Dont bash me I know this might come off as a ridiculous question to some but I have paid off my device through t-mobile and they unlocked it for me. Does this allow me to have more options with roms/etc.? I'm not quite sure what the unlock truly does for me other than I suppose I can take it to other carriers. However, does this include cdma carriers like sprint or just gsm? And I assume h850 roms would still be a bad idea correct? Any help or insight is greatly appreciated, Thanks!
This just means you can use your G5 with other carriers instead of just being locked to T-Mobile.
The unlock will last through wipes and ROM upgrades also, which is good to know. A different partition in the phone is used to trip the unlock which is not altered by system updates/wipes.
thecell_2007 said:
Dont bash me I know this might come off as a ridiculous question to some but I have paid off my device through t-mobile and they unlocked it for me. Does this allow me to have more options with roms/etc.? I'm not quite sure what the unlock truly does for me other than I suppose I can take it to other carriers. However, does this include cdma carriers like sprint or just gsm? And I assume h850 roms would still be a bad idea correct? Any help or insight is greatly appreciated, Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SIM unlock means you can use it an any other GSM/WCDMA carrier (AT&T as well as some of the smaller ones like Cricket). You can not use it on CDMA carriers like Sprint or Verizon because the chips are fused to only allow GSM/WCDMA technologies. Sprint and Verizon use a CDMA fused chip and you can't us them on AT&T and T-Mobile, etc. There are a couple of types of "unlock". SIM unlock like you have, and bootloader unlock are most important. If you now unlock the bootloader you can root the device and then load custom ROMs to it. You can load H850 roms if it's been ported to H830 which there aren't any right now but will be soon. There is the fluence rom for H830 that you can load. I hope this helps.
thecell_2007 said:
Dont bash me I know this might come off as a ridiculous question to some but I have paid off my device through t-mobile and they unlocked it for me. Does this allow me to have more options with roms/etc.? I'm not quite sure what the unlock truly does for me other than I suppose I can take it to other carriers. However, does this include cdma carriers like sprint or just gsm? And I assume h850 roms would still be a bad idea correct? Any help or insight is greatly appreciated, Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adding on to everyone else, I have seen some phones go from VZW to TMO but there were so many issues with these devices it was a YMMV situation. The unlock through TMO is a carrier unlock, not a bootloader unlock. Your phone is worth more on craigslist/ebay now since it's unlocked at least.
Thanks for all the useful info. Been flashing and rooting for years but it's always nice to get assistance from all you smart people lol. Never really knew there was a difference between a bootloader unlock and a Sim unlock so learned something new. Thanks again for the insight!
There is ways to root and load customs Roms on some of the lg g5 models hg850 international version, but also the hg830 T-Mobile model as well now, and I believe there is a process for those who updated to 10d firmware before rooting to be able to do it now as well, so I would go check out the lg g5 fourms for that.
Related
I purchased a DG2 in hopes of unlocking for tmo or att in the usa. Does anyone know how to do this? I have allready unlocked it. It shows ATT and Tmo at the top when I view the lock screen. I have allready selected gsm and ATT as the network. Bought it for a friend and I am really frustrated. I personally use a vibrant and I am not new to development. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Should have done some research before buying the phone. As of now, there is no known method to make a D2G work on any US GSM carrier. There is one company that claims to have a hardware unlock method, but they don't offer it to the public yet, and their projected price is $100. They also require you to revert your phone to an older firmware, and the unlock removes all capabilities for updates. Not worth it at all, IMHO. Some people have suggested trying a turbo SIM, but nobody has posted an update about whether or not that actually works.
So, short answer: You can't make your phone work on ATT or TMO.
I have a Photon Q 4G LTE from sprint. I lost my job and cant pay the bill. I'm sure sprint has locked the esn. I have seen you can flash my phone to cricket, But I read this on motorola's site.
DOES UNLOCKING THE BOOTLOADER MEAN I CAN USE MY DEVICE WITH ANY WIRELESS OPERATOR?
