trying to recover a used u11 - HTC U11 Questions & Answers

Alright guys. Have not been on in years. Couldn't pass up an opportunity. $40 U11 in near mint physical condition. Now on to the fun part.
HTC U11
2PZC300 U-3U
Attaching photos of build info
The phone runs off WiFi perfectly. However it will not connect to mobile service (US ATT)
It registered my cell phone number so it is reading the card.
The seller says it was a Sprint phone but everything I can find says that Sprint builds are based on 2PZC5.
I want to just take it back to factory stock and then go back in and add twrp etc. I just don't know where to begin. Anyone have any ideas

Added photos

Well just got curious and did an IMEI check with T-Mobile. They list the IMEI number as a 2PZC5 model but the back of the phone says 2PZC300.

Really hope someone has some ideas. Because at this point I am leaning towards someone changed the imei number or something.
Also when I insert my sim into the phone it pops up asking what carrier I am using. After that the att apn settings are applied buts that's it. So I don't think it is carrier locked.

Alright so I can't get s-off to take again but I have figured out the firmware I can flash is for the unlocked us version but even flashing the latest firmware and installing omj badboy us unlocked I still don't have cell service. It ask me which carrier I am using with the sim card insert. It has yet to ask for an unlock code. I cannot use any dialer codes to check serial etc.
The only rom that let me use dialer codes was the Sprint based rom by omj but I can't flash firmware for it. I don't think this phone is done. Hoping someone reads this and responds with an idea

Well another update. Emailed HTC with all the info I had. They confirmed that the phone was originally a Sprint based phone. Now I need to figure out how to s-off so I change ruu back to Sprint. Sunshine won't pass test and s-off had just came out when I got out of rooting.

This thread will help
https://forum.xda-developers.com/u11/help/htc-u11-downgrade-pie-to-oreo-t3962791

Well I have reached the end of my rope. Finally figured out which base it was based on HTC helping me lol. Flashed the correct firmware with no issues. Flashed the correct ruu using sd card method and failed on systemimg_23. Now can't access fastboot via pc in anything but bootloader. Download mode and ruu mode don't recognize on my PC. Have uninstalled all drivers and reinstalled fresh drivers with no luck. Thought I was on the right path but unfortunately not.

