Background
I found my AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 in a hotel room I was staying in. It was just my luck, too, considering my S2 on T-Mobile had just undergone it's own death due to the screen not working, and I didn't have the cash to buy another phone. So my plan was to SIM unlock my new (kind of!) S4 and use it on my T-Mobile plan, with my T-Mobile SIM card. I had already factory reset the thing, rooted it (Towelroot + SuperSU) and installed Safestrap. I also found out it was on NB1, which, after a lot of research, meant I couldn't do the things some other users could because of the locked bootloader.
After my stay at the hotel was over, I went home. I tried the following methods to unlock it, but none would work. Here are the methods and their respective errors. These are all designed for the I337 (our phone) and some even explicitly say they'll work on NB1, but they obviously didn't.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2282683
Pressing *#0011# worked, but following the instructions, nothing changed, and it would stay on the first screen.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2514607
I had rooted with Towelroot, installed SuperSU, and then tried RegionLock Away. It said it was successful, but my SIM was still invalid.
http://www.droidviews.com/how-to-sim-unlock-t-mobile-att-galaxy-s4-sgh-m919-sgh-i337/
Apparently, you need an AT&T SIM for the *#267, etc. code to work. I didn't have one, so it didn't launch the ServiceMode menu.
Then, I read something on XDA about the ServiceMode menu working properly after installing MF3 modems, so I flashed the MF3 modems via Safestrap, and tried the codes again, but they didn't work. Having lost all hope, I almost went to buy an unlock code. But I didn't. Because I'm stubborn. So, instead, I decided to try RegionLock one more time, and voila, it worked. I'm pretty sure it was the MF3 modem that caused it to work, but I'm going to list out every step I took for this to work, just in case.
TL;DR: If you want to SIM unlock your AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4, but the codes nor RegionLock has been working for you, you don't have an AT&T SIM card *AND* you're on NB1, this should work for you. This should also probably work on MK2 and NC1.
I am not to be held responsible if you mess up your precious S4 during the course of this guide in any way.
Also, all of the files needed (all of them) are available at the bottom.
HOW TO SIM UNLOCK YOUR NB1 GALAXY S4 IF ALL ELSE FAILS
**MAKE SURE THERE IS NO SIM CARD WHATSOEVER IN YOUR PHONE UNTIL SAID TO PUT ONE IN**
1.) Install stock NB1
For this guide, we obviously need *stock* NB1 on our S4. Either backup and do a full factory reset if you're already on it, or flash NB1 via Odin. I'm not going to show you step by step how to flash NB1 via Odin onto your Galaxy S4, so I'll link to a guide if you need it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2663545
2.) Root your S4
Now we need to root our Galaxy S4. Go into Settings, click on the 'More' tab, and then click on 'Security'. Now, change the security level to 'Normal' and check 'Unknown Sources'. Exit out of Settings. Now, download the two included files, one is Towelroot, and the other is SuperSU. Install Towelroot (click on it in the Notification bar, or in the Downloads app), and after it's installed, open it and click 'make it ra1n'. If your phone didn't reboot, you're good to go. You can exit Towelroot now. Next, download, install, and run SuperSU. It's also included at the bottom. Click 'Normal Mode' when it asks how you want to update the binary. When that's done, it will ask you if you want to disable KNOX. Click yes, and it should say KNOX is disabled. Now you can reboot your phone. If it keeps trying to disable KNOX for more than a couple of minutes, reboot your phone. After you've rebooted it, open SuperSU again regardless of whether or not KNOX was disabled. Click yes if it asks you to disable KNOX again, and it should work this time.
3.) Installing Safestrap
Us NB1 users aren't so lucky- we still have a locked bootloader. That means we can't install normal recoveries like CWM or TWRP. However, we can install Safestrap. From the bottom, download the included Safestrap APK and install it. Open it, click 'Install' and grant it root access. Let it finish, and if you are now able to click the 'Reboot' option below 'Uninstall', it worked. Don't reboot.