No, this does not disable a carrier subsidy lock if one exists. Some subscriptions are tied to a specific wireless operator and the phone cannot be used on another operator's network. A "locked bootloader" and "carrier subsidy lock" are thus two entirely different topics. Do not unlock the bootloader if you are want to to disable the carrier subsidy lock.
If I unlock the bootloader does that mean I will not be able to flash to cricket.
Also with a locked esn from sprint will I even be able to flash my phone over to cricket.
Sorry for the NooB questions here. I am new to cell phone modification but everyone has to start somewhere. :cyclops:
Gxkon said:
I have a Photon Q 4G LTE from sprint. I lost my job and cant pay the bill. I'm sure sprint has locked the esn. I have seen you can flash my phone to cricket, But I read this on motorola's site.
DOES UNLOCKING THE BOOTLOADER MEAN I CAN USE MY DEVICE WITH ANY WIRELESS OPERATOR?
No, this does not disable a carrier subsidy lock if one exists. Some subscriptions are tied to a specific wireless operator and the phone cannot be used on another operator's network. A "locked bootloader" and "carrier subsidy lock" are thus two entirely different topics. Do not unlock the bootloader if you are want to to disable the carrier subsidy lock.
If I unlock the bootloader does that mean I will not be able to flash to cricket.
Also with a locked esn from sprint will I even be able to flash my phone over to cricket.
Sorry for the NooB questions here. I am new to cell phone modification but everyone has to start somewhere. :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the boatloader doesn't mean much. If you unlock it, nothing "bad" or "negative" happens. The reason for the statement of Motorola's site is so people don't unlock the bootloader thinking it will carrier unlock them.
As for actually flashing the phone to Cricket, I'm almost positive it can be done, but I can't answer that. What I CAN do however, is point you to this awesome forum that has to do with cricket phones and non-cricket phones that either have been flashed to cricket or are being worked on a working flash to cricket:
http://www.cricketusers.com/forum.php
Think of it as a Cricket-Flasher's XDA.
Sweet thanx for the info. Im still confused though if i unlock the bootloader and root it would i still be able to flash to another carrier
Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk 2
Gxkon said:
Sweet thanx for the info. Im still confused though if i unlock the bootloader and root it would i still be able to flash to another carrier
Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Figure out what Cricket needs in the way of OS and get them to activate the ESN. Obviously they need to make themselves the APN
Do yall think a flash to cricket from sprint is still possible with the new law. I would flash myself and then take the phone to cricket.
Gxkon said:
Do yall think a flash to cricket from sprint is still possible with the new law. I would flash myself and then take the phone to cricket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, this has always been one of those questionable things. I don't think it's technically illegal, so long as you aren't swapping the ESN or something like that.
arrrghhh said:
Well, this has always been one of those questionable things. I don't think it's technically illegal, so long as you aren't swapping the ESN or something like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The dcma thing said you cant unlock cellphones anymore but you can tablets. Its crazy if you ask me but big companies cried to much about people unlocking phones before the contract is up.
Gxkon said:
The dcma thing said you cant unlock cellphones anymore but you can tablets. Its crazy if you ask me but big companies cried to much about people unlocking phones before the contract is up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, it said "legacy" phones were exempt. So technically our phone should be exempt... it was made before that law went into place.
Either way, just don't turn it into a business and you should be fine. It's your device, and you're not doing it over & over for profit.
Note - I am not replacement for legal counsel. I do not and cannot advise on the legality of anything.
Nice. i lost my job and couldnt pay my bill do you think sprint would give me the unlock code? Whats the diffrence between legacy phone and regular phones
Gxkon said:
Nice. i lost my job and couldnt pay my bill do you think sprint would give me the unlock code? Whats the diffrence between legacy phone and regular phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on the legalese I read, it would be any phone sold after the law went into place, which was Jan. 1 2013 I think?
