I have seen too many tutorials to root devices with carrier T-mobile, Verizon, AT&T etc.
My question is, Can we root devices restricted to a network carrier? Can we install custom recovery and install custom ROM's on them?
Yes, you can do all of this.
However, the carrier may have rules against this and may void any warranty if they find out.
ajayudayagiri said:
I have seen too many tutorials to root devices with carrier T-mobile, Verizon, AT&T etc.
My question is, Can we root devices restricted to a network carrier? Can we install custom recovery and install custom ROM's on them?
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Click to collapse
That depends on the phone and the carrier in question. Verizon and AT&T typically do their most to prevent users from hacking their phones. T-Mobile is the most lax. Verizon is definitely the most restrictive. AT&T might get Gestapo on their own phones, but you can always bring your own phone. Verizon however only allows devices they themselves sell. And the devices they sell are typically locked down as hard as they can. You need to understand that when it comes to carriers, the same phone is not necessarily the same phone. For example, a Galaxy S5 from T-Mobile is vastly different from the Galaxy S5 from Verizon, despite being the "same" phone.
Nothing is impossible, in theory, as Towelroot proved, but that doesn't mean that everything is possible, either. It depends on the provider and the phone.
Related
Is there a technical reason behind the general lack of support?
Seems these phones follow the same principles of ATT variants given that they are a subsidiary... namely primarily locked bootladers.
LG G Stylo - supported on T-Mo/Metro, Cricket unsupported
LG Leon/LG Risio - supported on T-Mo/Metro, Cricket unsupported
HTC Desire 626s - supported on T-Mo/Metro, Cricket partially supported
2 years since the ATT buyout - there are a ton more Cricket subscribers than there were.
Also, Safestrap
Hello,
Try posting in the forums below for each device.
LG Stylo http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g-stylo/help
LG Leon http://forum.xda-developers.com/leon/help
LG Risio There is no forum for Risio, try posting your question for it here http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help
HTC Desire 626s http://forum.xda-developers.com/desire-626/help
The experts there may be able to help. Good luck.
Droidriven said:
Hello,
Try posting in the forums below for each device.
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Thanks. Question has been asked in answered in those threads. My inquiry is of a broader nature.
In fact, I generally understand it has to do with the locked bootloaders ATT & VZW insist upon.
But there are workarounds...
I'm wondering why attempts aren't made on Cricket devices as they are on ATT/VZW variants given the increased numbers.
Surmisation said:
Thanks. Question has been asked in answered in those threads. My inquiry is of a broader nature.
In fact, I generally understand it has to do with the locked bootloaders ATT & VZW insist upon.
But there are workarounds...
I'm wondering why attempts aren't made on Cricket devices as they are on ATT/VZW variants given the increased numbers.
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Click to collapse
Because most developers don't build for devices on MVNO or prepaid networks, they focus on the main networks like AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon. These carriers usually have devices on the networks under them or that use their network that can use the same ROMs(for example, my device is a Straight Talk S3 device on Verizon network and I can use the Verizon S3 ROMs and other custom mods on my device).
If the main Network you're under has a version of your device on their network and there is custom stuff available for it then it may be usable on the devices like it on the other networks under it. That isn't always the case though, sometimes there are things that need to be modified for it to work.
Just remember that devices on MVNO networks(a smaller service provider that uses another networks towers) and prepaid networks don't usually get any development, if they do then its because they just happen to be able to use stuff that was made for another device or even luckier a developer that has the device decides to build for it. These MVNO and prepaid devices are not as popular as the same devices on the major networks. There may be a LOT of people with them but they still are not used by as many people that have the device from the major carrier.
And no one ever said that every device gets supported, its a developers choice of what devices get support, it has nothing to do with how many people have the device or request support, it all depends on whether there is a developer that WANTS to build for a device and typically that's because they happen to own one of the devices, if they don't own one of the devices then they won't build for it because it requires having the device to properly build anything for it, what they build has to be tested before it is released to the public to avoid bricking everyone's device.
If you want those devices supported then learn how to build for them because the only other option is to wait and see if anyone decides to do it.
Does that answer your question thoroughly enough for you to understand?
Ink'd from my KrAkEn'd S3
Droidriven said:
Does that answer your question thoroughly enough for you to understand?
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Very thorough. Forgive my momentary lapse of intellect. I should have put it together when typing up the original question.
The variants for T-Mo/Metro cover a much larger set of subscribers because variants are available on both networks.
