I want to stick with an S4 for now but I'd like to run non-touchwiz roms like cyanogenmod. To get around the locked bootloader issue I'm thinking of just buying a t-mobile SGH-M919 unlocked s4 (and possibly selling my at&t s4). I would then install cyanogenmod and use it with at&t. Will I run into any problems or is this a workable approach? Anything I need to be aware of at any step of the process?
Anyone? Just hoping for a little reassurance that my understanding is right before shelling out some cash for another phone.
TheShanMan said:
Anyone? Just hoping for a little reassurance that my understanding is right before shelling out some cash for another phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This should be in the Q&A section, not general.
Make sure the phone you purchase has been unlocked from T-Mobile or you won't be able to use it.
A T-Mobile device is 100% compatible with AT&T as far as which bands are supported. You shouldn't run into any issues. Just make sure you only flash firmware / bootloaders / basebands for your T-Mobile model and don't pull anything from the AT&T section.
For LTE to work you will need to call AT&T support and give them the IMEI from the phone.
I would highly recommend that you upgrade to an S5, seeing as you are replacing your phone anyway. It's not that big of a price jump.
Remember XDA has a phone buying/selling website (Swappa) and it's very good. I've purchased three phones this way.
Also, custom ROMs are not all they're cracked up to be. I ran custom ROMs for a long time, but here recently I've gone back to stock and it's just so much more stable. It's nice not having to troubleshoot issues or deal with problems all the time. Stock just works. Root it if you want, maybe install the GPE rom (yes you can still run several roms even with a locked bootloader, you just have to keep the stock kernel) and keep your S4. Switching to another S4 is a waste of money.
Related
Which roms or leaks have a carrier unlock ..
I been looking around cant seem to find a definite answer ... so does cleanrom give your phone capability in using any carrier .. I just need to be be sure I have to cut my chip into a microchip in order to use the phone .. Before I do this i need to be sure it would work ..
I have version 4.1.1
No ROM has that it is an entirely different procedure involving unlocked sim cards.
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Questions and help issues go in Q&A
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Kenof said:
Which roms or leaks have a carrier unlock ..
I been looking around cant seem to find a definite answer ... so does cleanrom give your phone capability in using any carrier .. I just need to be be sure I have to cut my chip into a microchip in order to use the phone .. Before I do this i need to be sure it would work ..
I have version 4.1.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a thread for getting the VZW S3 to work on T-Mobile, but it takes some work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2013647
A few ROMs (as you indicated with CleanRom) have universal installers for different Carriers, but in no way does this mean that it will allow you to switch your phone to AT&T, Sprint, or any other carrier.
mapatton82 said:
There is a thread for getting the VZW S3 to work on T-Mobile, but it takes some work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2013647
A few ROMs (as you indicated with CleanRom) have universal installers for different Carriers, but in no way does this mean that it will allow you to switch your phone to AT&T, Sprint, or any other carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So cleanrom has a universal installer for At&T/H20 ? Is there a way to completely use on all carriers like a unlocked iphone ?
Kenof said:
So cleanrom has a universal installer for At&T/H20 ? Is there a way to completely use on all carriers like a unlocked iphone ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reread the last sentence of his reply, especially the part after the comma.
landshark68 said:
Reread the last sentence of his reply, especially the part after the comma.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
eh theres always a way ..
Correct me if I'm wrong.
But.
The Verizon galaxy s3 uses a CDMA antenna.
So if you were to unlock it. You could use on CDMA carries.( Verizon Wireless, Sprint, MetroPCS, Cricket, and U.S. Cellular)
However. If you can get your phone to FULLY work on GSM (T-MOBILE or at&t)
You should make a thread about it and I'm sure you will get tons of donations.
There is already something for T-Mobile. But I heard it has limited success.
Sent from team liquid smooth.
Vice Versa
Still a noob to the development scene, but long time surface runner in rooting/etc.
That being said, if this can be done (I took a look at the thread linked above), couldn't it technically work the other way around?
My fiancee has a Galaxy on T-Mobile, but wants the GS3. Her contract runs out about the same time as mine so I thought, I'll give you my S3 and buy the S4 for myself (she doesn't always need the latest and greatest like I do what can I say I'm a technophile). I quickly learned about locked phones, different network types, etc. In this case, since there's a 4GLTE SIM card in my S3, is it possible to give it to her to use on T-Mobile? In that case I may just migrate over to T-Mobile myself, since it's significantly cheaper for what I need in a cell phone plan. Otherwise, we're currently looking at adding a line to my Verizon plan so she can leave T-Mobile. Honestly, I'm OK with either idea, since I'm either saving money by going to T-Mobile, or sticking with great network coverage and speed on Verizon.
