Hello everyone,
As title, I got a Balmuda Phone (unlocked ver.) from Japan, no other problem happened until I tried to update to the newest software version.
Since there are two model released, softbank model and sim free one from Balmuda Tech.. After asking for support from both of their costumer center.
I realized that, the softbank model runs sim check every time trying to update even the phone has already been unlocked by softbank itself.
They told me either I insert a softbank sim or send it back as it needs to be repaired.
It's probably not the last version of the phone, so either way will solve the problem from the root.
There're official opensource files released by Balmuda Tech. as the following page:
https://tech.balmuda.com/jp/support/oss/
I'm wondering if these files may be the solution that helps me change softbank model into a sim free one, which avoids sim check while updating.
Or just update the phone manually.
According to the model and version, the two files in every zip are:
kernel_(model name)_(version name).a.tar.gz
opensource_(model name)_(version name).a.tar.gz
Need some technical supports here, because I can't even tell if these files are enough to achieve the aim.
If they are, I'd like to know the specific method, and if they're not I'd like to be notice.
Really appreciate for any advices or technical supports. Asking question about an unpopular phone is just like finding a lost needle from the ocean LOL.
Since I got the phone at a very low price (24000 JPY with shipping, around 170 USD), I might just leave the update problem alone after all.
BTW, To not get into the trouble which I did, the sim free model is the one recommended to everyone who'd like to get a Balmuda Phone.
Thx
Yves
yveslin1994 said:
Hello everyone,
As title, I got a Balmuda Phone (unlocked ver.) from Japan, no other problem happened until I tried to update to the newest software version.
Since there are two model released, softbank model and sim free one from Balmuda Tech.. After asking for support from both of their costumer center.
I realized that, the softbank model runs sim check every time trying to update even the phone has already been unlocked by softbank itself.
They told me either I insert a softbank sim or send it back as it needs to be repaired.
It's probably not the last version of the phone, so either way will solve the problem from the root.
There're official opensource files released by Balmuda Tech. as the following page:
https://tech.balmuda.com/jp/support/oss/
I'm wondering if these files may be the solution that helps me change softbank model into a sim free one, which avoids sim check while updating.
Or just update the phone manually.
According to the model and version, the two files in every zip are:
kernel_(model name)_(version name).a.tar.gz
opensource_(model name)_(version name).a.tar.gz
Need some technical supports here, because I can't even tell if these files are enough to achieve the aim.
If they are, I'd like to know the specific method, and if they're not I'd like to be notice.
Really appreciate for any advices or technical supports. Asking question about an unpopular phone is just like finding a lost needle from the ocean LOL.
Since I got the phone at a very low price (24000 JPY with shipping, around 170 USD), I might just leave the update problem alone after all.
BTW, To not get into the trouble which I did, the sim free model is the one recommended to everyone who'd like to get a Balmuda Phone.
Thx
Yves
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! There is a solution to updating the Softbank version to new firmware (which have been coming once about every two months; the latest is Android 12). Namely, remove your SIM, reset the phone, after reset make sure Location / GPS is off, then install OpenVPN (de.blinkt.openvpn available on APKmirror among others) then JapanVPN Plugin for OpenVPN (available e.g. on APKpure). Connect to JapanVPN then search for the update, and it will be there. Then re-install your apps etc.
It has always worked for me (also works on other Softbank phones, such as the Sharp Aquos R/R2 Compact). The key trick is to remove the SIM, then reset, then install nothing (not even google) before the OpenVPN.
And yes, this means you have to go through this hoop every two months (if you will want to update). But the phone is so great that it's worth it.
yveslin1994 said:
Hello everyone,
As title, I got a Balmuda Phone (unlocked ver.) from Japan, no other problem happened until I tried to update to the newest software version.
Since there are two model released, softbank model and sim free one from Balmuda Tech.. After asking for support from both of their costumer center.
