How many "locks" exist on Android? - Android General

I noticed my AT&T S5 didn't work on WiFi down here in Argentina as the AP used Channel 12 which is not included in the ROM's kernel. Very annoying! I had made sure to get the AT&T phone as they use the same frequency bands for non-LTE cellular as the telephone companies here. Unfortunately the boot loader is locked so I don't think I will be able to fix this issue.
But I got to thinking about the ways the phones can be locked down to restrict use. Here is my list which is likely not exhaustive. What am I missing?
Samsung "initial region" lock which requires 5 minute call
SIM lock to carrier
WiFi channels disabled (e.g. 12-14)
Screen lock w/ fingerprint, etc.
flash memory encryption, decrypt on boot
google accounts lock (needs account to enable after factory reset)
samsung account lock (needs account to enable after factory reset)
different frequencies for cellular coverage
bootloader locked
KNOX counter?
SIM card itself can be locked with pin
SIM card can require PUK code

Couple more:
SElinux restrictions
Permission managers
Wi-Fi tethering locks (rare on Android now)
App-specific locks (ie. Pin codes for banking apps)

Related

[Q] Unlocked Phone's data packet not working despite correct APN

I have problems connecting my Samsung Galaxy SII LTE to the Internet using Data Packet.
I have gone through my carrier's instructions for APN and I am sure I have done everything right.
This phone was originally for Rogers but I unlocked it for use with Fido (my carrier). Did I miss anything? Is there another level of locking that prevents the phone from using Data Pack the proper way?
Now getting the lock information on my phone using *#7465625# renders the following:
Network Lock
Network Subset Lock
SP Lock
CP Lock
Does any cause this problem I am facing?
I presume since the phone is unlocked and I was able to use my sim card and make calls that the phone is working perfectly. Now, I am not sure.

S6 unable to see test mobile network

I'm building a test mobile network on some laptops and with a software defined radio based on Open AirInterface (is googleable, but I can't post the link cos I'm a newb) code, and I have this up and running. Additionally, I've bought some programmable SIMs to work with it on a bunch of phones. The information on these I've added into my HSS implementation. The Country Code/Network code deployed on the SIMs is 901/70 - so it doesn't interfere with commercial networks.
I'm testing with a bunch of phones in an isolation chamber, and my end goal is to shift the network into something I have a license for and "go public", but this network will have a low channel bandwidth (3MHz or 1.4MHz in Band 3 LTE). Not many phones have supported this, so I started with a 5MHz channel, which most do support - and I've successfully connected an S4 and a Nexus to my little network. However, when I tried the S6 with a SIM that worked in another phone, it cannot even see the network. I've seen hints of Samsung doing operator whitelisting, but would like to know if this is the case and, if possible, how to add my operator codes into the whitelist.
So far, I've tried the following:
a) "*#0011#" puts you into ServiceMode where you used to be able to enable/disable frequency bands and other such settings with the "Q0000" menu entry - but it looks like Samsung have squished this, also I know the phone has Band 3 operational as I can put a commercial SIM in it that runs on that band. I've not found any way of actually modifying any settings within this mode.
b) I found the file "/system/etc/apns-conf.xml" which contains a list of operator APN addresses - I updated mine to contain my settings, but no joy, and if I "reset to default" my APN settings, my settings are not picked up and I have to manually add my APN (but at least that stays selected)
c) I found some databases in "/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/", in particular "nwk_info.db" and added my network details to it. The phone then changed from basically saying I was only able to make emergency calls to "Selected mobile network (901/70) unavailable", which kind of at least hints I've moved it in the right direction
The S6 is running a rooted factory reset, and allows SIMS from two different commercial operators on it so it should be completely unlocked. It's never been out of the country, so should have "defeated" the region locks that Sammy put on the phones nowadays (although it begs the question whether rooting the phone resets this and perhaps it's still awaiting 5 mins of calls via a local SIM?).
Does anyone know of a whitelist of MNC/MCC numbers I can add my settings to? Or any other possible solution to this?
The long winded solution is to change the MNC/MCC info on each of my SIMs, but that's a PITA and I'm not even sure it'll work yet (I will attempt to try one soon, but changing the configs on my mobile network is also non-trivial!)

Spectrum Note 10+ wrong carrier

I bought an unlocked 10+ for google Fi, the variant I got was Charter Spectrums (blindly). Google Fi services work! However carrier information says Spectrum, I cannot manually select operators (for overseas use) and simcard apps do not show actual roaming network or sim carrier info...always overlaying Spectrum as default even though im on Fi connected to Telekom.
Is there a way to fix this? I need to see real carriers I am roaming on overseas and be able to manually switch when needed its unlocked asides from this seemingly.. I used package disabler on the spectrum configuration services app along with vzwconfigs just incase no dice.
Couldn't you just flash the unlock firmware with Odin?

