flash counter if it's above 0(depending on how you rooted) and ur golden
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was wondering if the stock Verizon ROM from the "samsung-updates" site quill bw efficient enough. It's not an officially recognized site that is connected to Verizon or Samsung, but it is all I can find. And the Triangle problems do not apply to the root66 roms as far as I can see. I am a perfectionist and have flashed these more times than needed and have never had a triangle problem...
-h3llsdr0id
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
I was in the same situation two days ago. On Route66 with custom recovery. All I did was install the latest stock rom via odin. I got the stock rom from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1755386
After I ran it, my phone still showed as custom and modified. I had to do a factory data reset under settings. Once I did that, the phone was completely stock with a "normal" status just like the day I got it. That's how I took it to verizon and had no problems exchanging it.
Thank you. That's all I needed
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
I'm going to be calling Verizon and getting a replacement s3..I've been so busy with trying out ROMs and kernels I havent really paid attention to info about the latest update (g7) I think..and also I know there is a leaked (HD) firmware..assuming my phone could come with either of these..are they both able to be rooted and can an unsecured boot loader still be flashed? Thanks
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
I dunno the answer to your question, but even if it is "no" you can still flash whatever you want via Odin. Meaning you can flash the older rooted stock and go from there.
I dont think the s3 comes with the update out of the box. Im guessing you would need to update it yourself. When i got my replacement verizon was forcing the update when setting my phone up but i got out of there and cancelled the update. lol
I know it can go either way..with any phone I've had I've always heard of people getting replacement s..some with older software and in some cases some with newer unreleased versions as well.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Just to be clear this may not be a permanent unlocking as I can't verify the results. (although I've had numerous times of restarting the phone and still good, but I am just repeating the developers words.)
All I know is that I have an i337 with the newly updated MF3 baseband, I tried everything and anything to get this guy unlocked since I am visiting overseas at the moment. I tried the 27663368378, the 0011, 9090 tricks and anything else you can think of, I even took it to one of the mobile service places and they were unable to even get an ack from the phone with it's new baseband. I tried downloading the "servicemode shortcut" from the play store and the only thing that app was able to tell me was that it only works with galaxy family (just as a reminder I have a galaxy s4!) I think whatever they had done, was even confusing the app, so it couldn't know its on a galaxy! anyways, after searching and searching I came across a link and conclusively an app called "RegionLock Away" by the chainfire group from the moment the app was installed it took 45 seconds for my phone to be unlocked up and registering to the network I am in right now.
As it's always been said, I don't take any responsibilities for anything that happens to your phone, as I believe they don't either, the only purpose for this thread was to inform some of the people like me that are willing to take the risk and enjoy the rewards or bear the pain if it succeeds or fails.
honestly, as I will myself when I get back in the states, consider donating to them or purchasing the app, since we need guys like these to save us in moments like these.
These are the links to the original postsI know, that one is for note 3, but worked on my i337 MF3)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471742
and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2470551
they are different follow them both and read them both.
I hope this helps somebody!
has anyone tried this yet to see if it worked?
This isn't a SIM unlock. Just a region unlock. Research the difference
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Ends said:
This isn't a SIM unlock. Just a region unlock. Research the difference
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This may be true, but there have been reports of this app sim unlocking the S4
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-1337 using Tapatalk
It works!!
Thank you!
---------- Post added at 02:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:27 AM ----------
It works!!
Thank you!
I confirm.
I used the app before on my AT&T S4 and it sure unlocked the sim
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Ends said:
This isn't a SIM unlock. Just a region unlock. Research the difference
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give it a try b4 u make a statement. I tried it b4 and it worked.
I'm living in Romania, I bought an ATT S4 from USA and it was locked. I unlocked only the region with Region Lock Away and everything works. Maybe it helps someone.
Can confirm it works as well. It also seems to permanent. I've reflashed back to stock using ODIN and used Safestrap as well for GPE ROM and it stays "unlocked."
havent tried it yet, but thanks bro, you saved me 40-30 dollars!!
EDIT; just tried it. works perfectly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I figured out a trick this worked on both of my galaxy s4's they are the I337M Canadian model.
DISCLAIMER I am not responsable for your phone if you can't follow basic instructions do not attempt.