I realized that, the softbank model runs sim check every time trying to update even the phone has already been unlocked by softbank itself.
They told me either I insert a softbank sim or send it back as it needs to be repaired.
It's probably not the last version of the phone, so either way will solve the problem from the root.
There're official opensource files released by Balmuda Tech. as the following page:
https://tech.balmuda.com/jp/support/oss/
I'm wondering if these files may be the solution that helps me change softbank model into a sim free one, which avoids sim check while updating.
Or just update the phone manually.
According to the model and version, the two files in every zip are:
kernel_(model name)_(version name).a.tar.gz
opensource_(model name)_(version name).a.tar.gz
Need some technical supports here, because I can't even tell if these files are enough to achieve the aim.
If they are, I'd like to know the specific method, and if they're not I'd like to be notice.
Really appreciate for any advices or technical supports. Asking question about an unpopular phone is just like finding a lost needle from the ocean LOL.
Since I got the phone at a very low price (24000 JPY with shipping, around 170 USD), I might just leave the update problem alone after all.
BTW, To not get into the trouble which I did, the sim free model is the one recommended to everyone who'd like to get a Balmuda Phone.
Thx
Yves
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
landsome said:
Hi! There is a solution to updating the Softbank version to new firmware (which have been coming once about every two months; the latest is Android 12). Namely, remove your SIM, reset the phone, after reset make sure Location / GPS is off, then install OpenVPN (de.blinkt.openvpn available on APKmirror among others) then JapanVPN Plugin for OpenVPN (available e.g. on APKpure). Connect to JapanVPN then search for the update, and it will be there. Then re-install your apps etc.
It has always worked for me (also works on other Softbank phones, such as the Sharp Aquos R/R2 Compact). The key trick is to remove the SIM, then reset, then install nothing (not even google) before the OpenVPN.
And yes, this means you have to go through this hoop every two months (if you will want to update). But the phone is so great that it's worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or you could just download the updated firmware on a PC and then manually update the device. Doing it that way does not require removing the SIM or changing any settings or resetting the device or using VPN. No need to jump through hoops for every update when you can just simply download the update manually and flash it on the device manually. Why complicate it if you don't have to? Besides, OTA updating is not as reliable as manually updating, OTA updates often screw devices up, requiring reflashing or repairing the device using a PC, why take the chance when you can just update the device manually and avoid the risks and having to jump through all the hoops?
Droidriven said:
Or you could just download the updated firmware on a PC and then manually update the device. Doing it that way does not require removing the SIM or changing any settings or resetting the device or using VPN. No need to jump through hoops for every update when you can just simply download the update manually and flash it on the device manually. Why complicate it if you don't have to? Besides, OTA updating is not as reliable as manually updating, OTA updates often screw devices up, requiring reflashing or repairing the device using a PC, why take the chance when you can just update the device manually and avoid the risks and having to jump through all the hoops?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point, but the last two updates are still is not online to download.
Hi OP, I found these instructions on Reddit which I used to get my Softbank Balmuda Phone updated in the UK. It is now running Android 12 and has the latest update. There is no fota update as described so skip that step.
"1 remove sim card 2 download proton vpn (it's free) 3 go to apps/all apps (show system apps)search for framework and clear data google services framework then go to google play services and clear all data as well then search for (fota update) and clear data 4 go to settings/system/ time& date and select manually time zone to tokyo 5 reboot device 6 open proton vpn and connect to japan server 6 go and check ota and BOOM you will get ota opdates It's pretty painful process but you have to do once in a while to get all security patches
FYI This trick works on every single japan carrier phones such as sharp aquos or sony or lg whatever phone came from japan Enjoy"
Credit trexx888 on Reddit
I updated my Softbank Balmuda Phone using the following steps in Thailand:
- Download OpenVPN (from PlayStore)
- Download Japan VPN (Plugin for OpenVPN) (from Playstore)
- Set Location = Off (Phone settings)
- Connect VPN
- Go to System and start downloading the update
During the update you can also disconnect the VPN for faster dowload.