As for Sprint giving you the code, if your account is not in good standing I doubt it.
Note - I am also not a Sprint employee, lol.
Sweet thanx for the info
I asked this question a few days ago & no one answered, so I will try a different way.
Verizon tells me that my phone that is "unlocked & rooted" with CyanogenMod 10.2.1 is not truly unlocked.
So how do you completely "unlock" a phone so that it will work on Verizon's CDMA network?
Is there a different way to unlock for CDMA?
Thanks.
Rebel60 said:
I asked this question a few days ago & no one answered, so I will try a different way.
Verizon tells me that my phone that is "unlocked & rooted" with CyanogenMod 10.2.1 is not truly unlocked.
So how do you completely "unlock" a phone so that it will work on Verizon's CDMA network?
Is there a different way to unlock for CDMA?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your running cyanogen mod your bootloader is unlocked. There's two different kinds of unlocked, one is sim unlocked which means it can run on almost any carrier and bootloader unlocked meaning you can flash custom roms
As far as CDMA not that I'm aware of
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
ShapesBlue said:
If your running cyanogen mod your bootloader is unlocked. There's two different kinds of unlocked, one is sim unlocked which means it can run on almost any carrier and bootloader unlocked meaning you can flash custom roms
As far as CDMA not that I'm aware of
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I couldn't understand how a phone can be unlocked & rooted & still not be unlocked. The salesman at Verizon told me on the phone that whatever company originally sold the phone would have to unlock it. I forgot that this was a T-Mobile phone. I use T-mobile sim via Straight Talk. If this sim is removed then would the phone be able to work on Verizon network? Verzion is telling me this is a GSM phone & not CDMA & won't work unless unlocked by carrier. Which makes no sense if it isn't a cdma to begin with. I assume that all Verizon version of phones are made for them as CDMA only?
If this is so, then Verizon should not be advertising "bring your own device" as it won't work. It should be "bring your own Verizon phone".
Rebel60 said:
Thanks. I couldn't understand how a phone can be unlocked & rooted & still not be unlocked. The salesman at Verizon told me on the phone that whatever company originally sold the phone would have to unlock it. I forgot that this was a T-Mobile phone. I use T-mobile sim via Straight Talk. If this sim is removed then would the phone be able to work on Verizon network? Verzion is telling me this is a GSM phone & not CDMA & won't work unless unlocked by carrier. Which makes no sense if it isn't a cdma to begin with. I assume that all Verizon version of phones are made for them as CDMA only?
If this is so, then Verizon should not be advertising "bring your own device" as it won't work. It should be "bring your own Verizon phone".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizons idea of bring your own device really isn't what it should be. It should work on the vzw network but all phones should be sim unlocked by the carrier as a law was passed to do so, however verizon won't a lot of times sim unlock it like it should be until the contract is fulfilled.
And yes there bring your own device is irrelevant because most gsm phones won't work like they should on this crappy network because they are the only CDMA only network left.
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
ShapesBlue said:
Verizons idea of bring your own device really isn't what it should be. It should work on the vzw network but all phones should be sim unlocked by the carrier as a law was passed to do so, however verizon won't a lot of times sim unlock it like it should be until the contract is fulfilled.
And yes there bring your own device is irrelevant because most gsm phones won't work like they should on this crappy network because they are the only CDMA only network left.
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks ShapesBlue. I assumed it was not really bring any device to play as they state. My phone came from T-Mobile from the original buyer, so I don't know if T-Mobile would till unlock it or not since it isn't stock any longer. I have a friends that use Verizon & they get good service in our area. Mine is limited on T-Mobile, lot of dead spots especially where I work & slow data. I had a non digital CDMA phone that I used through Straight Talk & it used Verizon network & I got good phone service in places way off the beaten trail, so that is why I wanted to try Verizon again.
Where can I find a copy of the "unlock law". I searched for it but didn't find anything. I would like to print it out & take with me for proof.