NOTE: If the 'Reboot' option is still greyed out after you 'Install' Safestrap, that means it didn't install. DO NOT PANIC! There is a very quick fix to this. Simply go to the Play Store and download 'SELinux Mode Changer'. After it's installed, open it, grant it root access, and change the mode to 'Permissive'. Now, open Safestrap again, click 'Install', and after it's finished, the option to reboot should be available. That means it worked.
4.) Let's talk about MF3, baby!
Download the included MF3 Modules ZIP file from the link down below. The ZIP was too big to attach to this post. Now turn off your device. Boot it back up, and you should see a screen with a little robot. Press the menu key under 'Recovery' to boot into Safestrap. Now, click 'Install' in Safestrap, and navigate to your Downloads folder, where the MF3 Modules ZIP file is located. Select it, and install it. Now, reboot to 'System'. When you see the robot screen again, press the back key under 'System' to boot into Android.
http://d-h.st/ReU
5.) Installing RegionLock Away
Now, we have to install and flash RegionLock Away. It was originally created to remove region locks on the Note 3, but various S4 users reported it to SIM unlock their phone, and after following the steps above, it will SIM unlock your S4 as well! Download the included RegionLock Away APK from below, install it, and click 'Remove Region Lock' (I believe that's what the button says). Grant it root access, and when it asks you to reboot, accept it.
6.) This is the best part...
We get to sit and wait. Once your phone boots up again, unlock it and go to the dialer. Type *#0011# (this isn't what you think it is) and wait until ServiceMode pops up (it should take a while). Once it pops up, wait at least 60 seconds and then remove your battery. Now, put your alternative (non-AT&T) SIM card in it. Put your battery back in, put your back on again, and turn your phone on.
7.) No, THIS is the best part!
Tired of that 'Invalid SIM card', or 'No SIM card' error? So was I. Well, a weight has just been lifted off of your shoulders. Once you unlock your device (on the lock screen, not the SIM- that's what we've just done!), you shouldn't see one of those anymore. Instead, if you're using, say, a T-Mobile SIM, you should see T-Mobile on the status bar after a couple of seconds. Try texting someone, calling someone, using the internet. Another bonus is that the APNs should be preconfigured, so now it'll work out of the box.
8.) No, no, no... We're not done yet!
Now, we need to re-flash the NB1 modems. You don't have to, but it's recommended. On your device, download the NB1 Modules ZIP that is provided below and then reboot into your device, and once you're on the Robot screen, click the menu button under 'Recovery'. Now click Install, and navigate to the Downloads folder where your NB1 Modules ZIP should be and install it. Reboot into System now, and when you're at the Robot screen again, click the back key under 'System'. Nothing should change when Android boots up. Your SIM unlock should still work, and your apps, etc. should be just how you left them.
http://d-h.st/4p8
Now we're done. Feels nice, doesn't it?
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
You don't have to stay on the stock ROM anymore! You can flash any Safestrap ROM from the link below and still have SIM unlock! And, if/when the NB1 bootloader gets an unlock and you can finally install recoveries other than Safestrap, you will also be able to install ROMs other than Safestrap ready ones! Now, here's a link on how to install Safestrap ROMs, as well as a list of them. Be careful not to install ROMs for other carriers- only install ones for the i9500, i337, ATT, or if they say NB1. There is a guide hanging around here somewhere for installing ROMs from other carriers, however. But again, I'm too lazy to put that one up for you.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
Now, NOW we're really done.
This whole process shouldn't have taken more than half an hour, and if you were already on NB1, you shouldn't have even needed to touch a computer. This whole process gave you an unlocked NB1 S4 in half an hour, using nothing but this guide and your common sense.
Remember, hit thanks, reply if you've tried it, or if there's a problem with this guide.
Also, I'm new to (posting on) XDA and the S4 area in general, so go easy on me.
Any one tried this on NC1 and got it to unlock their S4?
Yeah it will work. 90℅ sure. I upgraded to NC1 after using my method and it still was unlocked. No worries.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Free mobile app.
Cool. Ill try later after church. Will update.
