ESN curiousity.. - Mogul, XV6800 ROM Development

Say I lose my phone, and I pick up another Mogul online or something, could I edit my old ESN into the new phone through ##778# ?
This is something I've been wondering about for years, but never knew how to access that menu on other phones..
-mak

you won't be able to do it via ##778# it will require another software and edit the $ESN.SYS file and all of that is illegal to do

You can always just call your carrier and activate it... I did that many times with Sprint for free, I have 12 Palm Treo 600's I rotate through as disposable phones.

I realize they'll do it for free, and illegal doesn't bother me.. I just wanted to know if it could be done.
On another note; why would it be illegal, if I owned the original phone and the new phone? I could see the carrier looking down upon it, but I'm sure they wouldn't be happy knowing I'm running a Sprint ROM on my Qwest phone either.. or that I'm able to access the previously locked out GPS chip.. but why is it illegal?
-mak

.mak said:
.. but why is it illegal?
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Click to collapse
Because the FCC says so (in the US).
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=operations_3&id=cellular
Fraud
Cellular fraud is defined as the unauthorized use, tampering, or manipulation of a cellular phone or service. Cellular industry estimates indicate that carriers lose millions per year to cellular fraud, with the principal cause being subscription fraud. Subscriber fraud occurs when a subscriber signs up for service with fraudulently obtained customer information or false identification.
In the past, cloning of cellular phones was a major concern. A cloned cellular telephone is one that has been reprogrammed to transmit the electronic serial number (ESN) and telephone number (MIN) belonging to another (legitimate) cellular telephone. Unscrupulous persons obtain valid ESN/MIN combinations by illegally monitoring the transmissions from the cellular telephones of legitimate subscribers. Each cellular telephone is supposed to have a unique factory-set ESN. After cloning, however, because both cellular telephones have the same ESN/MIN combination, cellular systems cannot distinguish the cloned cellular telephone from the legitimate one.
The Commission considers any knowing use of cellular telephone with an altered ESN to be a violation of the Communications Act (Section 301) and alteration of the ESN in a cellular telephone to be assisting in such violation. The Wireless Telephone Protection Act (Public Law 105-172) was signed into law on April 24, 1998, expanding the prior law to criminalize the use, possession, manufacture or sale of cloning hardware or software. The cellular equipment manufacturing industry has deployed authentication systems that have proven to be a very effective countermeasure to cloning. Authentication supplements the use of the ESN and MIN with a changing encrypted code that can not be obtained by off-the-air monitoring.
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http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=operations_5&id=cellular
Multiple Phones With Same Number
A subscriber may have multiple phones with the same telephone number. However, there are restrictions. Each individual phone must have a unique Electronic Serial Number (ESN). The ESN is a unique number programmed into each cellular telephone at the time it is manufactured and is used by the cellular carrier to identify a telephone to determine whether the user of that phone is entitled to obtain service and to insure that the proper accounting is made of all activity. Most cellular phone emulators or extension services simply "clone" cellular phones, duplicating not only the telephone number but also the ESN. The Commission considers any knowing use of cellular telephone with an altered ESN to be a violation of the Communications Act (Section 301) and alteration of the ESN in a cellular telephone to be assisting in such violation.
It is possible to obtain two cellular phones with the same telephone number as long as the cellular carrier in the market has the software in place to handle the billing and its fraud detection system won't be triggered by the use of two phones with the same phone number.
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Short answer to your question without the legal BS people like to answer, no, it's currently impossible to alter the ESN on the msm7500 chip, however we are working on it.

Can you say QXDM ?
Shadowmite said:
Short answer to your question without the legal BS people like to answer, no, it's currently impossible to alter the ESN on the msm7500 chip, however we are working on it.
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Qualcomm Extensible Diagnostic Monitor, really not sure why they chose that name because it does a lot more than monitor. I was a Qualcomm wmployee and still have QXDM and new chipset support, is pretty cool.

On my Sprint account I can do an online ESN swap. I'm seriously considering getting a second phone for times I need something more reliable than my Mogul.

madman34 said:
Qualcomm Extensible Diagnostic Monitor, really not sure why they chose that name because it does a lot more than monitor. I was a Qualcomm wmployee and still have QXDM and new chipset support, is pretty cool.
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QXDM can not alter the esn, go ahead and try. Hell, I'd like to see you extract the 16 byte rotating key needed to authenticate to it considering you seem to indicate you're so "capable"... What's the algo this time around, considering it's been changed from the other devices we had this reversed for?

After posting last time in this thread, I remembered that ESN stood for Electronic Serial Number.. but thanks for the replies.
Soooo.. my next question is; How is it that one can use a (for example..) Sprint Mogul on Verizon or Qwest.. realizing that the phones are basically identical, unlocking them leaves the ability to put another carriers proprietary software on the phone, but isn't the ESN tied to that specific carrier? (e.g; a Sprint Mogul's ESN is tied to Sprint, and could not be used with Verizon for this very reason..).
Looking forward to your replies
-mak

ESN range
.mak said:
After posting last time in this thread, I remembered that ESN stood for Electronic Serial Number.. but thanks for the replies.
Soooo.. my next question is; How is it that one can use a (for example..) Sprint Mogul on Verizon or Qwest.. realizing that the phones are basically identical, unlocking them leaves the ability to put another carriers proprietary software on the phone, but isn't the ESN tied to that specific carrier? (e.g; a Sprint Mogul's ESN is tied to Sprint, and could not be used with Verizon for this very reason..).
Looking forward to your replies
-mak
Click to expand...
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You are correct, the units are electrically the same and any could be used on any carrier, except for the non CDMA that is, but the barrier is that the carriers as of the last time I looked know by the ESN that it is not one of theirs and probably will not activate it, maybe now will but did not used to. It is a company/carrier rule as opposed to a technical barrier.

