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[Q] Sony Xperia U network unlock

It's probably a n00b question so apologies in advance, but if I root / bootloader unlock and Cyanogenmod flash an Android phone that's locked to a certain network, will that network lock be removed along with the official default Android ROM? Or is the lock at something like a BIOS level (or whatever the smartphone equivalent of a BIOS is)?
I bought a pre-unlocked Xperia U about a year ago that I've been using on Vodafone and had to return it under warranty (got stuck in a boot loop despite the fact that it's totally unmodified, not even rooted, honest!) and the replacement they sent back is locked to Virgin Mobile. They're telling me that the phone I sent them was originally sold to Virgin in France and locked to Virgin before I bought it, and that they've therefore fulfilled their responsibility. So I'm just wondering now about unlocking, and I've always been curious anyway about how / if bootloader unlocking, custom ROMs etc are related to network unlocking.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide with this!

Bump The First

splscs said:
It's probably a n00b question so apologies in advance, but if I root / bootloader unlock and Cyanogenmod flash an Android phone that's locked to a certain network, will that network lock be removed along with the official default Android ROM? Or is the lock at something like a BIOS level (or whatever the smartphone equivalent of a BIOS is)?
I bought a pre-unlocked Xperia U about a year ago that I've been using on Vodafone and had to return it under warranty (got stuck in a boot loop despite the fact that it's totally unmodified, not even rooted, honest!) and the replacement they sent back is locked to Virgin Mobile. They're telling me that the phone I sent them was originally sold to Virgin in France and locked to Virgin before I bought it, and that they've therefore fulfilled their responsibility. So I'm just wondering now about unlocking, and I've always been curious anyway about how / if bootloader unlocking, custom ROMs etc are related to network unlocking.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide with this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well u can unlock it.. by getting the code from sony..
It will also unlock the ph..'s Sim lock..
Or ask the sony officialy for this.. they'll provide u every info required.
But unlocking the bl will do the job for you to be sim free
But do double check this from google too.
Also before unlocking pls make a backup as it will wipe everything from the device.
Just unlock and don't flash any custom kernels.If you want to then do it carefully pls with a backup and a copy of flashable stock rom.
Flash custom roms based on stock kernels
Hope this will answer the query..

Thanks for your reply! I spoke to Sony and they just told me to contact the network (which have done and they're wanting to charge me a fee to provide the unlock code). So to clarify, if I root the phone and unlock the bootloader, the network SIM lock will also be removed?

splscs said:
Thanks for your reply! I spoke to Sony and they just told me to contact the network (which have done and they're wanting to charge me a fee to provide the unlock code). So to clarify, if I root the phone and unlock the bootloader, the network SIM lock will also be removed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not by rooting but also i guess not even by unlocking bl..
how much are they charging exactly..
i'll try to find the link for this
Also check this that how many times is the code applied for unlocking..it should not be 0
use this *#*#7378243#*#* in dialer
then service info sim lock

ADDICT.ANK said:
Not by rooting but also i guess not even by unlocking bl..
how much are they charging exactly..
i'll try to find the link for this
Also check this that how many times is the code applied for unlocking..it should not be 0
use this *#*#7378243#*#* in dialer
then service info sim lock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I dial that number, the number just disappears. What is it for? They want £15.32 for the code. Should I just pay them and forget about trying to remove the lock?

splscs said:
When I dial that number, the number just disappears. What is it for? They want £15.32 for the code. Should I just pay them and forget about trying to remove the lock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry the code is this
*#*#7378423#*#*
check the sim lock counters should be zero in all..
if zero then once u can try googling the code for unlocking if they work then it's great.
if not then it would be better to pay them for this as its a bit risky..
and are u using virgin's network??
As it's cheaper what they areaskingfor i guess.

ADDICT.ANK said:
Sorry the code is this
*#*#7378423#*#*
check the sim lock counters should be zero in all..
if zero then once u can try googling the code for unlocking if they work then it's great.
if not then it would be better to pay them for this as its a bit risky..
and are u using virgin's network??
As it's cheaper what they areaskingfor i guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll give it a try! And nah I use Vodafone. Virgin has no signal at all in my area.

