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Best way to sell my cappy?

I recently bought a galaxy s2, so I'm going to be selling my captivate soon. I plan on selling it on ebay and was wondering the best way to get get the most value out of it. Should I flash back to stock or put an good rom on it? should I have it rooted? I know there a way better roms than stock but I wonder if some people will prefer a stock phone rather than one that has been modified. Any suggestions?

brentett said:
I recently bought a galaxy s2, so I'm going to be selling my captivate soon. I plan on selling it on ebay and was wondering the best way to get get the most value out of it. Should I flash back to stock or put an good rom on it? should I have it rooted? I know there a way better roms than stock but I wonder if some people will prefer a stock phone rather than one that has been modified. Any suggestions?
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I know it's not the same situation, but I recently sold a nook color rooted with CM7 (on Craigslist). I got multiple responds within an hour of posting. Everyone who contacted me was looking specifically for rooted and the ability to do custom ROMs. I would imagine there are plenty of people who are looking for rooted and custom rom phones.
However, be careful on how you word your item. I know both eBay and Craigslist will remove your posting if they can detect that you're selling a device with custom ROMs on it. My first posting on Craigslist was removed and I had to reword it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

Broaden your customer base by Sim Unlocking it. That way not just AT&T users can buy it.

Hey, brentett, please update the thread once you've sold with how it went I've also got an GS2 i777 on its way and am thinking about selling my cappy

MaxRabbit said:
Hey, brentett, please update the thread once you've sold with how it went I've also got an GS2 i777 on its way and am thinking about selling my cappy
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Same here.. I had posted my cappy on craigslist the day i got my gs2, noted that it had 4.0.3 on it... no replies in a week. so i removed the listing, and flashed it back to stock and stuck it in the gs2 box (got it out to flash official gingerbread, then put it back in box)

nbell13 said:
Same here.. I had posted my cappy on craigslist the day i got my gs2, noted that it had 4.0.3 on it... no replies in a week. so i removed the listing, and flashed it back to stock and stuck it in the gs2 box (got it out to flash official gingerbread, then put it back in box)
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I'm not really following what exactly you did?

Go back to stock....and as stated, sim unlock it. That gives you the widest audience.

I posted mine on CL and offered to return to stock or flash any ROM.
Sold it a few months ago for around $160.

I listed mine on CL with ics and had a buyer with in a day at $150.

Help with Rooting 4.4.2

So I had 4.1.2 on my phone and rooted with no problems, but now that I updated to 4.4.2 and lost my root... I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get root back again. Anyone help me please?

Well I got impatient and found something called towelroot and root checker now says I am rooted, but I cannot get CWM installed. Using both Odin 307 and 309 I boot into downloading mode and odin fails and I see red error saying "secure check fail: recovery"
Any help?

MortTheBeast said:
Well I got impatient and found something called towelroot and root checker now says I am rooted, but I cannot get CWM installed. Using both Odin 307 and 309 I boot into downloading mode and odin fails and I see red error saying "secure check fail: recovery"
Any help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go to settings > about phone build and based band ending in ML1 NC1 NE1 have looked bootloader a meaning you can't install custom rims .. You will have to root / install safestrap and boot custom tw Roms since you are on 4.4.2 you have to wait for a 4.4.2 tw rom I don't think any are out yet
Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

MortTheBeast said:
Well I got impatient and found something called towelroot and root checker now says I am rooted, but I cannot get CWM installed. Using both Odin 307 and 309 I boot into downloading mode and odin fails and I see red error saying "secure check fail: recovery"
Any help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since we can't install custom roms, I found this xposed module called Wanam Xposed. I'm not even rooted yet but I was going to with towelroot. Anyway, it lets you customize certain looks of the stock rom without modifying anything. You need the Xposed Framework first and then you can get Wanam Xposed.

Mon431 said:
Since we can't install custom roms, I found this xposed module called Wanam Xposed. I'm not even rooted yet but I was going to with towelroot. Anyway, it lets you customize certain looks of the stock rom without modifying anything. You need the Xposed Framework first and then you can get Wanam Xposed.
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Yea I am just going to be as patient as possible till I can unlock the bootloader. How long does it usually take for the tech geniuses to figure this kind of stuff out? I'm wishing I hadn't updated 4.4.2 now... (slaps forehead)

MortTheBeast said:
Yea I am just going to be as patient as possible till I can unlock the bootloader. How long does it usually take for the tech geniuses to figure this kind of stuff out? I'm wishing I hadn't updated 4.4.2 now... (slaps forehead)
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Unless if the file leaks from Samsung like it did on 4.1.2, it won't ever get unlocked

