rebrand c567? - Huawei Mate 9 Questions & Answers

Since Best Buy is killing Huawei sales I assume I need to rebrand my device to receive future updates. Is anyone else thinking the same? How would I do this? I haven't seen a guide for rebranding the US variant. Please help

You could rebrand but as the updates are linked to the IMEI numbers you should use firmware finder and see which ones would be accepted by Huawei. Even though my IMEI was, supposedly, registered in the middle east, the ROMs I can load, with rebranding are the C185 and C900. Otherwise you can download via FF what might work, when they come out.
My concern after talking to Huawei was they are going to drop support for the Mate 9 prematurely and focus only on non-USA models.
It looks like they will ban the company from the USA in the near future, as well as a few other Pan Pacific phone makers.

skeltonh said:
You could rebrand but as the updates are linked to the IMEI numbers you should use firmware finder and see which ones would be accepted by Huawei. Even though my IMEI was, supposedly, registered in the middle east, the ROMs I can load, with rebranding are the C185 and C900. Otherwise you can download via FF what might work, when they come out.
My concern after talking to Huawei was they are going to drop support for the Mate 9 prematurely and focus only on non-USA models.
It looks like they will ban the company from the USA in the near future, as well as a few other Pan Pacific phone makers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So even if I rebrand I may not be able to get updates for the region I branded to on FF because my IMEI is linked to US variant? If that's the case why should I rebrand it at all?

The problem with rebranding is that your hardware might not support it fully. The world does not operate on the same telephone frequencies.
Like I said before, if you are on a USA model the C900 might be your best bet. It is the international version of the C567 ROM. Some C185 can run on USA phones too.
Run FF and check your IMEI against different versions to see what your phone will accept.
You can rebrand and run what you want but a lot of the update mechanisms are linked to your IMEI. There are many that rebrand to other versions without consequence. It is also true that some rebrand blindly and get bootloop.
RESEARCH! Read the forums and find out what works. Use the Firmware Finder tool and see what branding your device can officially support. Then decide on what amount of risk you want to take.

I have rebranded my C567 to C432 and have no problems with OTA updates. I'm currently on latest publicly available Oreo version. Others do have problems, and that's for sure. I don't really know the reason why.
I do use Firmware Finder to check for availability and approval of new firmware. Besides the first forced procedure of rebranding which involved unlocking the bootloader (which wiped my data), my phone always got OTA updates. I do however have a UK SIM in one of the slots so I'm not sure if that made any difference.

If your going to rebrand, I recommend you downgrade to Nougat first (I found it easier to rebrand using Nougat than Oreo).
And, since you have a c567 model, you can downgrade easily using the hi suite method.

lostorbit said:
I have rebranded my C567 to C432 and have no problems with OTA updates. I'm currently on latest publicly available Oreo version. Others do have problems, and that's for sure. I don't really know the reason why.
I do use Firmware Finder to check for availability and approval of new firmware. Besides the first forced procedure of rebranding which involved unlocking the bootloader (which wiped my data), my phone always got OTA updates. I do however have a UK SIM in one of the slots so I'm not sure if that made any difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UK sim card make difference indeed... For C432....

Related

Ordered AL00 and got L29?

I purchase an AL00 (on purpose) and happily received a sealed package displaying that it contains the AL00. However, when I turn on the phone everything is in English, it is Google play, and it displays LON-L29C432B146. I feel like I've been duped...or is it the hardware the same but I need to flash the AL00 firmware?
orion_134 said:
I purchase an AL00 (on purpose) and happily received a sealed package displaying that it contains the AL00. However, when I turn on the phone everything is in English, it is Google play, and it displays LON-L29C432B146. I feel like I've been duped...or is it the hardware the same but I need to flash the AL00 firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either it was rebranded or just the wrong packaged phone.
You would have to rebrand to AL00 to install AL00 firmware.
If you ordered the 6GB ram / 128gb storage you have been duped if it wasn't rebranded.
I'm still reading up on these devices. It seems like my hands aren't tied with this device like others when it comes to flashing stock firmwares. So the device hardware between the two devices is identical?
Same happened to me. You can just re brand at your own discretion though! No differences in hardware as far as I know!
Also, if I understand rebranding correctly, this will appear as a different firmware version in the settings, not just the equivalent of a CSC change? I'm wanting to use an app that relies on reporting stuff from the baseband and I need to make sure rebranding is more than just superficial.
ante0 said:
Either it was rebranded or just the wrong packaged phone.
You would have to rebrand to AL00 to install AL00 firmware.
If you ordered the 6GB ram / 128gb storage you have been duped if it wasn't rebranded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The good news, I ordered (and received) the 6/128 phone. Now all I can find is how to rebrand from AL00 to L29, and not the reverse...
orion_134 said:
The good news, I ordered (and received) the 6/128 phone. Now all I can find is how to rebrand from AL00 to L29, and not the reverse...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could use: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/how-to/guide-rebrand-chinese-al00-mate9-to-t3554656
Or: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/how-to/guide-mate-9-flash-update-package-t3593108
Which ever way you pick you need your bootloader unlock code.
You can either create a huawei ID on http://emui.huawei.com/en/plugin/unlock/index then you login using that ID on your phone. After 2 weeks, login to the same page, enter info and get your unlock code. Unless you already have a HuaweiID added, then use that to login.
Or buy your unlock code using dc-unlocker or similar site.

