Question S3 ROM - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

About a year ago, I had to send my phone away because I screwed up and put the wrong ROM on my phone. When I got it back, my bootloader is still "Unlocked" (ie. the lock is OPEN when I turn on my phone). However, I am running stock OTA update. I have not done anything, so I am out of date as to what is going on with the new locking/bricking etc.
From what I have read, if you took the OTA update, you can no longer flash any new ROMs, reguardless of what the lock shows? Am I correct in my assumptions?
Thanks

robsch said:
About a year ago, I had to send my phone away because I screwed up and put the wrong ROM on my phone. When I got it back, my bootloader is still "Unlocked" (ie. the lock is OPEN when I turn on my phone). However, I am running stock OTA update. I have not done anything, so I am out of date as to what is going on with the new locking/bricking etc.
From what I have read, if you took the OTA update, you can no longer flash any new ROMs, reguardless of what the lock shows? Am I correct in my assumptions?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your on 4.4.2 NE1 your on a locked bootloader. Best bet is to take a look under about phone. If it indeed says that your stuck there
From my CM11 S3

Related

[Q] Unlock Code

I'm Just wondering If I update to 2.2 will my phone lock again or once it's unlocked it's always stay unlocked even if i do a hard reset >?
I haven't updated to 2.2 yet so don't take my word, but I've read that it re-locks and disables the easy way to find the unlock code.
But, if you write down your unlock code before updating to 2.2 and then enter it again in 2.2 you're good to go
Definitely save your unlock code somewhere so that you can re-use it if it re-locks. My phone has gone through JH7 update then Froyo update and stayed unlocked. But others do claim theirs get locked again.
Regardless, your unlock code should be the same because it is sololy based on you IMEI number.
so, is the general consensus that once you're on JH7 you can no longer get the unlock code? or did i miss the 'how to' thread for that?
bdbsubscribe said:
so, is the general consensus that once you're on JH7 you can no longer get the unlock code? or did i miss the 'how to' thread for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JH7 is still 2.1 ROM and it is still possible to get the unlock code (a little bit more efforts than stock JF6). 2.2 ROMs are impossible to get unlock code as far as I know.
The following is pure speculation---feel free to object
It *may* be the case that, once the official Froyo update is rolled out, an unocked phone will stay unlocked. I assume that somewhere in the internal file system is a file that keeps track of the network lock status of the phone. The unofficial JI6 ROM may have been an image or backup taken from a locked phone; in this case it makes sense that the network lock will be restored upon flashing that image. But, in an official update, this may be avoided.
On the other hand, I have seen posts mentioning that not only was the phone relocked upon flashing JI6---the old unlock code itself was apparently rejected! I find this both puzzling and worrisome: I do want to upgrade to Froyo when the official update arrives, but I also need my phone to stay unlocked.
BTW, I updated to JH7 OTA and the phone stayed unlocked.
foxbat121 said:
JH7 is still 2.1 ROM and it is still possible to get the unlock code (a little bit more efforts than stock JF6). 2.2 ROMs are impossible to get unlock code as far as I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive got no issues with a little more effort – just not quite sure how to go about it. Would you be good enough to either fill me in or direct me to a thread where i can figure it out?
Thanks!
I have flashed my phone a few times - JH7, JI6 (2.2); and now back to stock with JH7.
My phone is locked and the original lock code dos not work.
According to a post on Cyanogen's forum - I can take the existing stuff in BML3 file:
SSNV´'šù..Jøý.—.~n.•öVÚðÜž|.hÿ6*§ÒùF....Gmñ.¾E.¸Øoß’.Öµ.†.ˆì..Á.ñ-*y!96Ý.FFFFFFFF........................00100100101#31015031017031118031041031098099999#
And replace the FFFFFFFF with my 8 digit unlock code and push this file back to the phone.
Has anyone tried this?
bdbsubscribe said:
Ive got no issues with a little more effort – just not quite sure how to go about it. Would you be good enough to either fill me in or direct me to a thread where i can figure it out?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not too bad at all - for those with the same question see
/showthread.php?t=789888&page=3
MarcianoS said:
It *may* be the case that, once the official Froyo update is rolled out, an unocked phone will stay unlocked. I assume that somewhere in the internal file system is a file that keeps track of the network lock status of the phone. The unofficial JI6 ROM may have been an image or backup taken from a locked phone; in this case it makes sense that the network lock will be restored upon flashing that image. But, in an official update, this may be avoided.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone stays unlocked even after JI6 flashing. I have no idea why others get locked again. Maybe they never unlocked properly when they were still using 2.1 ROM.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--eB7jQc-tI
i had this problem with 2.1 rooted when i put in my non att sim card, asked me for the unlock code again, go to this to get it unlocked the msg above
i updated my firmware to 2.2 froyo rooted thanks to senior member last night and it never asked for the unlock code ever again
Save your unlock code!
Every time I've flashed a new ROM I've had to re-unlock the phone. Supposedly other people have not had to re-unlock, so it sounds like a case of YMMV.
I had my phone unlocked and working fine overseas. Got back could not wait so put froyo on. I thought the unlock would stay it did not. But i had the codes so no worry. I tried twice the codes from before but they did not take. So going to get a cheap tmob prepay sim and try that did not want to kill my other good sim. I will let you know how that works. If any one has any ideas please let me know.
Edit: got brave put it the sim from Japan again after flashing cog beta 4 and did not ask for unlock code. So i guess it works,somehow. Ill still get the tmob sim tomorrow and try. But looks good now.

