Database Info

S-Off?

So When we root our phone are phone is automatically S-Off right?
and S-Off means the phone is unlocked and we can use it on other networks ?
Just want to clear everything up. I thought I needed to buy an unlock code for it to be unlocked but I just read that S-Off means its sim unlocked

The "S" in S-off stands for security, a stock bootloader comes S-on or security on. This is to make the device to where you can only install what is considered authorized software, or to be more specific, software that the OEM or the carriers release for the device. Now when you S-off your de ice you unlock it so that you can flash other software other than just the OEM's or carrier's software, this kind of software is refered to as custom software. This type of software includes custom recoveries, custom ROMs, and sometimes custom bootloaders.
Now to unlock your device so that you can use it with another carrier is referee to as SIM unlocking the device. And yes to SIM unlock your device you need a unlock code. You can generally get theses codes from the original carrier you purchased the device from or from different websites that charge for the code.
Rooting your device is something that allows you full control of your device and also allows you to use your device to it's full potential. It allows your ROM to have direct communication with the Linux kernel it is running on top of, which gives your device much more functionality. Certain bloatware apps have limited root access bit the ROM itself does not when the device is running stock software.
So I hope you have a little better understanding now of the three. I also hope this answered your question. Cheers.

T-Macgnolia said:
The "S" in S-off stands for security, a stock bootloader comes S-on or security on. This is to make the device to where you can only install what is considered authorized software, or to be more specific, software that the OEM or the carriers release for the device. Now when you S-off your de ice you unlock it so that you can flash other software other than just the OEM's or carrier's software, this kind of software is refered to as custom software. This type of software includes custom recoveries, custom ROMs, and sometimes custom bootloaders.
Now to unlock your device so that you can use it with another carrier is referee to as SIM unlocking the device. And yes to SIM unlock your device you need a unlock code. You can generally get theses codes from the original carrier you purchased the device from or from different websites that charge for the code.
Rooting your device is something that allows you full control of your device and also allows you to use your device to it's full potential. It allows your ROM to have direct communication with the Linux kernel it is running on top of, which gives your device much more functionality. Certain bloatware apps have limited root access bit the ROM itself does not when the device is running stock software.
So I hope you have a little better understanding now of the three. I also hope this answered your question. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While, I knew this already, that was a great explanation and you've been thanked for it.

maybe this can help you.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1232107

[Q] Can i update my firmware to 2.20

Hi Guys
Sorry for asking the same old question again..
I just got my AT&t HTC One x from US shipped over to India by my cousin.
It is locked to AT&t and i am unable to use a local network sim in it
I know i need to root it and turn S-off in order to unlock it.
The phone is on Firmware 1.85? and i have tried the ways mentioned in xda to root it but i guess when i click "Check for updates" it doesn't work.
So my question is
Can i manually by connecting the phone to Computer,update firmware to 2.20 so that i can root it that way?
And is it possible to unlock the BOOTLOADER w/out rooting so that phone gets unlocked to other carriers?
please help me out guys i have tried everything to make it work.. thank you

Unlocking the bootloader/rooting/dancing in circles WILL NOT sim unlock the phone.
You will need to use an online sim unlocking service (usually about 20 bucks) to get the unlock code

Currently, S-Off has not been achieved for this phone. And as already mentioned, bootloader unlock will not get you SIM unlock, and no free hack/mod method currently exists. You either need to use a paid unlock service, or if your cousin is currently an AT&T account holder, he can ask AT&T for the SIM unlock code (he will need the IMEI number of the phone, and maybe other info).
If you want root and unlocked bootloader for other reasons (flashing custom ROMs and other mods) there is no reason to upgrade to 2.20. Root method exists for 1.85. You need to root, SuperCID, then unlock the bootloader. Then you can install a custom recovery and flash custom ROMs.
Upgrading to 2.20 is not recommended. The 2.20 RUU will upgrade your hboot, which plugs the holes by which kernels and radios can be flashed from recovery. You will have to flash the boot.img separately every time your flash a ROM. No benefit to updating to 2.20, and actually lose ability to do some things.
If you still want root and bootloader unlock, refer to my index for links to root methods, etc.: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1671237
And no, bootloader unlock is not possible without root (temp root in case of 2.20) on the AT&T One X.