Thanks.
Rebel60 said:
Thanks ShapesBlue. I assumed it was not really bring any device to play as they state. My phone came from T-Mobile from the original buyer, so I don't know if T-Mobile would till unlock it or not since it isn't stock any longer. I have a friends that use Verizon & they get good service in our area. Mine is limited on T-Mobile, lot of dead spots especially where I work & slow data. I had a non digital CDMA phone that I used through Straight Talk & it used Verizon network & I got good phone service in places way off the beaten trail, so that is why I wanted to try Verizon again.
Where can I find a copy of the "unlock law". I searched for it but didn't find anything. I would like to print it out & take with me for proof.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if it has passed just yet but here is some info on it
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/obama-signs-bill-unlocking-cellphones/
From my S3 on Wicked 4.3
I Just found the law, it was signed into law by president on Aug. 1st. 2014. S.517, Public law 113-114
Thanks.
Hey forumers I'm a little new here so sorry if this is a huge noob question
Yesterday I bought a Sony Z5 outright from a local provider here in Canada and I had gotten it unlocked and such but it doesn't seem like I'm able to find my local WIND network.. after some research i found that this phone might not be compatible at all
I had gotten a couple hints that maybe if I root I can unlock the band or something... I don't know.. if anyone knows what I can do please let me know.. I rather like this phone aha
TLDR/ Looking for a way to get Sony Z5 Compatible with WIND
If you already unlocked the sim and it doesn't work then it doesn't work. Should have checked the network bands before purchasing. If you don't know you can ask one of the wind representative. Also, if I remember correctly you might need root or worst you need to unlock the bootloader (which you can't because it is from bell), to unlock the other bands. All I know is that unlocking bands require alot of coding and complicated procedures. Gl bud, return it if you can if it doesn't work out.
LitoNi said:
If you already unlocked the sim and it doesn't work then it doesn't work. Should have checked the network bands before purchasing. If you don't know you can ask one of the wind representative. Also, if I remember correctly you might need root or worst you need to unlock the bootloader (which you can't because it is from bell), to unlock the other bands. All I know is that unlocking bands require alot of coding and complicated procedures. Gl bud, return it if you can if it doesn't work out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a reason why BELL cannot unlock the bootloader? I've been doing a lot of research since I posted this thread (im becoming obsessed even as a noob) and I'll need to root the phone, install custom kernel/ROM and edit 6 values into the non volatile memory in order to gain access to add additional bands. The Chipset in the Z5 should in theory allow AWS bands..
Make sure your APN is correct before going through all that trouble. Unlocking bootloader on Sony phones renders some special features useless.
augie7107 said:
Make sure your APN is correct before going through all that trouble. Unlocking bootloader on Sony phones renders some special features useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
I have triple checked the APN settings to be perfectly compatible with WIND and that is not the issue.
So pretty much either i lose out on features in order to root - unlock the radios
or I return it and somehow get the Z5 DUAL.
I really love this phone and can't think of any others to get if I return it and don't go for the dual lol.
GearshiftJB said:
Is there a reason why BELL cannot unlock the bootloader? I've been doing a lot of research since I posted this thread (im becoming obsessed even as a noob) and I'll need to root the phone, install custom kernel/ROM and edit 6 values into the non volatile memory in order to gain access to add additional bands. The Chipset in the Z5 should in theory allow AWS bands..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, here in Canada when ever you get a phone from a carrier the bootloader is locked forever. Blame the carriers not sony. And from my years in XDA - sony in particular I don't think I have met a developer skilled enough to get the bootloader unlocked on non unlockable devices, maybe Samsung devices yea but not sony.
Installing custom roms and kernels would require you to unlock the bootloader which you can't do so with carrier phones. This is the down side when you get carrier phones. Always get international phones because they are not locked forever.
