Related
Summary:
Have a Sprint Nexus S
Wrong ROM was flashed resulting in a SIM CARD LOCK on a device which doesn't even have a SIM card, all functionality of device lost
Need either a PUK to unlock or a way to flash correct ROM (usb not recognized on any computer)
Details:
I have been searching forums for days, been to the Sprint store 4-5 times, talked to tech support, international CS, Roaming, etc. Someone from the Sprint store recommended I ask for help from XDA - I hope you can help me!
I have an EVO, it was damaged so before filing an insurance claim, I decided to buy a Nexus from Craigslist because I had been wanting to try the Google phone out. So, I found one online for $180, met the guy and purchased the phone. It was rooted when I got it and would not allow me to get into the programming mode (*#*#811325#*#*) for the Sprint folks to activate it. I talked to them forever and knew in the back of my mind the issue was likely due to the phone being rooted. So, after looking around online for the method to "unroot" the phone, I flashed a stock rom to the device.
Now, it has no signal, under Phone Info, the carrier is unknown, the number is unknown, etc. Under settings (Security), I notice there is a check mark next to "Lock Sim Card, pin required to make calls). I cannot uncheck the box, change the pin, etc without a sim pin number.
I have been told I need a PUK # but Sprint cannot help as they say this phone doesn't even have a place for a SIM card. I have been on the phone with them for hours. Since then, I filed the claim for my EVO and am happily using it. However, I have this phone I just paid close to $200 for which is useless until I get this resolved.
Please help me! I would be forever grateful!
Think you'll need to install the correct ROM, which I believe you can find here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=13633537#post13633537
Flash the correct rom and radio via fastboot.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
Just wondering, if his USB is not recognized, would it be recognized in fastboot or recovery? How would he dl a rom/radio if he can't connect USB?
Op I would check for any existing nandroids on the phone.
Sent from my Nexus S
If USB wasn't working, there is still a chance it could work in fastboot. If it was a driver issue yes, if a hardware issue no.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
Thanks for your quick replys. I have been a regular visitor of this site for a while and have installed 10+ roms before so I don't consider myself a newbie, however, I'm not sure how I am supposed to download the "correct" rom and install it with no USB. The Nexus doesn't have a mini sdcard slot, only internal memory which must be accessed via USB.
I will google "fastboot" as soon as I get home in case the answer lies right under my nose, however.
Thanks again!
so I'm loving the new phone been flashing all the roms thought i messed up my IMEI but I'm good cause its back and looks normal. But ever since I flashed CM9 and did a battery pull during activation (I know I know) I no longer get 4G on my phone. when i switch it manually to 4G with Phone Info I can get data and go on web, but when I go to make calls it says I can not because no coverage.
I called VZW today, and got my up to 2ed teir, and they said that this is known issue with the SG3 and there are many complaints, and they are working with Samsung to correct this and said a software update will be coming out to fix this.. has any one else experienced this? I'm thinking I need a new sim?
has anyone been able to fix this, I looked at my radio and its not the most recent version... could this be causing the issue
i got best buy to replace my gs3 because of no 4g, i still was within my 30 day return period though... pretty sure i could of used phone info to fix it back to 4g, i didn't try because i wanted a new gs3, never had any issued connecting to 4g with new gs3, exept when i play around with cm10 or other jelly bean roms
I lost my 4G connection last night and most of today, ended up flashing a stock rom (then lost all data connection) drove all the way to the verizon store to get a new sim card, put the phone into airplane mode and when it came out of that i had full connection again. Not sure what caused it.
tprouty said:
so I'm loving the new phone been flashing all the roms thought i messed up my IMEI but I'm good cause its back and looks normal. But ever since I flashed CM9 and did a battery pull during activation (I know I know) I no longer get 4G on my phone. when i switch it manually to 4G with Phone Info I can get data and go on web, but when I go to make calls it says I can not because no coverage.