Well perhaps, I have not done the 6800
Shadowmite said:
QXDM can not alter the esn, go ahead and try. Hell, I'd like to see you extract the 16 byte rotating key needed to authenticate to it considering you seem to indicate you're so "capable"... What's the algo this time around, considering it's been changed from the other devices we had this reversed for?
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Click to collapse
Anyway, if you have the latest QXDM and it will not, then I must yield, but my Sanyo units from a few years ago, obviously older chipset, with the QXDM I shuffled routinely the ESN. I went fron one model to the next serveral times, last one being the 5500 phone on Sprint and changed the ESN to that of my older Sanyo. As I recall, there was a 16 byte key that you entered to unlock the protected storage and then it would let you enter a replacement ESN into the field, and I suppose it (the tool) generated everything else. The 16 byte key for each chipset was retreived from our internal web page on the corperate intranet and it always worked. If that has changed and newer versions of the QXDM no longer support this function then what a drag it is. I have had no real need to do it for serveral years so I could not say, but I do not see why it should have changed, but maybe so, in any case i see no need to get nasty about it. I was simply relating past experience.

http://www.mobile-files.com/forum/showpost.php?p=355427&postcount=73
Just got that tonight... It appears you are correct qxdm could do it, once some other variables are ready. Wasn't trying to be nasty about it, I've been working on this for 2 weeks on and off now.

Loaded up QXDM and looked around
Shadowmite said:
http://www.mobile-files.com/forum/showpost.php?p=355427&postcount=73
Just got that tonight... It appears you are correct qxdm could do it, once some other variables are ready. Wasn't trying to be nasty about it, I've been working on this for 2 weeks on and off now.
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Wowsers, what a trip down amnesia lane for me tonight, as you got me curious so I went and got the new QXDM and it is amazing how much different it looks than the version I remember useing on my old Sanyo. I found that the NV browser is still there and still has the 'write' button when you highlight the esn field and hit read the correct esn does appear. I will, however, leave pushing the shiney 'write' button to you, as my 6800 works gooooooood and I want it to stay that way ;-) hehehhehe. Hey I just this second got a flash,,,,,,,I have my 6700 still from when I ported over from Sprint. I should maybe mess with that one because I do not use it anymore and have religated it to the dumper anyway. Should I give it a whack ???????
P.S. On a side note, Sarchasm (for humor sake) I have not got the hang of it in text mode,,,,,,,by 'Nasty' , I meant like in wink wink nudge nudge ha ha sort of ;-)
P.P.S. Did you know that the Nortel MTX (Sprint, VZW, Alltel use) is capeable of having multiple phones (different esn's or course) with the same phone number if they want ? The switch techs at Alltel market where I work at sometimes have their belt clip phones, their tech pool phone, and 3 of the hi power bag phones (out in the sticks of kansas) all on the same number. They all ring at the same time and the first to answer gets the call. I do not remember the table you datafill, but it is interesting, and would be nice if they would let us use our number on our 6800 and a backup phone also, in case we kill it ;-)

You can alter the ESN using software, there are specific softwares that will allow you to do this. But you first have to put your phone in diag mode.
Ive done this to my sprint mogul, after flashing my esn went to all 0's for whatever reason, so i had to find a way to rewrite my esn to get it to be recognized by sprint.
So yes it is possible to change your esn. Illegal for the cloning issues but possible and quite doable.

uperCID and Change E*N of Mogul may also work for Touch / Vogue (But it sayd Invalid Command Boot Loader may not supporting in Touch)
http://www.mobile-files.com/forum/showpost.php?p=355534&postcount=82
Just have a look
any software which uses nv_write method for ESN can change ESN
I have used CDMAWorkShop 2.7 cracked

madman34: that write button won't work in normal mode, it'll throw a error about esn being read only... that's what we had to work around.

Yep you are right
Shadowmite said:
madman34: that write button won't work in normal mode, it'll throw a error about esn being read only... that's what we had to work around.
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But I did mess with my old 6700 and even with the QPST I was able to change the ESN and figured the checksum and put in VZW PRL then a *228 and now my 6700 is my 6800, but will only be used as a safety in case i brick my 6800. I feel better being able to have somthing to use while I play with my 6800.

Thanks a million time to Shadomite
He had Cracked and changed the ESN
I have POsted the Simplified Method Just have a look
http://www.mobile-files.com/forum/showpost.php?p=355534&postcount=82

Is there a relatively simple step by step method to do this ESN thing with the PPC 6700 on sprint?
I already have a working PPC 6700 I have TWO MORE but they are "bad esn"
I want to use them as backups for mine. If mine fails gets broken whatever I can just use one of the backups (I really like this phone)
No cloning or any nefarious purpose. Just want to use the hardware I bought. The bad ESN phones are sprint 6700's

Related

Sprint PPC 6800 switch to Verizon.