area51avenger said:
Unlocking the bootloader/rooting/dancing in circles WILL NOT sim unlock the phone.
You will need to use an online sim unlocking service (usually about 20 bucks) to get the unlock code
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dancing in circles? ok got your point.
redpoint73 said:
Currently, S-Off has not been achieved for this phone. And as already mentioned, bootloader unlock will not get you SIM unlock, and no free hack/mod method currently exists. You either need to use a paid unlock service, or if your cousin is currently an AT&T account holder, he can ask AT&T for the SIM unlock code (he will need the IMEI number of the phone, and maybe other info).
If you want root and unlocked bootloader for other reasons (flashing custom ROMs and other mods) there is no reason to upgrade to 2.20. Root method exists for 1.85. You need to root, SuperCID, then unlock the bootloader. Then you can install a custom recovery and flash custom ROMs.
Upgrading to 2.20 is not recommended. The 2.20 RUU will upgrade your hboot, which plugs the holes by which kernels and radios can be flashed from recovery. You will have to flash the boot.img separately every time your flash a ROM. No benefit to updating to 2.20, and actually lose ability to do some things.
If you still want root and bootloader unlock, refer to my index for links to root methods, etc.: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1671237
And no, bootloader unlock is not possible without root (temp root in case of 2.20) on the AT&T One X.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for a detailed answer. The reason i though it would unlock the sim was cause i had used other htc phones earlier and when you root them the S-off was achieved so thats why.. anyhow.. thank you for enlightening my dumb bum.

You're not dumb. Just ignorant. Now you have been enlightened. You still have a great phone, you just might have to pay a little bit so you can unlock and use it
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

area51avenger said:
You're not dumb. Just ignorant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The word "ignorant" has always sounded like a pejorative word to me. But I had to look up the definition, figuring maybe I don't really know the literal meaning of the word. Which turned out to be the case. One of the definitions of ignorant is "Lacking knowledge, information, or awareness about something in particular" which seems to exactly fit this situation. I guess I gave myself the English lesson for the day!
Every phone is different, and HTC in particular is always changing around their security measures. So the OP is not dumb in any way, but was just missing some particular pieces of information.

[Q] Questions about unlocking, rooting and modems.

I'm sorry if this questions have been asked before. I read through many pages on the Q&A section of this phone and didn't come with clear answers to my questions.
This is the first time I will attempt to unlock, root and flash a ROM on an Android phone.
First of all, I've read and I still don't know if I can flash a custom ROM, or one of those Brazil/Orange JB images available and be able to have the phone unlocked to use with different carriers. Jelly Bean hasn't been released to this phone here in Mexico yet.
1.- I don't mind unlocking the bootloader with Motorola solution. Is this the best way to unlock it?
2.- Flashing a custom ROM or a stock one makes the phone unlocked so I can use it with different carriers?. If the answer is yes, what ROM do you recommend. Are those Brazil/Orange images good for any user or its better to stick with third-party ROMs?
3.- If the answer to number 2 is NO, what should I do in order to unlock the phone? I need to be able to use in Mexico (the phone if from Telcel) and also use it on the United States (with AT&T). I've read about modem files that had to do with carriers but I'm not sure if I need special files to unlock this phone? If this is needed, where do I start or where do I find this files?
4.- If there is something else I need to know (and I didn't asked here) about unlocking the phone and flashing a stock or third-party ROM and have it unlocked to work with other carriers, please let me know by replying.
What are you guys using to backup the factory image? I haven't fiddled with Android for a while after flashing a Kindle Fire many times. I got a Nexus 7 and I haven't needed to root, unlock or try third party ROMs. The last time I used TWRP to backup the image of the Kindle Fire I think.
Thanks in advance

ajua said:
I'm sorry if this questions have been asked before. I read through many pages on the Q&A section of this phone and didn't come with clear answers to my questions.
This is the first time I will attempt to unlock, root and flash a ROM on an Android phone.
First of all, I've read and I still don't know if I can flash a custom ROM, or one of those Brazil/Orange JB images available and be able to have the phone unlocked to use with different carriers. Jelly Bean hasn't been released to this phone here in Mexico yet.
1.- I don't mind unlocking the bootloader with Motorola solution. Is this the best way to unlock it?
2.- Flashing a custom ROM or a stock one makes the phone unlocked so I can use it with different carriers?. If the answer is yes, what ROM do you recommend. Are those Brazil/Orange images good for any user or its better to stick with third-party ROMs?
3.- If the answer to number 2 is NO, what should I do in order to unlock the phone? I need to be able to use in Mexico (the phone if from Telcel) and also use it on the United States (with AT&T). I've read about modem files that had to do with carriers but I'm not sure if I need special files to unlock this phone? If this is needed, where do I start or where do I find this files?
4.- If there is something else I need to know (and I didn't asked here) about unlocking the phone and flashing a stock or third-party ROM and have it unlocked to work with other carriers, please let me know by replying.
What are you guys using to backup the factory image? I haven't fiddled with Android for a while after flashing a Kindle Fire many times. I got a Nexus 7 and I haven't needed to root, unlock or try third party ROMs. The last time I used TWRP to backup the image of the Kindle Fire I think.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking BL doesn't change the unlocked status of the phone for carriers. If you want to unlock it to use with different carriers you'll have to pay the unlock fee to whoever you choose to unlock with.
1. Answered above.
2. Custom ROMs or ROMs from different carriers won't unlock the carrier.
3. I believe there is some sort of file modification to have it unlocked. Not sure what you have to do but if I remember correctly its risky and affects IMEI.
Sent from my RAZR HD XT925