I called VZW today, and got my up to 2ed teir, and they said that this is known issue with the SG3 and there are many complaints, and they are working with Samsung to correct this and said a software update will be coming out to fix this.. has any one else experienced this? I'm thinking I need a new sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 2 Galaxy S3 and they both did the same thing when I switched the sim cards, I cannot get back to 4G
and I AM NOT EVEN ROOTED, thats sad very sad
I had a similar issue when using a third party 3g toggle in Quicker. Ever since then no data or vice capabilities.
sorry - did not know anyone was posting here, I started posting in the one in Q&A... There are too many 4G threads!
I fixed mine by getting a new sim card.
tprouty said:
sorry - did not know anyone was posting here, I started posting in the one in Q&A... There are too many 4G threads!
I fixed mine by getting a new sim card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not experiencing no 4g, but I am experiencing a horrible connection.... This is my second gs3. My first one did not experience these connection issues, and I'm pretty sure I'm using the same sim card (I exchanged it at the store and wasn't paying attention when they were setting it up...).
Maybe I have another faulty device?
Kreeker said:
I'm not experiencing no 4g, but I am experiencing a horrible connection.... This is my second gs3. My first one did not experience these connection issues, and I'm pretty sure I'm using the same sim card (I exchanged it at the store and wasn't paying attention when they were setting it up...).
Maybe I have another faulty device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would start with a new sim, just walk into a store and say you are having connection issues and vzw said to get a new sim
No 4G fix - you've punked you SIM card!
tprouty said:
so I'm loving the new phone been flashing all the roms thought i messed up my IMEI but I'm good cause its back and looks normal. But ever since I flashed CM9 and did a battery pull during activation (I know I know) I no longer get 4G on my phone. when i switch it manually to 4G with Phone Info I can get data and go on web, but when I go to make calls it says I can not because no coverage.
I called VZW today, and got my up to 2ed teir, and they said that this is known issue with the SG3 and there are many complaints, and they are working with Samsung to correct this and said a software update will be coming out to fix this.. has any one else experienced this? I'm thinking I need a new sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
onpoint10101 said:
i got best buy to replace my gs3 because of no 4g, i still was within my 30 day return period though... pretty sure i could of used phone info to fix it back to 4g, i didn't try because i wanted a new gs3, never had any issued connecting to 4g with new gs3, exept when i play around with cm10 or other jelly bean roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tprouty said:
sorry - did not know anyone was posting here, I started posting in the one in Q&A... There are too many 4G threads!
I fixed mine by getting a new sim card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy fix (just copied from a post elsewhere): save everything you have open, pop up your dialer, and type *2767*3855# - which resets (it says "Reformat" on an ugly red screen that flashes by in a heartbeat, just go with it) your SIM card and therefore your 4G capabilities. It will immediately reboot and - "tada", you have 4G service again.
ratledge said:
Easy fix (just copied from a post elsewhere): save everything you have open, pop up your dialer, and type *2767*3855# - which resets (it says "Reformat" on an ugly red screen that flashes by in a heartbeat, just go with it) your SIM card and therefore your 4G capabilities. It will immediately reboot and - "tada", you have 4G service again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
copied form the IMEI backup thread right? I did this and it did not work for me, the only thing that worked was getting a new SIM.
Just trying to help narrow down why people are getting this. Just posted this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=30913011#post30913011
In the other "No 4G" thread. Anyone who loose their 4G use lucky patcher and TiBu?
Hello guys,
After loosing my HTC ONE X on the street a week ago, I bought from some guy an almost brand new GALAXY S3 without knowing it is a VERIZON version.
I live in Israel so i had no idea what is the meaning of buying a device that will work only on Verizon network, we only have GSM here.
The guy i bought it from also had no idea what it means as his father bought it on the US and brought it here wishing to sell it as he had no use in it.
Without realizing the mistake I've made, I then made another one, Taking out the VERIZON SIM CARD and giving it back to the owner!
I thought to myself... well... that's his SIM CARD, not gonna be using that one...