Mon431 said:
Unless if the file leaks from Samsung like it did on 4.1.2, it won't ever get unlocked
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EEEEeeeeek! Don't say things like that! LOL
Anyway... I guess if worse comes to worse, shouldn't a Factory Reset take me back to 4.1.2? And then I would be able to try out one of the 4.4.3 CM Nightly builds

MortTheBeast said:
EEEEeeeeek! Don't say things like that! LOL
Anyway... I guess if worse comes to worse, shouldn't a Factory Reset take me back to 4.1.2? And then I would be able to try out one of the 4.4.3 CM Nightly builds
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A factory reset will reset your phone like it's new but it'll stay on the same version. For example, if you updated to 4.3 and then did a factory reset, you be on 4.3 but your phone would be reset.

Son of a biscuit lol.... maybe if I dunk in the toilet it will revert back to 4.1.2? LMAO! Man... being impatient really put the screws to myself.

MortTheBeast said:
Son of a biscuit lol.... maybe if I dunk in the toilet it will revert back to 4.1.2? LMAO! Man... being impatient really put the screws to myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1st rule of rooting...NEVER OTA! Bricks, locked bootloaders, and facepalms will be imminent.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

MortTheBeast said:
Son of a biscuit lol.... maybe if I dunk in the toilet it will revert back to 4.1.2? LMAO! Man... being impatient really put the screws to myself.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, once you update to 4.4.2 you're stuck. You will NEVER be able to go back and you'll never be able to flash a custom recovery. It's Touchwiz from here on out for you.
I feel for you, but it's pretty universally known that you don't take OTA's from Verizon OR Samsung because they usually close up loop holes.

sbenson1226 said:
Yeah, once you update to 4.4.2 you're stuck. You will NEVER be able to go back and you'll never be able to flash a custom recovery. It's Touchwiz from here on out for you.
I feel for you, but it's pretty universally known that you don't take OTA's from Verizon OR Samsung because they usually close up loop holes.
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That seems to be a little presumptuous saying "never". Software is software... which to me means "if there is a will, there is a way", in regards to hacking/cracking it. And if I get that hard pressed to want the ability to tinker with roms I can always just sell the phone and buy one thats not been updated to 4.4.2. All I can say right now being a newb to all this stuff is "lesson learned and stored in memory for future use". :good:

MortTheBeast said:
That seems to be a little presumptuous saying "never". Software is software... which to me means "if there is a will, there is a way", in regards to hacking/cracking it. And if I get that hard pressed to want the ability to tinker with roms I can always just sell the phone and buy one thats not been updated to 4.4.2. All I can say right now being a newb to all this stuff is "lesson learned and stored in memory for future use". :good:
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It's not really presumptuous, it's the truth. Samsung and Verizon are hell bent on keeping their bootloaders locked down. The S5 hasn't been cracked. The S4 cannot be cracked, after MDK. The S3 cannot be cracked after 4.2.1. The S3 was pure luck because somebody inside of Samsung leaked what we needed. The only way it will ever be cracked is if Samsung themselves hand us the code. Never going to happen again. Sorry, it's the hard truth. If you want to tinker, don't buy a Verizon phone and don't buy a Samsung.

What exactly is even the reasoning behind locking the bootloader? I mean, I know they don't want people messing with their software.. but WHY? Are they not already making their profits by selling the phone? Just can't wrap my head around companies that want to limit a consumers options. That would be like buy a computer with for example Windows 8 on it and being told there is no way to remove it and install Windows 7. If I can have whatever OS I want on my computer... then how is that any different then a phone which nowadays is pretty much a handheld computer.

sbenson1226 said:
It's not really presumptuous, it's the truth. Samsung and Verizon are hell bent on keeping their bootloaders locked down. The S5 hasn't been cracked. The S4 cannot be cracked, after MDK. The S3 cannot be cracked after 4.2.1. The S3 was pure luck because somebody inside of Samsung leaked what we needed. The only way it will ever be cracked is if Samsung themselves hand us the code. Never going to happen again. Sorry, it's the hard truth. If you want to tinker, don't buy a Verizon phone and don't buy a Samsung.
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Click to collapse
Maybe you (or someone else) can explain to me what options if any I have for unlocked bootloader capability for S3 and S4? Like whats the final software version number that still allows unlocking the bootloader, what if any carrier specific options have it unlocked or able to be. Like you mentioned the S5 not being cracked but I read through a thread on here dating back to just this past May and confirming unlocked bootloader for S5 T-Mobile. S5 is out of my price range, but the S3 and S4 I can pick up at a reasonable price... just need the proper information so I can be sure Im not getting something thats going to stick me with a locked boot. Thanks