Ok... I bought a sprint phone off of a fellow Forum person... not naming... LOL... and now have it reprogrammed. First... I got it set to the latest sprint rom / radio / bootloader just to verify operation. Then, I reflashed it all to the latest Verizon stuff, to include loading the PRL 51020 so that when I dial *228 it actually says Verizon wireless.
Here's the dilemna, First... the CS rep said that it wasn't possible to get a Sprint phone on Verizon. I told her otherwise from my knowledge online. She got Tech Support on the line. I told him the exact things I did... reprogramming the phone and all. He said that's fine, but in order to get it on Verizon's network... meaning clear the ESN and EMIE... I would have to send it off and they would clean the phone and get it on their network.
From anybodies experience... Is this true? Or am I missing something.
nitro66215 said:
Ok... I bought a sprint phone off of a fellow Forum person... not naming... LOL... and now have it reprogrammed. First... I got it set to the latest sprint rom / radio / bootloader just to verify operation. Then, I reflashed it all to the latest Verizon stuff, to include loading the PRL 51020 so that when I dial *228 it actually says Verizon wireless.
Here's the dilemna, First... the CS rep said that it wasn't possible to get a Sprint phone on Verizon. I told her otherwise from my knowledge online. She got Tech Support on the line. I told him the exact things I did... reprogramming the phone and all. He said that's fine, but in order to get it on Verizon's network... meaning clear the ESN and EMIE... I would have to send it off and they would clean the phone and get it on their network.
From anybodies experience... Is this true? Or am I missing something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the ESN is bad then no one will allow it on their network but I would assume that you should be able to tell the support people that you want to change phones and give them the new ESN and they should just put it in there system, then you will be able to dial *228. There are also phone repair places that also have access to do the switch as well. I did a phone on Cricket that way.
jambrose said:
If the ESN is bad then no one will allow it on their network but I would assume that you should be able to tell the support people that you want to change phones and give them the new ESN and they should just put it in there system, then you will be able to dial *228. There are also phone repair places that also have access to do the switch as well. I did a phone on Cricket that way.
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That was tried already. Because the ESN isn't from a Verizon phone, the system rejected the phone. That's why the tech support guy said to bring the phone in and have them send it away to make sure it's good for the network.
Do it yourself
You can manage your account online and enter the ESN yourself. The actually have an option for phones sourced other than Verizon.
I have never tried it, but it removes the useless support people from the mix.
MM
I love cut and paste.
Yes it can be done. i have an alltel ppc6800 on vzw. the easiest way to do it is from the vzw website esn switch or activate equipment. There are some other steps you have to take to get the software loaded, not the stock rom. Then you will have to call vzw and have them reset your DMU key. Thats key to getting data to work.... start here:
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=20090
or send you phone in:
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=24855
Oh and you'll have to change the SPC code since it's a sprint phone. need to get that to a 000000, again the first post will help with that.
If you have questions send me a PM.
-1
I tried to add ALLTEL PPC6800, Wasted 2 Days
Unfortunately, I had the exact opposite experience as the previous poster. I got a brand new ALLTEL PPC 6800 off Ebay. Did the flashing and the preparation and the phone was ready for VZW. Started off with call to regular support 1800-924-0204 to get the ball rolling. I knew they would be worthless but you need start somewhere. The gentleman tried to load it, said it came back as a NON VZW ESN and nothing he could do. I then asked , and got, Tier 3 Support. I told the gentleman the situation. He stated, " I have tried before and gotten nowhere.But I will try again" He tried and he got exactly where he stated, nowhere. He said he did not have the ability and asked his superiors and they did not have the ability. This subject was bounced around the support / switch room for about an hour.
Finally everyone gave up and said I could try submitting it for the Non VZW Equipment program (discussed in several threads here and elsewhere) or I could try going to a corporate store so the Manager could see the phone and then maybe he could call and get the phone added. The main problem they stated (I heard this several places BTW) is that the ALLTEL PPC6800 is not approved as a DATA device from ALLTEL. They have a list and Memo that states what ALLTEL devices are approved and that they can add to the system and the PPC6800 is not approved. It is not just omitted, it states the PPC6800 is not approved for use on VZW.
Here is the deal, I can only assume that it can be done as others state they have done it. Like many things when dealing with Wireless, what one person gets done out of the norm does certainly not guarantee you will. I have over 20 years in the Wireless industry and no how to talk to these people. I also consider myself a fairly adept "social engineer"/ I could NOT get it done. Maybe a few people got lucky and got in touch with people who could, and did, add an ESN into the System. I could not find that person. PERIOD
Now, this will really make some action. I finally got a the Product Manager who tried and tried, calling his "buds" up and asking around. He actually found a Memo that said if a customer was to bring an ALLTEL DATA device in to activate a New acct, they were to take it in and swap out for a new phone of equal value. He said after all the crap and time I had spent, and patience I had shown dealing with him, "come on in and Ill swap you out a XV6800"
Needless to say the car was moving before he hung up the phone. And he did exactly what he stated, gave me a brand new XV6800 in the box, and I handed him a used out of the box ALLTEL PPC6800 without battery, stylus, charger or battery door. Yes I lucked out.
Now can you pull that off? Doubtful. First off, even if the memo can be found, it clearly states for a NEW ACTIVATION, I found a flat out cool guy, and luckily a cool guy with authority. The whole time this transpired the front end person was going "I don't believe this, I don't know how he is going to get away with this, Man you sure are lucky" and then he had to make about 5-6 trips back to the rear for computer over rides and help. At one point in time the Store manager had to come give an over ride and I over heard him say, Hey that's his deal, if xxxx wants to do it, let him do so, he is the tech manager. not my problem!"