Also can you tell me where I can get the NC1 modules? Or its ok to use the NB1 module in your link?
Dude... No way. I just got out of church not even 10 minutes ago.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Free mobile app
Awesome write up. Unlocking went smoothly. Much thanks bro.
Is it ok to reset the phone to get rid of all the stuff I installed? Will the unlock stick? Reason is I'd like to sell it.
merikgvr4 said:
Awesome write up. Unlocking went smoothly. Much thanks bro.
Is it ok to reset the phone to get rid of all the stuff I installed? Will the unlock stick? Reason is I'd like to sell it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it'll stick. I've been through a couple of Safestrap ROMs, soft bricking my device at least 3 times (while developing a ROM) and having to do Odin stock flashes, and it's stayed. So it'll stay, yeah.
Hi GM. Read up on going back to nc1. Post 5 on all things thread has an update zip for flashing nb1 to nc1. I'd like to ask if I can use safestrap for this.
For going back to stock, is it ok to use the factory data reset or will I have to use odin?
Thanks again for all the help.
Hey, sorry I can't answer that right now. I'm at Dairy Queen. I needed a break, lol. Give me an hour and I'll get back to you.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
Take your time bro. Im gonna try your rom also and see if I like it better than stock.
Alright, sweet! Also, I should have an Android L ROM out today or tomorrow. Not legit Android L, just 4.4.4 with as much as I can take from L as possible.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
Running your rom. Smooth. How can I flash back to NC1 baseband?
Like someone asked, if I downgrade to NB1 (I'm on NE1), after the whole process will I be able to go back to stock and be able to receive future OTA? I'll also like to sell it so if the client can't upgrade it afterwards then it's not good for them.
thanks
stoned99 said:
Like someone asked, if I downgrade to NB1 (I'm on NE1), after the whole process will I be able to go back to stock and be able to receive future OTA? I'll also like to sell it so if the client can't upgrade it afterwards then it's not good for them.
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. The unlock doesn't affect any of that- the unlock is permanent.
This Works
I just spent the last 35 minutes doing all the steps listed above. Confirmed working.
I was on AT&T I337UCUFNC1; MDF v1.0 release 2.
Just put in my T-Mobile SIM and it worked.
A BIG THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:victory:
:victory:
:victory:
GalaxyMasterI337 said:
Background
I found my AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 in a hotel room I was staying in. It was just my luck, too, considering my S2 on T-Mobile had just undergone it's own death due to the screen not working, and I didn't have the cash to buy another phone.
After my stay at the hotel was over, I went home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question:
Did you try returning your found "new" phone to it's rightful owner who paid for it and might have forgot it there OR assumed your ownership.
Just curious...
urtruelove78 said:
Question:
Did you try returning your found "new" phone to it's rightful owner who paid for it and might have forgot it there OR assumed your ownership.
Just curious...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured it was stolen. It was hidden in the back corner on top of a shelf about a foot above my head, and when I opened the back there was no SIM card or SD card. I did in fact assume ownership, lol. There's not much you can do without a SIM card.
I'm pretty sure calling this unlock permanent is a little overstated. While I appreciate your effort for the guide, I've been using this region lock thing almost since it dropped and an Odin back to stock reverses it for me, every time.
Just fyi!
Also can't speak for your state, but in most states you have possesion of stolen property ( if a reasonable person would have believed it was stolen) or possibly theft of lost or mislaid goods to consider. Again just fyi!
Thanks again, good to see people contributing.
Sent from my i337 on T-Mobile that's getting awesome LTE speeds.
I hope this is the right place but is there anyway to get this working while running GPE ROM?
This might work on it. It wouldn't hurt to try!
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Free mobile app
Related
How do I un root my phone and go back to the Rom that it came with?
Did you try searching the forum?
Follow section #6 of this guide.
I tired using the download in that post, but the one that is unrooted said it would take 4 days to download. I did a quick google search and found one from galaxy s3 root . com and used it. After I followed the directions my phone still boots with the words "Custom" and the unlocked padlock right in the beginning. How do you get rid of that? I've been having some GPS issues and want to get a new device but I can't send it back like this.