Psychotacon said:
Still a noob to the development scene, but long time surface runner in rooting/etc.
That being said, if this can be done (I took a look at the thread linked above), couldn't it technically work the other way around?
My fiancee has a Galaxy on T-Mobile, but wants the GS3. Her contract runs out about the same time as mine so I thought, I'll give you my S3 and buy the S4 for myself (she doesn't always need the latest and greatest like I do what can I say I'm a technophile). I quickly learned about locked phones, different network types, etc. In this case, since there's a 4GLTE SIM card in my S3, is it possible to give it to her to use on T-Mobile? In that case I may just migrate over to T-Mobile myself, since it's significantly cheaper for what I need in a cell phone plan. Otherwise, we're currently looking at adding a line to my Verizon plan so she can leave T-Mobile. Honestly, I'm OK with either idea, since I'm either saving money by going to T-Mobile, or sticking with great network coverage and speed on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you look up, you'll see how you can use the VZW GSIII on TMO. I think the primary issue would be that you only get Edge data when using the VZW GSIII on TMO.
For pricing, TMO is better plus you can stop worrying about third party hacks to use a phone on another carrier since top unlocked GSM phones can be imported.
So I noticed this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2464498
And boom! Decided I wanted to do this with an S4. Smart guys out there: Is this the fastest way to an unofficial GPE device?
I know the devices are 100% compatible, even LTE. I'm extremely confident in this undertaking, just looking to get some feedback from everyone.
Here's the master plan : Sell my SGH-I337 on eBay as UNLOCKED, use that money to buy an SGH-M919. Root, install recovery, SIM unlock, flash an AOSP rom, and enjoy my new freedom without changing carriers. Seems simple enough. What do you guys think? ?Has anyone taken this route, already? If so, what advice do you have for me? Thanks.
I was going to do this when I got my phone at launch, and then I just decided to keep my AT&T S4 because the Loki patch came out. I was able to confirm at the time that it was totally possible and easy enough since you can get a free carrier unlock with the secret menu in the dialer.
The dialer method seems to be patched in newer T-Mobile firmware. I'm sure an older modem will take care of that. I'll have my SGH-M919 tomorrow night!! I'll do my best to document everything in this thread. I deploy on Saturday, so I'll have to get this done pretty fast.
Sent from my Hyperdriven S4
I used region unlock or something like that and it unlocked my phone. Put a T-Mobile sim in and it worked.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
probably best this discussion goes here, thanks http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2433789
I'm coming from a LG G3 were the mods were in overwhelming favor and support for the T-mobile version.
Just want to know if the carrier is going to matter if I'm someone interested in trying out roms
T-mobile usually don't lock down the bootloader. AT&T and Version both will be so locked down it will be months if at all before their variants will be mod-able.
Talking about US models? Sprint and T-Mobile bc they don't lock the bootloaders.
What would you personally prefer over T-mobile or Sprint?
Edit: I think its safe to asume that you prefer Sprint
Chocolina said:
What would you personally prefer over T-mobile or Sprint?
Edit: I think its safe to asume that you prefer Sprint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on a family plan, so it's not what I prefer, it's my parents haha. Sprint coverage sucks, BUT they're customer service is good, plus they don't lock the bootloaders. I've had Sprint since it was Nextel lol (15+yrs).
Related question, if I have a Verizon plan, can I buy a Sprint S6, easily unlock the sim-restriction (if there is one) and use my verizon SIM card?
With this chip it will be hard pressed for any to really be mod friendly
zelendel said:
With this chip it will be hard pressed for any to really be mod friendly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't matter in the end. Sprint and Tmo wouldnt let me buy full-retail price of the phone without a plan
My only wish is that the S6 gets multirom (I don't know the reason why S5 didn't get it). It's a lifesaver.
Xposed will eventually be available, and root enables a number of other tweaks... but multirom. That's where I put my "prayers".
edurjbr said:
My only wish is that the S6 gets multirom (I don't know the reason why S5 didn't get it). It's a lifesaver.
Xposed will eventually be available, and root enables a number of other tweaks... but multirom. That's where I put my "prayers".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on the model is depending on if the bootloader will get unlocked. Without that multirom is not an option.
zelendel said:
Depending on the model is depending on if the bootloader will get unlocked. Without that multirom is not an option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... T-Mobile and Sprint vs come with unlocked bootloaders, right? And I believe the international vs will come the same way... that's how some people already got root in their S6, right?