saloums7 said:
Unlocking BL doesn't change the unlocked status of the phone for carriers. If you want to unlock it to use with different carriers you'll have to pay the unlock fee to whoever you choose to unlock with.
1. Answered above.
2. Custom ROMs or ROMs from different carriers won't unlock the carrier.
3. I believe there is some sort of file modification to have it unlocked. Not sure what you have to do but if I remember correctly its risky and affects IMEI.
Sent from my RAZR HD XT925
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know the bootloader won't change the locked status. As this is the first time flashing a phone, not a tablet, I thought that using a custom ROM or one from different carrier would work for this.
I've tried other SIMs on the phone (it's my sister's, not mine) but the phone didn't asks for a code when a SIM from a different carrier is inserted. I haven't bought any code because of this.
Anyone has a suggestion on what to do to have the phone unlocked to use with different carriers?

[Q&A] [S4][Hack][Root] SIM Unlock for FREE

Q&A for [S4][Hack][Root] SIM Unlock for FREE
Some developers prefer that questions remain separate from their main development thread to help keep things organized. Placing your question within this thread will increase its chances of being answered by a member of the community or by the developer.
Before posting, please use the forum search and read through the discussion thread for [S4][Hack][Root] SIM Unlock for FREE. If you can't find an answer, post it here, being sure to give as much information as possible (firmware version, steps to reproduce, logcat if available) so that you can get help.
Thanks for understanding and for helping to keep XDA neat and tidy!

Hi can i use this method for all android devices?

Hi, I tried to unlock my HTC One S on 4 differents paid websites, but all say "unfortunately your unlock code cannot be calcuted, please double check your IMEI blabla" ). Since yestarday I kept trying these methods with NO SUCCESS.
Terminal emulator and ADB Shell say String not Fount / No IMEI
I try the method with ES file explorer. The bad news is The file "mmcblk0p6" is crypted when i opened as text. but when i open with notepad++ on my laptop THE IMEI in the file "mmcblk0p6" is completely different when I type *#06#
I calculate the NCK code with both IMEI, phone says "incorrect password" I pay for the IMEI i find in the file, the server send me the same NCK with the app in method 2.
All necessary information about IMEI, model, carrier are in the attachment
Please anyone have an idea?

dwayne_1907 said:
Hi can i use this method for all android devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you can only use this method for HTC One S S4 processor

/system
Exactly where is this location in android ?
/system
simple but very confusing. Everything is /android/device etc.. Thanks

Need unlock code again after reboot
benJX said:
Thanks for your great and very useful work !
I'm actually on Orange FR carrier.
When I insert a sim from another carrier the phone asked me & I wrote the combination.
It said it was now unlocked and when I press "Reboot" the phone freeze instead of rebooting
Any idea ? The CID perhaps ?
Device : hTC One S
About : Facepalm S-OFF -- Hboot 2.16 -- CID HTC__203 -- Radio 1.20
Rom : MaximusHD -- SENSE 5.0 ANDROID 4.2.2
Kernel : ElementalX v6.1
Thx in advance
Edit : I get this error while running the script :
sh: /system/unlock.sh[65]: length: not found
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I have a similar problem.
I have an HTC One S (I think S4 - 1.5Ghz). It is locked to ORange. I unlocked bootloader, rooted and finally managed to get busybox etc installed.
Method 1 and 2 provide the same code-
IMEI: 2547014 (last 7 digits)
Un lock code: 062975078
(sim unlock 61522531)
Method 3 didn't work as I got stuck after loading grep etc via busybox.
When I entered the unlock code I calculated the phone said unlock successful and that a reboot was necessary, but when it rebooted it asked for the unlock code again! I tried a different recovery (was using clockwork, went to twrp but still asked for the code on reboot.
I am scared to re-enter the code as I know I have limited tries - so far I have only entered it the once. I have factory resetted the phone - should I try and enter the code again?
I have now lost the boot screen after the factory reset so I don't think I can check the hboot.
As far as I am aware I did not install a new ROM at any point.

Thankyou thankyou and thankyou :->
We cannot thank you enough for sharing this brief 'tutuorial'. It worked like a charm once we had rooted the phone (which was the tricky part).
In case of it being helpful to anyone else, our device was prepared using:-
- CWM Ville with Touch Recovery ROM image.
- Chainfire SuperSU.
- BusyBox (must use Team Trickster's 'on Rails' initially so as to install from ZIP/SD storage,) followed by an immediate upgrade using the stericson version).
After installing that little lot, the acquisition of the sim unlock code was was a breeze. Thank you again.