That's it. No cache clearing or changing time zone.
romeokk said:
I updated my Softbank Balmuda Phone using the following steps in Thailand:
- Download OpenVPN (from PlayStore)
- Download Japan VPN (Plugin for OpenVPN) (from Playstore)
- Set Location = Off (Phone settings)
- Connect VPN
- Go to System and start downloading the update
During the update you can also disconnect the VPN for faster dowload.
That's it. No cache clearing or changing time zone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean it worked without a reset of the phone? I tried a million times in exactly this way and it never worked. Reset always necessary.
landsome said:
You mean it worked without a reset of the phone? I tried a million times in exactly this way and it never worked. Reset always necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got the phone last week and it came with 1200 firmware. When I turn on the phone for the first time, I signed in with my google account and did what I wrote earlier (no simcard inserted). I was able to get every consecutive updates till 1240 without having to hard reset my phone.
romeokk said:
I just got the phone last week and it came with 1200 firmware. When I turn on the phone for the first time, I signed in with my google account and did what I wrote earlier (no simcard inserted). I was able to get every consecutive updates till 1240 without having to hard reset my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that explains it: you did not install apps and accounts either, just clean install after clean install. Once you populate your phone, you'll have to reset to get the new updates.
First of all, thank you guys for the workarounds (for me tne one that Beardpunk had posted worked well).
Although it's a bit weird that the phone gets updates incremetally (mine first up to 1,200OP from the archaic version the phone came with a year ago, then to 1.210, at the very moment ver. 1.220 is being downloaded) instead of jumping to the latest one at once, but that's not an issue, the issue is that I can't see any option for an eSIM activation yet, though afaik Balmuda claimed to have added it since ver. 1.052 almost year ago.
Were you guys able to find eSIM activation option after the update?
Mine is A101BM (Softbank officially unlocked) if makes any difference.
Related
Today i woke up and noticed my HD7 was telling me that there is an update available. Anyone have any idea what update this is? I'm currently on OS Version: 7.0.7392. Zune tells me "Available Update: HTC Update for Windows Phone".
My HDy just gave me the notification. Ran to XDA to see if there was any information on this update. I am also running OS 7.0.7392.0
It's an HTC update, not sure what it addresses exactly. Took about twenty minutes start to finish and the only thing I've noticed so far is that message notifications aren't consistently showing up on the top of the screen. Sometimes, but not always.
Based on the news article on this update from pocketnow.com, it looks like the new update will:
- upgrade your firmware, radio, and bootloader versions.
- HTC Hidden WiFi app now works properly.
- camera fix (pinkish hue is now gone)
- GPS works better
Probably worth upgrading to. Too bad i'm on Mango.
I will hold of on this update for a while since my phone is Chevron unlocked so that i can use Navigon 3 that was opened up to us NA members by a great member here Kounadisk. If anyone uses this update and was Chevron unlocked can, you please post your results on if you are still unlocked or not? TIA...
Is this update US only? I have dev unlocked / unbranded HD7, and Zune shows nothing
PrinceVegeta978 said:
I will hold of on this update for a while since my phone is Chevron unlocked so that i can use Navigon 3 that was opened up to us NA members by a great member here Kounadisk. If anyone uses this update and was Chevron unlocked can, you please post your results on if you are still unlocked or not? TIA...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use "V1.6 Working App to Backup Windows Phone 7 via ZUNE ANY TIME" & make a back-up. Than go to C:\Users\"UserID"\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Phone Update\"DeviceID(Something like 7c335bc8...)" & copy it to a safe place. Than do the update. At least than you'll have a back-up just in case. I am officially dev unlocked & it remained so. All my registry hacks (Max Apps,Banding Bug Fix, Some Volume Registry Edits, Custom Accent Colors, etc.) seem to be okay too. HTC most likely just updated the camera drivers & a few other things. It didn't take long to download, so the update isn't that big. Wish they'd fix the volume issue on the HD7.