First put your phone back to the proper Firmware where you can access service mode. Once that's done download QPST make sure the phone is on RNDIS+DM+MODEM download the phoneutil.apk put it on your phone and install.
Once that is done make a backup of your NV MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS IT SAVES YOUR IMEI NUMBER.
After the phone is rebooted go in to service mode and clear your EFS once the EFS is clear get to SHA256 on turn it on once on go back and then turn it off you should get 116630
Go back to COMMON and MAKE a backup
After the phone reboots open QPST and RESTORE the NV you had just backed up.
Your phone is now unlocked I CAN CONFIRM THIS WORKS.
Sorry the instructions aren't very precise but like I said IF YOU HAVE NO CLUE WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT DO NOT ATTEMPT.
All files to download are here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2324667
egolabbakhsh said:
Just to be clear this may not be a permanent unlocking as I can't verify the results. (although I've had numerous times of restarting the phone and still good, but I am just repeating the developers words.)
All I know is that I have an i337 with the newly updated MF3 baseband, I tried everything and anything to get this guy unlocked since I am visiting overseas at the moment. I tried the 27663368378, the 0011, 9090 tricks and anything else you can think of, I even took it to one of the mobile service places and they were unable to even get an ack from the phone with it's new baseband. I tried downloading the "servicemode shortcut" from the play store and the only thing that app was able to tell me was that it only works with galaxy family (just as a reminder I have a galaxy s4!) I think whatever they had done, was even confusing the app, so it couldn't know its on a galaxy! anyways, after searching and searching I came across a link and conclusively an app called "RegionLock Away" by the chainfire group from the moment the app was installed it took 45 seconds for my phone to be unlocked up and registering to the network I am in right now.
As it's always been said, I don't take any responsibilities for anything that happens to your phone, as I believe they don't either, the only purpose for this thread was to inform some of the people like me that are willing to take the risk and enjoy the rewards or bear the pain if it succeeds or fails.
honestly, as I will myself when I get back in the states, consider donating to them or purchasing the app, since we need guys like these to save us in moments like these.
These are the links to the original postsI know, that one is for note 3, but worked on my i337 MF3)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471742
and
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2470551
they are different follow them both and read them both.
I hope this helps somebody!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This works with AT&T MF3 stock rooted. Thanks a lot!!!!!
doubt
i can confirm this works, but now i have a custom boot, can i flash back to stock with tar files of mf3 and it ill remain unlocked? thx
Yeah it wouldn't work on Beanstalk 4.3.1 but I booted over to my touchwiz rom and it worked flawlessly. Put in my T-Mobile sim in and it.didn't ask me for an unlock code ;3 thank-you
Also I'm on mdl
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
It worked on my MF3! I was confused with all the different posts, so this is what I did:
1. Rooted device (I had already rooted to delete AT&T bloat)
2. Downloaded RegionLockAway-v1.3.apk
3. Installed App
4. Ran the app and said Reboot Later
5. Powered off phone
6. Took out my AT&T SIM and replaced it with a T-Mobile SIM
7. Turned on the device with no message about SIM unlock code!
ydenyse said:
It worked on my MF3! I was confused with all the different posts, so this is what I did:
1. Rooted device (I had already rooted to delete AT&T bloat)
2. Downloaded RegionLockAway-v1.3.apk
3. Installed App
4. Ran the app and said Reboot Later
5. Powered off phone
6. Took out my AT&T SIM and replaced it with a T-Mobile SIM
7. Turned on the device with no message about SIM unlock code!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same for me, except I didn't even have may ATT Sim in. Followed the steps, put the tmobile Sim in and viola!
I did this to my MF3 device, had a successful unlock, I OTA'd to 4.3 and i'm still SIM unlocked, thanks!
Been unlocking phones with this app daily for like 2 months now. Can't go wrong with it. The MF3 root is ridiculously easy aswell
Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk
Just to clarify, if you change modems, you will HAVE TO re-run the app, as it patches the modem, it is NOT a true unlock....so in theory Ends is right....still not bad, and it works, but changing modems will disable it....
---------- Post added at 08:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:35 AM ----------
ydenyse said:
It worked on my MF3! I was confused with all the different posts, so this is what I did:
1. Rooted device (I had already rooted to delete AT&T bloat)
2. Downloaded RegionLockAway-v1.3.apk
3. Installed App
4. Ran the app and said Reboot Later
5. Powered off phone
6. Took out my AT&T SIM and replaced it with a T-Mobile SIM
7. Turned on the device with no message about SIM unlock code!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Change your modem and see what happens.