Related

[Q] Seriously need help with unlocked ATT One X

Alright guys, I am posting out of desperation.
I am no pro when it comes to rooting/unlocking/ROMming Android phones but I have read myself to death and I am not getting anywhere. I am almost willing to send this phone to someone who knows what they are doing. I really don't feel like buying another phone. In hindsight, I should've made sure I was getting a true unbranded HOX.
I bought an unlocked, AT&T One X from Amazon while I was in Afghanistan. Received the phone via APO, put in my Roshan SIM card, and was working fine. I traveled extensively in the past few months, all over the Middle East and South Asia, phone was working fine, I just picked up a local sim card and off I went.
Well then I went back to the US for the first time with this phone. Put in my TMobile SIM, and was working fine as well. Well now I left the country again, and now I can't pick up any networks at all. I have changed the radio via the USSD to GSM, WCDMA, everything, but can't pick up any networks. Keep in mind I also still have my SIM card that I bought when I was here. I insert the card, it says preparing sim card, etc, but won't find any networks.
How do I know if the phone is still SIM unlocked? Woulnd't it prompt me for an unlock code when I insterted the foreign SIM again? Do I need to root? Does my bootloader need to be unlocked to use any SIM?
What I was figuring I would try to do was flash a different ROM so I don't have to worry about this being an AT&T phone anymore. When I boot into the bootloader, it says LOCKED at the top with S-ON. There has never been an update done to the phone since I got it.
Things i've tried:
Any root for 1.85 ( I have tried every root for 1.85 you can search for on here)
RUU to update to 2.2 (says main battery power low, but it isn't)
Factory Reset
I really don't care so much to get a new ROM, I just want my phone to work. Here is what I get in the info page on the phone:
The bootloader says HBOOT 1.09 is installed
Kernel Version:
3.0.8-01155-gca24d1e
[email protected] #1
SMP PREEMPT
Build Number
1.85.502.3_R2 CL63811 release-keys
Sense 4.0
Android 4.0.3
Software Number
1.85.502.3 710RD
If you need any more info let me know but I am dying here
Sim unlock and bootloader unlock are two different things. I don't think either has anything to do with the other.
Assuming you bought this from a legit seller on Amazon, factory unlocked is factory unlocked. I've never heard of a phone getting sim locked from putting in a sim card. If you didn't get a "input unlock code" the first time, your phone isn't sim locked and is not locked down to AT&T.
Before you can root, though, you have to unlock the bootloader. That's why your root attempts keep failing. You want to stay on 1.85, trust me--later firmware is more locked down.
Are you sure there's nothing wrong with the other sim card you got? Have you tried a new one?
iElvis said:
Sim unlock and bootloader unlock are two different things. I don't think either has anything to do with the other.
Assuming you bought this from a legit seller on Amazon, factory unlocked is factory unlocked. I've never heard of a phone getting sim locked from putting in a sim card. If you didn't get a "input unlock code" the first time, your phone isn't sim locked and is not locked down to AT&T.
Before you can root, though, you have to unlock the bootloader. That's why your root attempts keep failing. You want to stay on 1.85, trust me--later firmware is more locked down.
Are you sure there's nothing wrong with the other sim card you got? Have you tried a new one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? The bootloader has to be unlocked before you can root? I definitely thought it was the other way around. I guess that would explain it, then..
What I actually ended up doing was repeatably trying the RUU, and finally got it to take the 2.2FW upgrade. As soon as that happened, I was pulling down 4G like nobodies business. Though, now that i've read your post, I kind of wish I would've stuck with trying to get a new ROM on it, instead of upgrading. I really have no idea why a FW upgrade made the radio start working like magic, or what would casue that at all.
Frosty288 said:
Really? The bootloader has to be unlocked before you can root? I definitely thought it was the other way around. I guess that would explain it, then..
What I actually ended up doing was repeatably trying the RUU, and finally got it to take the 2.2FW upgrade. As soon as that happened, I was pulling down 4G like nobodies business. Though, now that i've read your post, I kind of wish I would've stuck with trying to get a new ROM on it, instead of upgrading. I really have no idea why a FW upgrade made the radio start working like magic, or what would casue that at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Progress is swift. I rooted using the 2.2 xfactor exploit and then unlocked the bootloader with the spoofed CID, now as soon as I figure it out I will install CleanROM 5.1..Hope I don't brick it!
Frosty288 said:
Progress is swift. I rooted using the 2.2 xfactor exploit and then unlocked the bootloader with the spoofed CID, now as soon as I figure it out I will install CleanROM 5.1..Hope I don't brick it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you stay in this forum, these phones are tough to brick. The only way to do it is to flash roms for the international (Tegra 3) version.
Note that on 2.20., you have to flash the boot.img in fastboot when you flash a rom.
Youll never brick your phone as long as you have access to the bootloader or recovery lol
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
If he wants cleanrom he won't have to be confused with fastboot. Just download rom and flash that sucker
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Do NOT RUU to 2.20! (never mind too late).
Looks like you figured things out.

Tips/Help with Network/SIM Unlock Problem

EDIT: Nevermind, I called ATT to double check and they gave me a different code that worked. Sorry for the post.
I know this gets asked alot, but the information, situations, and answers out there are so many it is difficult to determine what needs to be done, so I am hoping someone can at least point me in the right direction.
I had unlocked my bootloader using htcdev, installed 4ext recovery, and flashed latest Cyanogenmod. I have been wanting to switch to T-mobile (I know about the possibility of not having 4g with that) and come to find out, entering the Network PUK code doesnt work in Cyanogen..
I gleaned that I needed to re-flash stock rom and then try to unlock, but I did this, and it still isnt accepting the code, argh. Do I need to relock my bootloader or do anything special? I got this code straight from ATT. With the ATT SIM in the phone, it doesnt ask for it, I restart phone with my T-mobile SIM in, and it asks for the code, but always says its incorrect. How is it checking this anyway, as it doenst seem to be communicating over the mobile network.
Any ideas would be much appreciated, thanks.