Guide for former HTC Owners?

So I'm a long time HTC owner and my sister just got an S5 I plan to root tonight.
I'm also thinking of returning my M8 for an S5 after I check out my sisters. But I'm not sure I want to give up the M8 speakers.
Anyway I'm curious for others with experience from both sides about some terminology HTC vs Samsung.
1) Do "leaked" RUU's exist. These are official "Kits" that will basically put a phone back to factory (Firmware, Root Status, Recovery) etc.
It will do everything except remove S-OFF (see below). They are handy to have for warranty work and you botched something.
Often cleanly built ROM's are built from a base RUU rather than a "Dump".
2) Does anything like S-OFF exist. HTC phones can be typically exploited such that you have "S-OFF". This basically means you can install any firmware (radio etc.) beyond Android, Recovery.
3) Once rooted, will you get OTA updates? Will and OTA remove root? Could you loose root access through an OTA update?
With S-OFF none of this matters.
4) Without S-OFF it can be awkward to update the Kernels sometimes. Can the Kernels be easily updated with "Just" Root.
5) Does the phone display "Tampered" or "Unlocked" once rooted. If so how easy is it to remove that and get it back to factory after being rooted.
mswlogo said:
So I'm a long time HTC owner and my sister just got an S5 I plan to root tonight.
I'm also thinking of returning my M8 for an S5 after I check out my sisters. But I'm not sure I want to give up the M8 speakers.
Anyway I'm curious for others with experience from both sides about some terminology HTC vs Samsung.
1) Do "leaked" RUU's exist. These are official "Kits" that will basically put a phone back to factory (Firmware, Root Status, Recovery) etc.
It will do everything except remove S-OFF (see below). They are handy to have for warranty work and you botched something.
Often cleanly built ROM's are built from a base RUU rather than a "Dump".
2) Does anything like S-OFF exist. HTC phones can be typically exploited such that you have "S-OFF". This basically means you can install any firmware (radio etc.) beyond Android, Recovery.
3) Once rooted, will you get OTA updates? Will and OTA remove root? Could you loose root access through an OTA update?
With S-OFF none of this matters.
4) Without S-OFF it can be awkward to update the Kernels sometimes. Can the Kernels be easily updated with "Just" Root.
5) Does the phone display "Tampered" or "Unlocked" once rooted. If so how easy is it to remove that and get it back to factory after being rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will do my best....
1) Yes. Leaked do exist but are minimal for this phone at the moment. Samsung makes the current available for download right from them or is available in this forum. Just flash via Odin and will restore it to factory stock.
2) If I'm not mistaken the Sprint S5 bootloader is not locked. Therefore all you need to do is root and can flash away.
3) If you take an OTA while rooted you will lose root. However, it will not be possible to take the OTA successfully with a custom recovery installed. Best bet is to wait until someone modifies the OTA and re-packages for root users. Usually only takes a few days after official OTA is dropped.
4) Yes. Just a quick flash.
5) Yes. Status will change and cannot go back at this time once it is tripped. Can still go back to factory with stock recovery but status will still not be "Official".
Anyone please someone chime in and correct me on any of these if I am mistaken.
CCallahan said:
I will do my best....
1) Yes. Leaked do exist but are minimal for this phone at the moment. Samsung makes the current available for download right from them or is available in this forum. Just flash via Odin and will restore it to factory stock.
2) If I'm not mistaken the Sprint S5 bootloader is not locked. Therefore all you need to do is root and can flash away.
3) If you take an OTA while rooted you will lose root. However, it will not be possible to take the OTA successfully with a custom recovery installed. Best bet is to wait until someone modifies the OTA and re-packages for root users. Usually only takes a few days after official OTA is dropped.
4) Yes. Just a quick flash.
5) Yes. Status will change and cannot go back at this time once it is tripped. Can still go back to factory with stock recovery but status will still not be "Official".
Anyone please someone chime in and correct me on any of these if I am mistaken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Status will be official (in settings "About Phone"). Just when you boot into download mode, knox counter tripped will be shown (0x1).
lol i remember asking all these questions exactly in reverse when i went from the s3 to the one...thanks goodness i came for the s4
On a more superficial note, you can also get a more htc vibe by installing the blinkfeed app thats been ported over by gakugaku. More info here ->
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2735764
Coming over to samsung after 6years with Htc was a little jarring, but this kinda softened the transition.
Thanks guys that was exactly what I needed. My sisters phone rooted just fine.
I did compare her phone to mine briefly and posted here about it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2749699
To sway me to the S5, I really wanted to like the S5 camera (at least as much), the Cell Reception and live with the speakers.
But that is proving really difficult.
The M8 has me very nervous of failing again especially when I keep seeing reports of owners having the same issue I did (lost 3G).
I think I'm trading my m8 to a guy straight across for the s5. I never had any problems with my s3 and the m8 has been a headache, but not for everyone. I know how you feel mswlogo.

