[Q] Questions about No-Contract phones and using them without carrier - General Questions and Answers

Hello, everyone. Thanks for having me.
I'm interested in acquiring some cellphones. I live outside the U.S, and I just want the phones for multimedia, internet and apps related usages, so I don't really need any carriers for the phones, not even in my country, that's why I find these No-Contract offers very good budget-wise.
But then there surge some questions,
*Are these No-Contract phones locked so you can't use them without activating them with a carrier? I mean, maybe something like not going past the start screen if they don't have a valid sim card on, or requiring one-time-activation or something?
*Can I use wi-fi with them with them, or is it subjected to activation with the carrier?
*What about rooting? Are the carriers selling the phones relative to the rooting/ jailbreaking process?
I know my questions might be noobish, but I'm just making sure before buying. You see, I've seen questions like these on Amazon with different answers, which has led me to this confusion and lack of assurance. I myself own (and even jailbroke) a phone from another country I use without carrier, though there are still specifics I'm not sure about yet.
Thanks in advance.

Android 5.1 offers an option to bypass SIM activation for sure ^^
I think it can be bypassed even on stock software!

Related

Super Sim Clone and others

I have searched thru these forums trying an many combo's as I could think of and couldn't find it so hopefully this isnt a repeat set of questions.
-In the Bourne Supremacy, Jason Bourne makes a copy of somebody's sim card which allowed his phone to be on the same call as that person at the same time. All the references I can find to sim cloning state that the second phone must be switched off (or it causes some kind of problem?). So is there any such way to do that with GSM? The only reason I ask is because I work for a CDMA service provider, at sometimes during an ESN swap/upgrade the system will not release the old ESN. The result seems to be that both phones ring at the same time (Though only one can answer). Basically can it be done or is it movie magic?
-During my searches I saw many results for IMEI cloning. Im not sure if I understand why you would want to do this. Some ppl wanted to trick a service provider into giving them service, and I guess some wanted to use a phone that had been banned on a network(?). But really other than using a stolen or banned phone, whats the reason for the popularity of this issue?
-Also I unlock every phone I get, and it looks like there are many US AT&T users here that use or need unlock software. AT&T's general policy nowadays is that they will supply you with the codes for no charge. Just call in and say you bought the phone and will not be using their service. Basically no question asked. Tmobile will give you the code after 90 days with active service, and might give you the code if you arent planning on using their service. So is there another reason for unlocking the phones thru software as opposed to just getting the code? (Is it better, does it do more for you?)
And not a question but a huge, THANK YOU SO MUCH to all of you guys for doing what you do. VP3G's 8525 ROM is awesome (^_^)y
No
in regards to the sim, NO

[Q] Flashing for different carriers.

1st off, if this is in the wrong place, please dont flip out on me. Just re-route the thread with a verbal response.
My issue @ hand. I've typically been a GSM customer through-out various companies. I've had a handful of devices running a handful of OS's. I'm familiar with rooting, jailbreaking, flashing roms, kernals, recoveries, etc. But recently I switched to a low-level cell provider by the name of Ntelos. This network is CDMA, and has, I must say, has a horrible line up of phones with the HTC Desire being their biggest "hit". I am currently using a Samsung Gem ( ) and have not found ways of rooting it. Since this phone isn't up to my standards either way, I intend on finding a new device. A business-friend of mine, who sells for this company, is willing to flash me a CDMA device for a simple fee. He claims I can use any CDMA phone, and "shouldn't" have any trouble with it, even if said device should happen to have a bad ESN.
So to the point.... I'm looking for any kind of help / resources I can get to flash CDMA phones to network of choice. In this instance it is Ntelos, and I have no desire to learn how to flash to any other network. I'm probably going to end up finding myself a Sprint device, because along-side T-Mobile, I feel they have the best devices (With the occasional Verizon device). Any suggestions, point-to's, or even advice would be taken with great appreciation. I just don't want to have to pay the man if I can do it myself. Thanks, Your response(s) are anticipated.

Possible to unlock Verizon DROID Razr?