MortTheBeast said:
What exactly is even the reasoning behind locking the bootloader? I mean, I know they don't want people messing with their software.. but WHY? Are they not already making their profits by selling the phone? Just can't wrap my head around companies that want to limit a consumers options. That would be like buy a computer with for example Windows 8 on it and being told there is no way to remove it and install Windows 7. If I can have whatever OS I want on my computer... then how is that any different then a phone which nowadays is pretty much a handheld computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locking the bootloader means added profit on verizons end. You have less access to features that get baked into a custom rom that we bypass, such as free tethering and simply making a device better than stock. Verizon wants this.
The less debloating and access to modified firmware available means they make more money on services people have to pay for.
Verizon will tell you it's better for consumers because it adds to your customer service experience. If you have a problem, and need help, then they are more likely to be able to help you knowing you are not running modified firmware that could give you a less than par experience. They will also add that using unapproved software could negatively impact their network (ie: tethering) and cause problems for other consumers.
There may be some truth in that, but without the ability to flash a new rom you essentially limit your software abilities and limit the life of the phone. It forces people to buy their services and extend their plan more often.
---------- Post added at 01:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:13 AM ----------
The t-mobile variant for both the s3 and s4 have unlocked bootloaders on every device. None of them will work on verizons network. Every Verizon Samsung phone is completely locked down.
The last available firmware that can be unlocked on the S3 is mf1. The s4's is MDK or something but that's way harder to find. There is no unlock method for the s5.
MortTheBeast said:
Maybe you (or someone else) can explain to me what options if any I have for unlocked bootloader capability for S3 and S4? Like whats the final software version number that still allows unlocking the bootloader, what if any carrier specific options have it unlocked or able to be. Like you mentioned the S5 not being cracked but I read through a thread on here dating back to just this past May and confirming unlocked bootloader for S5 T-Mobile. S5 is out of my price range, but the S3 and S4 I can pick up at a reasonable price... just need the proper information so I can be sure Im not getting something thats going to stick me with a locked boot. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

MortTheBeast said:
Maybe you (or someone else) can explain to me what options if any I have for unlocked bootloader capability for S3 and S4? Like whats the final software version number that still allows unlocking the bootloader, what if any carrier specific options have it unlocked or able to be. Like you mentioned the S5 not being cracked but I read through a thread on here dating back to just this past May and confirming unlocked bootloader for S5 T-Mobile. S5 is out of my price range, but the S3 and S4 I can pick up at a reasonable price... just need the proper information so I can be sure Im not getting something thats going to stick me with a locked boot. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're looking to stay with Verizon, I would keep an eye out for a GS4 with the MDK firmware. I see them pop up from time to time on Swappa, but never in the condition I'm looking for (looking to upgrade my wife). Other than that, your best bet is to leave Verizon and buy unlocked phones because at least they don't have additional carrier restrictions.

BadUsername said:
Locking the bootloader means added profit on verizons end. You have less access to features that get baked into a custom rom that we bypass, such as free tethering and simply making a device better than stock. Verizon wants this.
The less debloating and access to modified firmware available means they make more money on services people have to pay for.
Verizon will tell you it's better for consumers because it adds to your customer service experience. If you have a problem, and need help, then they are more likely to be able to help you knowing you are not running modified firmware that could give you a less than par experience. They will also add that using unapproved software could negatively impact their network (ie: tethering) and cause problems for other consumers.
There may be some truth in that, but without the ability to flash a new rom you essentially limit your software abilities and limit the life of the phone. It forces people to buy their services and extend their plan more often.
---------- Post added at 01:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:13 AM ----------
The t-mobile variant for both the s3 and s4 have unlocked bootloaders on every device. None of them will work on verizons network. Every Verizon Samsung phone is completely locked down.
The last available firmware that can be unlocked on the S3 is mf1. The s4's is MDK or something but that's way harder to find. There is no unlock method for the s5.
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Appreciate the response... but now you also mention the S5 having "no unlock"... what about this thread... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711730

sbenson1226 said:
If you're looking to stay with Verizon, I would keep an eye out for a GS4 with the MDK firmware. I see them pop up from time to time on Swappa, but never in the condition I'm looking for (looking to upgrade my wife). Other than that, your best bet is to leave Verizon and buy unlocked phones because at least they don't have additional carrier restrictions.
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What exactly id MDK? 4.2.2? And yea I really don't care what carrier I am with, I just want a phone I can tinker with and I been getting "tinker withdrawal" since upgrading to 4.4.2
Out of curiosity, what other phones are worth looking into that are comparable to the S3 and S4? It sucks when I am a diehard Samsung lover.