Atrious said:
I tired using the download in that post, but the one that is unrooted said it would take 4 days to download. I did a quick google search and found one from galaxy s3 root . com and used it. After I followed the directions my phone still boots with the words "Custom" and the unlocked padlock right in the beginning. How do you get rid of that? I've been having some GPS issues and want to get a new device but I can't send it back like this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just clicked the VRLF2 1 gb download and it tells me it will download within a an hour over wifi on my computer. How did you try to download it? If you aren't already, you should download that file from a computer cuz its roughly one gb in size. I'm almost positive the reason its still unlocked is because you didn't lock the bootloader before returning to stock. Idk what this other site is but you need to re-root then lock your bootloader with EZ Unlock, then follow section 6 of that guide again.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
SO. i got the newest OTA from Verizon, and I might just root to get Titanium Backup on my phone to get some game data. (I have that GPS issue and the Copy/Paste issue, verizon sent me a new one). After preserving the game data, I am then going to unroot.
So, following step 6 of the guide should be all i need to unroot, right?
1. when rooting, i don't have to unlock the bootloader, right?
2. will this work on MAC as well? step 6?
Thank you!
Hi All:
I was having some signal quality issues and Verizon had my apply the newest software update available. I was rooted, but after the update i lost root. It said the update failed, but it also says my phone is up to date. Now when I reboot the phone one of the screens says "Samsung Custom" with a a picture of an un-locked lock (i don't believe it showed that before).
1) Can i go through the process of rooting again without screwing up my phone? Do i need to do anything prior to rooting again if I can root again?
2) What does that screen on the reboot menu mean?
3) Should i bother to do Verizon software updates in the future?
Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere, I couldn't find a thread in my search. Thanks for your help!
This has been discussed to death, especially in the thread that YOU read to root your phone. You NEVER take an OTA update when rooted. You will most defiantly lose root with the possibility of locking your bootloader and never being able to root again or unlock the bootloader. Since you are this deep, you can do 1 of 2 things. 1. Sit tight and see what is figured out. 2. Odin to a pre-rooted image, restore your backup, and wait to see what the devs say about it.
HHF2 said:
This has been discussed to death, especially in the thread that YOU read to root your phone. You NEVER take an OTA update when rooted. You will most defiantly lose root with the possibility of locking your bootloader and never being able to root again or unlock the bootloader. Since you are this deep, you can do 1 of 2 things. 1. Sit tight and see what is figured out. 2. Odin to a pre-rooted image, restore your backup, and wait to see what the devs say about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I guess I forgot that little bit of valuable information. So does that reboot screen just mean my bootloader is locked? Also, my backup was deleted somehow during the update process. I tried to go into recovery and load my backup, but it is no longer available.
If you have an unlocked lock, I would thing that would mean unlocked, right? Do you still have your custom recovery?
fillyo said:
If you have an unlocked lock, I would thing that would mean unlocked, right? Do you still have your custom recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have ROM Manager, which i used to access CWM. But if i try to boot into recover from a power off state it says "System Software not authorized by VZW has be found on your phone. Please turn off your phone and go to the nearest VZW store for help." At the top of that screen in red it says "Secure Fail: Kernel." So that leads me to believe I don't have a custom recovery anymore, correct?
irl5fan said:
Well I guess I forgot that little bit of valuable information. So does that reboot screen just mean my bootloader is locked? Also, my backup was deleted somehow during the update process. I tried to go into recovery and load my backup, but it is no longer available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the steps here to root the new OTA: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2046439. The unlocked lock and custom when you boot up actually does mean that your bootloader has been relocked. Strange way to show it though. You could wait until mrRobinson updates his no wipe odin factory images but that might be a couple days. I always use that method instead.
