Database Info

[Q] Questions about unlocking, rooting and modems.

I'm sorry if this questions have been asked before. I read through many pages on the Q&A section of this phone and didn't come with clear answers to my questions.
This is the first time I will attempt to unlock, root and flash a ROM on an Android phone.
First of all, I've read and I still don't know if I can flash a custom ROM, or one of those Brazil/Orange JB images available and be able to have the phone unlocked to use with different carriers. Jelly Bean hasn't been released to this phone here in Mexico yet.
1.- I don't mind unlocking the bootloader with Motorola solution. Is this the best way to unlock it?
2.- Flashing a custom ROM or a stock one makes the phone unlocked so I can use it with different carriers?. If the answer is yes, what ROM do you recommend. Are those Brazil/Orange images good for any user or its better to stick with third-party ROMs?
3.- If the answer to number 2 is NO, what should I do in order to unlock the phone? I need to be able to use in Mexico (the phone if from Telcel) and also use it on the United States (with AT&T). I've read about modem files that had to do with carriers but I'm not sure if I need special files to unlock this phone? If this is needed, where do I start or where do I find this files?
4.- If there is something else I need to know (and I didn't asked here) about unlocking the phone and flashing a stock or third-party ROM and have it unlocked to work with other carriers, please let me know by replying.
What are you guys using to backup the factory image? I haven't fiddled with Android for a while after flashing a Kindle Fire many times. I got a Nexus 7 and I haven't needed to root, unlock or try third party ROMs. The last time I used TWRP to backup the image of the Kindle Fire I think.
Thanks in advance

ajua said:
I'm sorry if this questions have been asked before. I read through many pages on the Q&A section of this phone and didn't come with clear answers to my questions.
This is the first time I will attempt to unlock, root and flash a ROM on an Android phone.
First of all, I've read and I still don't know if I can flash a custom ROM, or one of those Brazil/Orange JB images available and be able to have the phone unlocked to use with different carriers. Jelly Bean hasn't been released to this phone here in Mexico yet.
1.- I don't mind unlocking the bootloader with Motorola solution. Is this the best way to unlock it?
2.- Flashing a custom ROM or a stock one makes the phone unlocked so I can use it with different carriers?. If the answer is yes, what ROM do you recommend. Are those Brazil/Orange images good for any user or its better to stick with third-party ROMs?
3.- If the answer to number 2 is NO, what should I do in order to unlock the phone? I need to be able to use in Mexico (the phone if from Telcel) and also use it on the United States (with AT&T). I've read about modem files that had to do with carriers but I'm not sure if I need special files to unlock this phone? If this is needed, where do I start or where do I find this files?
4.- If there is something else I need to know (and I didn't asked here) about unlocking the phone and flashing a stock or third-party ROM and have it unlocked to work with other carriers, please let me know by replying.
What are you guys using to backup the factory image? I haven't fiddled with Android for a while after flashing a Kindle Fire many times. I got a Nexus 7 and I haven't needed to root, unlock or try third party ROMs. The last time I used TWRP to backup the image of the Kindle Fire I think.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking BL doesn't change the unlocked status of the phone for carriers. If you want to unlock it to use with different carriers you'll have to pay the unlock fee to whoever you choose to unlock with.
1. Answered above.
2. Custom ROMs or ROMs from different carriers won't unlock the carrier.
3. I believe there is some sort of file modification to have it unlocked. Not sure what you have to do but if I remember correctly its risky and affects IMEI.
Sent from my RAZR HD XT925

saloums7 said:
Unlocking BL doesn't change the unlocked status of the phone for carriers. If you want to unlock it to use with different carriers you'll have to pay the unlock fee to whoever you choose to unlock with.
1. Answered above.
2. Custom ROMs or ROMs from different carriers won't unlock the carrier.
3. I believe there is some sort of file modification to have it unlocked. Not sure what you have to do but if I remember correctly its risky and affects IMEI.
Sent from my RAZR HD XT925
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know the bootloader won't change the locked status. As this is the first time flashing a phone, not a tablet, I thought that using a custom ROM or one from different carrier would work for this.
I've tried other SIMs on the phone (it's my sister's, not mine) but the phone didn't asks for a code when a SIM from a different carrier is inserted. I haven't bought any code because of this.
Anyone has a suggestion on what to do to have the phone unlocked to use with different carriers?