MortTheBeast said:
Appreciate the response... but now you also mention the S5 having "no unlock"... what about this thread... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711730
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's T-Mobile. The Verizon version is locked down.
Sent from the Shark Tank using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Is anybody close to unlocking the latest bootloaders, or is it unlikely?

I (very) recently got a Verizon Galaxy S6 and (stupidly) allowed the updates to run :silly:. I should have known better, as I went through the unlocking/rooting process with Verizon's S3. I could live with it for a bit if people think it will be unlocked in the near future (I'm on VRU4BOG9), but if there's a reason that it's unlikely that it will ever be unlocked, I can still return it and cancel my plan. I could just change carriers, but it's a little tricky because it involves my wife's phone/line, as well.
Does anyone have any information or opinions regarding this?
Thanks!

I'm with you in the same boat.
It was past the baseband even before i let the updates run.

I doubt there will be anything. This forum is pretty dead. No developers etc. I am going to look into getting a tmobile s6 and see if I can unlock, root and get it working on verizon. I think it can be done I've just not looked into it yet so not for sure.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Stagefright might allow root. I'm waiting to see.

redrol said:
Stagefright might allow root. I'm waiting to see.
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Stagefright doesn't run at root level.

dobbs3x said:
I doubt there will be anything. This forum is pretty dead. No developers etc. I am going to look into getting a tmobile s6 and see if I can unlock, root and get it working on verizon. I think it can be done I've just not looked into it yet so not for sure.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
t-mo has CDMA radio?
or you plan to run LTE only?
i would be interested to find out as well

It's unlikely.. as some of the recent dev posts have made clear samsung is the ultimate anti-developer company... as such most of the dev's that would normally work on this have moved on to other brands. It's also gotten to the point that it's almost impossible to actually unlock.. they almost always work around it rather than unlock it, and there are only so many of these workarounds out there.
It may get rooted again, but it will be very unlikely that the bootloader gets unlocked.. basically our only hope would be a leaked test bootloader thats already unlocked.. But I've only ever heard of this happening once.

Take it back while you can. Had my s6 rooted on 5.0.2 but there was no xposed support or xposed for it. If you enjoy rooting your phone the outlook is not good. Not much going on with this scene. After owning mine for just 2 months I sold mine on eBay and am headed towards a nexus. Not a bad phone but not good for flashing...I will do my research next time before getting a Samsung !

sulpher said:
It's unlikely.. as some of the recent dev posts have made clear samsung is the ultimate anti-developer company....
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It's not Samsung, IT'S Verizon that's locking Us out.

rbeavers said:
It's not Samsung, IT'S Verizon that's locking Us out.
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Click to collapse
It's Samsung that lets Verizon lock us out. They let companies throw their logo on it still so...

How about Chainfire
EXPERIMENT: Root without modifying /system (you can search for it here on XDA)
I hope it could actually work soon!

webwarr said:
How about Chainfire
EXPERIMENT: Root without modifying /system (you can search for it here on XDA)
I hope it could actually work soon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried it, no go

Got it...
That's sad
Sent from my SM-G920V using XDA Free mobile app

Becoming less and less happy that I bought this phone. Especially on the payment plan. I may have to bite the bullet, pay it off and just sell it for whatever I can get. Sucks. I loved my fascinate, my S3, and my S4. Been using my Moto Maxx 2 more and more lately. THAT'S SAD.
Sent from my XT1565 using Tapatalk

Besides the Nexus what model phones are now dev friendly? I was looking at a G4 but apparently LG is just like Samsung with the nearly uncrackable locked bootloaders now.

s5 just got full bootloader unlock..

Is it Verizon or the Exynos chip that's holding back development on this device? ELI5
Sent from my XT1565 using Tapatalk

It's the customized software that samsung builds for Verizon that limits access to root and bootloader. Without having root privileges, you can not make any system changes let alone access it. The chip has nothing to do with this.

s5 just got bootloader unlock BUT the dev has not said he will release anything. It may never happen on this device. having said that the debloater is the key to a smooth device with good battery. If debloating is all you need, that can be done without root.
After debloating about 150 apps on my s6, I can get days and days on battery with minimal use.