[Q] network unlock lumia 820

I bought my lumia 820 from a mobile store yesterday they told me it was locked. I went home and when I inserted my sim card it showed Invalid sim I try to get the menu for entering the unlock code but it just wont come up with any sim I put in the tray. The phone is locked in some Pakistani operator I don't know so I thought maybe I should put in an European firmware. I put in a firmware brom Bulgaria but still face the same problem... Please help me

dekowow123 said:
I bought my lumia 820 from a mobile store yesterday they told me it was locked. I went home and when I inserted my sim card it showed Invalid sim I try to get the menu for entering the unlock code but it just wont come up with any sim I put in the tray. The phone is locked in some Pakistani operator I don't know so I thought maybe I should put in an European firmware. I put in a firmware brom Bulgaria but still face the same problem... Please help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can contact your Network provider to get the unlock code for your Nokia Lumia 820.If you are not able to get unlock code from network provider try with online third party unlocking services. After you get the code visit MobileUnlockGuide.com for free instruction on how to use that code to unlock your mobile.

U.S. S7 [Snapdragon] locked to my previous SIM - how to unlock it for a new SIM?

Hello community,
I´ve searched everywhere to solve this issue without success - I hope you´ll be able to provide a solution.
I´ve bought an unlocked S7 with Qualcomm/Snapdragon in the U.S. (no carrier contract) - I´ve used the phone for about 2 months with a U.S. local SIM card and everything worked fine.
Back at my homecountry I wanted to insert a new SIM from a local german provider but the phone refused to accept it.
Error message: Invalid SIM (please insert the UICC which came with the device) mhhhh, the device didn´t came with any UICC?!?! Looks like a simlock...
In several articles about the S7 I´ve read following e.g. "S7 will lock to a carrier once a SIM card is inserted" .... how can it be? I mean is it true?
So I wanted to root the device but I´ve noticed really quick that the Qualcomm/Snapdragon version has a locked bootloader, means root is not possible at the moment
Simple question
- Is there aaaany way to open/unlock the device to a new SIM carrier?
I just want to use my phone :crying:
Thanks in advance for your support.
Best regards
AdmiralAwesome

https://findmymobile.samsung.com/ try to unlock device

uacode said:
https://findmymobile.samsung.com/ try to unlock device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That option does only unlock the screen remotely, nothing else, nothing to do with sim card
Sent from my SM-G930F using XDA-Developers mobile app

US phone will not work in the EU, as far as I know. Even if the radios are capable, there are blocks in place via Samsung, FCC anb EU that won't let it happen. Could be wrong, but yeah.
https://www.justaskgemalto.com/en/what-uicc-and-how-it-different-sim-card/

AdmiralAwesome said:
Hello community,
I´ve searched everywhere to solve this issue without success - I hope you´ll be able to provide a solution.
I´ve bought an unlocked S7 with Qualcomm/Snapdragon in the U.S. (no carrier contract) - I´ve used the phone for about 2 months with a U.S. local SIM card and everything worked fine.
Back at my homecountry I wanted to insert a new SIM from a local german provider but the phone refused to accept it.
Error message: Invalid SIM (please insert the UICC which came with the device) mhhhh, the device didn´t came with any UICC?!?! Looks like a simlock...
In several articles about the S7 I´ve read following e.g. "S7 will lock to a carrier once a SIM card is inserted" .... how can it be? I mean is it true?
So I wanted to root the device but I´ve noticed really quick that the Qualcomm/Snapdragon version has a locked bootloader, means root is not possible at the moment
Simple question
- Is there aaaany way to open/unlock the device to a new SIM carrier?
I just want to use my phone :crying:
Thanks in advance for your support.
Best regards
AdmiralAwesome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you can try to activate developers options by pressing on build number in software info 5 times. Under developments options there is an option for OEM unlock, try that.

raj_p said:
Maybe you can try to activate developers options by pressing on build number in software info 5 times. Under developments options there is an option for OEM unlock, try that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello raj_p, this option is already activated. Didn´t work.
I guess I will try to use the service of unlockbase and give it a try...