Ordered G5 from Buyspry : Need few simple answers

I read the threads related to LG G5 from buyspry seller. Sadly I cannot revert the order I made on ebay I need to need few important things(to me) as I will be stuck with this Phone. I live in Bangladesh so I definitely cannot use it w/o SIM UNLOCKED.
I have known that If I upgrade or downgrade I will lose SIM UNLOCK.
Also I cannot root (till now) as it requires downgrade.
And I will be stuck with firmware it came in from the seller.
But still , Here are the things I really need to know :
1. If I compromise myself to use that firmware 20i_un (UNLOCKED) forever it comes from seller & do no modifications will the Phone be perfectly fine?
2. Does that awkward firmware gives or will give any OTA update? Cause if it gives and that accidentally gets installed I am screwed with a T-Mobile Locked device.
3. I will use my local GSM SIM , Will I be able to use Portable Hotspot with that ROM? (I couldn't, with my G2 At&t Unlocked stock At&t ROM)
4. Apart from any upgrade/downgrade(ROM flashing) is there any way I might lose UNLOCK???
Please guys, please do help me with these topics. I just recently damaged my LG G2 and lost a phone Xiaomi MI 4 (Mugged) I really am screwed
minhaz.sourav said:
1. If I compromise myself to use that firmware 20i_un (UNLOCKED) forever it comes from seller & do no modifications will the Phone be perfectly fine?
2. Does that awkward firmware gives or will give any OTA update? Cause if it gives and that accidentally gets installed I am screwed with a T-Mobile Locked device.
3. I will use my local GSM SIM , Will I be able to use Portable Hotspot with that ROM? (I couldn't, with my G2 At&t Unlocked stock At&t ROM)
4. Apart from any upgrade/downgrade(ROM flashing) is there any way I might lose UNLOCK???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Probably.
2) Probably not.
3) No idea. You'd have to discuss that with your carrier.
4) Probably not, but it's still not clear how they achieved unlock via the ROM so who knows?
minhaz.sourav said:
I read the threads related to LG G5 from buyspry seller. Sadly I cannot revert the order I made on ebay I need to need few important things(to me) as I will be stuck with this Phone. I live in Bangladesh so I definitely cannot use it w/o SIM UNLOCKED.
I have known that If I upgrade or downgrade I will lose SIM UNLOCK.
Also I cannot root (till now) as it requires downgrade.
And I will be stuck with firmware it came in from the seller.
But still , Here are the things I really need to know :
1. If I compromise myself to use that firmware 20i_un (UNLOCKED) forever it comes from seller & do no modifications will the Phone be perfectly fine?
2. Does that awkward firmware gives or will give any OTA update? Cause if it gives and that accidentally gets installed I am screwed with a T-Mobile Locked device.
3. I will use my local GSM SIM , Will I be able to use Portable Hotspot with that ROM? (I couldn't, with my G2 At&t Unlocked stock At&t ROM)
4. Apart from any upgrade/downgrade(ROM flashing) is there any way I might lose UNLOCK???
Please guys, please do help me with these topics. I just recently damaged my LG G2 and lost a phone Xiaomi MI 4 (Mugged) I really am screwed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You lose unlock if you ever update or do anything to the ROM. Phone is garbage unless you're on Tmobile. Obviously you are going to want to update it eventually because it's assumed that LG will be issuing an official Oreo update.
I bought the device and reverted it to official firmware. With a few (lengthy) calls to Tmobile I eventually got them to white list my device for the Sim unlock app to work. I was first told that it was impossible for them to do because it wasn't a Tmobile device, meaning not purchased through tmobile (not sure how buyspry got them, maybe corporate wholesale or something).
I sent a bunch of photos to them showing the box and other tmobile documentation that came with the phone. They agreed to unlock it and after about a week's wait while tech support was working out the specifics, the app successfully unlocked it.