Sorry for the dissertation. But I felt it only fair to give you a detailed story on how it can NOT happen, i.e adding the ALLTEL ESN to VZWs DMD (Device Management Database) which is the obstacle to the whole thing.
I wish you well.
EDIT: Yes I posted this same story in another FORUM in response to someone asking the same question. I figured it applies here and I should spread the knowedge. Like I said, it evidently can be done., But I know how these things can go. I hate to see someone read about this in a forum and spend a whole lot of time thinking "Hey, a few attempts and I'll get the right guy" I made MORE then a few attempts. It is not like getting an activation fee waived "Just keep calling until you get the right rep and they'll take it off" This is more like calling the White House and telling them you have a quick question for the President. LOL
I don't want to flame but, It is doubtful the previous poster has twenty years of mobile phone experience, although it's not impossible. If you do some leg work and use the same tools that are provided to everyone it can be done.
If you absolutely want to talk to a real live person about activating your non-VZW phone on the VZW network then know some facts. At the beginning of the year VZW announced the Any Device, Any App as part of their "open network" initiative. This allows some devices to be activated on their network after an evaluation, and although it is not 100% in place, and you can be damn sure about 1% of VZW employees know about it, you can fill out a form take your phone to a VZW store and have them ship it out. That I have heard of, only 1 out of about 50ish have been denied. I have attached the PDF to this post.
If you want to do it yourself, and or don't want to wait 1-3 weeks here are the basic steps *READ ALL THE STEPS BEFORE YOU START*:
1. Since it's a sprint phone you need to break the SPC/MSL code and set it to all zeros. This will allow the phone to be programmed when you dial *228, if you skip this step it will fail.
2. Next you will need to load the DCD ROM, Radio, bootloader and carrier cab.
3. Load the PRL onto your phone.
4. Update your MIP Profile and MIP Default Profile (##778)
MIP Profile
Number of profiles: 6
Active user profile index: 0
MIP_MODE: Mobile IP Prefered
MIP Reg Retries: 2
MIP Reg Retry: 1750 ms
MIP Pre-Reg Timeout: 0
Mobile Node-HA: Enable
Send A Reg: Disable
Dormant Handoff Opt: Enable
MIP Default Profile
Enable Profile: Enable
NAI: [email protected] ([email protected])
DUN NAI: (if entry is there enter [email protected] so you can tether without a tethering package or [email protected] if you want paid tethering))
MN HA SPI Set: Enable
MN HA SPI Value: 12C
MN AAA SPI Set: Enable
MN AAA SPI Value: 0 (requires a "2" here for 6800 and 6900)
Reverse Tunneling: Enable
Home Address: 0.0.0.0
HA Shared Secret: (erase whatever entry is here leave blank)
AAA Shared Secret: (erase whatever entry is here leave blank)
Primary HA Address: 255.255.255.255
Secondary HA Address: 255.255.255.255
DMU Pub Key: 10
MN Authenticator: 0
5. Upload the public DMU Key (10.zip). This step never works for me but I do it anyway. I always end up having to call and have them reset my DMU key manually. If you get the right person they can do it over the phone while you wait. Data will not work if you skip this step.
6. Last goto the VZW website and activate your new equipment. Once that is complete *228 option 1 to program your phone. And test.
This post http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=20090 has more details on what tools to use.
Again questions send me a PM.
-1
But the ESN isn't allowed via the website. That's the main issue.
What error does it give you?
acidone said:
What error does it give you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Your request failed. You may have entered the ESN/MEID incorrectly. Please re-enter and try again."
Basically the same thing the CSR told me.
Mmm did you enter the HEX or the DEC ESN. I had that error when I entered the DEC but the HEX would go through. If the HEX still doesn't work you could try A000000 (Six 0's) followed by the HEX ESN
EX: A00000012A3B45
-1
acidone said:
Mmm did you enter the HEX or the DEC ESN. I had that error when I entered the DEC but the HEX would go through. If the HEX still doesn't work you could try A000000 (Six 0's) followed by the HEX ESN
EX: A00000012A3B45
-1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't allow for the whole Hex ESN if you put 6 0's
Edit: if I leave the last digit off... and use A followed by 6 0's... I get this "The phone associated with the ESN/MEID you entered cannot be activated. Please contact Customer Service at 800-922-0204 for assistance."
Bummer. Sounds like your sending it in then. grab the PDF off my previous post and take to the store and send it out. Let us know how it goes.
acidone said:
Bummer. Sounds like your sending it in then. grab the PDF off my previous post and take to the store and send it out. Let us know how it goes.
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Click to collapse
Problem now is that I can't seem to load the "STOCK" Verizon rom. The one with Radio 1.30.00 keeps coming up with "No Radio" I even tried going back to Olipro 1.2 to see if it was a compatibility issue with the bootloader
Not sure on that one. Never loaded any stock roms.
Just want it to be stock when I send it back... If I can't get a "Tech" To add the ESN over the phone.
Edit: After a few trials... I have actually been able to get the Sprint phone to be like a stock verizon phone. Radio : 1.30.60 ROM : 2.09 and SPL 1.04.0000
Ok... come to find out... the reason Verizon can't activate this phone is that an Insurance claim was done on it. This means the ESN is "blacklisted" and assurian needs to get the phone back. Now, even though I spoke with Assurian, they are saying there is nothing they can do. However, Sprint.... through the normal CSR's, checked the ESN, I said nothing about insurance, and Sprint was ready to activate it on their network.
I hate to ask this.... but does anybody have a valid... non-blacklisted XV6800 ESN that can be activated on Verizon's network? The ones I would want are ones from phones that have not been insurance claimed.... and are just software bricked and somebody just upgraded phones. PM me if you could help me out.
And yes... if I can verify the ESN via Verizon... I will buy the bricked phone... just to be halfway legal
anyone....
Why do you need a PPC ESN? I put one on from an old motorola pink razr (v3m) that was originally a verizon phone. I had the same problem. Insurance claim had same deductable whether it was broken or lost. So I just reported it lost and asurion blacklisted it. Back working again now though.