With that, the first thing needed is a custom recovery and the patched kernel... that's where it might get tricky, for the exynos processor. If I'm not jumping to conclusions.
Does anyone know about the Canadian versions and their bootloaders?
edurjbr said:
Well... T-Mobile and Sprint vs come with unlocked bootloaders, right? And I believe the international vs will come the same way... that's how some people already got root in their S6, right?
With that, the first thing needed is a custom recovery and the patched kernel... that's where it might get tricky, for the exynos processor. If I'm not jumping to conclusions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes they do yes but no promises. It really all depends. As for recovery that will be up to the very few that still work on this chipset. Many of the bigger developers have walked away from Samsung because of their lies about this chip and the issues it causes with anything but touch wiz roms.
Q&A for Anyone working on Root for AT&T?
Some developers prefer that questions remain separate from their main development thread to help keep things organized. Placing your question within this thread will increase its chances of being answered by a member of the community or by the developer.
Before posting, please use the forum search and read through the discussion thread for Anyone working on Root for AT&T?. If you can't find an answer, post it here, being sure to give as much information as possible (firmware version, steps to reproduce, logcat if available) so that you can get help.
Thanks for understanding and for helping to keep XDA neat and tidy!
AT&T Note Edge help
I know that there is not a root for this phone yet. I'm very upset with myself for not researching this first. I now strongly regret moving from T-Mobile to AT&T. I'm having more trouble with this almost $1000 phone than I've had with $150 huawei phones. All of this AT&T bloat is ridiculous. The AT&T stuff on top of the Samsung bloat makes my phone borderline unusable. The lollipop update has made it much worse. Now it's not only freezing constantly, but the battery life is half of what it used to be and what it should be. It over heats like crazy. AT&T keeps telling me to factory reset or pay $250 for a new phone. AT&T might be the worst of allthe carriers.
Is there anything i can do to fix any of these issues at all? i've factory reset twice now just to be sure it wasn't that. I'm very close to getting rid of AT&T. The reason i prefer android is because of more options and now AT&T has taken that away from me.
root note edge
i just bought a note edge att but i dont want to switch from s5 because no root for edge is there any way i can get wifi hotspot without root
SM-N915A Firmware
So I am reading different things, but I understand I need the firmware for my Note Edge (AT&T) if I want to try and rooting the device. Some say the firmware has been released, but I can't seem to find it.
Anybody have information for the SM-915A firmware?
shonnick01 said:
i just bought a note edge att but i dont want to switch from s5 because no root for edge is there any way i can get wifi hotspot without root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there 2 different AT&T's? Been with AT&T for 3 years or so, had hotspot free since day 1. Guess you are still on a old plan?
Oditius said:
Is there 2 different AT&T's? Been with AT&T for 3 years or so, had hotspot free since day 1. Guess you are still on a old plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T phone but straight talk service! sorry i should have mentioned that
Any news on perm root?
Any news for Root on the ATT side of Note Edge?
So, any news?
I'm not sure how roms are offered but no root?? sorry to ignorant but Iv been rooting for years look at my join date. I assume if roms are offered there must be a way to root. Unfortunately no one shared that.
robandcathy said:
I'm not sure how roms are offered but no root?? sorry to ignorant but Iv been rooting for years look at my join date. I assume if roms are offered there must be a way to root. Unfortunately no one shared that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a temp root, not sure if you can load a rom for it. But making Roms for the N915A (AT&T) isn't that hard since the N915T (Tmobile) is a close cousin. Maybe the Dev knows they are getting close?
Oditius said:
There is a temp root, not sure if you can load a rom for it. But making Roms for the N915A (AT&T) isn't that hard since the N915T (Tmobile) is a close cousin. Maybe the Dev knows they are getting close?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually its pretty hard.. and close to impossible, the boot loader is locked and there is currently NO chance of unlocking without the signature keys. Therefore no ROMS will be available. As for ROOT, there is a temp root but a permanent root is very difficult unless they find a way around WP (Write Protect). Tmobile and AT&T are nothing alike in software... which is the issue here.