Tested on HTC One S (S4)
Locked to Spanish vodafone
Worked like a charm
Had a little trouble installing busybox so installed viper S rom 2 and things went straight
Thank you very much

Cincinatti Bell Wireless
SIM unlock worked great after my crashcourse on rooting, recovery, and the bootloader all last night. But even customer support with HTC and T Mobile told me since it's from Cincinatti Bell Wireless, T Mobiles internet service WILL NOT WORK. :crying:
There's gotta be a work-around. Any way to move a Cincinatti Bell Wireless exclusive phone to T Mobile? There ought to be considering their wireless service is ending in a month. That carrier wasn't even in my area.

asking for unlock sim for different android phone
sir good day this method of unlocking sim is this compatible with other types of android phone? i am trying to use this method but the terminal emulator doesn't appears any of the following as what i can see on the method how can use this method for my phone? any suggestion about my concern more power thanks...... my phone model huawei G526 lte phone....

worked perfectly
thanks so much guyz, i chose method one

Tried all methods, outputting wrong IMEI
Hi guys, I've tried all the methods and I'm ending up at the same unlock code which doesn't work. I noticed the stated IMEI in the bash script is different to my actual IMEI, and so I guess the Un_Lock Code is wrong as well. I've checked the mmcblk0 files using a hex editor and the correct IMEI is in there. Does anyone have any ideas?
I am unlocked, S-off, SuperCID, clockwork Mod recovery, busybox installed, running the Stock ROM from factory reset.
Thanks

hi,
so i can't get unlock code with this command
su [enter]
strings -n 8 /dev/block/mmcblk0p6 [enter]
but it work well with this one
1. Note IMEI *#06#
2. adb shell
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p6 of=/sdcard/mmcp6.dump
3. Open mmcp6.dump on SDCARD
4. Look for in this file your IMEI
5. Just in front of your IMEI a 8-digit code which corresponds to the unlock code
may help some one
with regards

Htc one s root
I'm trying to root my one s but need a unlocked bootloader I would like to use method #1. Because have no computer but you need root. How do I get root without unlocked bootloader. So than I can unlock my phone

How to unlock? New factory shipped Android 6.0.1 - Alcatel Idol 3 6045I

I was wondering if I could get your help with unlocking my Alcatel onetouch Idol 3 (6045I) after having much difficulty.
I've recently acquired this phone from Bell (wireless Carrier in Canada) and the phone shipped new with Android version 6.0.1. As you are well aware Marshmallow breaks fast boot functionality in the boot loader leaving me unable to perform "fastboot -i 0x1bbb oem unlock".
I've attempted to downgrade the phone using "Mobile_Upgrade_Q_5.0.6_Setup"; however after the process was successful and complete, the phone did not downgrade to version 5 of Android. The phone still had version 6 present as it shipped with this version.
Do you have any suggestions about how I could go about "unlocking" the phone as I need to use a sim card from a different wireless carrier.
Thank you very much for your assistance ahead of time.

Unlocking the bootloader using fastboot commands and network unlocking the phone are two different things.
To use the phone with a non-bell carrier, you must buy an unlock code. I suggest looking on eBay for the cheapest and most reliable unlocker.

audit13 said:
Unlocking the bootloader using fastboot commands and network unlocking the phone are two different things.
To use the phone with a non-bell carrier, you must buy an unlock code. I suggest looking on eBay for the cheapest and most reliable unlocker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the assistance. I should have been more clear. I'm looking to unlock the phone so that I can install a stock ROM. I'm also looking to unlock the sim so I can use a Rogers sim card. I've now purchased an unlock code from Ebay and awaiting delivery thanks to your suggestion.

You'll have to downgrade using the Panasonic Eluga software to 5.02, unlock bootloader, flash twrp, and custom rom.

audit13 said:
You'll have to downgrade using the Panasonic Eluga software to 5.02, unlock bootloader, flash twrp, and custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. The Panasonic software worked. This process has been anything but pain free.

Glad you got it to downgrade.
My idol 3 came with 5.02 and never updated it even though the update was available because I like the idea of customizing the rom if I want to.

Where do you find this software ? Do you have a link ?
Because I found nothing...

These instructions may help to downgrade: http://forum.xda-developers.com/idol-3/general/guide-repair-idol-3-t3372076

Thanks

Glad it worked out! Keep a copy of the eluga restore, it had the 5.x version of android inside the download, so now no matter what u can always restore back to a state where unlock+twrp install is possible.
Sent from my 6045O using Tapatalk