It will then ask again for a sim unlock....
Did anyone try this on other devices than Samsung?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
I rooted my Verizon gs3 using Saferoot (I think). I dropped the phone and cracked the screen and digitizer (phone will power on but can't see anything on the screen). I've received my insurance replacement phone and have to send the cracked one back. Is there any way to unroot the phone before I return it? I did trade for the phone used so I could plead ignorance and say that the previous owner must have done it if Verizon catches it. TIA
cdput said:
I rooted my Verizon gs3 using Saferoot (I think). I dropped the phone and cracked the screen and digitizer (phone will power on but can't see anything on the screen). I've received my insurance replacement phone and have to send the cracked one back. Is there any way to unroot the phone before I return it? I did trade for the phone used so I could plead ignorance and say that the previous owner must have done it if Verizon catches it. TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look for a program that will display your screen through the computer.
Or you could simply flash a stock 4.4.2 rom through download mode, then everything looks like it hasn't been touched. Download mode is easy to get into and you don't need a working screen.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Thanks! I'll have to do some research on getting into download mode or if you can please point me to a guide. I've never flashed a rom to my phone (although I have thought about it). The main thing that I've ever needed has been root to be able to use the wifi tethering.
cdput said:
Thanks! I'll have to do some research on getting into download mode or if you happen to be able to point me to a guide. I've never flashed a rom to my phone (although I have thought about it). The main thing that I've ever needed has been root to be able to use the wifi tethering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Power off phone, then it's power +volume down +home. Once it boots, give it a minute then hit volume up. You can verify you're in download mode if Odin recognizes your phone.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
BadUsername said:
Power off phone, then it's power +volume down +home. Once it boots, give it a minute then hit volume up. You can verify you're in download mode if Odin recognizes your phone.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again! I am a complete noob when it comes to Odin so I'll research. I mess with this type stuff strictly for myself and just to see if I can. So I don't do it often. I normally don't ask questions unless I just can't seem to find the answers on my own.
cdput said:
Thanks again! I am a complete noob when it comes to Odin so I'll research. I mess with this type stuff strictly for myself and just to see if I can. So I don't do it often. I normally don't ask questions unless I just can't seem to find the answers on my own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the softbrick repair guide, instructions are completely laid out for you, just make sure you use a 4.4 rom not the included 4.3 rom.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
BadUsername said:
Check the softbrick repair guide, instructions are completely laid out for you, just make sure you use a 4.4 rom not the included 4.3 rom.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much!
I have an sch-i535 Galaxy S3 Verizon phone. I'm not using it on a network anymore and just want to use a custom rom. Is there ANY way to wipe, replace, do something with the locked bootloader since I'm not using the phone as a phone?
oneway2k said:
I have an sch-i535 Galaxy S3 Verizon phone. I'm not using it on a network anymore and just want to use a custom rom. Is there ANY way to wipe, replace, do something with the locked bootloader since I'm not using the phone as a phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your out of luck. Locked bootloader means no way to return to a previous version on Android. Even if its not being used as a phone it's basically stuck there. There are jtag services out there to revert back to 4.1.2 but I've heard a lot of mixed thoughts on those
Sent from my N5
ShapesBlue said:
Your out of luck. Locked bootloader means no way to return to a previous version on Android. Even if its not being used as a phone it's basically stuck there. There are jtag services out there to revert back to 4.1.2 but I've heard a lot of mixed thoughts on those
Sent from my N5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since I'm not too concerned about breaking this phone, can someone point me to info on the procedure for using JTAG to go back to 4.1.2? I have found some advertisements but no how-to.
oneway2k said:
Since I'm not too concerned about breaking this phone, can someone point me to info on the procedure for using JTAG to go back to 4.1.2? I have found some advertisements but no how-to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd suggest mobile tech videos. There is a thread on xda about them but there are mixed reviews
Sent from my N5
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1734949
Moved to Q&A.
If you decide not to go the jtag route you could:
1) install SafeStrap
2) flash SuperliteROM into stock slot
3) flash XPosed and the modules that would make SLR look and act as you like.
This is what I have done with the i535 I picked up that was on NE1.