Related
I just called my carrier (Mobilicity in Canada) and they informed me that I should go online for an unlock code.
The cheapest place I found was for $25 (I won't post the link so I'm not mistaken for a spammer as this is my first post), and considering BlackBerry unlock codes are as cheap as $6, I am hoping that there is something cheaper than $25.
Can anybody recommend a site?
I don't want to come across as spamming the site either, but we provide unlock codes for Samsung's around that price.
BlackBerry phones are the cheapest of any phone to unlock and unfortunately you won't be able to get the codes for Samsung phones any where near $6.
Hope that helps.
New mode,
There is plenty of information here that would help you out without spending much more than a few beers and desk time.
You can search the forums
or since you know your phone model
First place is the main forum for your phone:
Samsung Galaxy S 4G Main Forums
Then search unlock
Which brought me to here:
Thanks to FBis251 for this thread and release
Newest unlock thread with file links and instructions
Hi.
It's been an hour of internet research and forums searching and so far no joy.
Does anyone know which sub-models EXACTLY of the Galaxy sIII/s4 that are carrier LOCKED? Some submodels you have to search for, by knowing the number (they're not listed on wikipedia or Samsung's site, like the SPH-L710, which is a s3 for Sprint, and usually locked)
Why the s3/s4? They can do everything I want from the device, I want to flash with a custom ROM and keep the OS up to date as possible, s5 /s6/s7’s are 2-10x the price and the s3/s4’s apparently still can do the latest (2016?) Android OS’s.
I bought a similar device, after asking checking info so I could flash it, got everything set up, and turns out, after flashing that it's carrier locked (L710)
So which versions of the s3/s4 do I want to avoid? Is there an actual comprehensive table with which ones are carrier locked? I wasn't able to find a listing here for the custom ROM's (500 pages each thread). And an hour on google and various crawlers revealed nothing but other endless days and days of work.
Thanks!
Whatchamacalit said:
Hi.
It's been an hour of internet research and forums searching and so far no joy.
Does anyone know which sub-models EXACTLY of the Galaxy sIII/s4 that are carrier LOCKED? Some submodels you have to search for, by knowing the number (they're not listed on wikipedia or Samsung's site, like the SPH-L710, which is a s3 for Sprint, and usually locked)
Why the s3/s4? They can do everything I want from the device, I want to flash with a custom ROM and keep the OS up to date as possible, s5 /s6/s7’s are 2-10x the price and the s3/s4’s apparently still can do the latest (2016?) Android OS’s.
I bought a similar device, after asking checking info so I could flash it, got everything set up, and turns out, after flashing that it's carrier locked (L710)
So which versions of the s3/s4 do I want to avoid? Is there an actual comprehensive table with which ones are carrier locked? I wasn't able to find a listing here for the custom ROM's (500 pages each thread). And an hour on google and various crawlers revealed nothing but other endless days and days of work.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greetings and welcome to assist. I'm not sure what you mean with carrier locked, most phones that are not generic and locked to a carrier but can be network unlocked. If you are on about a locked bootloader that makes root/custom recovery extremely difficult then the main 2 culprits are verizon and at&t. If you ask your question in the s3 and s4 forums you will get a more detailed list
Good Luck
Sawdoctor
Is the Verizon Pixel 3 Bootloader Unlockable?!!??! Sorry if this is a known question it's just everywhere I search I can't seem to find a definitive answer on if the Verizon Pixel 3, not models bought directly from google carrier unlocked, are bootloader unlockable out of the box? Im trying to buy the Pixel through Verizon if I can bootloader unlock it as I know where I can get one without waiting for shipping but I don't want to if they arent unlockable out of the box.... Comments from anybody who knows or who has picked one up from Verizon are appreciated. Thanks
If you can't find the answer you aren't searching hard enough. No they cannot be unlocked. Verizon is and always will be locked down. It's possible someone will find an exploit at some point but never count on it. If you want to unlock the bootloader you need to buy it directly from Google.
Rick91981 said:
If you can't find the answer you aren't searching hard enough. No they cannot be unlocked. Verizon is and always will be locked down. It's possible someone will find an exploit at some point but never count on it. If you want to unlock the bootloader you need to buy it directly from Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Searching google with "Verizon Pixel 3 bootloader unlock" yields results all saying the opposite for pixels 1 and 2, some devices for whatever reason could be unlocked right away and some a method came out relatively quickly for I just wasnt sure if there was any general consensus since this was for the pixel 1 and 2 not the 3 on Verizon.