Whereas ATT doesn't usually carry its prepaid variants (Cricket).
Thanks!
I got an att gear s2 but I don't have att service so I wanted to know if I can use it to connect to let's say T-Mobile since its an esim.
Unfortunately this is why American carriers, at least that's what my knowledge covers, f&#king suck! Out comes this new technology that for the first time will allow people to have the potential to use any carrier with the same hardware, and then carriers like AT&T refuse to unlock them.
Yes, I called AT&T and T-Mobile and AT&T doesn't unlock watches. I hope someone finds a way to somehow port the T-Mobile software over to the AT&T hardware.
The esim should be universal right? Like it should work for any carriers. If so wouldn't it work if we pay for an unlock code? Even tho we wouldn't be inserting another sim, the imei would be released to be used by other carriers. Does it make sense at all? Lol
My n6 was like that. It couldn't be used by other carrier until I unlocked it and its imei was released from att to be used by others.
brainburnerco said:
The esim should be universal right? Like it should work for any carriers. If so wouldn't it work if we pay for an unlock code? Even tho we wouldn't be inserting another sim, the imei would be released to be used by other carriers. Does it make sense at all? Lol
My n6 was like that. It couldn't be used by other carrier until I unlocked it and its imei was released from att to be used by others.
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The problem I noticed is the fact that there are custom settings for AT&T and so even if you unlocked it, I think you would need to still flash the appropriate software. I'm just guessing though.
It's really frustrating that I've got the first big consumer device using an eSIM and I can't take advantage of it's most basic and essential feature.
Any updates on this? The AT&T watch is like half the price as T-mo and I'm interested in using AT&T watch on T-mobile if possible
Any updates? I just switched mobile carriers from ATT to TMobile and would like to use my watch on their network
I have the S2 Classic SM-R735AZKAATT (for AT&T obviously) but I'd like to have it set up with T-Mobile.
Can I take this into T-Mobile and set up service? If so, anyone know how much?
So like the title says I have a brand new never started/updated t-mobile s7 and I'm looking to use the phone on the Verizon network where I currently have a plan.
I've never unlocked SIMs before so I figured I'd check here first, I don't want to brick the phone obviously..
So my question is how do I go about doing this? I see t-mobile has an app that unblocks the SIM for customers, however I'm not a customer and do not plan on using t-mobile network.
I found some dodgy websites that claim to be able to do it but I'm not sure how I feel about handling over my information to them especially without at least some third party confirmation that the service actually works and is not a scam.
Does anyone have some input on what to do?
Flash the 930U firmware to it. This should allow it to be SIM unlocked.
Try calling tm you just never know they may just give you the unlock codes. I had a phone lock to att once, gave them a ring and they gave me the codes, just be nice.
I used the tmobile unlock app on device. The app checks if you qualify same as a rep would.
Sent from my SM-G930T using XDA-Developers mobile app
So I got the phone unlocked but only to find out the T-Mobile s7 is GSM, Verizon runs on CDMA which is not compatible.
Now that I have it unlocked, would it be possible to flash the Verizon s7 software and have it connect?
I assume I'll need to root the phone in order to do that but will the hardware interact properly with the Verizon software?
2003WRB said:
So I got the phone unlocked but only to find out the T-Mobile s7 is GSM, Verizon runs on CDMA which is not compatible.
Now that I have it unlocked, would it be possible to flash the Verizon s7 software and have it connect?
I assume I'll need to root the phone in order to do that but will the hardware interact properly with the Verizon software?
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Click to collapse
CDMA and GSM are two different frequency bands, and use separate hardware. Meaning, they are physically not compatible.
2003WRB said:
So I got the phone unlocked but only to find out the T-Mobile s7 is GSM, Verizon runs on CDMA which is not compatible.
Now that I have it unlocked, would it be possible to flash the Verizon s7 software and have it connect?
I assume I'll need to root the phone in order to do that but will the hardware interact properly with the Verizon software?
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Click to collapse
The good news for you is that the S7 sold in the United States all contain the same hardware, the same actual components, so they all physically are capable of handling both GSM and CDMA networks. Also good for you is that now that the phone is unlocked, you can either flash the Verizon firmware or flash the "U" firmware on your device. Normally speaking, this would be really bad advice for any other device, but for the S7 it is possible.
I have the T-Mo S7 flat, and I am running the latest U firmware on AT&T, though I have flashed many and sold them for Verizon.