Hi all, I've been doing searching to find a solution to this and frankly I am overwhelmed. I am very good with computers, but technical cellphone jargon confuses me since I don't know what much of it means (I have never been into cellphone modding or hacking).
Is it possible to unlock my Verizon DROID Razr? I bought it as part of a 2 year contract, am looking to drop the contract and switch to a less expensive provider. The model number is MOTXT912-16, if you need any other details just let me know and I will provide them. I am also located in the USA.
If it is possible to unlock this Verizon phone (so I can insert a T-Mobile SIM for example) I'd like to know how the general process works, and where I can find a guide. This information will be very helpful to me, because I've been reading some people that say its possible, and others say it isn't. Thanks! :laugh:

Question about Verizon service/plans

*Mods, please move if there is a better place. I normally hang out on the development forums so I'm not exactly sure where to post*
I have a phone that I bought from Verizon and I have kept the unlimited data. I know all about my phone but next to nothing about my service.
My question is specifically about phablets (for example, this) which is basically a big ass phone, or a tablet with cell service, however you want to word it. I'd use it exclusively with bluetooth instead of holding the thing up to my head, don't worry.
I travel internationally and see them A LOT in other countries (they cannot help me though since I need one to use in the US). I am under the impression that VZ will not activate anything I did not buy from them. I don't know how solid this is but every VZ employee I have asked has confirmed this so far. I know in the past that it used to be as simple as switching out the SIM card but doubt this is still the case.
I'm sure there are some hardware specs that I need to look at that would determine the LTE/3G whatever compatibility, but I don't know the terminology. Can you help me out?
Also, I am hesitant to leave VZ because of the unlimited data and the service coverage. I live in mildly populated CT, USA and would welcome a prepaid plan if it was comparable but don't even know where to begin looking.
Thank you in advance - I really don't have anyone else to ask about this stuff.
You will want to look for international versions of the devices you are looking for. These versions carry multiple antennas that allows them to be used in different countries. As far as I know, these phones use SIM cards, which allows you to purchase an international SIM or a SIM in the country you are in, and it should work when you plug it into your device.
Is there a way to check for the antennas in the specifications instead of relying on the seller to accurately sell me the int'l version? How would you go about buying a SIM card?