There were eventually exploits found (and then patched by updates) for the older Pixels. The Verizon model is certainly without any doubt locked down and will not be able to be unlocked until(if) and exploit is found. There is even a thread on it here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3/help/elephant-question-verizon-lock-t3855391
Rick91981 said:
There were eventually exploits found (and then patched by updates) for the older Pixels. The Verizon model is certainly without any doubt locked down and will not be able to be unlocked until(if) and exploit is found. There is even a thread on it here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-3/help/elephant-question-verizon-lock-t3855391
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See man I wish you had just said this from the start instead of being snarky because I looked for said thread everywhere but could not find it. Thanks you lol
jake.99x3 said:
See man I wish you had just said this from the start instead of being snarky because I looked for said thread everywhere but could not find it. Thanks you lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wasn't trying to be snarky (ok, maybe a little lol). The discussion is just everywhere, surprised you couldn't find it with Google. For future reference though, if it has the work Verizon in it, you can very safely assume it is locked down. As a Verizon user, I wish it were different but at least the option of buying direct from Google exists.
Rick91981 said:
Wasn't trying to be snarky (ok, maybe a little lol). The discussion is just everywhere, surprised you couldn't find it with Google. For future reference though, if it has the work Verizon in it, you can very safely assume it is locked down. As a Verizon user, I wish it were different but at least the option of buying direct from Google exists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah at least we are fortunate enough to be able to do it from google. I was just looking to do the monthly payments through Verizon but seems Ill need to get approved to do the same and buy with google so we'll see as I definitely am looking to bl unlock and rom.
I got my hands on a Verizon Pixel 3. I removed my sim, sideloaded ota, rebooted with project fi sim and I was able to unlock the bootloader. Now, this is without ever taking an update.
Did you ever activate on Verizon? People have tried making a "factory" Pixel 3 and removing the Sim to find Verizon stuff still on the phone! If the Verizon models is activated on another network it's unlockable? I only have Verizon service but do have an old ATT sim. People who didn't have Verizon but received a Verizon Pixel said they couldn't unlock the phone on any network.
rlewis312010 said:
Did you ever activate on Verizon? People have tried making a "factory" Pixel 3 and removing the Sim to find Verizon stuff still on the phone! If the Verizon models is activated on another network it's unlockable? I only have Verizon service but do have an old ATT sim. People who didn't have Verizon but received a Verizon Pixel said they couldn't unlock the phone on any network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I booted to bootloader. Side loaded an OTA with project fi sim in it. (I believe it checks during flashing, just my opinion.)
Hmm, that's cool if your method really works
JCBiznatch said:
No, I booted to bootloader. Side loaded an OTA with project fi sim in it. (I believe it checks during flashing, just my opinion.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you heard of anyone else successfully use this method? Looks like you're the only one so far from what I'm reading on the bounty page...
I know, I know. Y'all are tired of hearing questions about the whole bootloader unlock and all that good stuff., Of course, my OEM is missing in Dev Options... But as I'm skimming from site to site I finally found one that stated:
Samsung Galaxy devices with a Snapdragon chipset that are sold in the USA and Canada come with a non-unlockable bootloader. The only way to unlock the bootloader on US Snapdragon devices is by using a paid service such as SamPWN or UNSAMLOCK.
Is there any truth to this? Cuz that's kind of a steep price.
right now you can only wait for a free service
MattchuBlean420 said:
I know, I know. Y'all are tired of hearing questions about the whole bootloader unlock and all that good stuff., Of course, my OEM is missing in Dev Options... But as I'm skimming from site to site I finally found one that stated:
Samsung Galaxy devices with a Snapdragon chipset that are sold in the USA and Canada come with a non-unlockable bootloader. The only way to unlock the bootloader on US Snapdragon devices is by using a paid service such as SamPWN or UNSAMLOCK.
Is there any truth to this? Cuz that's kind of a steep price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have an S10e, it needs to be running firmware from at least a year ago, in order to be bootloader unlockable via paid services
Do you think it will be forever like this? When official support will end can we hope for more "exploits" to come?
Whether you get a carrier version or the factory unlocked U1 model, OEM unlock does not exist on this phone. So those in the US that were thinking of doing custom roms with this cheap new Android device, look elsewhere.
Samsung has blocked their bootloaders on U.S. phone variants for years now. The only way to unlock is with paid service unfortunately.
ShaDisNX255 said:
Samsung has blocked their bootloaders on U.S. phone variants for years now. The only way to unlock is with paid service unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What service are you referring to? I'd love to unlock mine.