Firmware and other updates on unlocked phones

I'm not quite sure how this works. I bought my phone from mobiles.co.uk who are part of CPW whose phones are pretty much always carrier unlocked. I bought it with and have inserted a vodafone SIM. I have been on CLT-L09 8.1.0.103(C782) since the beginning. Am I reliant on Voda pushing firmware and other updates (such as Android upgrades and security) or will some come directly from HUAWEI?
I seem to remember on a previous phone I had that you could force a manufacturer update by taking the SIM out. Its all a bit confusing for someone with such a small brain
You can use Firmware Finder (for Huawei phones) on the Play Store to check for updated firmware if your phone doesn't kick them in. It basically connects directly to the Huawei servers and checks, then gives you some options to download if your phone is signed off for that update.
In Firmware Finder (for Huawei phones) the P20 Pro isn't available at the moment
Rheumatoid said:
I'm not quite sure how this works. I bought my phone from mobiles.co.uk who are part of CPW whose phones are pretty much always carrier unlocked. I bought it with and have inserted a vodafone SIM. I have been on CLT-L09 8.1.0.103(C782) since the beginning. Am I reliant on Voda pushing firmware and other updates (such as Android upgrades and security) or will some come directly from HUAWEI?
I seem to remember on a previous phone I had that you could force a manufacturer update by taking the SIM out. Its all a bit confusing for someone with such a small brain
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
r u sure you not on 102(C782 - Europe)?, I have raised query with Huawei regarding the firmware updates as it seems ultrahd playback for netflix and amazon video do not work on our model, but do on the 106(C432 - Europe, Spain, France) version, so if they provide any info will let you know
walkerx said:
r u sure you not on 102(C782 - Europe)?, I have raised query with Huawei regarding the firmware updates as it seems ultrahd playback for netflix and amazon video do not work on our model, but do on the 106(C432 - Europe, Spain, France) version, so if they provide any info will let you know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely 103 (C782)
Rheumatoid said:
Definitely 103 (C782)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so you're on a later version than others who got it directly from Three
Does Amazon and Netflix in HD/HDR/4K work on that release
walkerx said:
so you're on a later version than others who got it directly from Three
Does Amazon and Netflix in HD/HDR/4K work on that release
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on 103 too (UK Three Network - Ordered via Mobiles.co.uk)
Netflix doesn't show any HD/4K shows
DaveP2611 said:
I'm on 103 too (UK Three Network - Ordered via Mobiles.co.uk)
Netflix doesn't show any HD/4K shows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess all mobiles.co.uk (and possibly all CPW group) might be on the same as they are not network locked / dependent?
Rheumatoid said:
I guess all mobiles.co.uk (and possibly all CPW group) might be on the same as they are not network locked / dependent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
probably correct, but amazon ultrahd works fine on the mate 10 pro which is C782 and also on three, so hoping we get this working for the p20 pro as same phone, just improved ai, camera and dolby atmos
---------- Post added at 12:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:00 PM ----------
had an update from huawei clt-l29 8.1.0.107b(C432) has been officially released, they did state my C782 should receive this update, so asked them to clarify, as bad if the C782 is being left behind and is relying on Three to release the updates
DaveP2611 said:
I'm on 103 too (UK Three Network - Ordered via Mobiles.co.uk)
Netflix doesn't show any HD/4K shows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
walkerx said:
probably correct, but amazon ultrahd works fine on the mate 10 pro which is C782 and also on three, so hoping we get this working for the p20 pro as same phone, just improved ai, camera and dolby atmos
---------- Post added at 12:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:00 PM ----------
had an update from huawei clt-l29 8.1.0.107b(C432) has been officially released, they did state my C782 should receive this update, so asked them to clarify, as bad if the C782 is being left behind and is relying on Three to release the updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I guess back to my original question. Are we reliant on the network operator pushing these updates (even though our phones are not locked to them or use network configured firmware) or will they come direct from HUAWEI?
Rheumatoid said:
So I guess back to my original question. Are we reliant on the network operator pushing these updates (even though our phones are not locked to them or use network configured firmware) or will they come direct from HUAWEI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've raised this with Huawei in my reply and also questioned thois on three's facebook page
walkerx said:
i've raised this with Huawei in my reply and also questioned thois on three's facebook page