BigErnM said:
Follow the steps here to root the new OTA: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2046439. The unlocked lock and custom when you boot up actually does mean that your bootloader has been relocked. Strange way to show it though. You could wait until mrRobinson updates his no wipe odin factory images but that might be a couple days. I always use that method instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok yeah I'll check that out if he updates this week. Do I need to do a factory reset or anything or just leave my phone as is for now?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
You don't have to reset anything if you don't want to. You can flash the full wipe or no wipe version. Everybody has their own preferences, I like the no-wipe versions. I usually avoid taking the Verizon OTAs directly by disabling the software update service with Titanium Backup Pro since they screw up root and the bootloader. I wait until there is an ODIN flashable image of it. Others prefer to take the OTA and root using the guide above, or flash the odex or deodex versions in recovery like the ones here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2177798.
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
This is my first post ever here so I'm sorry if I'm breaking some rule (read the forum rules so I don't think I am) or if it's in the wrong subforum (although this does seem like a help & troubleshooting topic to me).
A little backstory is probably necessary.
I rooted my s3 (latest OTA update) via CASUAL (thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2332825) and it seemed like it worked for the most part, although it didn't boot into twrp like it should have and instead booted into normal recovery. I just assumed that it was because something went wrong with the recovery installation so I just thought "ok whatever."
Root access was there, and I assumed the bootloader was unlocked since I read several places that when it's unlocked, the initial samsung boot logo appears for about a second as opposed to several seconds when it's locked. So I just assumed all i needed was to reinstall a custom recovery and I was golden.
Installed ROM Manager, flashed CWM through the app, and rebooted the phone, and as it was booting into recovery I was greeted with the infamous "NO CUSTOM SOFTWARE ALLOWED PLEASE ALERT PAPA VERIZON IMMEDIATELY" warning.
I was about to flash back to stock through odin (which i regretted since I've had bad experiences in the past using it) when I figured out I could get the device to boot normally by clicking cancel in the download mode confirmation window. I guess it kept trying to reboot to recovery after every unsuccessful boot, which made it seem like it was softbricked to me.
Phone is operating normally now, and it should after another reboot as long as it doesn't try to go into recovery again (though I'm kind of afraid to even do that).
Is there any way without Odin I can fix my recovery and/or bootloader? I'm not sure what the problem is here and I don't think this sort of thing is a common searchable issue. Google/XDA search didn't bring up anything that sounded like someone had 100% the same problem I do.
Also on a semi-related note, does EZ-Unlock still work with this latest OTA? And if my bootloader is potentially unlocked already, would unlocking it again through EZ-Unlock break something?
Sleix said:
This is my first post ever here so I'm sorry if I'm breaking some rule (read the forum rules so I don't think I am) or if it's in the wrong subforum (although this does seem like a help & troubleshooting topic to me).
A little backstory is probably necessary.
I rooted my s3 (latest OTA update) via CASUAL (thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2332825) and it seemed like it worked for the most part, although it didn't boot into twrp like it should have and instead booted into normal recovery. I just assumed that it was because something went wrong with the recovery installation so I just thought "ok whatever."
Root access was there, and I assumed the bootloader was unlocked since I read several places that when it's unlocked, the initial samsung boot logo appears for about a second as opposed to several seconds when it's locked. So I just assumed all i needed was to reinstall a custom recovery and I was golden.
Installed ROM Manager, flashed CWM through the app, and rebooted the phone, and as it was booting into recovery I was greeted with the infamous "NO CUSTOM SOFTWARE ALLOWED PLEASE ALERT PAPA VERIZON IMMEDIATELY" warning.
I was about to flash back to stock through odin (which i regretted since I've had bad experiences in the past using it) when I figured out I could get the device to boot normally by clicking cancel in the download mode confirmation window, rebooting the phone normally. I guess it kept trying to reboot to recovery after every unsuccessful boot, which made it seem like it was softbricked to me.
Phone is operating normally now, and it should after another reboot as long as it doesn't try to go into recovery again (though I'm kind of afraid to even do that).
Is there any way without Odin I can fix my recovery and/or bootloader? I'm not sure what the problem is here and I don't think this sort of thing is a common searchable issue. Google/XDA search didn't bring up anything that sounded like someone had 100% the same problem I do.