I am on tmobile but told them I preferred to have it unlocked if necessary for international travel.
So yeah, long story short if you're not on tmobile and have no way to get tmobile to officially unlock it return the device. Complain to eBay that the device had hacked firmware or whatever (which is 100% true) and they will let you return it.
Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk
Idea
Sdobron said:
You lose unlock if you ever update or do anything to the ROM. Phone is garbage unless you're on Tmobile. Obviously you are going to want to update it eventually because it's assumed that LG will be issuing an official Oreo update.
I bought the device and reverted it to official firmware. With a few (lengthy) calls to Tmobile I eventually got them to white list my device for the Sim unlock app to work. I was first told that it was impossible for them to do because it wasn't a Tmobile device, meaning not purchased through tmobile (not sure how buyspry got them, maybe corporate wholesale or something).
I sent a bunch of photos to them showing the box and other tmobile documentation that came with the phone. They agreed to unlock it and after about a week's wait while tech support was working out the specifics, the app successfully unlocked it.
I am on tmobile but told them I preferred to have it unlocked if necessary for international travel.
So yeah, long story short if you're not on tmobile and have no way to get tmobile to officially unlock it return the device. Complain to eBay that the device had hacked firmware or whatever (which is 100% true) and they will let you return it.
Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What yall think i need advice from you all, what if i flash back the version h830v30a so it will lock ok, and after flashing it and try to unlock it with device unlock after i bought the code online. Tell me what you ? think
tfat1000 said:
What yall think i need advice from you all, what if i flash back the version h830v30a so it will lock ok, and after flashing it and try to unlock it with device unlock after i bought the code online. Tell me what you [emoji848] think
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Device unlock doesn't take a code. It checks with Tmobile database
Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk
I know, i mean if i flash the h830v30a version it will still have the device unlock app it will clear the hack rom,
Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 02:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 PM ----------
What do you think?
Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk
minhaz.sourav said:
I read the threads related to LG G5 from buyspry seller. Sadly I cannot revert the order I made on ebay I need to need few important things(to me) as I will be stuck with this Phone. I live in Bangladesh so I definitely cannot use it w/o SIM UNLOCKED.
I have known that If I upgrade or downgrade I will lose SIM UNLOCK.
Also I cannot root (till now) as it requires downgrade.
And I will be stuck with firmware it came in from the seller.
But still , Here are the things I really need to know :
1. If I compromise myself to use that firmware 20i_un (UNLOCKED) forever it comes from seller & do no modifications will the Phone be perfectly fine?
2. Does that awkward firmware gives or will give any OTA update? Cause if it gives and that accidentally gets installed I am screwed with a T-Mobile Locked device.
3. I will use my local GSM SIM , Will I be able to use Portable Hotspot with that ROM? (I couldn't, with my G2 At&t Unlocked stock At&t ROM)
4. Apart from any upgrade/downgrade(ROM flashing) is there any way I might lose UNLOCK???
Please guys, please do help me with these topics. I just recently damaged my LG G2 and lost a phone Xiaomi MI 4 (Mugged) I really am screwed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone ever tried to check their imei using the tmobile site imei check, i checked mine and it wasn't know by the server
Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk

Unlocking bootloader on ebay purchased TMobile 7 Pro

Thinking of buying one of these and want to clarify the process of unlocking the bootloader. From the ebay seller he says it is a T-Mobile phone but is sim unlocked already. He says I will have to contact oneplus to get the bootloader unlock code/token. I don't really want to wait the forty days or whatever I heard it was but it's ok as long as I can definitely get it unlocked eventually and won't be stuck for some reason with a locked bootloader. Thanks for any info you can provide.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7-pro/help/how-to-convert-tmobile-op7-to-t3935947
I've ran across two of your posts asking the same question. I had done the same thing as you. I bought an eBay sim unlocked op7p. At first I flashed the international firmware to just bypass the whole tmobile bootloader unlock. It worked in the sense that I was able to unlock the bootloader, however I had no service and the phone would not detect my sim (Cricket). I tried another sim with the same results. I had to use the msm tool and flash back to tmobile stock firmware in order for it to work with my sim.
I sent in my request for an unlock token and received it in 7 days. I think the 40 days is only for brand new phones. I would submit the unlock token request and go that route. YMMV, you may very well be able to flash the international software and just bypass it. I didn't have that luck. The 7 day wait wasn't so bad. Hope this helps.
devastatorx said:
I've ran across two of your posts asking the same question. I had done the same thing as you. I bought an eBay sim unlocked op7p. At first I flashed the international firmware to just bypass the whole tmobile bootloader unlock. It worked in the sense that I was able to unlock the bootloader, however I had no service and the phone would not detect my sim (Cricket). I tried another sim with the same results. I had to use the msm tool and flash back to tmobile stock firmware in order for it to work with my sim.
I sent in my request for an unlock token and received it in 7 days. I think the 40 days is only for brand new phones. I would submit the unlock token request and go that route. YMMV, you may very well be able to flash the international software and just bypass it. I didn't have that luck. The 7 day wait wasn't so bad. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good to know that I can get the unlock token if needed. So TMobile doesn't care who you are or that you don't have a T-Mobile account or live in US obviously then?
Reechings said:
That's good to know that I can get the unlock token if needed. So TMobile doesn't care who you are or that you don't have a T-Mobile account or live in US obviously then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlock code comes from OnePlus. I only had to wait the week and the received an email with a link to download the unlock_code.bin file. To answer your question, not to my knowledge.
devastatorx said:
I've ran across two of your posts asking the same question. I had done the same thing as you. I bought an eBay sim unlocked op7p. At first I flashed the international firmware to just bypass the whole tmobile bootloader unlock. It worked in the sense that I was able to unlock the bootloader, however I had no service and the phone would not detect my sim (Cricket). I tried another sim with the same results. I had to use the msm tool and flash back to tmobile stock firmware in order for it to work with my sim.
I sent in my request for an unlock token and received it in 7 days. I think the 40 days is only for brand new phones. I would submit the unlock token request and go that route. YMMV, you may very well be able to flash the international software and just bypass it. I didn't have that luck. The 7 day wait wasn't so bad. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I may be in the same boat. After fighting with msm I finally got it to flash the international firmware but nowjiy doesn't detect my sim. So you went back to Tmobile software and got the token to unlock but once you did that did you switch back to international or custom ROMs?
Duplicate post
Reechings said:
I think I may be in the same boat. After fighting with msm I finally got it to flash the international firmware but nowjiy doesn't detect my sim. So you went back to Tmobile software and got the token to unlock but once you did that did you switch back to international or custom ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not flashed back to international because I couldn't get the phone to detect my sim even after updating the international firmware.
I would however recommend that once you flash back to TMobile (using msm) that you do the OTA (settings>system>check for updates)
Currently I'm running unlocked and rooted via magisk. I'd like to flash a custom rom (looking at resurrection) but they say to flash the international rom to both slots first (via recovery like twrp) and I'm not sure if that would cause the sim issue again. I haven't had time to ask about it (if I can flash straight from tmo stock rooted to a custom rom like resurrection). So unfortunately I don't have the best answer there. You may ask around in some of the custom rom threads about just flashing straight from the TMobile stock firmware with unlocked bootloader. If you happen to find out an answer, please pm me and let me know.
devastatorx said:
I have not flashed back to international because I couldn't get the phone to detect my sim even after updating the international firmware.
I would however recommend that once you flash back to TMobile (using msm) that you do the OTA (settings>system>check for updates)
Currently I'm running unlocked and rooted via magisk. I'd like to flash a custom rom (looking at resurrection) but they say to flash the international rom to both slots first (via recovery like twrp) and I'm not sure if that would cause the sim issue again. I haven't had time to ask about it (if I can flash straight from tmo stock rooted to a custom rom like resurrection). So unfortunately I don't have the best answer there. You may ask around in some of the custom rom threads about just flashing straight from the TMobile stock firmware with unlocked bootloader. If you happen to find out an answer, please pm me and let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I was mistaken. Once I updated the international rom to Android Q my sim started working again and now I am on Bliss and sim is still working. Not sure what is going on with your sim.