[Q] SIM unlocking the T-Mobile version of the Xperia Z3 (D6616)

Hi guys, well the thing is that I'm planning on getting the T-Mobile variant of the Z3 (D6616) but I would like to know if there is a root method for Lollipop?, since the update is already out. I have have searched all over the internet looking for answers but I couldn't find anything (only for KitKat; I know the LP update was released almost 2 weeks ago). I don't if there's something else necessary (apart from getting root access) to be able to SIM unlock this phone, I don't care about custom ROM's, kernels or any other kind of mod that requires the bootloader to be unlocked. Like I said, I just want to SIM unlock it and use the root access for Titanium Backup and maybe disable or delete the T-Mobile apps. Thanks in advance.

AntonyOrtega said:
Hi guys, well the thing is that I'm planning on getting the T-Mobile variant of the Z3 (D6616) but I would like to know if there is a root method for Lollipop?, since the update is already out. I have have searched all over the internet looking for answers but I couldn't find anything (only for KitKat; I know the LP update was released almost 2 weeks ago). I don't if there's something else necessary (apart from getting root access) to be able to SIM unlock this phone, I don't care about custom ROM's, kernels or any other kind of mod that requires the bootloader to be unlocked. Like I said, I just want to SIM unlock it and use the root access for Titanium Backup and maybe disable or delete the T-Mobile apps. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is root for it but I doubt you will be able to sim unlock it unless you pay full price for it from tmobile and us the sim unlock app that's on the phone already.

Lobo Lansky said:
Yes there is root for it but I doubt you will be able to sim unlock it unless you pay full price for it from tmobile and us the sim unlock app that's on the phone already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the problem, because there's no way to officially get the Z3 from them (they only have the original Z and the Z1S and the only way to get one is from eBay) and I'm not a T-Mobile costumer. I would like to know if it's possible to get it unlocked with a third party unlock service.

I just bought one for use on AT&T and I'm also looking to sim unlock. I'll update when I find out more.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

If you are one AT&T better to get international version as the 700 Mhz LTE band is different from the TMO version's which is TMO specific. (Band 12)
For indoor use that makes a big difference in signal.
The low bands have better penetration. I am on T-Mobile so for me it's an advantage to use the D6616.
The D6603 (international) supports AT&T 700Mhz in addition to the others.
As for unlocking TMO version, for me I had to call TMO as the app did not work. They will only unlock after 40 days of device use on your account. It's done over the air...
So give it to a TMO customer for temporary use and unlock assuming IMEI is not blocked.

Root on Xperia D6616 T-mobile
AntonyOrtega said:
Hi guys, well the thing is that I'm planning on getting the T-Mobile variant of the Z3 (D6616) but I would like to know if there is a root method for Lollipop?, since the update is already out. I have have searched all over the internet looking for answers but I couldn't find anything (only for KitKat; I know the LP update was released almost 2 weeks ago). I don't if there's something else necessary (apart from getting root access) to be able to SIM unlock this phone, I don't care about custom ROM's, kernels or any other kind of mod that requires the bootloader to be unlocked. Like I said, I just want to SIM unlock it and use the root access for Titanium Backup and maybe disable or delete the T-Mobile apps. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi i have managed to Access Root, Deleted T-mobile Applications But Still No success, Have you got any luck to do it ?

mnszaidi said:
Hi i have managed to Access Root, Deleted T-mobile Applications But Still No success, Have you got any luck to do it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe if you can get the HiddenSIMUnlockMenu.apk (Or whatever the app is named on Xperias) from another Xperia?

AntonyOrtega said:
Maybe if you can get the HiddenSIMUnlockMenu.apk (Or whatever the app is named on Xperias) from another Xperia?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have found the hidden menu too. and now i am goi ng to explore my phone from PC and hope i will found it and enable it. i think after Enabling it i will be able to use 3rd party unlocking code to unlock. See below Image Push thanks if it helps you

hi
hi, already posted same reply in another sim unlock thread.
i have a d6616 tmobile version and bought the unlock code, non able to input the code, and not able to unlock with the stock app, dual recovery installed and rooted already, is there a way to put the simunlockapp.apk in the system and then using titanium backup pro, to make it internal so after rebooting, simunlock code prompting?
or to flash a rom that prompts the code
or is there any metropcs z3 rom that surely can be flashed even with locked bootloader to tmobile version?
any help
than you very much indeed

Hi, I'm in the exact same situation, Bought a Tmobile Z3 through Ebay, didn't know it wasn't possible to unlocking it by buying an unlock code... so I did, now I have the phone and the unlocking code for nothing... some help here please? thanks in advance.