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a bit confusing as to how this all works. I understood that for some things like wifi calling a phone needed network specific firmware but you wouldn't get this with an unlocked phone from CPW and we have the same firmware on different operators. Not tried wifi calling on voda on mine but see some guy on another thread has an issue and is on the same as us.
Rheumatoid said:
It is a bit confusing as to how this all works. I understood that for some things like wifi calling a phone needed network specific firmware but you wouldn't get this with an unlocked phone from CPW and we have the same firmware on different operators. Not tried wifi calling on voda on mine but see some guy on another thread has an issue and is on the same as us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is reply I got from Huawei when my unlocked sim-free Mate 10 Pro purchased via CPW was rebranded with the 3 logo
the Mate 10 Pro version sold in Carphone Warehouse is the open market version and it is exactly the same one sold by H3G. The software version is also the same, however, this will be customized to the relevant operator depending on the SIM card that is inserted in the device for the very first time. This customization is irreversible as per the operator's requirement, however, the device will maintain its SIM Free status.
One of the reasons behind it is to ensure the 4G/Wi-fi calling feature will be enabled on these devices. As you may know this option is not available on the unbranded/open market devices, as it requires network customization.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this will be the same as the P20 Pro, I still don't know why they say the version sold by CPW and H3G is the open market version, while later they say the wifi calling is on unbranded/open market devices, which suggests that the version sold by CPW are infact branded devices.
this is the reply to my post on Three's Facebook page
we'll have to approve any updates before release to ensure reliability and good performance on our network. This may be why you're seeing different firmware updates on Three branded and non Three branded phones. We'll always approve updates just as soon as we can!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so if your phone has been branded by Three (included sim-free purchased devices) then they will be releasing the updates, which is probably why we are behind on C782 devices
I just received my handset from EE. I'm on CLT-L09 8.1.0.103(C782). No updates available.
So the phone is, effectively, permanently branded by the first sim card inserted? I noticed that mine keeps a folder of O2 apps after a factory reset since that was the first sim card inserted. Fortunately VOLTE works with an EE sim too.
David Horn said:
So the phone is, effectively, permanently branded by the first sim card inserted? I noticed that mine keeps a folder of O2 apps after a factory reset since that was the first sim card inserted. Fortunately VOLTE works with an EE sim too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well thats CPW phones with Voda, 3 and EE SIMS in all running 103(C782). I wonder why non of them have been upgraded with any network specific firmware to enable wifi calling etc. non of it makes sense to me.
Rheumatoid said:
Well thats CPW phones with Voda, 3 and EE SIMS in all running 103(C782). I wonder why non of them have been upgraded with any network specific firmware to enable wifi calling etc. non of it makes sense to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought mine from mobiles.co.uk and have been using it with an EE sim from day 1. WiFi calling worked immediately with no manual intervention required and I'm on the same .103 firmware as everyone else. I guess all mobiles.co.uk/CPW phones will be on the same firmware until our current carriers approve the next update, right?
Rheumatoid said:
Well thats CPW phones with Voda, 3 and EE SIMS in all running 103(C782). I wonder why non of them have been upgraded with any network specific firmware to enable wifi calling etc. non of it makes sense to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u insert 3 sim first it would rebrand with 3 logo before their wifi calling worked.
If network providers can enable wifi calling on iPhones with a simple notification update, then not sure why the same can't be done on android.
I'm sick of network operators rebranding phones without our consent, especially on devices purchased sim free and unlocked.
Also if CPW phones are on 103(C782) then you would expect same when got from Three, but ours are on older update 102(C782).
Sent from my Huawei P20 Pro (CLT-L29) using Tapatalk
Anyone know if there is a specific network sim that can be inserted which doesn't 'brand' the phone?
I have a three sim, but prefer to avoid the three branding as it may impact it's resale value
walkerx said:
If u insert 3 sim first it would rebrand with 3 logo before their wifi calling worked.
If network providers can enable wifi calling on iPhones with a simple notification update, then not sure why the same can't be done on android.
I'm sick of network operators rebranding phones without our consent, especially on devices purchased sim free and unlocked.
Also if CPW phones are on 103(C782) then you would expect same when got from Three, but ours are on older update 102(C782).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish three would hurry their backsides up and at least update to 103, they are always late to the party.