Galaxy Note 10 VZW Flashing Firmware to Bypass Sim Lock SM-N970U to SM-N970U1

Hi All,
Been at this for several hours today and feeling a bit frustrated. Here's the context.
I bought a used Verizon Galaxy Note 10 and took it to another country.
I arrived and put a sim card in *(the phone is intended to stay here)
4G signal appeared and text messages came in
Phone blocked signal and said "sorry, your device cannot be activated on another Network right now" then it says to call Verizon.
I call Verizon and ask how to unlock.
After transferring to multiple agents, the answer is that the phone is not locked in their system and that upon inserting a SIM from another carrier, I should be prompted to put in a code and it will be "00000000" to unlock the phone
The phone never presents this option and is perpetually unable to activate because of this sim lock.
At this point, I started reading up on how I could get around this and settled on using odin to flash firmware for a different carrier and maybe having to flash the SM-N970U1 packages because that should allow me to have different stock firmware.
So I proceed to download various different images.
Here is the TMB image for SM-N970U that I downloaded:
https://samfw.com/firmware/SM-N970U/TMB/N970USQU6FUBH
I also figured maybe I would be able to flash the verizon base image and get around this lock:
https://samfw.com/firmware/SM-N970U/VZW/N970USQU6FUCD
So then I proceed to use Odin3_v3.14.4 and place all of the 4 files in their corresponding fields in odin. The file list is as follows for one of the packages:
BL_N970USQU6FUD9_CL21599467_QB39871099_REV00_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
AP_N970USQU6FUD9_CL21599467_QB39871099_REV00_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT_meta_OS11.tar.md5
CP_N970USQU6FUD9_CP19049000_CL21599467_QB39871099_REV00_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
CSC_OMC_OYN_N970UOYN6FUD9_CL21599467_QB39871099_REV00_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
I click start, the phone is recognized and then the flashing appears to occur successfully until it says pass at the end.
I reboot the phone and I notice right away that the signal is present, but then disappears and as the phone initializes the VERIZON message appears again.
Immediately I'm thinking, ok, I've just reflashed it with the TMobile image but the phone boots and says verizon and the sim lock is still there, so I probably didn't do something right.
So I factory reset, try again, no changes, I try adding the USERDATA and it also does nothing different.
At this point I'm willing to try the U1 firmware, so I download from here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/n970u-and-n970u1-firmware-links-here.3957705/
But when I run the odin flash, I get model mismatch, yet the thread says they're compatible as U1 is just the samsung unlocked version. so I try the odin patch b found here:
https://odindownload.club/download/197/Odin3-v3.14.1-3B-PatcheD.zip
And it fails to write.
I am in desperate need of help as I've been unable to find more specific information, typically in threads people may say they've resolved the issue, but then they don't actually indicate what steps they took, or any of the details surrounding the resolution. If I can get help getting this resolved, I can document the exact steps i've taken in explicit detail so that others can follow them and achieve the same result.
Update:
Downloaded FRIJA to get the latest firmware, am going to explore doing a nand erase and repartition, followed by flashing tmobile firmware to see if that gets around it.
following:
https://technastic.com/odin-nand-erase-samsung/
@4rg3ntum
Flashing a (custom) ROM on an Android phone doesn't give one SIM unlock because the SIM lock stuff is in a separate ROM chip that is not part of the normal phone storage, AFAIK the SIM lock is stored in the Radio NVRAM, but I may err as always ...
Verizon has a 6 month unlock policy. if the phone is free of debt and older than 6 months it should be automatically unlocked. phone them, you bought the phone in good faith.
jwoegerbauer said:
@4rg3ntum