Lrclaros said:
Hi, I'm in the exact same situation, Bought a Tmobile Z3 through Ebay, didn't know it wasn't possible to unlocking it by buying an unlock code... so I did, now I have the phone and the unlocking code for nothing... some help here please? thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same boat. I bought a brand new one with film on it. But it was a phone only, no box or accessories. IMEI was a separate sticker (4 pieces). I tried to unlock a legal way but T-Mobile rep told me it's not in their system. It has printed T-Mobile logo in the back. I also tried official unlock app without success. They advised me to call Sony directly and ask what carrier it belongs to lol. Great phone, much better battery than G3 but unlocked phone is a must. I decline phones with 2k screens. I can't see no difference between Z3 and G3 screens.

LG G5 Software version H83020i_un

This is an unlocked T-Mobile G5, but why have a special ROM for unlocked phone? I wonder if I flash other ROMs, I could lose the unlock. Anyone have any problem rooting and install twrp?
Conclusion after a month long discussion:
G5 with H83020i_un ROM is NOT factory unlock. Upgrading or downgrading will result in SIM lock to T-Mobile, period.
Once locked, it can only be unlocked by T-Mobile customers via T-Mobile unlocked app. Some has to go thru T-Mobile customer service and request SIM unlock by adding IMEI to their database.
I bought 6 (New to New other) unlocked H830 and 2 has the hacked ROM H83020i_un and 4 were completely locked to T-Mobile. Yes, those stupid sellers on ebay just keep sending lock phones as unlocked phone! Good luck getting a unlocked one.
No, you cannot install TWRP or root this version.
I ended up returning mine.

You shouldn't lose the unlock by flashing another ROM.
A ROM isn't just about 'locked or unlocked'. The ROM is the operating system. While it will still be Android no matter what you do, different ROMs are modified differently to provide additional features, or more control over the settings or just a slightly different user interface.
This has NOTHING to do with the phone being unlocked for use on any GSM network.
For example some people want to be able to control the CPU processor speed on the phone more. Some ROM's give you that control built into the settings and use customer kernels that allow the CPU to run faster than it does running stock. Other people just like a more simple UI that you get on base Android ROM's (rather than some of the overlays LG puts on)

Skipjacks said:
You shouldn't lose the unlock by flashing another ROM.
A ROM isn't just about 'locked or unlocked'. The ROM is the operating system. While it will still be Android no matter what you do, different ROMs are modified differently to provide additional features, or more control over the settings or just a slightly different user interface.
This has NOTHING to do with the phone being unlocked for use on any GSM network.
For example some people want to be able to control the CPU processor speed on the phone more. Some ROM's give you that control built into the settings and use customer kernels that allow the CPU to run faster than it does running stock. Other people just like a more simple UI that you get on base Android ROM's (rather than some of the overlays LG puts on)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't confirm this personally, but @autoprime mentioned on IRC that everyone who tried flashing other KDZs over this specific firmware lost the SIM unlock.

BehindTheMath said:
I can't confirm this personally, but @autoprime mentioned on IRC that everyone who tried flashing other KDZs over this specific firmware lost the SIM unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So we can't flash this device?

dkyu said:
So we can't flash this device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, technically you can, but as of now it sounds like you'd lose the SIM unlock.

BehindTheMath said:
Well, technically you can, but as of now it sounds like you'd lose the SIM unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know when people will understand that it has nothing to do with sim unlock. I have T-Mobile unlocked sim lg g5 and flashed roms, custom and stock both several times and never had any problem with sim lock stuffs. Just install twrp, root, flash custom rom, there will never hurt anything in your phone.

dksoni411 said:
I don't know when people will understand that it has nothing to do with sim unlock. I have T-Mobile unlocked sim lg g5 and flashed roms, custom and stock both several times and never had any problem with sim lock stuffs. Just install twrp, root, flash custom rom, there will never hurt anything in your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems that this is not a regular unlock. When I open the T-Mobile app, it says the phone is still locked, but it works anyway.

dksoni411 said:
I don't know when people will understand that it has nothing to do with sim unlock. I have T-Mobile unlocked sim lg g5 and flashed roms, custom and stock both several times and never had any problem with sim lock stuffs. Just install twrp, root, flash custom rom, there will never hurt anything in your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried downgrading to 20A and lost the SIM unlock.

BehindTheMath said:
I just tried downgrading to 20A and lost the SIM unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you confirm that by trying the phone with a non T Mobile SIM on a different network? Or did you just let the T Mobile unlocker app tell you it's still locked?
The app isn't the most reliable thing in the world. It's known to say it's not unlocked when it is or that it can't be unlocked when it already is. Etc etc...
Unlocking it manually (through codes, ADB, root, etc....) messes with the unlocker app. But the unlock itself should still be valid.