[Q] Is there any way I can root with 183.46.15?

I didn't know that there was a root workaround found for 183.46.10 so I foolishly updated to 183.46.15. I've had this phone since 4.1.2 so will a factory reset take me back to 4.1.2? Otherwise will RSD Lite help me? (I'm really sorry for being so ignorant about these things and asking questions that I'm sure are dumb)
cschuck320 said:
I didn't know that there was a root workaround found for 183.46.10 so I foolishly updated to 183.46.15. I've had this phone since 4.1.2 so will a factory reset take me back to 4.1.2? Otherwise will RSD Lite help me? (I'm really sorry for being so ignorant about these things and asking questions that I'm sure are dumb)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you unlocked your bootloader, you have NO way to go back to a previous version nor can you root. There is no way to unlock the bootloader once you've taken to .15 OTA.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but once you took the .15 OTA, you lost all access to root and unlock the bootloader. There is no going back. Your only hope is if someone discovers a new security flaw that can be exploited to gain root access, but since this is a 2-year-old phone, I wouldn't hold my breath.
iBolski said:
Unless you unlocked your bootloader, you have NO way to go back to a previous version nor can you root. There is no way to unlock the bootloader once you've taken to .15 OTA.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but once you took the .15 OTA, you lost all access to root and unlock the bootloader. There is no going back. Your only hope is if someone discovers a new security flaw that can be exploited to gain root access, but since this is a 2-year-old phone, I wouldn't hold my breath.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What if I accidentally updated to 183.46.15 but my bootloader is unlocked? I was fully rooted with unlock on the 4.1.2 bootloader, but wanted to update so I could flash the new CM11 builds, but I too foolishly took the .15 OTA after installing .10. I just can't seem to find a way to roll back to .10 or flash a recovery now...
LogDog2012 said:
What if I accidentally updated to 183.46.15 but my bootloader is unlocked? I was fully rooted with unlock on the 4.1.2 bootloader, but wanted to update so I could flash the new CM11 builds, but I too foolishly took the .15 OTA after installing .10. I just can't seem to find a way to roll back to .10 or flash a recovery now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're fine. Once unlocked, always unlocked. Just flash root and you're good to go.
The unlocking of the bootloader on this phone is a physical change, not a software change. Basically, something called an efuse was blown. Hence just like with the old fashioned fuses from a long time ago in a house far far away, once they blow, you have to physically take them out and replace them with a new one. In the case of the phone, you can't really do that without putting in an entirely new motherboard. Hence, once unlocked, always unlocked. They can't lock it back up since it was a physical change on the phone itself.
iBolski said:
You're fine. Once unlocked, always unlocked. Just flash root and you're good to go.
The unlocking of the bootloader on this phone is a physical change, not a software change. Basically, something called an efuse was blown. Hence just like with the old fashioned fuses from a long time ago in a house far far away, once they blow, you have to physically take them out and replace them with a new one. In the case of the phone, you can't really do that without putting in an entirely new motherboard. Hence, once unlocked, always unlocked. They can't lock it back up since it was a physical change on the phone itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's awesome news. So I should be able to flash a new recovery through ADB?
LogDog2012 said:
That's awesome news. So I should be able to flash a new recovery through ADB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as your bootloader is unlocked, yes. Then, you can flash root.
You need to use the correct recovery that is based on the KK bootloader.
Most are using TWRP as their custom recovery. You can get it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53245455&postcount=1
Flash that and then boot into recovery and flash the latest SuperSU:
http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu
Is there a way to know if I have boot loader unlocked ?
boot into fastboot, read message displayed on your screen