Network/Carrier Unlocking Iphones and Androids

Hi Guys! I'm kinda new to the forum. I made an account a while ago, but I never really used it... until now.
Let me just say that you guys helped me out more than once before, but now I need to ask questions to which I haven't been able to get a direct answer to. I dabbled in phone repair (mainly just rooted a few androids). I'm still a novice, but I'd like to start getting work experience. I'd like to start my own business unlocking, repairing, and eventually, creating custom ROMS for all phone models. But I'm still not 100% clear on a few things.
Is it at all possible to unlock android phones by flashing an international ROM? For example, let's say I have an Samsung Gakaxy S7, model SM- G930V (Locked to Verizon), could I, in any way, flash a 930F ROM (oran international variant of the 930F) onto that phone to unlock it? If not, what methods are available to me? Besides the obvious "contact your carrier and have them do it". There are a few sites such as
unlockauthority
unlockradar
That claim to be able to unlock your phone, but how do they do it? Are these sites even legit? I've heard of a few programs, such as Chimera Tools, that claim to be able to do the same thing, but the questions remain the same: are they legit, and if so, how to they do it? Can I learn to do it myself? If so, how? If not, why?
The same applies to iPhones, which I hear require iCloud to unlock. If I have an iPhone X, locked to AT&T or T-Mobile, can I just log in to iCloud and unlock it from there in just a few clicks for free?
watch?v=LsEJwX7BVcc
This guy claims to be able to unlock "any" iPhone by just inputting a few codes. I question the legitimacy of this, of course, but I don't have access to a locked iPhone to verify.
Again, I'd like to start a business. Most people are looking to unlock their phones, so that would be my focus.
If anyone can help me, if even a little, I'd be very grateful.
And of course, once I learn more about mobile devices, I'll be able to help you
mashtr said:
Hi Guys! I'm kinda new to the forum. I made an account a while ago, but I never really used it... until now.
Let me just say that you guys helped me out more than once before, but now I need to ask questions to which I haven't been able to get a direct answer to. I dabbled in phone repair (mainly just rooted a few androids). I'm still a novice, but I'd like to start getting work experience. I'd like to start my own business unlocking, repairing, and eventually, creating custom ROMS for all phone models. But I'm still not 100% clear on a few things.
Is it at all possible to unlock android phones by flashing an international ROM? For example, let's say I have an Samsung Gakaxy S7, model SM- G930V (Locked to Verizon), could I, in any way, flash a 930F ROM (oran international variant of the 930F) onto that phone to unlock it? If not, what methods are available to me? Besides the obvious "contact your carrier and have them do it". There are a few sites such as
unlockauthority
unlockradar
That claim to be able to unlock your phone, but how do they do it? Are these sites even legit? I've heard of a few programs, such as Chimera Tools, that claim to be able to do the same thing, but the questions remain the same: are they legit, and if so, how to they do it? Can I learn to do it myself? If so, how? If not, why?
The same applies to iPhones, which I hear require iCloud to unlock. If I have an iPhone X, locked to AT&T or T-Mobile, can I just log in to iCloud and unlock it from there in just a few clicks for free?
watch?v=LsEJwX7BVcc
This guy claims to be able to unlock "any" iPhone by just inputting a few codes. I question the legitimacy of this, of course, but I don't have access to a locked iPhone to verify.
Again, I'd like to start a business. Most people are looking to unlock their phones, so that would be my focus.
If anyone can help me, if even a little, I'd be very grateful.
And of course, once I learn more about mobile devices, I'll be able to help you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bump?
mashtr said:
Hi Guys! I'm kinda new to the forum. I made an account a while ago, but I never really used it... until now.
Let me just say that you guys helped me out more than once before, but now I need to ask questions to which I haven't been able to get a direct answer to. I dabbled in phone repair (mainly just rooted a few androids). I'm still a novice, but I'd like to start getting work experience. I'd like to start my own business unlocking, repairing, and eventually, creating custom ROMS for all phone models. But I'm still not 100% clear on a few things.
Is it at all possible to unlock android phones by flashing an international ROM? For example, let's say I have an Samsung Gakaxy S7, model SM- G930V (Locked to Verizon), could I, in any way, flash a 930F ROM (oran international variant of the 930F) onto that phone to unlock it? If not, what methods are available to me? Besides the obvious "contact your carrier and have them do it". There are a few sites such as
unlockauthority
unlockradar
That claim to be able to unlock your phone, but how do they do it? Are these sites even legit? I've heard of a few programs, such as Chimera Tools, that claim to be able to do the same thing, but the questions remain the same: are they legit, and if so, how to they do it? Can I learn to do it myself? If so, how? If not, why?
The same applies to iPhones, which I hear require iCloud to unlock. If I have an iPhone X, locked to AT&T or T-Mobile, can I just log in to iCloud and unlock it from there in just a few clicks for free?
watch?v=LsEJwX7BVcc
This guy claims to be able to unlock "any" iPhone by just inputting a few codes. I question the legitimacy of this, of course, but I don't have access to a locked iPhone to verify.
Again, I'd like to start a business. Most people are looking to unlock their phones, so that would be my focus.
If anyone can help me, if even a little, I'd be very grateful.
And of course, once I learn more about mobile devices, I'll be able to help you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Generally speaking, you can't use firmware from one model on a different model, especially when it comes to any kind of Verizon device, that leads to a bricked device. There are cases where you can flash a firmware from a different model number, but those are rare cases and the devices are virtually identical hardware/software(bootloader).
If you're trying to unlock bootloader on any kind of Verizon Samsung device with 4.4 Kiit Kat or newer android, you can give up on that idea, you'll never make it happen, many, many, many people have tried, there is no way to do it. Verizon/Samsung has that locked down tight.
When it comes to unlocking phones, there is no general way of doing so. That is case by case and model number by model number. Not all phones can be unlocked and the ones that can be unlocked use different methods. You'll have to find the method for each specific model number.
We can't help in the iPhone department, this is an android development site, it doesn't deal with iPhone at all, not in any shape, form or fashion. You'll have to go somewhere else with that.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Droidriven said:
Generally speaking, you can't use firmware from one model on a different model, especially when it comes to any kind of Verizon device, that leads to a bricked device. There are cases where you can flash a firmware from a different model number, but those are rare cases and the devices are virtually identical hardware/software(bootloader).
If you're trying to unlock bootloader on any kind of Verizon Samsung device with 4.4 Kiit Kat or newer android, you can give up on that idea, you'll never make it happen, many, many, many people have tried, there is no way to do it. Verizon/Samsung has that locked down tight.
When it comes to unlocking phones, there is no general way of doing so. That is case by case and model number by model number. Not all phones can be unlocked and the ones that can be unlocked use different methods. You'll have to find the method for each specific model number.
We can't help in the iPhone department, this is an android development site, it doesn't deal with iPhone at all, not in any shape, form or fashion. You'll have to go somewhere else with that.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your input! I'd like to keep this thread open, in case anyone else has something to share.
I really appreciate your help. From what I understand, unlocking Androids can only "safely" be done by contacting the appropriate carrier, or finding a specific method for each phone model.
v4mpire.unlocker said:
can do many services like vodafone uk iphone and generic ect... can give u full help for gsm unlocking. send me msg on my fb :v4mpire unlocker
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to talk here if you don't mind. Private message me if you want to speak privately.

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