C782 update

Has anybody managed to get any sense out of Huawei chat or information anywhere else about any updates for this model?
I'm still stuck on 120 and April security patch.
It's an absolute joke when you see how many updates have been released for the other version.
Nope, best sell the thing and get somethjng else.
That's what I'm planning to do.
I like the phone. But lack of updates for c782 variety is just not acceptable to me. I'll be getting rid of the phone and depending whether I can find something else or not I'll get myself c432 from Europe or completely other phone.
Get a different brand entirely.
It looks like the updates are being rolled out in waves. One user on here has a C782 and got update 152 a few weeks ago when I was stuck on 120 then last week I got 152. The problem might be down to carriers.
TonyCubed said:
It looks like the updates are being rolled out in waves. One user on here has a C782 and got update 152 a few weeks ago when I was stuck on 120 then last week I got 152. The problem might be down to carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is a SIM free phone purchased outright and not on contract so should not be down to carrier.
I bought mine unlocked too
hpsauce37 said:
Has anybody managed to get any sense out of Huawei chat or information anywhere else about any updates for this model?
I'm still stuck on 120 and April security patch.
It's an absolute joke when you see how many updates have been released for the other version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Complain here
https://uk.community.huawei.com/software-17/lack-of-huawei-p20-uk-variant-updates-251/index2.html
Updates are provided by Huawei but in the UK they have to be approved by the four major networks - even if you bought it SIM free! This is due to Huawei devices having a single update for the UK that contains code to pre-install apps and carrier customisations on first boot. In the past they would offer an unbranded firmware and each network would have it's own firmware. Now Huawei just produce a single model for the UK with a UK-wide firmware that covers all networks. Huawei cannot just push the firmware out without approval from all the networks, and it only takes one network to halt the process.
Pretty much confirmed by this chap on the Huawei forum: https://uk.community.huawei.com/software-17/lack-of-huawei-p20-uk-variant-updates-251#post814
Nope
I asked three about this and said they have nothing to do with it. I have zero trust in any thing Huawei say.
How about those who use the device outside of UK without UK sim? Are we sol?
TonyCubed said:
It looks like the updates are being rolled out in waves. One user on here has a C782 and got update 152 a few weeks ago when I was stuck on 120 then last week I got 152. The problem might be down to carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this EML-L09 C782 you are talking about? Which network are you on?
Yes, Vodafone UK
Was at EE store today asking seems even the staff are clueless about this update ..sure hope it gets sorted and rolled out .. it be nice if Huawei let us uk folks get boatloader codes so can flash upto date firmwares and not left behind
Updated
Whether it did any good or not but I resorted to social media and tweeted non stop on Huawei twitter etc. They got back to me twice, 1st was a direct message after contacting directly saying that there is not an update for the P20 in C782 and didn't know when there would be than a few days later via Twitter, they said that there is an update and could I provide my carrier and phone number, they would then push it to my phone within 10 days. I explained I was sim free but use an O2 sim, gave them my number and waited. on the 11th day I had nothing so went back to Twitter to start again - an hour or so later the 152 and Sept patch was pushed to my phone! this was about 2 weeks ago and until then I was on April patch.
Due to this, I will be returning to OnePlus very soon as I do NOT trust Huawei, they constantly lie and drag their heals in replying and updating.
Hope this helps. Get onto Twitter and Facebook and hit their pages, hit them where it can hurt, the more people who do this the more chance they will listen and act. Complaining direct will get no response or nowhere!
Goog luck
I have been on twitter but nothing.
I had the message via the support email to say it's coming in 10 days. They've had my number and IMEI so many times but nothing .
Well, for my EML-L09 C782... 8.1.0.152 finally arrived today... strangely it wasn't showing up until I have connected phone to PC and ran update via HiSuite... may be just coincidence though...
Just swapped an L09 locked to Vodafone to an unlocked L29 from Three. Avoided the carrier apps package etc, so thought this one would be get faster updates.
Way wrong, stuck back on v131 because it's on this stupid C782 region, unlike the Vodafone one that was on the C492 or whatever, and v150.
Am I right thinking this phone will be stuck on the very slow updates forever and nothing can be done since bootloader unlocking was taken away?
I messaged Huawei UK over Twitter yesterday, supplied them my IMEI, build number etc and surprisingly I received the 152 update later that day after they passed my details to the development team.
srw985 said:
Just swapped an L09 locked to Vodafone to an unlocked L29 from Three. Avoided the carrier apps package etc, so thought this one would be get faster updates.
Way wrong, stuck back on v131 because it's on this stupid C782 region, unlike the Vodafone one that was on the C492 or whatever, and v150.
Am I right thinking this phone will be stuck on the very slow updates forever and nothing can be done since bootloader unlocking was taken away?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can now pay 30 euros to get your BL unlock code. Look through the forums, people have tried it and it works.
https://ministryofsolutions.com/huawei-bootloader-unlock-service-all-new-models-new-firmwares

Bought Fake G930F - What now?