Already told you that it's not happening. Galaxy phones are region locked.

MattBooth said:
Already told you that it's not happening. Galaxy phones are region locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello MattBooth,
yes you did. I just received feedback from Samsung Germany and you are right. There is really a regional lock between US & EU versions.
According support team here in Germany I have to contact the region where the phone was sold.
I will contact the US Samsung support and chek if it is possible to unlock it. I will keep you in the loop.
By the way - I would still prefer a root solution...hope it will not take too long until someone will find a way to root a Snapdragon.
Other solutions are still welcome...go on with the tips :good:
Bye

How about flashing a different CSC firmware via Odin?? No need for root to do that.
But....i have no clue if it will even work??

Mojar7070 said:
How about flashing a different CSC firmware via Odin?? No need for root to do that.
But....i have no clue if it will even work??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Major7070,
thanks for this very valid comment - I´ve never heard that a CSC can be flashed with a locked bootloader but if it is possible it could solve my issue...maybe at least :fingers-crossed:
@all, does anyone know if a CSC will help me in this case?
This is the current situation:
- Samsung Germany replied to my request following - yes, there is a regional lock in this phone, please contact the support of the origin country.
- Samsung USA replied following - there is nothing like a OEM regional lock in this phone - there is just a carrier lock by Boost Mobile, please get in contact with Boost Mobile
Boost mobile replied - we will help you with the unlock but you have to fulfill 3 requieremts:
1st - you need to be a boost mobile customer or former customer
2nd - the device should not be reported as stolen :good:
3rd - the device need to be at least 12 months old
I failed on requirement no. 1 & 3 - furthermore Samsun GER and USA gave contratict answers.
I didn´t even purchased the phone with a Boost contract - just used a Boost Mobile SIM during the three months.
The issue can not be caused by a carrier Simlock because if it would be created by it the phone would ask for the Network unlock code of each invalid SIM which is inserted to the device BUT it does not.
=> if this would be the case e.g. Unlockbase could help me with the issue but they can´t
OMG...I´m going crazy.
Thank you.
Best regards
AdmiralAwesome

I'm interested to hear if you found a solution to this? I have a U.S. S7 and I want to take it to Germany here in a month. I've been trying to get a Sim unlock code here last night but haven't had a success through att. Have you tried purchasing a code from a third party seller?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

AdmiralAwesome said:
Hello Major7070,
thanks for this very valid comment - I´ve never heard that a CSC can be flashed with a locked bootloader but if it is possible it could solve my issue...maybe at least :fingers-crossed:
@all, does anyone know if a CSC will help me in this case?
This is the current situation:
- Samsung Germany replied to my request following - yes, there is a regional lock in this phone, please contact the support of the origin country.
- Samsung USA replied following - there is nothing like a OEM regional lock in this phone - there is just a carrier lock by Boost Mobile, please get in contact with Boost Mobile
Boost mobile replied - we will help you with the unlock but you have to fulfill 3 requieremts:
1st - you need to be a boost mobile customer or former customer
2nd - the device should not be reported as stolen :good:
3rd - the device need to be at least 12 months old
I failed on requirement no. 1 & 3 - furthermore Samsun GER and USA gave contratict answers.
I didn´t even purchased the phone with a Boost contract - just used a Boost Mobile SIM during the three months.
The issue can not be caused by a carrier Simlock because if it would be created by it the phone would ask for the Network unlock code of each invalid SIM which is inserted to the device BUT it does not.
=> if this would be the case e.g. Unlockbase could help me with the issue but they can´t
OMG...I´m going crazy.
Thank you.
Best regards
AdmiralAwesome
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After all this answers it's seems that your S7 is Sim locked. YOU should try an online service for sim unlock your device. There are several app on play store, about 20 usd for that and a code is usualy provided in hours. At least for europe. All the apps provide full refound if the code is not found. Search for imei unlocker or unlockscope in play store
Good luck!
Sent from my SM-N910F using XDA-Developers mobile app