Also on a semi-related note, does EZ-Unlock still work with this latest OTA? And if my bootloader is potentially unlocked already, would unlocking it again through EZ-Unlock break something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is really weird...
I was reading it and was going to suggest easy unlock v1.2,you will not break anything using that app.
If that still doesn't work, try to flash TWRP through goo manager and see if it somehow fixes your recovery issue.
It sounds to me that your Bootloader is unlocked though... But give it a shot.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
BadUsername said:
That is really weird...
I was reading it and was going to suggest easy unlock v1.2,you will not break anything using that app.
If that still doesn't work, try to flash TWRP through goo manager and see if it somehow fixes your recovery issue.
It sounds to me that your Bootloader is unlocked though... But give it a shot.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick response.
That was going to be what I tried first, that's why I asked about it.
I'll wait for a little more input before trying it though if it's really that weird of an issue.
Sleix said:
Thanks for the quick response.
That was going to be what I tried first, that's why I asked about it.
I'll wait for a little more input before trying it though if it's really that weird of an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just strange that you only get that message with recovery mode, it normally will not do that.
At the very worst, an odin back to stock is pretty easy. Just follow the same process, but use ez recovery instead of rom manager. It was made specifically for our phone, and never gives me any issues when installing recoveries.
I still think if you use ez unlock it'll probably fix the issue completely. Let me know if you figure it out. Good luck.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
BadUsername said:
It's just strange that you only get that message with recovery mode, it normally will not do that.
At the very worst, an odin back to stock is pretty easy. Just follow the same process, but use ez recovery instead of rom manager. It was made specifically for our phone, and never gives me any issues when installing recoveries.
I still think if you use ez unlock it'll probably fix the issue completely. Let me know if you figure it out. Good luck.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Used ez unlock to unlock the bootloader. It was previously labeled as "Unknown".
Downloading ez recovery right now. Do you think I need to reinstall my recovery just to make sure?
Sleix said:
Thanks. Used ez unlock to unlock the bootloader. It was previously labeled as "Unknown".
Downloading ez recovery right now. Do you think I need to reinstall my recovery just to make sure?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but it wouldn't hurt.
Use 1.2 of ez unlock, versions 1.3 and 1.4 will give an unknown message. There have also been lots of reports saying that version 1.4 did not unlock their bootloader.
These are the most recent recoveries, download and flash in the ez recovery app if you need to.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2096735
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
BadUsername said:
No, but it wouldn't hurt.
Use 1.2, versions 1.3 and 1.4 will give an unknown message. There have also been lots of reports saying that version 1.4 did not unlock their bootloader.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reflashed CMW (I used the version provided by ez recovery, please let me know if that's a problem) just in case and it worked like a charm. Thanks!
Also I did use version 1.2. I actually had it sitting on my phone's home screen before I made this thread.
It still showed up as "Unknown". Maybe that indicated the problem?
Regardless, this problem seems to have been fixed. Now it's time to do some research on verizon s3 roms.
Also another semi-unrelated note, it seems I tripped a flash counter somewhere along the line.
Is Triangle Away one of those apps that is just "open and press a button"? I've been kind of wary of using it since it has that huge warning in app's description.
Sleix said:
Reflashed CMW (I used the version provided by ez recovery, please let me know if that's a problem) just in case and it worked like a charm. Thanks!
Also I did use version 1.2. I actually had it sitting on my phone's home screen before I made this thread.
It still showed up as "Unknown". Maybe that indicated the problem?
Regardless, this problem seems to have been fixed. Now it's time to do some research on verizon s3 roms.
Also another semi-unrelated note, it seems I tripped a flash counter somewhere along the line.
Is Triangle Away one of those apps that is just "open and press a button"? I've been kind of wary of using it since it has that huge warning in app's description.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to hear it's working! Strange issue but looks like you ironed it out.
Triangle away is the app you would use. You tripped it using the rooting method injecting your recovery through odin, it's a big warning because it messes with your boot partition. If it fails and borks your boot partition, then you'd have to jtag your phone to fix it.