Well, i got home to find out i'm in trouble with this deal I've made, i searched for a way to unlock it for GSM networks and i saw that here in XDA someone made it possible.
As i started working on it i had to download from Google play an application, when i was asked to pay for it i saw it's running on the old owners google account, so i decided i don't wanna pay with my credit while he might get the receipt for it and i figured i should do a Factory Data Reset for the phone and start from point zero the whole process.
Sadly i had no idea i'm doing another big mistake because when the phone finished the reset it asked for a VERIZON SIM CARD in order to run, well you know where that SIM Card is - back at the previous owner and i'm not even sure i will be able to track him down again.
I wish to get this device working without any traces of Verizon, maybe beside the name on the back panel of the device.
Now that the device won't even run without the SIM, what should i do ?
Thanks in advance,
Ohad.
ohadgfn said:
Hello guys,
After loosing my HTC ONE X on the street a week ago, I bought from some guy an almost brand new GALAXY S3 without knowing it is a VERIZON version.
I live in Israel so i had no idea what is the meaning of buying a device that will work only on Verizon network, we only have GSM here.
The guy i bought it from also had no idea what it means as his father bought it on the US and brought it here wishing to sell it as he had no use in it.
Without realizing the mistake I've made, I then made another one, Taking out the VERIZON SIM CARD and giving it back to the owner!
I thought to myself... well... that's his SIM CARD, not gonna be using that one...
Well, i got home to find out i'm in trouble with this deal I've made, i searched for a way to unlock it for GSM networks and i saw that here in XDA someone made it possible.
As i started working on it i had to download from Google play an application, when i was asked to pay for it i saw it's running on the old owners google account, so i decided i don't wanna pay with my credit while he might get the receipt for it and i figured i should do a Factory Data Reset for the phone and start from point zero the whole process.
Sadly i had no idea i'm doing another big mistake because when the phone finished the reset it asked for a VERIZON SIM CARD in order to run, well you know where that SIM Card is - back at the previous owner and i'm not even sure i will be able to track him down again.
I wish to get this device working without any traces of Verizon, maybe beside the name on the back panel of the device.
Now that the device won't even run without the SIM, what should i do ?
Thanks in advance,
Ohad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In setup when you are on language screen press left corner/right corner/left corner/right corner/volume up. Should boot to home screen.
prdog1 said:
In setup when you are on language screen press left corner/right corner/left corner/right corner/volume up. Should boot to home screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but i was able to track down the previous owner and get the verizon sim card.
I found away to use it on GSM but still im very disappointed because im not sure there´s a real way to remove any trace for the verizon stuff installed here and there are few errors like it is connected to the provider but it says no verizon sim card connected.
and im not so sure all the device's frequencies are "open" for my provider.
I was wondering if there's any option to burn an international galaxy version to the device and it will bypass all of these issues.
ohadgfn said:
Thanks but i was able to track down the previous owner and get the verizon sim card.
I found away to use it on GSM but still im very disappointed because im not sure there´s a real way to remove any trace for the verizon stuff installed here and there are few errors like it is connected to the provider but it says no verizon sim card connected.
and im not so sure all the device's frequencies are "open" for my provider.
I was wondering if there's any option to burn an international galaxy version to the device and it will bypass all of these issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not unless you want paperwieght for a device.
Why don't you just flash CM10 or similar to get rid of all the VZW stuff.... that's what I did.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
droidstyle said:
not unless you want paperwieght for a device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would that happen ? There's no option to do something like that what so ever ?
Beemer533 said:
Why don't you just flash CM10 or similar to get rid of all the VZW stuff.... that's what I did.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how to do so, but either way i'm not sure i will get the device working completely normally with my local SIM card on a gsm network, without bugs, without asking me to put a verizon sim card all the time, without having any option to update the device...
I dunno, i thought i could easily get this Galaxy version to become unlocked completely and get it running like all the other guys around...
Unless anybody here have a good recommendation about what should i do to overcome the verizon and networks issues, maybe i should just sell this guy on ebay and get a normal version...