Security policy prevents use of mobile data

Hi all. I just bought a S10e (G970U, Snapdragon) from China in order to use it in Spain, with Orange as a carrier. Once I set it up, everything worked fine for about 20 seconds. After that, the mobile data locked down. When I try to turn it up again the device says: "Security policy prevents use of mobile data". I tried to factory reset it several times, try different google accounts, try different SIMs, erase the data from some SIM- and network-related apps, but nothing changes. I guess that this has something to do with Samsung Knox.
What should I do? Is recommendable to contact Samsung support? Can I flash another firmware/ROM that fix this issue? Thanks a lot, any help is appreciated.
PS: Calls and SMS are also locked.
@txordi
Maybe this will help?
https://www.samsung.com/nz/support/mobile-devices/security-policy-updates/
djg269 said:
@txordi
Maybe this will help?
https://www.samsung.com/nz/support/mobile-devices/security-policy-updates/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. Thanks a lot for your help! I tried it and nothing changed. Indeed, the security policies were already updated out of the box...
I had the same problem. I had a signal but could not send/receive SMS or calls. After talking with carrier tech support and Samsung, I went to a UbreakIfix store, where they told me the 10e phones have a problem with the antenna on the motherboard. They said I needed to send the phone back to Samsung to get the mobo replaced. I just sent it back to the seller and bought an S20.
Also on S10+
I'm having the same problem on my GM-975U1 S10+. Basically mobile data and texting works long enough to authenticate into the Samsung account during setup, but once the android home screen appears after finishing the setup I can't place any calls and trying to enable mobile data gives a "Security policy prevents use of mobile data" error when attempting to enable it. Neither AT&T or Samsung have given instructions on how this can be fixed. It's behaving similarly to if the phone's IMEI were on a blacklist, but I get immediately shut out once the setup process completes.
kriegersaurusrex said:
I'm having the same problem on my GM-975U1 S10+. Basically mobile data and texting works long enough to authenticate into the Samsung account during setup, but once the android home screen appears after finishing the setup I can't place any calls and trying to enable mobile data gives a "Security policy prevents use of mobile data" error when attempting to enable it. Neither AT&T or Samsung have given instructions on how this can be fixed. It's behaving similarly to if the phone's IMEI were on a blacklist, but I get immediately shut out once the setup process completes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you found any solution yet I am having same issue with my samsung s10e and I don't even understand what app or policy is preventing me from making calls. BTW I am using clean esn phone. As soon as I pass the setup screen LTE signal goes away and it stops working.
aakashpsp said:
have you found any solution yet I am having same issue with my samsung s10e and I don't even understand what app or policy is preventing me from making calls. BTW I am using clean esn phone. As soon as I pass the setup screen LTE signal goes away and it stops working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't found one yet either. Apparently the phone I purchased is locked to Tracphone after paying for an IMEI lookup (got scammed by an ebay seller who said it was the unlocked model), and the phone isn't able to do calls/mobile data properly except during the initial setup. Tried with SIM cards from two different US providers that both aren't working on it, and can connect to wifi just fine. Can see in the phone information test menu by dialing *#*#4636#*#* that my sim is being recognized, shows my phone number and IMSI, can switch between network types and see the cell towers it connects to; but isn't able to send/receive calls or mobile data. It fails the Ping test with 'Fail(2)' and HTTP Client Test with 'Fail: IOException'.
It's also showing that the phone receives a call inside of the Service Mode menu by dialing *#197328640# and going to '[1] BASIC INFORMATION'. Placing a call from another phone shows that my S10+ is picking up LTE bands and has some RF parameters that change when my number is being dialed, but don't get the option to pick up the call. It's also able to detect that I have a voicemail but am not able to dial in and listen to it. The Tx Pwr says '-- dBm' so I ultimately can't tell if it's a software or a hardware problem.
kriegersaurusrex said:
I haven't found one yet either. Apparently the phone I purchased is locked to Tracphone after paying for an IMEI lookup (got scammed by an ebay seller who said it was the unlocked model), and the phone isn't able to do calls/mobile data properly except during the initial setup. Tried with SIM cards from two different US providers that both aren't working on it, and can connect to wifi just fine. Can see in the phone information test menu by dialing *#*#4636#*#* that my sim is being recognized, shows my phone number and IMSI, can switch between network types and see the cell towers it connects to; but isn't able to send/receive calls or mobile data. It fails the Ping test with 'Fail(2)' and HTTP Client Test with 'Fail: IOException'.
It's also showing that the phone receives a call inside of the Service Mode menu by dialing *#197328640# and going to '[1] BASIC INFORMATION'. Placing a call from another phone shows that my S10+ is picking up LTE bands and has some RF parameters that change when my number is being dialed, but don't get the option to pick up the call. It's also able to detect that I have a voicemail but am not able to dial in and listen to it. The Tx Pwr says '-- dBm' so I ultimately can't tell if it's a software or a hardware problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am facing the same exact issue my sim number it shows inside the phone and signal I am getting is in negative dbm also my sim receives calls during the initial setup and as soon as the setup completes the LTE network goes away call gives error " call not sent". I am irritated by this now and there is no root available for this model so I cannot flash any custom rom to check. I have seen many people have same issue but no solution yet.
If your phone locked to a particular network, ie TracFone,AT&T, TMobile, Cricket, etc, then that is only network it will work on. Doesn't matter what custom ROM you use. You will need to get the network unlock code either from the network it's locked to or from a reputable online unlock site. Good luck getting it unlocked.
riggerman0421 said:
If your phone locked to a particular network, ie TracFone,AT&T, TMobile, Cricket, etc, then that is only network it will work on. Doesn't matter what custom ROM you use. You will need to get the network unlock code either from the network it's locked to or from a reputable online unlock site. Good luck getting it unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my device is already unlocked. It is not an unlocked phone issue. This is some stupid policy which is preventing from making calls or using data. Maybe this policy is saved in EFS don't know.
aakashpsp said:
my device is already unlocked. It is not an unlocked phone issue. This is some stupid policy which is preventing from making calls or using data. Maybe this policy is saved in EFS don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange, it's acting exactly like a network locked device. When you say it's unlocked, are referring to the bootloader or network? Did you buy it new, unlocked from a reputable dealer? Check the firmware and make sure it is unlocked. There are other thread here with the same issue and message, those are all network locked phones.
riggerman0421 said:
That's strange, it's acting exactly like a network locked device. When you say it's unlocked, are referring to the bootloader or network? Did you buy it new, unlocked from a reputable dealer? Check the firmware and make sure it is unlocked. There are other thread here with the same issue and message, those are all network locked phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know I bought it from mercari that seller told me it is tmobile unlocked, but while checking I found the model number is G970U1. csc is XAA and binary U4. Bootloader is locked. Networks seems to be unlocked as when I put it my sim card it works till initial setup screen and then stops working. I searched it maybe locked to Consumercellular but is there any way I can unlock it ? I didn't find anything online.
Sounds like the seller lied to you.
Is there any way to unlock CC device ? I am on Binary u4. I am able to flash both g970u and g970u1 firmware but no success.
riggerman0421 said:
That's strange, it's acting exactly like a network locked device. When you say it's unlocked, are referring to the bootloader or network? Did you buy it new, unlocked from a reputable dealer? Check the firmware and make sure it is unlocked. There are other thread here with the same issue and message, those are all network locked phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My S10+ model G975U is network unlocked, with the bootloader locked. I bought a network unlock code, but am getting the same behavior where the intial setup allows me to sign into my Samsung account when putting in both an ATT and T-Mobile sim card. I've also tried reflashing it with several different firmwares both carrier locked and unlocked, but this phone has been sitting in my drawer for the past month since it's unusable. Probably will end up trading it in since I was scammed by the random ebay seller I bought this from.
kriegersaurusrex said:
My S10+ model G975U is network unlocked, with the bootloader locked. I bought a network unlock code, but am getting the same behavior where the intial setup allows me to sign into my Samsung account when putting in both an ATT and T-Mobile sim card. I've also tried reflashing it with several different firmwares both carrier locked and unlocked, but this phone has been sitting in my drawer for the past month since it's unusable. Probably will end up trading it in since I was scammed by the random ebay seller I bought this from.
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Click to collapse
I'm having the exact same issue. Bought s10+ off ebay for 200 locked to consumer cellular. Bought an unlock code. It said unlock successful. Now get this error with any sim. It will show lte during initial setup only.
It will show that it's at&t or verizon when I put the sim in and populate the proper apn settings.
Before the unlock I would get the sim not provisioned error.
I did have to look up the dial code to make the unlock code window appear.
Now i can't actually use any service and i get the security policy error.
Finally was able to find the xaa firmware which seems to be the exact firmware on it.
Then lash that as no other u1 firmware would flash.
txordi said:
Hi all. I just bought a S10e (G970U, Snapdragon) from China in order to use it in Spain, with Orange as a carrier. Once I set it up, everything worked fine for about 20 seconds. After that, the mobile data locked down. When I try to turn it up again the device says: "Security policy prevents use of mobile data". I tried to factory reset it several times, try different google accounts, try different SIMs, erase the data from some SIM- and network-related apps, but nothing changes. I guess that this has something to do with Samsung Knox.
What should I do? Is recommendable to contact Samsung support? Can I flash another firmware/ROM that fix this issue? Thanks a lot, any help is appreciated.
PS: Calls and SMS are also locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm from the Philippines and my niece phone is network lock ( Smart Telecom ) I can use the sim 2 slot since it's a dual sim using another network Simcard, unfortunately, it won't allow me to use mobile data so I tried unlocking it *#272*IMEI FROM SIM 1 SLOT# so I choose GLB for globe network or XTC to openline so here's what happens, it got reset so upon set up yeah other sim works have data but when finish setting up everything I can use data again on other network and a message pop up
Security policy prevents use of mobile data​
so I guess even it allows other network Simcard on network lock phone it needs to be unlocked by the network where it was lock
Did anyone ever find a solution to this problem?
I'm having the exact same problem with a new samsung s10e I just bought. Security policy prevents use of mobile data, and no calls or sms will go through. LTE shows on setup, but disappears as soon as setup is complete.
I initially assumed the phone was locked, but the seller is reputable and insists it is unlocked. It's also a U1 model, and an IMEI lookup appears to show that it's unlocked. In connection settings under mobile networks, i'm also able to select multiple carriers, so I'm inclined to believe that the device really is unlocked.
Anybody here ever manage to solve this problem, or am I SOL? I would hate to be out 200 bucks on this phone since i'm past the return window.
I am having same isuue with samsung not S20 ultra (SM-N986U1) I bought the mobile and its unlocked the seller send to me photo for the check screen and its open USA but can not use mobile data and make any calls when a make a call the call ended and give me screen call not sent
aniratepanda said:
Did anyone ever find a solution to this problem?
I'm having the exact same problem with a new samsung s10e I just bought. Security policy prevents use of mobile data, and no calls or sms will go through. LTE shows on setup, but disappears as soon as setup is complete.
I initially assumed the phone was locked, but the seller is reputable and insists it is unlocked. It's also a U1 model, and an IMEI lookup appears to show that it's unlocked. In connection settings under mobile networks, i'm also able to select multiple carriers, so I'm inclined to believe that the device really is unlocked.
Anybody here ever manage to solve this problem, or am I SOL? I would hate to be out 200 bucks on this phone since i'm past the return window.
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esca91 said:
Hello everybody,
Could you share firmware of Sm-r900 ?
Thanls All for good work !
Bests regards.
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Click to collapse
mosaad627 said:
I am having same isuue with samsung not S20 ultra (SM-N986U1) I bought the mobile and its unlocked the seller send to me photo for the check screen and its open USA but can not use mobile data and make any calls when a make a call the call ended and give me screen call not sent
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, there is a solution, but only from an experienced professional 3rd party business, which means there's no free solution