Skipjacks said:
Did you confirm that by trying the phone with a non T Mobile SIM on a different network? Or did you just let the T Mobile unlocker app tell you it's still locked?
The app isn't the most reliable thing in the world. It's known to say it's not unlocked when it is or that it can't be unlocked when it already is. Etc etc...
Unlocking it manually (through codes, ADB, root, etc....) messes with the unlocker app. But the unlock itself should still be valid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I took the active H2o (At&t MVNO) SIM from my current device and tried it in this one. I could not make phone calls or access data, both in stock 20A and Resurrection Remix.

BehindTheMath said:
I took the active H2o (At&t MVNO) SIM from my current device and tried it in this one. I could not make phone calls or access data, both in stock 20A and Resurrection Remix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's sucks.
I wonder if you can actually get an unlock code to unlock the phone now.

dkyu said:
that's sucks.
I wonder if you can actually get an unlock code to unlock the phone now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I'm not mistaken, you can't unlock this phone with an unlock code.

dksoni411 said:
I don't know when people will understand that it has nothing to do with sim unlock. I have T-Mobile unlocked sim lg g5 and flashed roms, custom and stock both several times and never had any problem with sim lock stuffs. Just install twrp, root, flash custom rom, there will never hurt anything in your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it is something to the specific phones people are getting from the ebay seller. They are being sold as new yet are not factory sealed and missing the Tmo sim card. People are claiming Android pay doesn't work and the phone isn't rooted. A new out of the box phone shouldn't have that issue. So something isn't necessarily kosher.

Guys, I have the same version (H83020i_un) and it has April security update and T-Mobile has different version #s on their website. I have checked for update, but nothing came up. So I can't get T-Mobile updates?

The software version H83020i_un is apparently not an official ROM released by T Mobile or LG.
There is a lot of speculation on Slickdeals (a website for coupons and stuff where this eBay deal has been discussed quite a bit) that the unlock was done by flashing a modified ROM. If so that would explain why flashing a new ROM loses the unlock.
Additionally people are saying that Android Pay doesn't work on this phone with that software update, presumably because it's not official firmware. I've never used Android Pay so I have no idea if it works or not.
All in all if you have the H83020i_un software and bought the phone 'new' I think you got conned. It's not new and that seems to be unofficial software.

I spent a lot of time, with help from @autoprime, trying to figure out where the unlock is stored. I was able to dump the partitions from 20i_un using the method here. After I downgraded to 20A and flashed TWRP, I flashed back all the 20i_un partitions (besides recovery, cache, and userdata), and it still wasn't unlocked. So I'm baffled as to how the unlock works.

Skipjacks said:
The software version H83020i_un is apparently not an official ROM released by T Mobile or LG.
There is a lot of speculation on Slickdeals (a website for coupons and stuff where this eBay deal has been discussed quite a bit) that the unlock was done by flashing a modified ROM. If so that would explain why flashing a new ROM loses the unlock.
Additionally people are saying that Android Pay doesn't work on this phone with that software update, presumably because it's not official firmware. I've never used Android Pay so I have no idea if it works or not.
All in all if you have the H83020i_un software and bought the phone 'new' I think you got conned. It's not new and that seems to be unofficial software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. It will be used as a second device, so it is fine. I flashed the phone with stock T-Mobile H83020a, then got few OTA updates. Now my phone has H83020i, but T-Mobile's page(below) shows an "f" version as the latest. So is the H83020i, the latest update or not? Also would be good if anyone with real T-Mobile unit could chime in.
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-30673

BehindTheMath said:
I spent a lot of time, with help from @autoprime, trying to figure out where the unlock is stored. I was able to dump the partitions from 20i_un using the method here. After I downgraded to 20A and flashed TWRP, I flashed back all the 20i_un partitions (besides recovery, cache, and userdata), and it still wasn't unlocked. So I'm baffled as to how the unlock works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And there is no way to root the phone without downgrading to 20A right?

Charkatak said:
I see. It will be used as a second device, so it is fine. I flashed the phone with stock T-Mobile H83020a, then got few OTA updates. Now my phone has H83020i, but T-Mobile's page(below) shows an "f" version as the latest. So is the H83020i, the latest update or not? Also would be good if anyone with real T-Mobile unit could chime in.
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-30673
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like 20i is the latest.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...ock-h830-20i-rom-flashable-zips-imgs-t3609735
dkyu said:
And there is no way to root the phone without downgrading to 20A right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.