calinormy said:
After all this answers it's seems that your S7 is Sim locked. YOU should try an online service for sim unlock your device. There are several app on play store, about 20 usd for that and a code is usualy provided in hours. At least for europe. All the apps provide full refound if the code is not found. Search for imei unlocker or unlockscope in play store
Good luck!
Sent from my SM-N910F using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello calinormy,
this were my first thoughts as well - but as I said, the phine is not asking for the "network unlock code".
I was in contact with several unlock providers and they said, that they can´t do anything for me as long as the phone is not requesting this code.
@all, I mean I´m willing to pay for such an unlock code...at least it is a try - but is there any way to insert the code via hotkeys if the phone does not request it?
Thanks.
Bye

Have you tried to factory reset the phone with the original sim inserted and then once complete insert the local EU sim? You might have to get a T-mobile USA sim to have the phone request a carrier unlock, not sure why that would matter but it's worth a shot.

SOLVED
Hello all,
just want to inform you guys that the issue with the "Invalid SIM" is solved now - BUT there is a new issue.
FYI
I had to downgrade my device with the stock ROM (see software Version)
Baseband was G930PVPU2APE1 => and after downgrade G930PVPU2APC5
The unlock was done by Samsung unlock remote client from 123unlock.nl
Log:
22:52:50 - Starting ADB Server
22:52:50 - ADB Device: SM-G930P
22:52:52 - SW Version: G930PVPU2APC5 (Android: 6.0.1)
22:52:52 - Platform: MSM8996 - Chip: MSM8996
22:52:52 - Phone SNR: 00000000000
22:52:52 - Hardware Version: REV0.6
22:52:52 - USB Mode: MTP ADB
22:52:52 - Uploading UICC package.. [OK]
22:52:55 - Unlocking.. [OK] Lock:0
22:53:02 - MSL/SPC:359276
22:53:02 - Uploading SEC package.. [OK]
22:53:02 - Unlocking SEC.. [OK]
22:53:04 - MSL/SPC: 359276
22:53:04 - UICC Unlock Done..
I have a new issue now:
The device does not connect to a network operator by itself and furthermore the option "Network operator" is not available in the settings (see attached pictures)
Any idea how to solve this problem or should I open a new topic?
Thanks.

What does it show your imei as?
Sent from my SM-G920T using XDA-Developers mobile app

My guess is that you will have to upgrade to the latest ROM you already had installed. It might be that the IMEI cannot be read since that was upgraded with the ROM (and a downgrade of that partition will never happen)

Network unlock

My phone's locked to the Vodafone UK network. I've confirmed this by looking in the service menu, SIM Lock and I have a number 5 alongside the Network.
I've flashed the phone with a generic UK rom, but the network lock is still on. I assume the lock setting is somewhere else on the phone ? ie. some partition which is not accessed by a ROM flash ?
Thanks...

to unlock a phone from a network, you need to use a sim unlock key. i don't know about vodafone, but SOMETIMES the carrier will give it to you if you ask... otherwise, pay 20-40 dollars from any site on google for the key and enter it. usually you get the prompt to sim/carrier unlock when you insert a sim card from a different carrier into the phone.

Vodafone UK provide the SIM unlock code for free. I went into a Vodafone shop and asked them to do it when I left them. It was hassle free.
Use this link to get your network unlock code. My code came within a few hours, even though the link says it could take upto 10 days. (In case you have an obscure phone and they have to get in touch with the phones manufacturer)

anees27 said:
My phone's locked to the Vodafone UK network. I've confirmed this by looking in the service menu, SIM Lock and I have a number 5 alongside the Network.
I've flashed the phone with a generic UK rom, but the network lock is still on. I assume the lock setting is somewhere else on the phone ? ie. some partition which is not accessed by a ROM flash ?
Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need to contact Vodafone for a pac code, flashing a customised UK ftf will only remove the bloatware it'll still be locked to the Vodafone network.
Sent from my Xperia XA using XDA Labs

aidy.lucas said:
You'll need to contact Vodafone for a pac code, flashing a customised UK ftf will only remove the bloatware it'll still be locked to the Vodafone network.
Sent from my Xperia XA using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A pac code is used to move your phone number to another network, not to make a handset unlocked to any network.
Again, if you are in the UK just call 191 and ask for a simunlock code for your handest or just goto this link
http://www.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone-...request/?cid=vnty-vod-auto/dvynfvtq(uv(bx)tbu