Do you think this would be a smart move to do ?
Beemer - after you flash the CM10, do you still need to unlock the device and do you still get issues running on other than Verizon providers or do you enjoy a device that is similar to the worldwide versions ?
Thanks,
Ohad.
If you flash an international ROM on a Verizon S3, your phone will no longer power on or do anything useful. That's why it will become a paperweight. Flashing an international ROM on your Verizon S3 is one of the easiest ways to make it useless.
International=quad-core us=s4 processor, very different guts.I'd listen to the ppl on this forum, unless you want to end up with a paper weight.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
ohadgfn said:
Why would that happen ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it will put your phone into qpst diag mode and the only way to recover it will be with jtag. try it if you dont believe...what do i know.
droidstyle said:
it will put your phone into qpst diag mode and the only way to recover it will be with jtag. try it if you dont believe...what do i know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alright then... i won´t go for it.
but what about the other issues ? what do you guys recommend to do with the device ?
I'm thinking "get rid of it or get it working smoothly", the question is, is it possible to have it running "just like the unlocked international version" ?
prdog1 said:
In setup when you are on language screen press left corner/right corner/left corner/right corner/volume up. Should boot to home screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This just works on stock rom??? Whats happened in cm10 or aokp?? How to avoid activating screen?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium HD app
tiraceite said:
This just works on stock rom??? Whats happened in cm10 or aokp?? How to avoid activating screen?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Know it works on Touchwiz roms. It may not be in AOSP based roms.
Well, i flashed CM10 successfully, i was able to receive and send SMS before with the Stock ROM, and also to make/receive phone calls but i had sim card issues and errors and also some unwanted Verizon apps and stuff.
After updating the device to the latest Verizon version, i couldn't make phone calls, just receive and i could send and receive SMS.
Now that device runs much faster on the CM10 and i can make/receive phone calls but i can't send SMS.
*UPDATE: I have updated to the latest CM10 version, now i can't connect to the provider at all... no internet/phone/sms at all.
SOS
Ok, Im going to try a different tactic, i saw some people tried flashing At&t Roms on their verizon devices and they done it with success.
So far i tried doing it twice, one time with CM10 ROM for at&t, the 2nd time with stock at&t ROM.
I've tried doing it through CWM.
Both times i got an error while installing... it just didn't move on.
Luckly i had the CM10 for the verizon Zip file over there aswell so i installed that ROM again just to get the device running.
Any ideas how to flash the AT&T ROM on the Verizon Device ???
I got a charge from a friend. how can I access it without the verizon sim?
kenhicg said:
I got a charge from a friend. how can I access it without the verizon sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on my experience you will have to get your hands on a VZW SIM Card...
if you did a factory data reset (or return to stock) you will need a SIM at least the first time to get through initial device setup/activation... Then you could do the WIFI only the thing.
Easy option: If you have a good VZW 4g LTE SIM just pop it in for a quick minute... once you get through initial activation it is no longer necessary (put it back in your daily driver device)
Or borrow one from your friend for a hot minute.
Also, it doesn't have to be a "live" SIM Card. I use "extra" SIM cards that aren't attached to an active VZW account all the time.
If you have NO 4g VZW SIM, but a VZW account... It gets a bit more involved...
If you need a SIM take it to a VZW store and have them make it your active phone. You can just switch back to your other device via their website later.
If you want to go back to say a 3g device (different SIM card)... from your "my verizon" look for a "Activate or Switch Device" link... it is there expand the options under "device management". then just follow the prompts to activate a device that was never on your account.
Follow instructions, you will need the ESN HEX or MEID DEC from the device you want to activate/re-activate. Getting back to your old SIM card might require some *228 opt 1 magic after the website stuff. This is a one time thing to associate your account to the new SIM card through the ESN/MEID... basically how to switch SIM Cards.
Note: From a good/activated SIM with no vzw website magic... typically *228 gives a SIM Card already activated this device error message.