I personally wouldn't use it unless I was turning in my phone for service or replacement. But the app has great reviews and not many reports of bricks.
Before flashing anything, use a newer recovery image. The one provided by ez recovery is from last year, the newer versions are better written to prevent possible errors that come up with jellybean.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
BadUsername said:
Glad to hear it's working! Strange issue but looks like you ironed it out.
Triangle away is the app you would use. You tripped it using the rooting method injecting your recovery through odin, it's a big warning because it messes with your boot partition. If it fails and borks your boot partition, then you'd have to jtag your phone to fix it.
I personally wouldn't use it unless I was turning in my phone for service or replacement. But the app has great reviews and not many reports of bricks.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll keep that in mind, thanks again!
Any roms you'd recommend?
Sleix said:
I'll keep that in mind, thanks again!
Any roms you'd recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read through the op's and decide based on what you're looking for.
Mostly stock, very stable:
Clean rom, bonestock, darthstalker x1.
More modified stocks, more buggy but can run very well:
Hyperdrive, axis, goodness, moar
AOSP isn't my cup of tea, but they are fast and lag free.
Make sure you update your recovery image first, I edited my last post but think you missed it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
BadUsername said:
Read through the op's and decide based on what you're looking for.
Mostly stock, very stable:
Clean rom, bonestock, darthstalker x1.
More modified stocks, more buggy but can run very well:
Hyperdrive, axis, goodness, moar
AOSP isn't my cup of tea, but they are fast and lag free.
Make sure you update your recovery image first, I edited my last post but think you missed it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do. Thanks for pointing that edit out.
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
If you are using the Straight Talk Galaxy S4 with build number
JSS15J.S975LUDUANB1 and just want root and simple recovery
You can root using towelroot.
SuperSU will also deactivate Knox.
Safestrap version 3.72 works for getting a proper recovery installed with the option at boot for system or recovery. Note that it will say safestrap is disabled but will still allow your choice to boot into recovery.
Make a backup in recovery as soon as you can.
Or if you want awesomeness!! Do THIS!!
Here is the definitive guide for those wondering what to do that will work and be stable and AWESOME!
From the beginning:
1.Root with towelroot (search) AND install SuperSU from the play store.
2.Install the latest recovery from here using the DD method listed directions from the TWRP site. This is from T-Mobile and works! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2263001
MAKE A BACKUP!!! DO IT! No more messing around with Safestrap and the bitter warnings!
To get into recovery hold "home+volume up" during boot. Whoooo!!!!
3. Install the Lollipop gpe ROM from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2539361
This uses the aroma installer and works well.
You may, or may not have to input *#6463*# into dialpad to change settings to LTE etc.. This adjustment may alsobe in the ROM settings!
4. Optional - install the googy kernel
I like this kernel better though there isn't a huge difference from the hulk kernel. Make sure to install the GE edition 1.3.0. NOT TOUCHWHIZ! : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2741181
ENJOY!
sleekmason said:
Moderator, please move to relevant forum or incorporate into the general info thread if this isn't the right place.
If you are using the Straight Talk Galaxy S4 with build number
JSS15J.S975LUDUANB1,
You can root using towelroot.
SuperSU will also deactivate Knox.
Safestrap version 3.72 works for getting a proper recovery installed with the option at boot for system or recovery. Note that it will say safestrap is disabled but will still allow your choice to boot into recovery.
Make a backup in recovery as soon as you can.
The zip to allow tethering WILL NOT work, and you will be stuck on the Samsung logo.
Xposed works well, but do not use the option in gravity box to add the recovery option to your power menu or your device will freeze upon pressing the power button.
Greenify works well.
Advise against ROM installation, as well as initial upgrade. You will lose app to SD ability if you upgrade.