is anyone currently using sprint TP on the VZW network

I know there are a lot of threads and tutorials on how to do this, but my question is who is currently using a Sprint Touch pro with verizon and how are you doing it? I read that verizon blocked the way that everyone used to do it with *228 option 3, and I wanted to know if there was an alternate way of doing it before I go and buy one.
I am right now, got mine in while the loophole was still open. There is a way to have the esn added by calling cust service but it may take numerous calls to find someone who knows how to add the esn into the system. I am thinking of selling mine. I wonder if it has been on the account once if it will be able to be activated like normal since it was in the system once? I may toy with this and reactivate my vogue then try to reactivate my tp. Might be a plus for a selling point if i can...
No it wont reactivate, if you used the loophole and switch devices it will not reactivate.
Trust me I did this and had to do an ESN repair to get it working again.
I have been looking at the specs for the alltel TP and it seems that they are really similar to Sprints, and if it is known that a sprint TP will not work with verizon anymore i will just get the Alltel one. since verizon bought them it should be easier to add the Alltel one than the sprint one, they might not like it and try saying they can't but I am sure I can get them to do it. thanks for all your help.
RE: Alltel TP on VZW
No Dice on the Alltel Touch Pro on the VZW network! At least for me.
I think the sprint touch pro will work on vzw. The main thing is to setup the phone first and then some how get them to add the esn. That is what i had to do to get alltel to add my sprint touch pro.
you just need to quote the CSA to them that states that you can use any CDMA compatable phone here is the quote from their CSA "Your wireless phone is any device you use to receive our wireless voice or data service. It must comply with Federal Communications Commission regulations and be compatible with our network and your Plan. Whether you buy your wireless phone from us or someone else is entirely your choice. At times we may change your wireless phone's software, applications or programming remotely and without notice. This could affect data you've stored on, the way you've programmed or the way you use your wireless phone. If you purchased a wireless phone (other than a "global phone") from Verizon Wireless for use with a plan with a minimum term and want to reprogram your phone for use with another wireless carrier network, the default service programming code is set to "000000" or "123456." Verizon Wireless in no way guarantees that your Verizon Wireless phone will be capable of being reprogrammed for use with another wireless carrier network after the service programming code is entered, or that another wireless carrier will accept your device for use on its network" this is the post that I found. http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=75164&page=2
I work for verizon and they have this 'come one come all' but it only depends on the person you get as a CSR. There is a request form where you can fill out the phone make, model, and ESN and email/fax it into the people that actually do it for you. I've performed the request without fail. If I can remember to get the request form, I'll post it here as soon as I can.
if you know how to get the esn added, i would love to find out. i went round and round with verizon customer service, sales, tech support and store reps about trying to get a sprint mogul setup for my girlfriend. everyone kept telling me it couldnt be done or they dont do that. found the entry in their websites faq that states they do before anyone would listen to me. was finally told i had to send the phone to their development evaluation center before they could activate it, and that it would take three weeks! so if you have an easier way, please, enlighten me! ps..didnt mean to jack the thread
coppertop24 said:
if you know how to get the esn added, i would love to find out. i went round and round with verizon customer service, sales, tech support and store reps about trying to get a sprint mogul setup for my girlfriend. everyone kept telling me it couldnt be done or they dont do that. found the entry in their websites faq that states they do before anyone would listen to me. was finally told i had to send the phone to their development evaluation center before they could activate it, and that it would take three weeks! so if you have an easier way, please, enlighten me! ps..didnt mean to jack the thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all they will do is change the settings to be compatible with their network, nothing that you can't do yourself. here is some info about how to do it yourself.
derynhaze said:
I work for verizon and they have this 'come one come all' but it only depends on the person you get as a CSR. There is a request form where you can fill out the phone make, model, and ESN and email/fax it into the people that actually do it for you. I've performed the request without fail. If I can remember to get the request form, I'll post it here as soon as I can.
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Click to collapse
that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
can someone add my esn or point me in right direction?
please i have had this phone for weeks and havent got any where

[Q] Way to change/hide my phone's IMEI or non-smart phone browsing??