I have the international version so I don't know about the bell one. Go to dial pad and input *#*#service#*#*
From there navigate to service info / configuration. Under rooting status, if it states "yes" next to bootloader unlock allowed then you can unlock it if it states "no" then it means no
LitoNi said:
As far as I know, here in Canada when ever you get a phone from a carrier the bootloader is locked forever. Blame the carriers not sony. And from my years in XDA - sony in particular I don't think I have met a developer skilled enough to get the bootloader unlocked on non unlockable devices, maybe Samsung devices yea but not sony.
Installing custom roms and kernels would require you to unlock the bootloader which you can't do so with carrier phones. This is the down side when you get carrier phones. Always get international phones because they are not locked forever.
I have the international version so I don't know about the bell one. Go to dial pad and input *#*#service#*#*
From there navigate to service info / configuration. Under rooting status, if it states "yes" next to bootloader unlock allowed then you can unlock it if it states "no" then it means no
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for that.
I went through the directions and the bootloader says no. Looks like I'm heading to return it later today as I'm not interested in losing out on features if I was to root etc...
dang, I feel like I was so close to, but after reading on everything for a few hours, I must hang up the towel. I will probably try and buy the Sony Z5 Dual in green now from Ebay (the color I wanted anyways)
Thanks everyone for the assistance even though we came up short!
GearshiftJB said:
Thank you for that.
I went through the directions and the bootloader says no. Looks like I'm heading to return it later today as I'm not interested in losing out on features if I was to root etc...
dang, I feel like I was so close to, but after reading on everything for a few hours, I must hang up the towel. I will probably try and buy the Sony Z5 Dual in green now from Ebay (the color I wanted anyways)
Thanks everyone for the assistance even though we came up short!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries, at least its not too late to return it. You can still root the device but just can't unlock the bootloader.
Just curious, how much did you pay in total for the phone outright?
LitoNi said:
No worries, at least its not too late to return it. You can still root the device but just can't unlock the bootloader.
Just curious, how much did you pay in total for the phone outright?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$649.99 + tax so $734.48 which I totally didn't mind, I was due for an upgrade and was able to sell off my previous phone...
I'm looking into the Z5 Dual and it's showing me $854 for it... on ebay at least http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Sony-Xperia-...903367?hash=item419df43c47:g:86QAAOSwo0JWF52C
that jump though..
GearshiftJB said:
Thank you!
I have triple checked the APN settings to be perfectly compatible with WIND and that is not the issue.
So pretty much either i lose out on features in order to root - unlock the radios
or I return it and somehow get the Z5 DUAL.
I really love this phone and can't think of any others to get if I return it and don't go for the dual lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sucks, sorry you are having difficulty. As an FYI, I made multiple edits on a coupe Xiaomi Qualcomm devices with a NV editor and the changes stuck but it never enabled any additional bands. I see that neither model on the Z5 Compact is compatible with Wind on any band by plugging in values here:
http://www.willmyphonework.net/
If I get a factory unlocked US version, I can be sure it will have support for all major bands (and new network features) in major US carriers.
But if I get a factory unlocked International version (because I want dual sim), I know it will work on US carriers, but will it be missing support for some special bands that US carriers use? Will it have full compatibility with US carriers?
I also heard that international version didn't have CDMA support. Is that true?
P.S. Both factory unlocked editions should be bootloader unlocked, yes? I don't see why they wouldn't be.
P.P.S. Would it be possible to flash carrier specific firmware to a factory unlocked phone, that way you can keep your unlocked bootloader and also get carrier specific features (if it has one that is)?
BBRecon said:
If I get a factory unlocked US version, I can be sure it will have support for all major bands (and new network features) in major US carriers.
But if I get a factory unlocked International version (because I want dual sim), I know it will work on US carriers, but will it be missing support for some special bands that US carriers use? Will it have full compatibility with US carriers?
I also heard that international version didn't have CDMA support. Is that true?
P.S. Both factory unlocked editions should be bootloader unlocked, yes? I don't see why they wouldn't be.