IceTwig said:
Actually its pretty hard.. and close to impossible, the boot loader is locked and there is currently NO chance of unlocking without the signature keys. Therefore no ROMS will be available. As for ROOT, there is a temp root but a permanent root is very difficult unless they find a way around WP (Write Protect). Tmobile and AT&T are nothing alike in software... which is the issue here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would seem that not sure where you get they are not alike. I can use my AT&T edge on the T-MOBILE network and visa-versa. I get LTE on both. But I do find it crappy that AT&T locked the boot loader, therefore preventing us from installing custom roms. As for what it takes to craft a custom Rom, I know very little about.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using Tapatalk
Oditius said:
It would seem that not sure where you get they are not alike. I can use my AT&T edge on the T-MOBILE network and visa-versa. I get LTE on both. But I do find it crappy that AT&T locked the boot loader, therefore preventing us from installing custom roms. As for what it takes to craft a custom Rom, I know very little about.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't assume that.. its a fact really... the software that AT&T implements is TOTALLY different than T-Mobile, for one T-Mobile usually never locks their bootloader. Both models are GSM so yea you can interchange providers assuming the SIM is unlocked... but that goes for ANY GSM phone... LG, HTC, they can also be used on T-Mobile if they are GSM.
AT&T has locked all their bootloaders since S3 as far as I remember.
IceTwig said:
I don't assume that.. its a fact really... the software that AT&T implements is TOTALLY different than T-Mobile, for one T-Mobile usually never locks their bootloader. Both models are GSM so yea you can interchange providers assuming the SIM is unlocked... but that goes for ANY GSM phone... LG, HTC, they can also be used on T-Mobile if they are GSM.
AT&T has locked all their bootloaders since S3 as far as I remember.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except for some European models won't get LTE on AT&T. I guess I should separate hardware from software. TMO hardware is what is similar to AT&T. As far as locking the bootloader, yep. But that is also different than the OS. The HTC One was finally unlocked.. I believe that someday it would be unlocked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using Tapatalk
Oditius said:
Except for some European models won't get LTE on AT&T. I guess I should separate hardware from software. TMO hardware is what is similar to AT&T. As far as locking the bootloader, yep. But that is also different than the OS. The HTC One was finally unlocked.. I believe that someday it would be unlocked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lets hope so
downlgrade to Android v4 from Lollipop Note edge N915A
Anyone can show direction and files to downgrade Galaxy note edge N915A (ATT) from Android Lollipop to Kitkat ?
Thanks in advance
Root
Tried posting this in the S6 Edge forum already, but got no response, so hopefully you guys can help me out.
I'm upgrading from a very buggy Galaxy S4. (The bugs are my fault and I'm not savvy enough to fix them, so I just deal with them.) I have a few questions about which version of the S6 I should get because I'm seeing a lot of info and I'm not really sure what all of it means, so hopefully you guys can give me straight and simple answers.
1. Which version of the S6 do I want if I want to be able to switch between AT&T and Verizon? I'm currently on Straight Talk using AT&T. However, Verizon is overall the best in my area and areas I work, so if I get switched to a new client where AT&T doesn't work I may need to change back to Page Plus on Verizon quickly. I'm seeing conflicting information on these phones, some say all should work while some say only certain ones will work well (all of them seem to be speculating really, I can't find any "for sure this works" posts). At least there does seem to be hope out there that it's possible for some versions to be able to switch between the two easily, one of them being the Verizon one, which also lacks some apparently annoying features the AT&T one has.
2. An out-of-the-box, working mobile hotspot feature is extremely important to me if at all possible. My S4 is messed up primarily because my attempt at making things work, like the hotspot, didn't go so well. I've seen on these forums that some users are saying that at least the Verizon version will work if you use FoxFi, no rooting or tether file hacking required (so no risk of me breaking my phone, yay). I have the paid version of FoxFi already, so that's good news if it's true. Confirm/deny and is the same true for the AT&T version if I had to get that instead? I also just saw some mention of a file that can be downloaded to a rooted S6, but am unsure.
Thanks all!
I would say but the unlocked s6. U could switch the sim cards out np. Yes there is root for vzw s6 now
Sent from my risiculously powered S6 using Tapatalk
holla420 said:
I would say but the unlocked s6. U could switch the sim cards out np. Yes there is root for vzw s6 now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But which version of an unlocked S6 do I want? They all still have branding on them which can make some things work or not work from what I've been reading. Am not sure if the Verizon branded one will work for what I need or if I need a different one.
Am not really interested in rooting if I can avoid it because I might break a rather expensive device if I muck something up like I did with my S4. Just need a working hotspot and if I have to root to get it then I guess I have to, but I won't need the root for anything else.