(if you get stuck, just leave your new 4g SIM card at home and go back to VZW then have them re-activate your old 3g device for you.)
PPS if you don't have a VZW account at all, I have no idea where you are going to get your hands on a sim card... sorry.
thank you for your help.
I haven't got a sim yet but I got temp access by typing *#testmode but on reboot it reverts back.
can I root t from here?
Sent from my BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps using Tapatalk 2
kenhicg said:
thank you for your help.
I haven't got a sim yet but I got temp access by typing *#testmode but on reboot it reverts back.
can I root t from here?
Sent from my BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting...
Where do you type *#testmode? Did you have to pass that from ADB? (if so, how did you get it in debug mode)
Warning: I've never tried... this.
All, Feel free to critique my logic:
-you can flash root (SuperSU.zip) from CWM.
-If you can get into download mode, ODIN flash custom recovery... uncheck reboot! bull battery, reboot into recovery
-from CWM mount system, install the SU zip & reboot...
-get past initial activation with your trick
-then go to /system/etc and delete or rename "install-recovery.sh" (I always add a ".bak" suffix), shut her down (to make CWM stick around through reboots)
-get back to download mode & repeat the ODIN Flash of CWM, this time you can leave reboot checked.
you might find yourself doing your *#testmode trick every time you reboot...
your trick is interesting though... if you can get into debug mode and poke around with ADB there might be a way to make it think it got through initial setup without SIM card... anything is possible
sorry I'm basically useless, but it never hurts to try... and see what happens!
especially if it is a spare phone
warning: YMMV, I'm an ID10T, if you break it touch cookies, trying anything I suggest could break your phone and ruin your life, etc.
jheide44 said:
Interesting...
Where do you type *#testmode? Did you have to pass that from ADB? (if so, how did you get it in debug mode)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you turn it on it allows emergency calls. You type it on the keypad.
And I was able to get into debug mode.
You keep touching the four corners in a clockwise direction to get past initial setup
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
kvswim said:
You keep touching the four corners in a clockwise direction to get past initial setup
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is this the pattern?... found it yesterday, but didn't have a chance to try it out...
http://www.lancelhoff.com/how-to-bypass-activation-screen-on-droid-x/
jheide44 said:
is this the pattern?... found it yesterday, but didn't have a chance to try it out...
http://www.lancelhoff.com/how-to-bypass-activation-screen-on-droid-x/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I tried it but it didn't work.
I think there might be a way via Google Voice....
jco23 said:
I think there might be a way via Google Voice....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get past one time hardware activation SIM card requirement... given return to stock, or data wipe/factory data reset?
I think I know where you were going with it... but it might be how to use phone wifi only after getting through initial hardware activation.
OP is looking for permanent work around to avoid having to type *#testmode at each reboot.
If your rooted,I wonder if changing this would help..
Notice where it says
ro.setupwizard.mode=ENABLED
I wonder if you changed it to disabled..
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2
Dwitherell may know. His kid uses his old phone as a WiFi only phone.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
dSlice said:
Dwitherell may know. His kid uses his old phone as a WiFi only phone.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He probably activated on his account and removed the SIM. You can't use the phone if you don't activate it with a SIM.
JihadSquad said:
He probably activated on his account and removed the SIM. You can't use the phone if you don't activate it with a SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have vzw anymore, nor have I for almost a year now. The issue stems from the setupwizard forcing things. There are two in there - in Tweaked I removed one and the one left allows you to skip all the activation stuff. I just sign in w/ a google account (not necessary, but made one for ease of grabbing games from playstore) and I'm all set. I had to use it as a wifi phone for a bit around XMas, but it was really more of a gtalk phone. It's a great little wifi toy for my son though
EDIT: And this was all without a sim in - and is in part why the hide-no-sim icon option came about in tsmparts lol
dwitherell said:
I don't have vzw anymore, nor have I for almost a year now. The issue stems from the setupwizard forcing things. There are two in there - in Tweaked I removed one and the one left allows you to skip all the activation stuff. I just sign in w/ a google account (not necessary, but made one for ease of grabbing games from playstore) and I'm all set. I had to use it as a wifi phone for a bit around XMas, but it was really more of a gtalk phone. It's a great little wifi toy for my son though
EDIT: And this was all without a sim in - and is in part why the hide-no-sim icon option came about in tsmparts lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
right - I took the SIM card out and my son uses this phone has his device. I just set it to airplane mode first, then turn on wifi. everything works fine with minimal battery drain.