Flashing a (custom) ROM on an Android phone doesn't give one SIM unlock because the SIM lock stuff is in a separate ROM chip that is not part of the normal phone storage, AFAIK the SIM lock is stored in the Radio NVRAM, but I may err as always ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I am thinking of wiping the NVRAM and just re-partitioning. Then I'll flash a non-verizon system onto it. Could be that this resolves it.
Thoughts?
3mel said:
Verizon has a 6 month unlock policy. if the phone is free of debt and older than 6 months it should be automatically unlocked. phone them, you bought the phone in good faith.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I spent 2 hours on the phone with them and spoke to 3 different representatives. They all confirmed the phone was not locked in their system. I read it was 60 day unlock policy.
4rg3ntum said:
I spent 2 hours on the phone with them and spoke to 3 different representatives. They all confirmed the phone was not locked in their system. I read it was 60 day unlock policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With AT&T they give you requested then they gave you an unlock code, it's not automatic. At least it was like this a few years back.
4rg3ntum said:
I spent 2 hours on the phone with them and spoke to 3 different representatives. They all confirmed the phone was not locked in their system. I read it was 60 day unlock policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry yeah, 60 days is the right period.
jwoegerbauer said:
@4rg3ntum
Flashing a (custom) ROM on an Android phone doesn't give one SIM unlock because the SIM lock stuff is in a separate ROM chip that is not part of the normal phone storage, AFAIK the SIM lock is stored in the Radio NVRAM, but I may err as always ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this appears to be true.
I loaded up ADB and turned on USB debugging and started passing shell commands through and found these files in the system with nvram in the name:
/sys/module/dhd/parameters/nvram_path
/vendor/firmware/nvram.txt_ES03_semco_b0
/vendor/firmware/nvram.txt_1rh_es13_b0
/vendor/firmware/nvram.txt_CS01_semco_b1
/vendor/firmware/nvram.txt_ES02_semco_b0
/vendor/firmware/nvram.txt_1rh_es43_b1
/vendor/firmware/nvram.txt_1rh_es41_b1
/vendor/firmware/nvram.txt_1rh_es32_b0
/vendor/firmware/nvram.txt_ES00_semco_b0
/vendor/firmware/nvram.txt_ES01_semco_b0
/vendor/firmware/nvram.txt_1rh_es12_b0
/vendor/firmware/nvram.txt_1rh_es42_b1
/vendor/firmware/nvram.txt_1rh_es11_b0
Makes me wonder if the value for locked/unlocked is editable in one of those files.
a sample of what is in the /vendor/firmware/nvram.txt_ES03_semco_b0 file:
### RSDB mode Parameters(Both core are active)
## 2g normal:15dB airplane:14dB
#slice/1/grip_rsdb_dynsar_2g=0xbcbc
#slice/1/grip_rsdb_dynsar_2g_2=0xb8b8
## 5g normal:13dB airplane:12dB
#grip_rsdb_dynsar_5g=0xb4b4
#grip_rsdb_dynsar_5g_2=0xb0b0
#
### FCC Mode: 10dB
#slice/1/fccpwrch12=0x28
#slice/1/fccpwrch13=0x28
In any case I have an issue that I can't seem to resolve. Every guide I have found about how to change carrier firmware is pretty straightforward. Yet when I flash the firmware successfully through odin for say, the sprint version of the phone, upon reboot, in about phone still says VZW, which basically tells me the phone isn't actually flashing.
I need to understand why I can't seem to get it to have another carrier's firmware. What am I doing wrong?
jwoegerbauer said:
@4rg3ntum
Flashing a (custom) ROM on an Android phone doesn't give one SIM unlock because the SIM lock stuff is in a separate ROM chip that is not part of the normal phone storage, AFAIK the SIM lock is stored in the Radio NVRAM, but I may err as always ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I can edit this with ADB?
I have seen several forums where people with the same error message simply flashed another carriers firmware onto the phone and were able to get around it.
Here is someone saying they tried the U1 firmware and it gave them the option to put in an unlock code:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/is-verizon-locking-s10.3908683/post-80813873