The phone was supposed to be new but when it arrived the seal was broken.
It shows G930F on the sticker and the ROM installed is 7.0: NRD90M.G930FXXS4BQC1. Phone Info and CPU-Z both show a Snapdragon 820 installed and the bootloader G930TUVS4BQC1. Both of which indicate to me it is a SM-G930T in reality. Am I correct? There are no OTA updates available.
Is there anything I can do to make the phone usable here in Europe and get the latest security patches or a newer ROM? Phone service is unusable atm.
I still don't have my money back from Paypal, but the Ebay seller already told me that they decided in my favor and how I scammed him (funny, he?). How it looks I can keep the phone, but I would like to know if I can make it usable some how.
solisar said:
The phone was supposed to be new but when it arrived the seal was broken.
It shows G930F on the sticker and the ROM installed is 7.0: NRD90M.G930FXXS4BQC1. Phone Info and CPU-Z both show a Snapdragon 820 installed and the bootloader G930TUVS4BQC1. Both of which indicate to me it is a SM-G930T in reality. Am I correct? There are no OTA updates available.
Is there anything I can do to make the phone usable here in Europe and get the latest security patches or a newer ROM? Phone service is unusable atm.
I still don't have my money back from Paypal, but the Ebay seller already told me that they decided in my favor and how I scammed him (funny, he?). How it looks I can keep the phone, but I would like to know if I can make it usable some how.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nightmare! Anyway if it's a T Mobile snapdragon (it definitely looks like it) you'll need to install T Mobile firmware from Sammobile of use SamFirm Tool. Flash with Odin obviously and make sure OEM is unlocked.
**This is important** so pay attention. Your boot loader version is an old one (U4) which is good because it means there's more you can do with it and the phone should be fairly easy to root. If you just type "G930T" into Sammobile firmware search you'll see there are lots of firmware updates after the one installed on your device. Once you upgrade a boot loader you cannot go back.
There's quite a few threads here about USA devices working in Europe, for the most part the phone will work but sometimes people have issues with 4G or LTE due to the radio band differences in the USA and Europe (regional difference).
So flash official firmware (stick with nougat 7.0 if you want for now) and see how the phone works, then basically go from there.
Thank you very much, for the answer!
cooltt said:
Nightmare! Anyway if it's a T Mobile snapdragon (it definitely looks like it) you'll need to install T Mobile firmware from Sammobile of use SamFirm Tool. Flash with Odin obviously and make sure OEM is unlocked. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do I exactly need the T-firmware? I can disable OEM lock on the F-firmware and I can factory restore without issues. Afaik I still don't get updates, if I'm not in the US with the T-firmware. The problem I have is bad connection and no security updates. If I read correctly in other threads there might be no way to fix the connection problems. I think people flash the U-firmware over 930T and 930A. I'm not sure which one would be best.
**This is important** so pay attention. Your boot loader version is an old one (U4) which is good because it means there's more you can do with it and the phone should be fairly easy to root. If you just type "G930T" into Sammobile firmware search you'll see there are lots of firmware updates after the one installed on your device. Once you upgrade a boot loader you cannot go back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any danger this happens automatically if I flash another ROM?
There's quite a few threads here about USA devices working in Europe, for the most part the phone will work but sometimes people have issues with 4G or LTE due to the radio band differences in the USA and Europe (regional difference).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I kinda need band 20 here for 4G to work without problems.
Edit: According to Frequencycheck there shouldn't even be a incompatibility (in theory).
I was able to flash the G930U firmware and bootloader (v4)* and OTA updates are working. Reception is still very flaky. Sometimes I get full bars, mostly it's at 1 bar. According to several websites the frequencies and bands are fully compatible to my country and provider. Strange. (My older phones all worked better.)
So now I wonder if there really is any reason to stay on v4 bootloader. Since this is the Snapdragon version I can't install Lineage and root seems to work even in the latest bootloader according to this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-s7-edge/how-to/root-s7-s7edge-oreo-nougat-t3819616.
*Howto: https://forum.xda-developers.com/at...to-install-g930u-firmware-sm-g930a-t-t3609300
solisar said:
I was able to flash the G930U firmware and bootloader (v4)* and OTA updates are working. Reception is still very flaky. Sometimes I get full bars, mostly it's at 1 bar. According to several websites the frequencies and bands are fully compatible to my country and provider. Strange. (My older phones all worked better.)
So now I wonder if there really is any reason to stay on v4 bootloader. Since this is the Snapdragon version I can't install Lineage and root seems to work even in the latest bootloader according to this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-s7-edge/how-to/root-s7-s7edge-oreo-nougat-t3819616.
*Howto: https://forum.xda-developers.com/at...to-install-g930u-firmware-sm-g930a-t-t3609300
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK good T or U is good on that device.
Changing the bootloader won't make any difference to the reception, the phone is built to work in a different region its as simple as that. It will never be 100% functional in another region as the bands are hardware and firmware specific. As you've found out the firmware is the easy part but you'll need to change the motherboard to resolve the incompatible hardware issue, it's simply not worth it.
Also, all these other threads saying it is possible to get it 100% working are talking rubbish. If it were that easy everyone would be buying Sammys from South Korea where they cost peanuts and then just flash your region firmware. There are commercial reasons (like all smart phones) the same device is built for different regional markets.
Its so annoying that people post such crap on these forums, very difficult for newbies to follow advice.
cooltt said:
OK good T or U is good on that device.
Changing the bootloader won't make any difference to the reception, the phone is built to work in a different region its as simple as that. It will never be 100% functional in another region as the bands are hardware and firmware specific. As you've found out the firmware is the easy part but you'll need to change the motherboard to resolve the incompatible hardware issue, it's simply not worth it.
Also, all these other threads saying it is possible to get it 100% working are talking rubbish. If it were that easy everyone would be buying Sammys from South Korea where they cost peanuts and then just flash your region firmware. There are commercial reasons (like all smart phones) the same device is built for different regional markets.
Its so annoying that people post such crap on these forums, very difficult for newbies to follow advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feared as much. At least I got my money back now except shipping fees. I can still use it as a mobile computer for browsing and some applications. For a useful phone and navigation device I'll have to buy another one.