Cheers Greg,
nice one !
I will get in touch with Vodafone.
gregbradley said:
A pac code is used to move your phone number to another network, not to make a handset unlocked to any network.
Again, if you are in the UK just call 191 and ask for a simunlock code for your handest or just goto this link
http://www.vodafone.co.uk/vodafone-...request/?cid=vnty-vod-auto/dvynfvtq(uv(bx)tbu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Question sorry your device can't be activated on another carrier

I bought an unlocked VW phone from US in a business trip , paid off and came to home country . VZW said wait for few days and it will get unlock , Trusting a MNC , i came back and now it is showing error
"sorry your device can't be activated on another carrier " Contact Verizon .. When i insert SIM .
I contacted verizon , samsung , no help , i cannot go back US and hate to trash a $1200 phone
I spend sometime browsing xda and hit this
Carrier/SIM Unlock - Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G SM-G998U & U1 (QualComm SnapDragon) USA/CANADA! - NO ROOT- FREE
Here's a free How-To on how i successfully Carrier/Sim unlocked my Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G running the NEWEST Android update on bootloader 5 (USQU5BULJ)released in January of 2022 that was carrier locked to Verizon and now fully Unlocked...
forum.xda-developers.com
Downloaded Frija , Flashed AIO CSC for U1 , (Somehow XAA always gives me error ) , wiped cache , factory reset still when insert sim shows me error.
Basic question:
1) Does this error means it is network locked ? When i go to Download mode it still shows Carrier VZW ? Where is it come from bootloader ?
2) If i root the phone (i dont care warranty)will it get rid of this ?any pointer will be big help

I bought an unlocked VW phone from US in a business trip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not possible. VZW does not sell unlocked phones ever. You might have bought it at a retailer like Best Buy?
It's network locked. You cannot root the phone (as far as we know). You can try the steps in the S21 guide you linked.
VZW's unlock policy is 60 days after activation. You must be on the U firmware and be running the VZW CSC.

Thank you for your response.
Yes , i bought the VZW unlocked from best buy retailer .
Now , I already flashed , AIO CSC & tried XAA U1 couple of times ,Should i go back to , VZW CSC U firmware ?
Where is the restriction coming from ? bootloader ?
It is a old phone it must be more than 60days for sure .

Device Unlocking Policies | Verizon
Verizon's device unlocking policy.
www.verizon.com
Devices that you purchase from Verizon are locked for 60 days after purchase. Devices that you purchase from one of our authorized retailers are locked for 60 days after activation. After 60 days, we will automatically remove the lock unless the device is deemed stolen or purchased fraudulently. Following the 60 day lock period, we do not lock our phones at any time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever activated the phone on VZW's network? If not, it will never unlock.

craznazn said:
Device Unlocking Policies | Verizon
Verizon's device unlocking policy.
www.verizon.com
Have you ever activated the phone on VZW's network? If not, it will never unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No , or actually i dont know since i bought it as aftermarket .
May i know , What are my options here ?
If i manage to put a VZW prepaid sim , will it get activated ?, and keep it for 60 it get unlock ?
Does that has to be new service VZW SIM , or i can borrow a friend SIM ?
I still don't understand where is the error coming from ? After 60Days will it have a OTA update to get it unlock ?

Its from knox itself. Any vzw sim should work

Thanks . i will try ship the phone to keep in VZW network in US .
BT W is there any way to bypass knox security (network lock check) or reimage knox and avoid the hassle .

also the same problem. Did you manage to solve it? only i have lg v50 thinq 5g