BehindTheMath said:
Looks like 20i is the latest.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...ock-h830-20i-rom-flashable-zips-imgs-t3609735
Correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if 20i is the latest, then it is possible that T-Mobile's variant of the phone could have a different model # than H830...

SM-G970U with SM-G970F FIrmware?

Hello All,
Ok so first off you guys at XDA are the ****! I swear I can find anything I need to know on this site with a little research, much respect. So as the title suggests I wanted to know if it's possible to flash a SM-G970U (US) with SM-G970F (UK) firmware? I am basically looking for a slightly less complicated way of enabling "OEM Unlock" to Unlock the bootloader. And yes I realize that more than likely I will not be able to use any US sim cards with that firmware but if it is possible and I could unlock the bootloader I could basically load anything I wanted onto it right?
......actually seems like the SM-G9700 would be a better candidate for the firmware to load on the SM-G970U.
.....be gentle, I'm a N00B...kind of =\

Hello All,
xlivexevilx said:
Ok so first off you guys at XDA are the ****! I swear I can find anything I need to know on this site with a little research, much respect. So as the title suggests I wanted to know if it's possible to flash a SM-G970U (US) with SM-G970F (UK) firmware? I am basically looking for a slightly less complicated way of enabling "OEM Unlock" to Unlock the bootloader. And yes I realize that more than likely I will not be able to use any US sim cards with that firmware but if it is possible and I could unlock the bootloader I could basically load anything I wanted onto it right?
......actually seems like the SM-G9700 would be a better candidate for the firmware to load on the SM-G970U.
.....be gentle, I'm a N00B...kind of =\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually i want to know as well because i read somewhere where someone said its possible because they are all the same models........did it work for you?

yea no...don't do that it won't work

Lol i already tried it flashed succesfully according to odin but when the device rebooted it came with the same firmware before and nothing changed Lmao

how did it flashed ,please specify

I was told this is not possible. Unless you can find original overstock (i.e. that has NOT been updated) in which case you can pay to unlock the bootloader.
Otherwise, I believe any bootloader beyond v1 cannot be bootloader unlocked. Only hope is Sammie does us a solid when this goes EOL and unlocks the bootloader. Question is whether VZW and AT&T will prevent them from doing that.
My S10e is still going great, and if I could root and flash a custom rom I'd probably replace the battery and roll with it another 3-4 years because I have no interest in the larger phones that dominate the Android market now.

Question s22 ultra tmobile flash HELP PLEASE

can anyone help me.
I have a s22u s908u tmobile locked unpaid. is it possible to flash it to global firmware?
will it remove the carrier restrictions?
does anyone has a tutorial for this problem?
thank you guys and more power.

You can Odin flash "unlocked" firmware, U1 as opposed to U firmware that is.
But it has zero affect on the status of your simlock status.
Also you might find if you go to unlock it that you need to go back to the TMobile firmware to access the app they use to sim unlock it.
What exactly are the restrictions you are trying to circumvent?

pcriz said:
You can Odin flash "unlocked" firmware, U1 as opposed to U firmware that is.
But it has zero affect on the status of your simlock status.
Also you might find if you go to unlock it that you need to go back to the TMobile firmware to access the app they use to sim unlock it.
What exactly are the restrictions you are trying to circumvent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in the philippines, some one sold me the phone and told me it was unlocked clumsy me didnt check it. cant unlock it via server since it is unpaid and cant return it either. thats why im looking for an alternative way so i can use my simcard here.

Ahh. So yeah. You may want to worry about the simcard situation first and flashing the firmware won't fix that. I know there are paid services out there that will take Paypal and such but I haven't used one in almost ten years so I won't be any help there

pcriz said:
Ahh. So yeah. You may want to worry about the simcard situation first and flashing the firmware won't fix that. I know there are paid services out there that will take Paypal and such but I haven't used one in almost ten years so I won't be any help there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks bud

But if there is still money owed by the person you bought it from there is a chance it will be black listed. You were basically sold a device that he or she didn't own, correct?

butchieboy said:
But if there is still money owed by the person you bought it from there is a chance it will be black listed. You were basically sold a device that he or she didn't own, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possibly, im screwed right?

I am in the same boat as u, though was able to get my device (Tmobile) unlocked from 3rd party vendor and using it in India. But am not getting any OTA updates.
What could be the reason and what should be done.
Can i flash an Indian/gobal ROM and get OTA updates. Also will it lock the phone again and/or wipe out the data on the phone.
Any help would be highly appreciated

The moment you put a SIM it will the IMEI flashing won't change this. If you change your IMEI with certain software in the US you can have a visit from the Feds as this is something that terrorist do to spoof IMEIs.