looking for "before-i-buy" details on the different versions, for using on T-mobile

looking for "before-i-buy" details on the different versions, for using on T-mobile
cant seem to find exact details on in2013 / in2017 / in2020 / in2025 but i have (obviously) seen those references around while trying to research the different versions
i presume 2 of those 4 versions are international and the others USA, please do correct me if i'm wrong.... and based on the descriptions from people who are "selling" the Oneplus 8 phone(s) all of these appear to be T-mobile compatible
i've seen that there are both locked and unlocked versions of the USA models.... and i also have easy access to some unlocked international models locally from 3rd parties.... which leads me to some questions:
Question #1
is the T-mobile OTA blacklisting for bootloader unlocking limited to sprint/t-mobile models, or would an SIM-Unlocked USA model also end up blacklisted for bootloader unlocking?
Question #2
is unlocked International a bad idea for usage on USA T-mobile due to availability of bands?
appears 4g and 5g would be accessible, but i don't know to what extent the coverage would be hindered (which i've noticed can be anywhere from non existent to severe cell frequency mismatch between brands / regions / models)
Question #3
am i looking at any kind of "technical difficulties" outside of OTA block, by bootloader unlocking on OnePlus? i am very new to the brand, coming from Samsung in the era before they were locked by default :silly:
Sterist said:
cant seem to find exact details on in2013 / in2017 / in2020 / in2025 but i have (obviously) seen those references around while trying to research the different versions
i presume 2 of those 4 versions are international and the others USA, please do correct me if i'm wrong.... and based on the descriptions from people who are "selling" the Oneplus 8 phone(s) all of these appear to be T-mobile compatible
i've seen that there are both locked and unlocked versions of the USA models.... and i also have easy access to some unlocked international models locally from 3rd parties.... which leads me to some questions:
Question #1
is the T-mobile OTA blacklisting for bootloader unlocking limited to sprint/t-mobile models, or would an SIM-Unlocked USA model also end up blacklisted for bootloader unlocking?
Question #2
is unlocked International a bad idea for usage on USA T-mobile due to availability of bands?
appears 4g and 5g would be accessible, but i don't know to what extent the coverage would be hindered (which i've noticed can be anywhere from non existent to severe cell frequency mismatch between brands / regions / models)
Question #3
am i looking at any kind of "technical difficulties" outside of OTA block, by bootloader unlocking on OnePlus? i am very new to the brand, coming from Samsung in the era before they were locked by default :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
First of all, there are 4 versions of the OP8 :
IN2010 (China) IN2013 (EU) IN2015 (US) IN2011 (India)
The OP8 Prois the same, but with IN202_ instead of IN201_
There are also brand specific version: Verizon and T-Mobile. Those version are a pain (as I heard) to update even by the official version. There are some workaround to SIM unlock those, but they'll still be a pain to update and root. If you succeed in rooting that you'll be blacklisted for OTAs on those versions.
The USA version is different, not a pain to root or to OTA update, you keep OTA when rooting. In short that's the phone OP intended you to use. It's 5G, but not millimeter waves or things like that. I couldn't test 5G yet since I don't live in America, you have to scroll through the OP8 forums to find your answer.
And there is no "international version". Don't be fooled, International version is a way to lure buyers in buying chinese version but flashed with OxygenOS global. You'll buy the chinese version (with potential band mismatch), it's cheaper but you'll have issues with G-Pay and 5G (even 4G in some countries).
So #1: Carriers phone not only blacklist you when unlocking bootloader, they try to make it impossible for you to unlock it. Idk if it's the same with unlocked SIM (but I don't think so)
#2: Since international is in fact chinese with global software (and not chinese specific) I highly recommend you not to buy it (even though the price looks sexy)
#3: Unlocking bootloader requires you to wipe your phone, otherwise no issues if you follow the instructions. If you flash a ROM or install magisk modules then the stability of your phone depends on the dev's work and not the OEM anymore.
I might be wrong with the Carrier Devices banning unlocking bootloader since I'm not from America so search more on the internet.
Hope this helped, have a good day :good:
Raiz said:
Hi,
IN2010 (China) IN2013 (EU) IN2015 (US) IN2011 (India)
The OP8 Prois the same, but with IN202_ instead of IN201_
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is definitely an IN2017, it shows on phonearena and gsmarena spec pages, but in the USA each carrier has a designated model number within a same phone model (like 900P 900T 900V) so that might be what's going on with IN2015 versus IN2017 (i'm guessing GSM model versus CDMA model)
There are also brand specific version: Verizon and T-Mobile. Those version are a pain (as I heard) to update even by the official version. There are some workaround to SIM unlock those, but they'll still be a pain to update and root. If you succeed in rooting that you'll be blacklisted for OTAs on those versions.
The USA version is different, not a pain to root or to OTA update, you keep OTA when rooting. In short that's the phone OP intended you to use. It's 5G, but not millimeter waves or things like that. I couldn't test 5G yet since I don't live in America, you have to scroll through the OP8 forums to find your answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this part through me off a little because Verizon and T-mobile are both USA versions lol... did you mean to say something different or am i misunderstanding?
Sterist said:
there is definitely an IN2017, it shows on phonearena and gsmarena spec pages, but in the USA each carrier has a designated model number within a same phone model (like 900P 900T 900V) so that might be what's going on with IN2015 versus IN2017 (i'm guessing GSM model versus CDMA model)
this part through me off a little because Verizon and T-mobile are both USA versions lol... did you mean to say something different or am i misunderstanding?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right, I forgot to put it, IN2017 is the CDMA.
And CDMA are modified versions of the IN2015. That's why you can't use the same cases for CDMA and GSM versions. They added in the phone, the hardware to make their 5G technology work. So CDMA and GSM technically are all American (since they're located there), but they're different, especially for OTA. It's not OP that provides updates for CDMA phones, that's T-Mobile or other carriers, and I heard people here complaining the updates are slow to be available. I don't even know if Android 11 is available for them yet.
That's why I advices you to buy the IN2015
There is a MSM tool for t-mobile that is up to date with the latest firmware, 10.5.20.
esjames said:
There is a MSM tool for t-mobile that is up to date with the latest firmware, 10.5.20.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've always been a samsung guy, i dont know if you're familiar with samsung tools, but, based on what i researched last night, it sounds like MSM is effectively "odin" right?
Sterist said:
i've always been a samsung guy, i dont know if you're familiar with samsung tools, but, based on what i researched last night, it sounds like MSM is effectively "odin" right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's kinda like odin, except it's better. MSM can fix just about anything except a hard brick.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-8/how-to/op8-unbrick-tool-to-restore-device-to-t4093043
esjames said:
It's kinda like odin, except it's better. MSM can fix just about anything except a hard brick.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-8/how-to/op8-unbrick-tool-to-restore-device-to-t4093043
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds wonderful to me i'm honing in on the decision to buy, just having a hard time finding non-retail prices, other than Swappa
would you recommend getting the T-mobile and converting (which effectively means unlocking? lol) or does that come with caveats avoidable by just buying one already unlocked?
it sounds like there's no difference but ughh... idk i'm in information overload mode trying to hit the ground running lol
If it was up to me, I would just buy the pro model if you can afford that. I ended up buying through tmobile to finance mine and had my device sim unlocked so I can unlock the bootloader.
I have IN2017 on Tmobile and would recommend it. The Tmobile vendor rom works better on their network for obvious reasons, for example 5G standalone doesn't currently work on the Global OOS (oxygen OS) roms.
To answer your specific concerns:
#1 I've never heard of Tmobile blacklisting anyone for unlocking or rooting. Just make sure the imei is good if you buy used. Use a legit site like Swappa.
#2 Yes avoid the "international". Stick to IN2015 (Global) or IN2017 for use in the USA.
#3 Bootloader unlock on the IN2017 requires a clean esn/imei. You fill out a form and Tmobile gives you the unlock code a week later.
After bootloader unlock you can easily root with Magisk or flash pretty much anything. On my 2017 I've ran the tmobile rom, OOS10, OOS11, and gone back and forth.
sx10 said:
#3 Bootloader unlock on the IN2017 requires a clean esn/imei. You fill out a form and Tmobile gives you the unlock code a week later.
After bootloader unlock you can easily root with Magisk or flash pretty much anything. On my 2017 I've ran the tmobile rom, OOS10, OOS11, and gone back and forth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have a feeling if i walk into a T mobile store and ask them for a bootloader unlock code form, they're going to look at me like i have an alien doing a handstand on my shoulders...
havent met a single employee yet who could figure out why putting a T mobile sim in my old Sprint phone is a bad proposal for coverage lol my hopes are pretty low with them.
could you tell me a little more about who / where / how to acquire the form from?
Raiz said:
Hi,
First of all, there are 4 versions of the OP8 :
IN2010 (China) IN2013 (EU) IN2015 (US) IN2011 (India)
The OP8 Prois the same, but with IN202_ instead of IN201_
There are also brand specific version: Verizon and T-Mobile. Those version are a pain (as I heard) to update even by the official version. There are some workaround to SIM unlock those, but they'll still be a pain to update and root. If you succeed in rooting that you'll be blacklisted for OTAs on those versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They say you won't get updates, but my phone has wanted to update for over a week now. Maybe security updates aren't affected? I have IN2017, unlocked bootloader and rooted.
---------- Post added at 05:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:55 PM ----------
Sterist said:
i have a feeling if i walk into a T mobile store and ask them for a bootloader unlock code form, they're going to look at me like i have an alien doing a handstand on my shoulders...
havent met a single employee yet who could figure out why putting a T mobile sim in my old Sprint phone is a bad proposal for coverage lol my hopes are pretty low with them.
could you tell me a little more about who / where / how to acquire the form from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://support.oneplus.com/app/ans...-to-unlock-bootloader-for-oneplus-smart-phone
Sterist said:
i have a feeling if i walk into a T mobile store and ask them for a bootloader unlock code form, they're going to look at me like i have an alien doing a handstand on my shoulders...
havent met a single employee yet who could figure out why putting a T mobile sim in my old Sprint phone is a bad proposal for coverage lol my hopes are pretty low with them.