[Q] help! 3of5 unlock attempts failed with RIGHT number

Have a samsung galaxy s1 i897 'captivate' from at&t phone.
Phone originally bought outright, didn't use for years, now trying to unlock so that a friend can use it.
First updated to the pacrom custom rom with kitkat 4.4 (is this part of the problem??) to test/be sure it would work before reenabling the phone. Got the unlock code from at&t - copied it exactly and it's FAILED now 3 times in a row, afraid to touch it with two left.
Is being under 4.4 part of the problem/does it have to have factory rom?
Asked some samsung people who suggested it may need to flash back to the original factory rom, but even thats not enough, mentioned "triangle" to "set back the clock" to pretend it's never been rooted or run a newer OS. Suggested it should then unlock. But also suggested certain Samsungs of this era were notorious for just not unlocking even with everything perfect which is why I was asking here before using up my last 2 attempts.
Does this all sound right/can only unlock the phone from the original factory ROM and OS version? Once unlocked when I update to PacRom/kitkat 4.4 I assume it stays unlocked or will it create a problem somehow?
If for some reason the last remaining 2 chances bite it, I assume this is what people normally mean by bricked and hopefully there's a recovery process or does locked to at&t forever really mean that?

Weird t-mobile OTA / factory reset issue

Hello just a few minutes ago I manually searched for updates from the system setting (have auto update off) and realized I had an update so I took it. I've taken updates OTA before with no issues however this time it basically completely factory data reset my phone and also what's more bizarre is it removed my bootloader unlock that I had gotten way back when the phone was first released. I have never installed custom firmware or even rooted the device but I did get my bootloader unlocked using a paid service that I found about here. I have a snapdragon model note 20 ultra 5g. I am so confused why this time around the OTA affected these things. I have included a screenshot of the OTA I took. Can anyone tell me what happened to my bootloader unlock I've had for like 6 months ?
Do you have a U or a UI device? If so I think Samsung changed the bootloader from version 1 to version 2 and that might be why you lost it. Checkout the last 2 pages of this thread here where you might be able to get more clarification.
Whenever you lock or unlock your bootloader, you device will factory reset.
When you took the update, it updated the bootloader to version 2.
Since your unlock was not an official one, it relocked your bootloader in the process.
This is what caused the wipe.
Yup. You're not supposed to take ota updates with unofficial unlocked bootloader.
Not even sim unlock.
coilbio said:
Yup. You're not supposed to take ota updates with unofficial unlocked bootloader.
Not even sim unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there such a thing as an official bootloader unlock?
shpotik said:
Is there such a thing as an official bootloader unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Not for US versions.
Why did you unlock the bootloader if you haven't ever rooted or flashed custom?
*Detection* said:
Why did you unlock the bootloader if you haven't ever rooted or flashed custom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounded like a good idea at the time.

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