Snake. said:
Is this update US only? I have dev unlocked / unbranded HD7, and Zune shows nothing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I read, this is a T-Mobile USA update. Don't know if it's only USA though.
Another side note, it seems as though my screen's color is better after the update (I may just be seeing things).
Hello everyone,
Around the black friday weekend, I have purchased a LG G Flex 2 LSS996 on a ebay store. It was unlocked and worked as advertised on 5.1.1.
I could never install any android or firmware updates, which didn't bother me until I also got the throttling/ overheating problem. That's when I noticed that the phone actually is rooted. I wish to upgrade my Android now, which is why I am thinking of unrooting the phone. I thought of ROMs as well, but I haven't found any and I don't have the time and knowledge for ROMs or Xposed Framework.
I'm not sure why or how this phone was rooted, but I fear it has something to do with the carrier unlock since it is a LSS996 for Sprint. Because I want to use this phone outside of the US, the phone would be unusable for me in case the phone gets the carrier lock again if I unroot. Would this be the case?
I'd be happy about any reply! Thanks!
EDIT: still looking through this forum.
Just found this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/g-flex2/help/managed-to-gsm-ls996-awaited-apn-t3090484
Meaning that the seller probably did the same thing right? Will unrooting lock the phone again? I'm not sure what exactly what unrooting does to the phone in regards to these files. I would unroot via SuperSU
Some other things worth mentioning:
- The "hands-free activation" (not sure what it's called in English, I use the phone in German), which starts on every phone start up, never finishes properly. I can let it run through its 5 cycles or press activate, either way it fails.
- When I press "activate this device" in the system settings, a black screen with "self service" on top opens and the immediately closes.
- When I want to update PRL, profile or firmware in system settings -> software updates, I always get an authentication error.
Other than that and the throttling/ overheating issue, the phone works just fine.
I also have the same device. The phone is rooted because someone modified system files to unlock it. You can flash an unrooted system image for your software version and update the phone, and you wont lose carrier unlock. The things you have mentioned are normal for such a device, since it is not unlocked by Sprint.
Thanks for the reply!
How do you suggest flashing? I'm not finished researching, but so far flash fire looks like the most convenient option.
Hi all, after being screwed over by The Android Doctor, a remote network unlocking site (they messed with my IMEI leaving me unable to make/receive calls/texts or use mobile data), and pulling my hair out, trying how to get round their malicious behaviour without having to spend out more money, I stunbled across another thread on this web site with one out of many solutions. (This may well be the most full proof though). The original post referred to a Galaxy S3 and was posted by Nev of Innsbruck, Austria on 4 November 2015.
Well my problem referred to a Galaxy S5, but as Nev rightly said if you download and fire up Samsung Kies, head for tools and select firmware upgrade and initialisation before connecting your phone, Kies will ask for your model number and serial number and then download all the various files it needs to reset your phone to original factory conditions but with the latest firmware for that particular model/serial number. From there on it's just a question of following the on-screen prompts, and stand back in amazement when normality is restored once again. Initially I thought this would undo the network unlock I paid for, but nope my phone is still unlocked, but fully usuable once again. This will obviously not work for a black listed IMEI phone. I have started this new thread in the hope of getting this answer out there, as finding a actual solution that worked, was like looking for a needle in a hay stack...
Hello All,
So I have already smashed one of these phones against a wall; that is how frustrated I am right now. I got a couple of SG J3s (J337U), which are unlocked but unfortunately, cannot get them to work. The recognize my sim card and all, but as soon as they get data connectivity, knox enrollment service runs and mobile data gets deactivated, and calls are blocked ("Call not sent" error). I have not been able to find any way around this; it seems there is no way to root this device and there are not custom roms or twrp for this. I have tried to uninstall/disable all the apps that reference knox using adb, but so far, no luck. Someone mentioned there were able to use a magisk patched boot image to go around a similar issue, but when I created a patched image with magisk and try to flash using odin, I get a failure. I am hoping someone can help me figure this out before smash the others against something I bought these as presents for folks in my neighborhood and now I cannot return them as I had to toss the cases to make room while flying home. I appreciate any and all help I can get.