This might be something to look at. Turns off the radios without airplane mode.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=16615634
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2
What happens if you pop the SIM from a working device, say the charge I'm on, to an unactivated device, such as a charge I got from a friend?
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
kvswim said:
What happens if you pop the SIM from a working device, say the charge I'm on, to an unactivated device, such as a charge I got from a friend?
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few possibilities:
1) Local cats in your area will team up and form a coalition against squirrels - just in general, after all they are a member of the rodent family. The streets will soon fill with the screechy fur-bath of cat-on-squirrel violence. It will make local news, but it won't go much further than that. You also may get a rash.
2) The unactivated device will work, and essentially act as if it was your phone.
3) Something completely different.
That's all I got.
dwitherell said:
There are a few possibilities:
1) Local cats in your area will team up and form a coalition against squirrels - just in general, after all they are a member of the rodent family. The streets will soon fill with the screechy fur-bath of cat-on-squirrel violence. It will make local news, but it won't go much further than that. You also may get a rash.
2) The unactivated device will work, and essentially act as if it was your phone.
3) Something completely different.
That's all I got.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jheide44 said:
Based on my experience you will have to get your hands on a VZW SIM Card...
if you did a factory data reset (or return to stock) you will need a SIM at least the first time to get through initial device setup/activation... Then you could do the WIFI only the thing.
Easy option: If you have a good VZW 4g LTE SIM just pop it in for a quick minute... once you get through initial activation it is no longer necessary (put it back in your daily driver device)
Or borrow one from your friend for a hot minute.
Also, it doesn't have to be a "live" SIM Card. I use "extra" SIM cards that aren't attached to an active VZW account all the time.
If you have NO 4g VZW SIM, but a VZW account... It gets a bit more involved...
If you need a SIM take it to a VZW store and have them make it your active phone. You can just switch back to your other device via their website later.
If you want to go back to say a 3g device (different SIM card)... from your "my verizon" look for a "Activate or Switch Device" link... it is there expand the options under "device management". then just follow the prompts to activate a device that was never on your account.
Follow instructions, you will need the ESN HEX or MEID DEC from the device you want to activate/re-activate. Getting back to your old SIM card might require some *228 opt 1 magic after the website stuff. This is a one time thing to associate your account to the new SIM card through the ESN/MEID... basically how to switch SIM Cards.
Note: From a good/activated SIM with no vzw website magic... typically *228 gives a SIM Card already activated this device error message.
(if you get stuck, just leave your new 4g SIM card at home and go back to VZW then have them re-activate your old 3g device for you.)
PPS if you don't have a VZW account at all, I have no idea where you are going to get your hands on a sim card... sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So i have a charge for my wife ( upgrading her from an lg ally,,, i have a Samsung fascinate),, we are both on PagePlus (Verizon mvno)
I have a blank 4g sim card and i have the charge on fp8 and nitro's elementalX ROM,,
Problem is when i did the esn change from old phone to the new charge (both powered off during the process) once i booted phone, it wouldn't compete the *22899 activation process or make any other calls.
Any ideas?
Think maybe i need to do this on stk Verizon ROM 1st?
Or
If i borrow a buddy's active 4g sim would that let me complete the *22899 with my phone #? Then give it back to him and use my blank sim?
I was wondering if someone could help me or point me in the right direction to avoid bricking my phone somehow.
First off, a bit of confirmation for anyone else out there... I have successfully moved my Verizon Galaxy S3 to Walmart Family mobile. Currently trying to (safely) rid myself of annoyances.