Don't fret, be happy, and Merry Christmas!
will this allow lte+,in order words can I make a call and still browse the internet on verizon?
I purchased the Galaxy s7 Unlocked USA (SM-g930u with AT&T). I quickly found out that the bootloader is locked down and you cannot do very much with it. I did root it, but didn't like it much. My girlfriend has a Galaxy s7 (SM-g930p with Virgin Mobile). She said she would swap me phones so i would be able to customize the device. Does anybody know if this is possible? I've read a couple of posts about swapping firmware, not sure if that is a route, since my bootloader is locked. I bought my sm-g930u 5 days ago from best buy so I can still return it if there is no way to swap phones, or numbers or anything.
Rickyloc said:
I purchased the Galaxy s7 Unlocked USA (SM-g930u with AT&T). I quickly found out that the bootloader is locked down and you cannot do very much with it. I did root it, but didn't like it much. My girlfriend has a Galaxy s7 (SM-g930p with Virgin Mobile). She said she would swap me phones so i would be able to customize the device. Does anybody know if this is possible? I've read a couple of posts about swapping firmware, not sure if that is a route, since my bootloader is locked. I bought my sm-g930u 5 days ago from best buy so I can still return it if there is no way to swap phones, or numbers or anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both devices need to be unlocked and you need to check if each device compatible/allowed on the other network, i.e. AT&T S7 must be allowed on Virgin and Virgin S7 must be allowed on AT&T.
If both devices meet both conditions then all you should need is to put the AT&T SIM in the Virgin device and the Virgin SIM in the AT&T device then go to each carriers website or call each carriers customer support and go through the activation process on each network to get the devices reactivated, you can keep your existing number during the activation process.
It should require no PC tools or flashing unless the Virgin device needs to be unlocked(depending on that device's unlock method, it might or may not require PC or flashing to unlock it).
It should be a pretty straightforward process.
If you're unsure, you can always call both network's customer support and check with them first.
I DO NOT PROVIDE HELP IN PM, KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
So, I'll apologize if this has already been dealt with previously, but I just need to verify what I've been told by a friend who knows Android systems (and Samsung S7 phones) a LOT more than I will ever attempt to understand..
About a year ago, I bought a Samsung Galaxy S7 from a 'rebuilder' (my term) who mentioned at the time "... it was ATT phone..", and, yes, when I turn it on it does the ATT circle jerk logo and has an ATT logo on the back of the phone. This was of no real concern to me, because my service purveyor uses the ATT system (Consumer Cellular), so it's worked well enough. But unfortunately, it also has a boatload of 'semi-proprietary' ATT trash in the phone which I'd like to get rid of. To confuse the matter even more, it appears that I cannot 'unlock' the phone because it has not been associated with an actual active ATT account for close to two years, and it APPEARS that now they refuse to accommodate an unlock code for this phone.
So... according to my friend (Mr. Android Phone), I can 'root' this phone to 'factory original firmware' and make it (in essence) just a plain-old-vanilla Samsung S7 without this rather bogus ATT firmware and the myriad of craplets I'd like to get rid of..
So, I'm here looking for "expertise" in such things because I certainly don't want to 'brick' this pretty nice phone, but I also want to get this to a point where there is no association with ATT in any manner. So my question sorta comes down to: "can I root this and be rid of all things ATT?", and "will this allow me to achieve an 'unlock' without having to play ATT's games? (I had QUITE the discussion with an ATT 'support' dude a couple of hours ago when he flatly refused to give me an unlock code so I could simply ATTEMPT to see if Consumer Cellular's T-Mobile service might work better at my home, since CC tells me I'm right in the center of a brand new rebuilt 4G service area).
Does any of this make any sense to anyone? Pardon my ignorance, but if the IMEI # is somehow 'tethered' to ATT and they won't "release" it, how does rooting help with this? - or is this something more like an 'association' of the IMEI # AND the ATT firmware...? GAH!! I'd just like to be totally rid of all this ATT junk and have the freedom to choose whichever service I want.
CentennialMan said:
So, I'll apologize if this has already been dealt with previously, but I just need to verify what I've been told by a friend who knows Android systems (and Samsung S7 phones) a LOT more than I will ever attempt to understand..
I'd just like to be totally rid of all this ATT junk and have the freedom to choose whichever service I want.
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Hi There that's a lot of words partner! I'll try make the answer easy to understand and I've cut out much of the post so my reply isn't huge.