The boot loader is not unlocked, so no cool kernels here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to use towelroot and my att s4 is running on the att towers with straight talk.
mrphotoman said:
I was able to use towelroot and my att s4 is running on the att towers with straight talk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you downloaded safestrap? Or tried anything with Xposed?
sleekmason said:
Have you downloaded safestrap? Or tried anything with Xposed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No not yet, I just got the phone so I haven't done a lot to it yet. I was able to get tethering working and it was pretty easy and I got a nice extended battery case for it yesterday that I love. Other than that I haven't had time to do a lot else to it.
mrphotoman said:
No not yet, I just got the phone so I haven't done a lot to it yet. I was able to get tethering working and it was pretty easy and I got a nice extended battery case for it yesterday that I love. Other than that I haven't had time to do a lot else to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell me what you did for tethering? I tried once but was unable to get it to work.
sleekmason said:
Can you tell me what you did for tethering? I tried once but was unable to get it to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sure, i have a how to vid but i am waiting on the mod to approve it so i can post it. it definately works on the newest updated att phone
mrphotoman said:
sure, i have a how to vid but i am waiting on the mod to approve it so i can post it. it definately works on the newest updated att phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent! Please post a link to it here as well when you get it uploaded
Updated
See first post
I used tmo twrp. Flashed tmo and att roms. I also have the Odin file. I am not sure but I am on the s975L which I thought was att not sure but pretty sure. However it also says i337 underbattery ...I've tried more tmo roms than anything. No safestrap but I might try that later. Seems we don't have locked bootloader. This is great. However unlock is next for me. Having a blast hacking the hell out of it. So far I have had no issues. Again I'm not new to this. Lol. It's an addiction. I have sprint note 4 as my DD. So this is my fix. Lmao.
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
Droid2drummer said:
I used tmo twrp. Flashed tmo and att roms. I also have the Odin file. I am not sure but I am on the s975L which I thought was att not sure but pretty sure. However it also says i337 underbattery ...I've tried more tmo roms than anything. No safestrap but I might try that later. Seems we don't have locked bootloader. This is great. However unlock is next for me. Having a blast hacking the hell out of it. So far I have had no issues. Again I'm not new to this. Lol. It's an addiction. I have sprint note 4 as my DD. So this is my fix. Lmao.
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, the bootloader IS locked, but can be bypassed using Loki to patch kernels for custom roms. Glad to see somebody else on this phone
sleekmason said:
As far as I know, the bootloader IS locked, but can be bypassed using Loki to patch kernels for custom roms. Glad to see somebody else on this phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange. If it was locked I wonder how I've used tmo twrp no loki or SS and flashed tons of roms so far...I just odined back from a modem issue. But rerooted now off to get some modems etc...boot and all. I'll keep reporting. Thank you bro. I maintain many devices and carriers and am about to start a channel on YouTube. I do music writing now with keyboard. Now I'm just getting a hand on s4 straight talk and will make a list of all working roms.
Sent from my SM-S975L using XDA Free mobile app
Droid2drummer said:
That's strange. If it was locked I wonder how I've used tmo twrp no loki or SS and flashed tons of roms so far...I just odined back from a modem issue. But rerooted now off to get some modems etc...boot and all. I'll keep reporting. Thank you bro. I maintain many devices and carriers and am about to start a channel on YouTube. I do music writing now with keyboard. Now I'm just getting a hand on s4 straight talk and will make a list of all working roms.
Sent from my SM-S975L using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True.. I don't know as much about it as I like. I just wasn't able to use fastboot or "unlock" using fastboot.
If you are working with the modems let me know how that goes, and maybe you can help with an issue I'm having? My GPS won't work after trying a ROM with safestrap. What I've posted here is a result of trying to fix it. I consistently show NO satellites. I consulted the local phone fixers to no avail. I was wondering if it could be related to a modem issue? I think the ROM I first tried did something deep to my phone, though Phone Info showed at the time everything to be original concerning baseband etc.. And a factory reset didn't help.
I'm at the point now of thinking its hardware rather than software but the coincidence to trying the ROM was too high.
Hey everyone!
I am working with this phone and am trying to get a backup modem, can you please ,make a suggestion?
Also are there any ROMs that allow easy access to umts menu through servicemenu? I know the base firmware cripples this and I'm trying to get a work around!
thanks in advanced!