Jay1175 said:
What service are you referring to? I'd love to unlock mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it was located here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/sampwnd-usa-model-bl-unlock-info-u-u1-w.4201689/
But I guess it's temporarily closed until the person in charge returns. Usually it's not worth it for lower end phones since the unlock process can end up costing just as much as the phone tbh.
on some devices it takes 7 days for the oem unlock to show in developer options, have you tried the time and date hack to see if it shows
gav83collins said:
on some devices it takes 7 days for the oem unlock to show in developer options, have you tried the time and date hack to see if it shows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This does not work on U.S. variants
SamPWNd is dead. Samsung patched it with firmware updates in 2021 (it is in the warnings not to install unpatched firware updates). The website is down. Unless they can find a new exploit in the new firmware, it is not possible.
Samsung has blocked BL unlock for a while. They seem to have shifted their target audience to a different group in recent years. If you really want BL unlock you should pick Pixel.
b1283822 said:
SamPWNd is dead. Samsung patched it with firmware updates in 2021 (it is in the warnings not to install unpatched firware updates). The website is down. Unless they can find a new exploit in the new firmware, it is not possible.
Samsung has blocked BL unlock for a while. They seem to have shifted their target audience to a different group in recent years. If you really want BL unlock you should pick Pixel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it doesnt make sense from a business perspective, a regular audience doesnt even know about unlocking a bootloader, so they will be buying the phone regardless if samsungs advertising impress more than the competition, but for us lets say "power users" we know our warranty is void when we oem unlock, and buy making it easier to do it (oem unlock), they are more likely to shift more handsets to our side of the market, not only that but there is more chance of us breaking our devices which in turn gives them more income when we seek samsung official repairs or splash out on a new replacement, i really dont see the logic behind not allowing oem unlock unless its to test the abilities of the likes of chainfire in regards to exposing vulnerabilities
I bought the phone on sale just a few days before this thread was made (hoping to use it as a fun side-project / second phone to get back into modding- haven't been able to since my Note 5 since the Note 8 was locked). I had assumed getting a non-carrier one would be open but I haven't been able to get OEM Unlock to appear either : /. I even went with the A53 instead of A52 because I thought there was a better chance of having unlock on Exynos than Snapdragon. It's not too late to return but I'm still holding out hope someone can come up with something. I like Samsung hardware (for the most part) but without root... meh.
Willing to try ODINing tars and stuff if anyone has any ideas.
sidestream84 said:
I bought the phone on sale just a few days before this thread was made (hoping to use it as a fun side-project / second phone to get back into modding- haven't been able to since my Note 5 since the Note 8 was locked). I had assumed getting a non-carrier one would be open but I haven't been able to get OEM Unlock to appear either : /. I even went with the A53 instead of A52 because I thought there was a better chance of having unlock on Exynos than Snapdragon. It's not too late to return but I'm still holding out hope someone can come up with something. I like Samsung hardware (for the most part) but without root... meh.
Willing to try ODINing tars and stuff if anyone has any ideas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exploits could take years to even begin to surface. S8 and S9 come to mind, but their root is so limited with locked bootloaders that it's almost not worth the hassle. I would return it to be honest or try and get an international variant imported. I've traveled to the U.S. with a Mexico variant phone and I got signal just fine, but I don't know how the internet speed compares if you use a U.S. SIM.
sidestream84 said:
I bought the phone on sale just a few days before this thread was made (hoping to use it as a fun side-project / second phone to get back into modding- haven't been able to since my Note 5 since the Note 8 was locked). I had assumed getting a non-carrier one would be open but I haven't been able to get OEM Unlock to appear either : /. I even went with the A53 instead of A52 because I thought there was a better chance of having unlock on Exynos than Snapdragon. It's not too late to return but I'm still holding out hope someone can come up with something. I like Samsung hardware (for the most part) but without root... meh.
Willing to try ODINing tars and stuff if anyone has any ideas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I switched over from Pixel line just for a Samsung specific feature and a quick google had me certain I would be able to unlock the bootloader and root it. It sucks that its not the case, but I blame awful tech journalism. So many articles that claim their method will work for ALL devices in a family, or even ALL ANDROID devices period.
ShaDisNX255 said:
Exploits could take years to even begin to surface. S8 and S9 come to mind, but their root is so limited with locked bootloaders that it's almost not worth the hassle. I would return it to be honest or try and get an international variant imported. I've traveled to the U.S. with a Mexico variant phone and I got signal just fine, but I don't know how the internet speed compares if you use a U.S. SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Getting an international version isn't worth doing IMO because the 5G bands don't overlap the same way 4G does. I looked in to getting an international model but decided against it as it doesn't support one of the three 5G frequencies used in my town. I figure there's 0 chance of new frequencies being added to the hardware, but always a chance of finding a security flaw to unlock the bootloader.
there are still U.S. Bootloader unlock services, but as of right now the A53 is not supported.
and only certain versions of bootloaders are supported.
Not SamPWND