1. Yes you can install vanilla firmware which will remove all branding from AT&T and you don't need to root the phone to do this. here is the firmware for your device >>here<< You can also use XAS or XAA. You will see the guide and the Odin you need to flash this firmware.
2. This is another version of Odin on this website if you have any issues with the one on Sammobile. >>here<<
3. Unfortunately you cannot unlock the phone unless the original cell phone provider gives you their half of the unlock key as a code to input to the phone. In the UK once a phone is out of the initial contract period it is illegal for the provider to refuse to give you this code whether your still with them or not. I know in the USA you guys gets ****ed over. The original account holder of the phone can ask for the unlock code but not you.
4. Changing the firmware and unlocking the phone to any network are two different things, flashing unbranded firmware will not unlock the phone the network is tied to. They don't make it that easy!
5. As far as i know T Mobile (USA) has also moved to G930U firmware so you could be lucky with a T Mobile SIM working once the phone is flashed with this firmware but don't hold your breath. Check Sammobile for the T Mobile firmware too.
6. IMEI number is tied to the phone so in theory it can be changed after the phone is rooted and you are able to modify the EFS partition but it is extremely difficult even for veterans like me and it causes lots of problems with cell network registration. Leave well alone if you don't want a completely useless device.
Things to make flashing go easier
1. Turn off FRP lock or sign out of the Google account on the phone or delete it before you do anything, you can put that account back on the phone after flashing.
2. If you enable Developer options make sure " usb debugging" is enabled and OEM unlock, not essential but can help when things go wrong.
3. Anything you want to keep, pics media etc back up or move to SD card, the SD card won't be touched when flashing firmware.
4. Please follow the guides on how to flash correctly.
Any other questions please ask.
It should be noted that if it's an ATT phone it's Snapdragon therefore permanently bootloader locked, OEM Unlock won't actually do anything, that setting only works on Exynos.
The only root method for Snapdragon is to use a leaked engineering bootloader to gain system access, and you can only install the leaked bootloader if your phone is already running old firmware. For up to date phones there is no root method.
Beanvee7 said:
It should be noted that if it's an ATT phone it's Snapdragon therefore permanently bootloader locked, OEM Unlock won't actually do anything, that setting only works on Exynos.
The only root method for Snapdragon is to use a leaked engineering bootloader to gain system access, and you can only install the leaked bootloader if your phone is already running old firmware. For up to date phones there is no root method.
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Hello mate i'm not sure if your aware but AT&T were initially Qual comm but they've also been using Exynos for a while.
cooltt said:
Hello mate i'm not sure if your aware but AT&T were initially Qual comm but they've also been using Exynos for a while.
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Source?
Beanvee7 said:
Source?
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Click to collapse
Don't be smart you know how to use Google?
I did google it, I wouldn't have asked for a source if I found something. But it doesn't matter, you're the one making unsubstantiated claims, the burden is on you to prove it. But since you asked for it:
AT&T's website says Snapdragon
https://i.imgur.com/TdV62Mq.jpg
https://www.att.com/buy/phones/samsung-galaxy-s7-32gb-black-onyx.html
GSM Arena says Snapdragon
https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_(usa)-7960.php
Wikipedia says Snapdragon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S7#Qualcomm_Snapdragon_820_Models
There isn't a single page when googling AT&T S7 Exynos that backs your claim up. The USA also uses completely different network technology than internationally, using the S7 Exynos in the USA is already known to cause issues with LTE, VoWiFi etc. They'd have to do a hardware refresh of the Exynos SoC if they wanted to support it in the USA, which they ain't going to do a for a 3 gen old phone.
Beanvee7 said:
I did google it, I wouldn't have asked for a source if I found something. But it doesn't matter, you're the one making unsubstantiated claims, the burden is on you to prove it. But since you asked for it:
AT&T's website says Snapdragon
https://i.imgur.com/TdV62Mq.jpg
https://www.att.com/buy/phones/samsung-galaxy-s7-32gb-black-onyx.html
GSM Arena says Snapdragon
https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s7_(usa)-7960.php
Wikipedia says Snapdragon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S7#Qualcomm_Snapdragon_820_Models
There isn't a single page when googling AT&T S7 Exynos that backs your claim up. The USA also uses completely different network technology than internationally, using the S7 Exynos in the USA is already known to cause issues with LTE, VoWiFi etc. They'd have to do a hardware refresh of the Exynos SoC if they wanted to support it in the USA, which they ain't going to do a for a 3 gen old phone.
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lol ok.