need help with s10e "Security policy prevents use of mobile data"

The phone is unlocked it G970U1 model. After factory reset my sim card works perfectly fine during the initial setup screen calling works and even shows LTE on top but as soon as I pass the setup screen LTE goes away and when I try to call it shows me error " CALL NOT SENT" also when I click on the button to enable mobile data it shows me error "Security policy prevents use of mobile data" I really want to know what security is causing this issue also I have changed rom with different versions I get same error with everyone. How do I fix this issue what security policy is causing this issue ? Please help.
Phone locked to Consumer Cellular
If the phone is locked to Consumer Cellular, it will only work with their sim card. You will need to get it network unlocked to use it on any other network.
riggerman0421 said:
If the phone is locked to Consumer Cellular, it will only work with their sim card. You will need to get it network unlocked to use it on any other network.
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Click to collapse
You know how unlock s10e cc locked?
As i can understand, it's not sp-lock. It's knox lock, as payjoy, rac etc.
As far as I know, you would need an unlock from the carrier. You might try to Google for network unlock codes, but I'm not sure how reputable dinner if those sites are.
If it is locked to CC anyone knows a way to unlock this as I don't find any service for this online. Z3x also only supports SPR , TMO and ATT also I tried changing CSC from XAA to others using chimera but it gives me success message but nothing actually changes.
what about when you get an unlock code and it says unlock successful and this still happens?

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