Thanks
IMurpheus said:
Hello All,
So I have already smashed one of these phones against a wall; that is how frustrated I am right now. I got a couple of SG J3s (J337U), which are unlocked but unfortunately, cannot get them to work. The recognize my sim card and all, but as soon as they get data connectivity, knox enrollment service runs and mobile data gets deactivated, and calls are blocked ("Call not sent" error). I have not been able to find any way around this; it seems there is no way to root this device and there are not custom roms or twrp for this. I have tried to uninstall/disable all the apps that reference knox using adb, but so far, no luck. Someone mentioned there were able to use a magisk patched boot image to go around a similar issue, but when I created a patched image with magisk and try to flash using odin, I get a failure. I am hoping someone can help me figure this out before smash the others against something I bought these as presents for folks in my neighborhood and now I cannot return them as I had to toss the cases to make room while flying home. I appreciate any and all help I can get.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
carriers are getting sneakier about ways to get their phones locked and many have resorted to firmware that only allows calls over a specific set of conditions. TextNow wireless is one that comes to mind. They use the handset as an EMTA basically and the calls are all completed via VOIP to the switch. Thats hard enough to deal with let alone if they also implement use of a VPN to go with it. i say this assuming that youre trying to use the phone on a network it wasnt sold at the store originally for, correct?
I'm having the same issue with this a10e running and.10. i can't activate mobile data it says security policy won't allow mobile data connection. I have beat my head against the wall trying all these fixes for hours now. I could really use some help please.
I have a Galaxy SM-J337U (J3 2018) and its doing the same. Sees SIM and carrier, but will not make a call, receive a call, send or receive a text. Wondering if someone solved this
Hi,
I got "new" phone, model as per title. It appeared it's been previously rooted and has Magisk installed. Poor creature selling this to me has no idea about those things and he got it like that from his friend in different country.
As this is replacement of my personal phone, after I sunk S9+ and decided to break up with "S", I have not much eagerness to experiment.
Current firmware (as what phone shows) is V30c-KOR-XX seems based on Android 11.
I'd leave as it is but... Google Pay doesn't like the fact phone is rooted. I have no issue with that phone is rooted but with that I can't use Google Pay.
Additionally, despite setting EN-US as language I see lots of Chinese or Korean or Japanese "letters" here and there - not causing any more issues than esthetic. I'd prefer to not have it so probably to load phone with some different firmware. Would be lovely if that could actually have "Polish" (as I am).
Also, I tried to get to "recovery" and phone does not react to Power+Vol Up - please correct me if that's not the right combination. When I used Magisk to reboot into Recovery then I see "No command" message...
Magisk is current - 24.1 and same "app".
So my options would be:
- fixing what is currently (ignore not having Polish on it) and making GPay works
- loading some factory firmware and unrooting it
- loading something different which would also allow to make GPay to work
I'm not complete noob, and got years of Linux exp as this is my only OS I work on. Also I was playing with rooting, firmwares and kernels but that was age of Samsung S2 and S4 when I did it last time, therefore I know many things changed and some might be easier some harder to do. Additionally, this is my first LG as somehow I always had "S's".
What I'd like to ask community here is to help me determine exact (versions, links) software I possibly could use and provide some guidance on how to do this "these days".
So to make things easier, I will ask questions:
1. What firmware should I load and how (preferably using Linux)?
2. How to fix (if necessary) "missing" recovery ?
3. How to make GPay running if suggested firmware is not factory one?
To be clear, I don't mind using current firmware loaded on phone if I can make things work. Less work is better for me as I can't be left without phone for longer than a day.