So i've just signed up for a cell phone plan, they said is unlimited social networking browsing, didn't look at the fine print and they said is just for non-smart phone only...
I talked to their technical support and it looks like they check the phone's IMEI to determine what phone/model i am running... so i'm wondering if there is a way i could either change/hide my IMEI so that i can browse facebook and twitter with my current plan.
I asked the technical support what's the different between a regular phone browsing and a smart phone browsing, they said it has to do with the data compression and such... if that's the case, is there an app out there that i could use to simulate non-smart phone browser?
Changing your IMEI is illegal. It's your mobile's ID. International ID. Stolen mobiles have a 00000 etc IMEI, for instance. Some phones when wiped lose their IMEI. You can change it, but you could get in trouble. It's also very hard. Normally, only certain operator shops can reflash your phone and RESTORE your IMEI. I know this since I had an issue with that. 0'ed IMEI due to reset.
If they check your IMEI I don't think any app will solve that. But I'm not the best person to point you in the right direction.
Hum... i also have my old Samsung F488, if is possible i could use that one's IMEI, since i own both phone.
You'd be passing one phone as another. As a rule, tampering with your IMEI is illegal and operators only rarely restore it, if you have documentation proving the phone is yours. They don't change it.
When a phone is stolen, the IMEI is wiped so it can't be traced. That's why they won't change it nor restore it just like that... I doubt you'll have any luck asking for IMEI transfer...
sucks... ok thanks
You can try... I just wouldn't expect it to work. My experience comes from Portuguese operators, but it's probably the same all around.
From what i read, is legal to change it in North America. Is just lame that i'm paying for 50$ plan, but can't do zero browsing with this ****. I think i will have to roll back to some 30$ plan and only do text messaging with my smart phone lol..
Well, then you could try. Good luck then!
Yea, well the question remain, how. LOL
At least here, you need specialized shops, not all operator shops can do that, ask the nearest where your phone can be flashed to change the IMEI
codenamezero said:
From what i read, is legal to change it in North America. Is just lame that i'm paying for 50$ plan, but can't do zero browsing with this ****. I think i will have to roll back to some 30$ plan and only do text messaging with my smart phone lol..
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Disclaimer: I'm not from the U.S. so I might be wrong.
After some reading, there's no law in the U.S. that even talks about IMEIs, so technically it is legal to change it, however, since most if not all carriers changer certain things based on your IMEI I think that changing your IMEI would effectively violate your service contract (if they found out), so instead of trying to change your IMEI I'd go to your carrier and ask for an unlimited smartphone plan.
codenamezero said:
is there an app out there that i could use to simulate non-smart phone browser
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The problem here is not the app, it's the internet protocols that are used by different types of cellphones, see, dumb-phones use WAP as the internet protocol, whereas smartphones use plain HTTP.
Boy, I am sick of ignorant goofballs spewing 'It's illegal' with no facts whatsoever to back their opinion up.
IF IT IS ILLEGAL, TELL ME WHAT LAW IT VIOLATES OR SHUT UP!
Seriously, this is a valid question that goes to a host of privacy and fair use issues, and I cannot believe that no one has any facts to share. I could give a hoot less if you think that just because it is a serial number it is somehow forbidden by God that you should mess with it. Personally, I would love to have a smartphone without having to pay for wireless data. The country would be up in arms if the cable company decided to charge you extra because your TV is capable of receiving HD signal, so why are we such sheep that we all pony up for data plans we don't really need? Nearly everywhere I go with my phone, even in a rural state, has WiFi. I need a data plan like I need silk boxers.
OwenW71 said:
Boy, I am sick of ignorant goofballs spewing 'It's illegal' with no facts whatsoever to back their opinion up.
IF IT IS ILLEGAL, TELL ME WHAT LAW IT VIOLATES OR SHUT UP!
Seriously, this is a valid question that goes to a host of privacy and fair use issues, and I cannot believe that no one has any facts to share. I could give a hoot less if you think that just because it is a serial number it is somehow forbidden by God that you should mess with it. Personally, I would love to have a smartphone without having to pay for wireless data. The country would be up in arms if the cable company decided to charge you extra because your TV is capable of receiving HD signal, so why are we such sheep that we all pony up for data plans we don't really need? Nearly everywhere I go with my phone, even in a rural state, has WiFi. I need a data plan like I need silk boxers.
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Two things:
1) Since nobody's been anything but a nice person trying to help I think your reaction is way out of line, no need to YELL or BOLD your opinion in order to be heard.
2) If you had taken a moment to read the entire post you would've read this:
Akath19 said:
After some reading, there's no law in the U.S. that even talks about IMEIs, so technically it is legal to change it, however, since most if not all carriers change certain things based on your IMEI I think that changing your IMEI would effectively violate your service contract (if they found out), so instead of trying to change your IMEI I'd go to your carrier and ask for an unlimited smartphone plan.