This who ordeal with Samsung screwing us on the S6 is making me want to switch to a Nexus...

Android/bootloader version shipped with new S3s?

I've searched around, but I can't seem to confirm the answer to this question. I've recently been hit by the locked bootloader issue after buying a used Verizon S3 that was already upgraded to 4.4.2. I would like to pay someone to do the JTAG bootloader downgrade, but I'm not having much luck finding help with that at this point.
My question is: did this phone ever ship from Verizon with 4.3 or 4.4.2 already installed? In other words, if I buy a new old stock Verizon S3, am I safe, or is there a chance it will have the locked bootloader too?

harrisonts said:
I've searched around, but I can't seem to confirm the answer to this question. I've recently been hit by the locked bootloader issue after buying a used Verizon S3 that was already upgraded to 4.4.2. I would like to pay someone to do the JTAG bootloader downgrade, but I'm not having much luck finding help with that at this point.
My question is: did this phone ever ship from Verizon with 4.3 or 4.4.2 already installed? In other words, if I buy a new old stock Verizon S3, am I safe, or is there a chance it will have the locked bootloader too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More than likely if you find a VZW S3 in the wild it will more than likely have a locked bootloader. When the device first was available I got it with 4.1.2 on it but that was quite a long time ago. Your best bet may be someone selling it on swappa
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

ShapesBlue said:
More than likely if you find a VZW S3 in the wild it will more than likely have a locked bootloader. When the device first was available I got it with 4.1.2 on it but that was quite a long time ago. Your best bet may be someone selling it on swappa
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Thanks, ShapesBlue. That's kind of what I assumed, and of course, it happened with the one I picked up.
My hope, still, was that I could find one new in the box (there are a few on eBay right now) that shipped with and had never been updated from 4.1.2. I'll certainly shop around a bit more or maybe see if there's a custom rom one on Swappa.

harrisonts said:
Thanks, ShapesBlue. That's kind of what I assumed, and of course, it happened with the one I picked up.
My hope, still, was that I could find one new in the box (there are a few on eBay right now) that shipped with and had never been updated from 4.1.2. I'll certainly shop around a bit more or maybe see if there's a custom rom one on Swappa.
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Click to collapse
Definitely recommend. I bought my Nexus 5 from swappa and almost bought my N6 from there but found a better deal on amazon. I still have the S3 laying around, I'll probably never get rid of mine
Sent from my Nexus 6

How to tell the difference between Verizon Pixel 2 and the rootable one from google?

I am looking to purchase the google pixel 2 and want to make sure i get the one from google that has the unlocked bootloader. I know i can get on google play and buy it for 649 plus tax but would prefer to purchase the same tjing brand new on ebay for less than 600 no tax. Only issue is i dont know of a definitive way to tell the difference and most sellers just say they are both unlocked and dont seem to know that there is a difference. I cant really tell that there is a different model number or anything and am unsure if the verizon one comes with verizon apps right away or not, so if anyone knows a way to tell a difference it would be appreciated.:good:

Can simply ask where they got the phone from and tell them you want the google version. You can always return it if they claim its google version but you get verizon version. Thats part of ebay buyer protection

I've got the Verizon one on bestbuy by mistake and I thought I was locked out of root, but another user posted a way to unlock the bootloader and I've got mine now rooted and everything, so don't worry on that. (unless they fixed that, of course)

DarkShadowMX said:
I've got the Verizon one on bestbuy by mistake and I thought I was locked out of root, but another user posted a way to unlock the bootloader and I've got mine now rooted and everything, so don't worry on that. (unless they fixed that, of course)
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They fixed it with last months update.

Oh, I didn't know. My bad.

con4n007 said:
Can simply ask where they got the phone from and tell them you want the google version. You can always return it if they claim its google version but you get verizon version. Thats part of ebay buyer protection
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Thanks for the return advice. I, have been asking many sellers already. alot either dont get to the message or seem to avoid it cause they dont know. Ill keep lpoking though.

I'd use swappa instead of eBay.

Be careful on eBay - it may be cheaper, but it may come with a warranty that's not in effect where you are. Go for the extra few bucks and buy it on Google, then you know what you're getting, and it's under warranty by Google. (Mine comes on Monday - from Google. Unfortunately the 2 doesn't come in blue in 128GB, but I can live with black.)