Every time I try to flash the U1 firmware odin tells me model mismatch.
Update:
I flashed the latest available ATT version of U1 firmware from here:
https://samfw.com/firmware/SM-N970U1/ATT/N970U1UEU6FUDA
Using Odin patch 3B downloaded from here:
https://www.droidmirror.com/downloading/download-odin3_v3-13-1_3b_patched-zip
Having tried many U firmware + USERDATA from different carriers and never was able to get it to say anything other VZW in the about phone section.
By going to the U1 version I was able to get the unlock code portion to pop up when inserting the sim card, the phone also claims it's model number is SM-N970U1 instead of SM-N970U now.
The code Verizon gave me on the phone 0000 0000 flat out DOESN'T work. I called again today and they had their manager use a tool to provide an unlock code because the "unlock" button in their system didn't appear for my IMEI.
That system said the unlock code is 0000 0000 just like the tech the previous day. So now, they're transferring me to the advanced technical support, but somehow I doubt they will give me a code.
In any case, what I would rather do is go through ADB and try to get some binaries or text files out (may require root for these files) and get the unlock code from the device itself.
I wish this thread was more active because there are some good opportunities here to explore the OS itself and the files in it as well as tools that can be used to read the binary.
Spoke with "Advanced" support at verizon. They had no way to generate a code to unlock the device. Basically Verizon's systems didn't automatically generate an unlock code after the previous owners had the phone activated for the minimum 60 days. Because the phone was a prepaid phone and not a post paid phone, their system deleted the history of the of the prepaid account after a certain period of time when the previous owner had sold the phone to the repair shop and it sat there for months.
BASICALLY, Verizon phones are uniquely equipped with a block that prevent legitimate purchasers of various types from being able to use their devices as they hold everyone hostage with their network locking.
It looks like I can't root the device either because of the oem unlock option not being present and the workaround of changing the date not presenting the option.
At this point I'm looking to root the device so I can inspect the OS
4rg3ntum said:
It looks like I can't root the device either because of the oem unlock option not being present and the workaround of changing the date not presenting the option.
At this point I'm looking to root the device so I can inspect the OS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello I came across your thread because I am having the same issue. I think mine is similar because thus phone was a replacement through asurion/verizon. It also says its unlocked when verszon looks and when asurion looks, but I do not have service for more than 10 secind with my new AT&T Sim. Have you found anything new?.
I also looked into rooting the phone but I don't plan to keep this phone and if I want to do the trade in process and they see the root on the back end I will not receive the trade in money.
TomHanks92 said:
Hello I came across your thread because I am having the same issue. I think mine is similar because thus phone was a replacement through asurion/verizon. It also says its unlocked when verszon looks and when asurion looks, but I do not have service for more than 10 secind with my new AT&T Sim. Have you found anything new?.
I also looked into rooting the phone but I don't plan to keep this phone and if I want to do the trade in process and they see the root on the back end I will not receive the trade in money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If Verizon says the phone is unlocked, make sure to Flash the U package with Verizon bloat. Connect phone to Wifi and the unlock should happen. They only seem to unlock when on the Verizon bloat U package. Anything other than that and the phone stays locked. Once it unlocks you can flash back to whatever you want.

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