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So that answers your question in a very civil and decent way, but since you might not get it that way, here's the answer in your own style:
THERE IS NO F-ING LAW THAT EVEN TALKS ABOUT IMEI, SO NO LAW = LEGAL
I was just stating an opinion regarding the fact that changing your IMEI is kinda immoral considering that that practice is done mostly on stolen phones in order to use them on any network after they've been reported.
So to put it plainly there is no law that forbids it and it'd be nice if you read posts before attacking the posters.
While I agree that yelling is normally in bad taste, I feel strongly that someone needs to be yelling about this. In every forum I go to, every time this question is asked we get flooded with meaningless opinions, nearly every one of them saying that even thinking it is illegal. Rubbish. Up until very recently, IMEI numbers stood a good chance of not even being unique, and even now many may not be, since phone manufacturers are assigned blocks of numbers, and it is up to them to govern the assignment of the IMEI to the hardware.
As it stands, GSM operators in the US are using your IMEI number to make sure you are being charged for a data plan if you use a smartphone, even if you don't want a data plan.
I, for one, would like my provider to think I'm using a RAZR or any other dumbphone, and the only way to do it is to spoof my IMEI. I don't believe it is illegal to do so, although my provider would surely be peeved. iPhone users can do this with a bit of software.
Here is what I'd like to see from this conversaation:
1. Establish conclusively that IMEI changes are legal.
2. Discuss methods by which a new IMEI could be entered in software.
3. Avoid discussing how the carriers may feel about it. We already rooted, right?
Again, I apologize for ruffling feathers by shouting. I hope the message came across to those with opinions but no facts. This is a legitimate question of fair-use, and I'd love to hear from someone who has facts regarding the legality of this idea. Even better, I'd welcome a way to actually accomplish the change.
Thank you for your answer, I honestly thought that you were just flaming for flaming's sake.
Sadly there's not much info anywhere besides a lawyer's office, after some serious digging, most people seem to think that changing an IMEI in the US is a Class C felony, however no one knows exactly where is that law written.
I'd also advise you on asking these kinds of things in the forum 'cause I know people have been banned for asking these kinds of things. I know that's stupid but some mods in the forum think that just asking a question about something illegal in certain countries constitutes a felony in an of itself.
So, to sum things up:
1) Apparently it's illegal to change your IMEI, but I'd consult with a lawyer to know exactly where is that written.
2) People in general think that just talking about illegal activities is a felony so I'd expect much hate towards you for asking.
3) IMEI's in smartphones are not software based, meaning if you want to change it you'd need to isolate the chip on which they're located and change it with dongles and flasher tools (not software)
Sorry that I can't say anymore but I'm not from the US so that's all the info I can gather.
I do know in the uk it is a arrestable offense to change a phones imei no., dont know about anywere else.
I found a seller on eBay that changed my IMEI for $50. I bet he can give you any IMEI you want. He claims to change the mother board with that of a different IMEI but im sure he is just using the flash tools I read about wile doing google searches. The flash tools are physical items that connect into the phones usb port and or directly to the chip on the motherboard. They cost about $500. There are also ways to do it via software on some phones especially androids but there is more risk involved for the do it your selfer.
I am such a do it your selfer and after reading about it for 12 hours I decided that id have to read about it for 3 more before I felt comfortable and even then the risk of bricking was greater then having the pros do it for me. This high risk level is why you dont see much talk of the processes in the forums online. The pros know its best to use the hardware so they buy it and protect the process by not disclosing it online. The talk of its process that I did find on line involves so many abbreviations and new terms that I was heavily burdened with not understanding.
The bottom line is unless you plan on doing it for an income its not worth learning how to do.
Now back to the original question. Will the internet work on a smart phone if you change the IMEI to that of a none smart phone? Will you be stuck using the carriers dumbed down WAP internet or have no internet at all? Maybe you could run some sort of dumb phone simulator to gain access to a dumb phones web browser program?
For those of you that want to rag on me for reviving an old thread. Know that many people like my self searching google for knowledge end up here and will see my post. Thats how I got here so this thread is not so dead after all. Threads that start with a real question need more real answers.
---------- Post added at 01:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:20 PM ----------
Here is a software example of how to change the IMEI of a cretin android.
I doubt this app works on any other model.
http://changemtkimei.blogspot.com/
As I remember, I lost the IMEI (actually it was replaced by something like 00499010640000) on my Samsung Galaxy i9000 and Galaxy Tab P6200 when I SIM unlocked them, so at least on Samsung this is possible, the IMEI was stored in the EFS files.