P.P.S. Would it be possible to flash carrier specific firmware to a factory unlocked phone, that way you can keep your unlocked bootloader and also get carrier specific features (if it has one that is)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all the US models bootloaders are Locked... this is the question I'm looking for at this moment... I want to make sure that volte, wifi calling and US bands are all working, I have T-Mobile and refuse to buy a locked bootloader...
I'm looking for the g955f or fd... I see it for 719 + 10 for shipping... T-Mobile can kiss my a$$ for that buy 1 get 1... I have 6 lines and I am supposed to open a new line for each phone... I moved people from metropcs and sprint to tmobile and they treat the loyal customers like poooooop..... really bad business practices.. so I will never buy another phone from T-Mobile directly.
mdiaz33685 said:
all the US models bootloaders are Locked... this is the question I'm looking for at this moment... I want to make sure that volte, wifi calling and US bands are all working, I have T-Mobile and refuse to buy a locked bootloader...
I'm looking for the g955f or fd... I see it for 719 + 10 for shipping... T-Mobile can kiss my a$$ for that buy 1 get 1... I have 6 lines and I am supposed to open a new line for each phone... I moved people from metropcs and sprint to tmobile and they treat the loyal customers like poooooop..... really bad business practices.. so I will never buy another phone from T-Mobile directly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have tmobile and i got the FD version of the phone, without root and flashing tmobile CSC VOLTE and WIFIcalling will not work on the stock firmware.
keep in mind flashing and rooting will trip knox and you cannot use samsung pay and secure folder. and warranty is voided.
secondly, tmobile is not having bad business models. it doesn't matter how loyal you are, they are a business. everyone requires one new line for a BOGO, ATT wants one new line and you have to have directTV.
does anyone know for sure if the US unlocked version (SM-G955UZKAXAA) supports LTE band 29 for AT&T? according to this, it does not: http://www.droid-life.com/2017/03/08/unlocked-galaxy-s8-plus-s8-fcc-smg950-smg955/
ajsmsg78 answered this and it appears not.
From what I've read, T-Mobile has worked specifically with Samsung to make a phone that supports all their network features properly. Furthermore, you need their firmware to support their features (they may make updates and such in the future). Unfortunately, the only way to do this is to buy their model branded phone.
So as far as band support and such, I'm not sure how much band support there is in the factory unlocked editions. Likely the phone will work fine with the carriers, but don't expect certain special network features to be supported, or 100% compatibility (I don't know if flashing their firmware to your phone can fix this part)
BBRecon said:
From what I've read, T-Mobile has worked specifically with Samsung to make a phone that supports all their network features properly. Furthermore, you need their firmware to support their features (they may make updates and such in the future). Unfortunately, the only way to do this is to buy their model branded phone.
So as far as band support and such, I'm not sure how much band support there is in the factory unlocked editions. Likely the phone will work fine with the carriers, but don't expect certain special network features to be supported, or 100% compatibility (I don't know if flashing their firmware to your phone can fix this part)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I have the Galaxy S7 Edge Olimpic edition which is basically the US unlocked version. When I first inserted the Tmobile SIM card it automatically pulled the firmware from T-mobile, and surprise surprise special features that before were imposible on an unlocked phone like wi-fi calling work!!
spaniolo said:
Hey I have the Galaxy S7 Edge Olimpic edition which is basically the US unlocked version. When I first inserted the Tmobile SIM card it automatically pulled the firmware from T-mobile, and surprise surprise special features that before were imposible on an unlocked phone like wi-fi calling work!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really!! That's amazing!! Wonder if that'll work with the US unlocked version of S8 as well (sadly not bootloader unlocked though)
BBRecon said:
Really!! That's amazing!! Wonder if that'll work with the US unlocked version of S8 as well (sadly not bootloader unlocked though)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that the US unlocked does support all US carriers features, while the International unlocked does not. And the bonus it is still no carrier's bloatware.