Bought a new device via ebay with clean ESN for Verizon (I'm unsure if it's still locked to Verizon network, see below for details)
None of the suggestions like *#1973 ... worked as my phone was on a 4.0.1 release (or so I think) I don't see any websites that would offer and unlock code and I read somewhere that the manual unlock needed something like 4.1.x or higher.
I used Odin to upgrade my device to 4.1.1 (Still couldn't find any unlocking info but..
Inserting my Family Mobile SIM card actually works (for calls and SMS) but the device still complains that it has a non-valid sim for Verizon. Going in to the Apps menu and killing the Setup Wizard 1.0 removes that message until the next reboot.
Optimally, I'd like to upgrade from 4.1.1 to 4.3 but have a few concerns.
Will an update rid me of the Verizon sim check? or is the sim checking piece not in the ROM but actually inside the bootloader itself?
I'm not highly technical (but dangerous enough I suppose).
When all is said and done I'm looking to have a 4.3 device with a Family Mobile APN that works (so far I don't believe that's occurred. Device is nice under wifi and says that cellular data is 'active' but I don't think it's working since I can't hit websites in cellular only mode.
Any suggestions for getting my device to a happy place without rooting it would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Being that I posted this for others as much as myself I'll go ahead and answer my own question.
After using Odin to bring my S3 (i535) phone up to rev 4.1.1 of Android using the Verizon image (only updating the AP, not the bootloader or other elements) I found online, I was able to cable the device in to a PC running Kies. After performing a quick backup I looked for potential firmware updates and was able to have Kies do the upgrade from 4.1.1 to 4.3. This removed most of my fear of applying something wrong (BL, AP, CP, CSC).
Once the update completed I was in fact asked to update to the new Kies 3 before restoring my backup. I can verify that running that update was smooth and the new Kies restored the backup created with the earlier version without issue.
The non Verizon SIM issue still exists on 4.3 but I continue to kill the Setup Wizard app after booting the phone and all seems OK.
I should also note that in 4.1.1 Verizon removed the ability to add APNs but that is now back in 4.3, so I was able to successfully update to the T-Mobile APN settings Walmart Family suggested.
Next month I will be attempting to move an unlocked global S3 mini GT-i8190 to Walmart Family as well. At present, the 4.1.2 OS is the latest release there. I do not intend to move that device to 4.3 at this time. I have read that it may be possible to rest the device and list is as Romanian (or some other eastern European country where Samsung did decide to offer the newest version to the public).
wirelessguyNY said:
I was wondering if someone could help me or point me in the right direction to avoid bricking my phone somehow.
First off, a bit of confirmation for anyone else out there... I have successfully moved my Verizon Galaxy S3 to Walmart Family mobile. Currently trying to (safely) rid myself of annoyances.
Bought a new device via ebay with clean ESN for Verizon (I'm unsure if it's still locked to Verizon network, see below for details)
None of the suggestions like *#1973 ... worked as my phone was on a 4.0.1 release (or so I think) I don't see any websites that would offer and unlock code and I read somewhere that the manual unlock needed something like 4.1.x or higher.
I used Odin to upgrade my device to 4.1.1 (Still couldn't find any unlocking info but..
Inserting my Family Mobile SIM card actually works (for calls and SMS) but the device still complains that it has a non-valid sim for Verizon. Going in to the Apps menu and killing the Setup Wizard 1.0 removes that message until the next reboot.
Optimally, I'd like to upgrade from 4.1.1 to 4.3 but have a few concerns.
Will an update rid me of the Verizon sim check? or is the sim checking piece not in the ROM but actually inside the bootloader itself?
I'm not highly technical (but dangerous enough I suppose).
When all is said and done I'm looking to have a 4.3 device with a Family Mobile APN that works (so far I don't believe that's occurred. Device is nice under wifi and says that cellular data is 'active' but I don't think it's working since I can't hit websites in cellular only mode.
Any suggestions for getting my device to a happy place without rooting it would be appreciated.
Thanks.
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