[Q] MoPho on Virgin Mobile?

Hey all,
I have an LG Optimus V and well, Ole' Bessie is burning through her final days. She just can't handle the workload as well as she used to. My friend offered to sell me his Photon because he is leaving Sprint soon. Virgin Mobile is picking up 4G soon so I was wondering if I could put the Photon on Virgin Mobile. I would do ESN swapping but I'm giving my OV to my mom so that is strictly out of the question. Do you think I could smooth talk a Best Buy employee into setting me up with a VM ESN or do you think maybe a customer service rep would maybe let it through? Considering the fact that they are both Sprint-run, I'd assume that there shan't be too much of a problem. I've read about people doing this kind of stuff with the Evo 4G where they call up Boost (also Sprint) and give them the phone's serial number. In alot of cases the reps just let it into the system. What are your thoughts on this, and has anyone gotten their Photon onto Virgin Mobile with stuff like MMS and 3G data working (I'm not too crazy about 4G because I live in the woods anyways so there is no 4G service near me)?
Thanks, worldindo1.
worldindo1 said:
Hey all,
I have an LG Optimus V and well, Ole' Bessie is burning through her final days. She just can't handle the workload as well as she used to. My friend offered to sell me his Photon because he is leaving Sprint soon. Virgin Mobile is picking up 4G soon so I was wondering if I could put the Photon on Virgin Mobile. I would do ESN swapping but I'm giving my OV to my mom so that is strictly out of the question. Do you think I could smooth talk a Best Buy employee into setting me up with a VM ESN or do you think maybe a customer service rep would maybe let it through? Considering the fact that they are both Sprint-run, I'd assume that there shan't be too much of a problem. I've read about people doing this kind of stuff with the Evo 4G where they call up Boost (also Sprint) and give them the phone's serial number. In alot of cases the reps just let it into the system. What are your thoughts on this, and has anyone gotten their Photon onto Virgin Mobile with stuff like MMS and 3G data working (I'm not too crazy about 4G because I live in the woods anyways so there is no 4G service near me)?
Thanks, worldindo1.
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From everything I have read on the subject the only way to do it would be illegally and with some know how.
CCallahan said:
From everything I have read on the subject the only way to do it would be illegally and with some know how.
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Well, as I mentioned with ESN swapping, that isn't illegal. The "technically" illegal part is CDMA Workshop. But that is neither here nor there. I'll see if I can get Best Buy to do it for me.
worldindo1 said:
Well, as I mentioned with ESN swapping, that isn't illegal. The "technically" illegal part is CDMA Workshop. But that is neither here nor there. I'll see if I can get Best Buy to do it for me.
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Post your results and let us know how that goes.
Also, here is a thread on Phandroid about this subject and if you check post 14+ Loki has said that ESN swapping is in fact illegal (even just talking about it): http://androidforums.com/motorola-p...ize-sim-card-does-photon-use.html#post4293152
I have no knowledge on the subject personally but have no reason to doubt it.
esn changing "swapping" is illegal. if you were repairing an esn it would however be okay. but spoofing an esn for that purpose is illegal.
i am not a moderator but i have seen posts like this many times and they all get shut down. so this post will probably end here.
ask virgin mobile if they'll allow you to use the photon on their network. that's about your only option.
na7q said:
esn changing "swapping" is illegal. if you were repairing an esn it would however be okay. but spoofing an esn for that purpose is illegal.
i am not a moderator but i have seen posts like this many times and they all get shut down. so this post will probably end here.
ask virgin mobile if they'll allow you to use the photon on their network. that's about your only option.
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Again, au contraire. If I were to sit around and scan ESN numbers from OTHERS phones, that is illegal. If I have a preexisting service with VM, it's not illegal to do with my property what I please. In fact, since 2003 ESN swapping has not been illegal. Theft and using your own property are 2 different ballparks. Say I bought a 4G VM phone and used that phone's ESN for the Photon, I would be using the same service and the same data that I would with my donor phone. This sits in a gray area of law, where the uses and methods of obtaining the ESN determine it's legality or illegality. While I'm paying for my service, I own all of the data and numbers attached to my account. You have to step back to see the whole picture. And for the mods, this is NOT me asking how to change my ESN or instructing anyone in how to do so. I already know how. I just figured a bit of input might be wonderful, and to see if anyone has gotten their Photon on VM. I also did not make this thread to hash out the legality of ESN modification. I have rested my case above.
EDIT: Cloning was the word I was looking for. If you clone someone's ESN without permission or their prior knowledge, it's by every definition illegal. Normally just simply notifying the company that you have multiple phones (say you want a cheap phone to use for business trips), they will shrug and go, "Hmmph, whatever." This phone I'd be buying is unlocked anyways. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that mean I can go to any service I want?
This is my Tapatalk 2 signature. Rockin' the app on my Nook Color running ICS 4.0.4, courtesy of Dalingrin, Fattire, and our other beloved XDA weenies (nemith, keyodi, arcee, hacdan, etc.)... oh, can't forget eyeballer
I haven't heard of anyone being successful switching phone over to VM. Please let us know the outcome once you get further into the process.

What is this MSL code thing?

Have a rooted moto e 2015 on textnow. It is running dirty unicorns rom. Cut off the service for a while, and now i've got it back on again... Anyway, the activation process wanted me to open the android dialer, enter ##72786# and then it'd ask for this msl code and reboot. Nothing happened with that code, or the *#*#72786#*#* so... What is msl for, do i need it, etc? I tried searching several forums and google to see what to do, but i may have been too specific in my search terms, i don't know. Any help is appreciated.
MSL (Master Subsidy Lock)
A numeric code (password) that prevents a user from accessing certain technical settings of a phone. It is specifically designed to prevent a phone from being reprogrammed to work with a different carrier (service provider).
MSL is relevant only to certain types of phones, such as CDMA phones. Other types of phones may have a similar type of code that goes by a different name.
This is what is usually meant when a phone is referred to as "locked". There are also "unlocked" phones that can be reprogrammed to work with a different carrier.
The reason for this system is the way phones are often sold. Many phones are sold below cost, (at a loss to the carrier,) with the expectation that the money will be recouped in the cost of the monthly service plan. The up-front loss that is later recouped is called a Subsidy.
For this to work financially for the carrier, the user must not buy the phone and then use it with a different carrier. The MSL makes that nearly impossible.
Unlocked phones are ususally much more expensive than locked phones, because there is no subsidy to offset the cost.
Source: http://www.phonescoop.com/glossary/term.php?gid=100
Zokhii said:
MSL (Master Subsidy Lock)
A numeric code (password) that prevents a user from accessing certain technical settings of a phone. It is specifically designed to prevent a phone from being reprogrammed to work with a different carrier (service provider).
MSL is relevant only to certain types of phones, such as CDMA phones. Other types of phones may have a similar type of code that goes by a different name.
This is what is usually meant when a phone is referred to as "locked". There are also "unlocked" phones that can be reprogrammed to work with a different carrier.
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Aha! No wonder the company was stressing the importance of a user performing this last, "essential" step, yet wouldn't say boo about what it was for. I've said this many times before, repeated to the point of near-absurdity, but I must say it one more time: I love this website. ?

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