could you tell me a little more about who / where / how to acquire the form from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.oneplus.com/unlock_token
sx10 said:
I have IN2017 on Tmobile and would recommend it. The Tmobile vendor rom works better on their network for obvious reasons, for example 5G standalone doesn't currently work on the Global OOS (oxygen OS) roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes yes i'm re-quoting the post lol
are you saying that OxygenOS is the global rom? also, can you clarify what is being described by 5G "standalone" ?
just got my IN2017 and it's on oxygenOS 10
it is unlocked and my account is Sprint (and will remain that way) but sprint's system was too slow to reflect that this phone was activated on the account, so the T-mobile store wasn't able to put a T-mobile SIM in it (yet)
...with that said, the phone says 5G is connected and speed tests are.... pretty bad... barely meeting mid tier 4G standards... how can i definitively confirm or deny if i'm on the global rom
Sterist said:
yes yes i'm re-quoting the post lol
are you saying that OxygenOS is the global rom? also, can you clarify what is being described by 5G "standalone" ?
just got my IN2017 and it's on oxygenOS 10
it is unlocked and my account is Sprint (and will remain that way) but sprint's system was too slow to reflect that this phone was activated on the account, so the T-mobile store wasn't able to put a T-mobile SIM in it (yet)
...with that said, the phone says 5G is connected and speed tests are.... pretty bad... barely meeting mid tier 4G standards... how can i definitively confirm or deny if i'm on the global rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro....
You will need to flash it. It doesn't come preinstalled on Sprint\tmo.
I'm using your exact setup. I too have the Sprint sim in my Tmo OP8
If you are on 10nand want to go to global, there is a thread on here that will take you through the process.
Follow the guide carefully but confidently. It does work and will not brick your phone.
You will convert to global a10... I had issues with cellular signal after converting.
HOWEVER, after upgrading to A11 global rom (local upgrade) everything works perfectly.
I'm on OOS11 Open Beta 3 with sprint sim on the IN2017.
crazynapkinman said:
Bro....
You will need to flash it. It doesn't come preinstalled on Sprint\tmo.
I'm using your exact setup. I too have the Sprint sim in my Tmo OP8
If you are on 10nand want to go to global, there is a thread on here that will take you through the process.
Follow the guide carefully but confidently. It does work and will not brick your phone.
You will convert to global a10... I had issues with cellular signal after converting.
HOWEVER, after upgrading to A11 global rom (local upgrade) everything works perfectly.
I'm on OOS11 Open Beta 3 with sprint sim on the IN2017.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
based on what everyone's said so far about the global rom, i have zero interest in it.... i am merely trying to understand if i am on that rom now as a result of possible shady dealings from the seller on Swappa, based on how the post i re-quoted was worded. it threw me off.
but from the sound of it, i get the feeling OOS is not the global (or at least the version i have installed is as it should be -- stock TMO)
and i'm rapidly falling in love with this thing... it's so &@#%*$^ fast
Sterist said:
based on what everyone's said so far about the global rom, i have zero interest in it.... i am merely trying to understand if i am on that rom now as a result of possible shady dealings from the seller on Swappa, based on how the post i re-quoted was worded. it threw me off.
but from the sound of it, i get the feeling OOS is not the global (or at least the version i have installed is as it should be -- stock TMO)
and i'm rapidly falling in love with this thing... it's so &@#%*$^ fast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know what you've heard about global but it puts Tmo stock to shame
Simple answer. Buy the phone from oneplus.com. I did and have had no issues at all on T-Mobile. Trust me, with any OnePlus devices, you absolutely want to be able to root right off the bat and install viper. Audio tends to be a big problem with oneplus phones, and only viper seems to solve the issue.
The phone is $600, and a bargain at that price.
mx597turbo said:
Simple answer. Buy the phone from oneplus.com. I did and have had no issues at all on T-Mobile. Trust me, with any OnePlus devices, you absolutely want to be able to root right off the bat and install viper. Audio tends to be a big problem with oneplus phones, and only viper seems to solve the issue.
The phone is $600, and a bargain at that price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also financing from oneplus available
Sterist said:
based on what everyone's said so far about the global rom, i have zero interest in it.... i am merely trying to understand if i am on that rom now as a result of possible shady dealings from the seller on Swappa, based on how the post i re-quoted was worded. it threw me off.
but from the sound of it, i get the feeling OOS is not the global (or at least the version i have installed is as it should be -- stock TMO)
and i'm rapidly falling in love with this thing... it's so &@#%*$^ fast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just look at the version on the about phone screen. The TMobile software builds end in IN55CB (latest is 10.5.22.IN55CB), and the global roms end in IN21AA.
About the 5g standalone, that means you can connect to the 5g signals alone. This only works on the Tmobile rom right now. You'll see NR-SA in apps like signalcheck or network signal guru. The alternative is NSA (non-standalone) 5g where the phone has to be connected to a 4g signal at the same time for 5g to work. This gives you 5g speed but with higher latency and it uses more battery. It's just like when Sprint 4g came out but early phones needed to stay connected to the 1x signal as well.

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