[Q] Using unlocked phone - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So i have a general question, if i bought a phone which is locked TO SAY AT&T and i flashed CM on it and if possible(if available) flash a new radio, would i be able to use the phone in Europe, Africa or Asia (Anywhere around the world apart from America) Meaning would the phone be unlocked and useable on any other network?
Thanks.

No. Flashing CM has nothing to do (or even helps with) unlocking a device. Android devices (in general) are not like WM devices where you can just flash a new radio. You will have to SIM unlock the device to use it in those other areas.

Theonew said:
No. Flashing CM has nothing to do (or even helps with) unlocking a device. Android devices (in general) are not like WM devices where you can just flash a new radio. You will have to SIM unlock the device to use it in those other areas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks alot for clearing that out for me.

Related

[Q] Unlocking Verizon Razr Maxx

I want to unlock my new Verizon Motorola Razr Maxx - not to use it on some other network (it is CDMA so that is a nonstarter) but so I can get root access in order to install Superuser and other such software. I also want to be able to still update the phone with ice cream sandwich when it is finally released and I will need to re-lock the phone accordingly.
I have searched everywhere but all of the blogs and posts talk about how you cannot run a CDMA phone on a GSM network (shocking) and that is not why I want to unlock the phone.
Is it possible to unlock the Razr Maxx?
Unlocking and re-locking the carrier is different from what you want here. What you want is called 'Rooting'. That'll allow you to get the Superuser app and install other root related software.
After rooting you will be able to make system modifications and stuff. If you ever get an update which fails to install due to root just go back to a original fastboot image and try the update again. It will work for sure.
Look here for rooting: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1342567
You rock! Thank you for both correcting me query and for providing the solution!
How About Maxx?
Sorry but the page you referenced is for the older Razr - will this work on the Razr Maxx?
Same phone just the Maxx has a bigger battery. Uses the same software. Any post that pertains to the CDMA Razr works for the CDMA Maxx.
Aashrey99 said:
Unlocking and re-locking the carrier is different from what you want here. What you want is called 'Rooting'. That'll allow you to get the Superuser app and install other root related software.
After rooting you will be able to make system modifications and stuff. If you ever get an update which fails to install due to root just go back to a original fastboot image and try the update again. It will work for sure.
Look here for rooting: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1342567
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but what if, I'm from another country, and I want to use the MAXX(unlocked) on another country?
-If I change the rom, will it still be locked?
-if I change the kernel, still be locked?
-if I change the modem, still locked?
Thanks ;')
mawaisz said:
but what if, I'm from another country, and I want to use the MAXX(unlocked) on another country?
-If I change the rom, will it still be locked?
-if I change the kernel, still be locked?
-if I change the modem, still locked?
Thanks ;')
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-If I change the rom, will it still be locked?
Rooting is just giving you "administrator" privlages on your phone. From there you can do a lot to it. Changing ROMs will keep your root access as long as its not the stock ROM. And if your using the stock ROM with Root, i'd advise using VooDoo's OTA Root Keeper.
-if I change the kernel, still be locked?
Unfortunately, the Kernel is locked out due to the boot-loader being locked down by Motorola and thus far cannot be fully unlocked (and functional). So no kernel changes (yet). But a custom Kernel will not affect Root access.
-if I change the modem, still locked?
(Not sure what your asking)
IF you're going to another country, you'd just need to make sure your phone is the RAZR GSM Model (international). The CDMA Model will most likely not function well in other countries because it uses a different radio technology.
aety9 said:
-If I change the rom, will it still be locked?
Rooting is just giving you "administrator" privlages on your phone. From there you can do a lot to it. Changing ROMs will keep your root access as long as its not the stock ROM. And if your using the stock ROM with Root, i'd advise using VooDoo's OTA Root Keeper.
-if I change the kernel, still be locked?
Unfortunately, the Kernel is locked out due to the boot-loader being locked down by Motorola and thus far cannot be fully unlocked (and functional). So no kernel changes (yet). But a custom Kernel will not affect Root access.
-if I change the modem, still locked?
(Not sure what your asking)
IF you're going to another country, you'd just need to make sure your phone is the RAZR GSM Model (international). The CDMA Model will most likely not function well in other countries because it uses a different radio technology.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I ment the modem was Radio like the one in At&t Captivate.
So what you mean here is, there's no way for me to UNLOCK the phone(If the phone is 1.GSM 2.Lock to verizon), if I want to use another carrier in Razr Maxx?
For example:
I want to buy Razr Maxx and use it in any country, so its either must be:
1. GSM
2. International (Unlock)
3. If its lock (How do I do it? If method changing Roms/Kernels/Radio's does not work)
Thanks :')
i have a droid razr xt912 that is locked to verizon network and in my country i have the gsm freq(i saw that he has gsm and cdma,but the gsm chip is locked) that he has in the specs 900/1800 for 2g and 2100 for 3g , i can unlock it? and actually work in my country? or i have to wait for the ics update to unlock the gsm chip and then unlock it full?
and one more question if there is someone kind to tell me how can i unlock it? i read a few ways but i'm not sure what option is good or bad , i think in the first time i root it then apply a custom recovery then i don't know....
Unlocking Razr maxx CDMA
I recently bought the droid razr maxx before I moved to Korea. When I bought it, I was told by a Verizon clerk that the phone could be unlocked for use on Korean networks when I arrived in Korea. However, I found out that none of the Korean companies know how to unlock it. Both Verizon and Korea use CDMA networks as does the Droid Razr, so I was hoping there was a way I could switch from Verizon to a Korean network. Are there some values that I need to change in the programming section of my phone? (##program). Should I wait for the ICS update to (finally) come? Any help is greatly appreciated! :fingers-crossed:
numbuhwun said:
I recently bought the droid razr maxx before I moved to Korea. When I bought it, I was told by a Verizon clerk that the phone could be unlocked for use on Korean networks when I arrived in Korea. However, I found out that none of the Korean companies know how to unlock it. Both Verizon and Korea use CDMA networks as does the Droid Razr, so I was hoping there was a way I could switch from Verizon to a Korean network. Are there some values that I need to change in the programming section of my phone? (##program). Should I wait for the ICS update to (finally) come? Any help is greatly appreciated! :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering the exactly same issue, but I got the ICS update so I was told about the Global Ready and stuff, but its not working.
RAZR comm chipset
MDM6600: WCDMA 850/900/1900/2100
LTE: 700
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5198/motorola-droid-razr-review-a-better-clad-bionic/6
verizon: CDMA 800/1900 3G
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_frequencies#section_3
or
verizon: CDMA2000 850/1900
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Network_Code#section_1
NOT SURE WHICH ONE IS CORRECT - RESEARCHED FURTHER - looks like Verizon uses CDMA2000, and I'm pretty sure that 800 is the same as 850 (I'm not sure why but they seem to be interchangeable)
South Korea: CDMA2000 800/1700 UMTS 2100
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Network_Code#section_1
Looks like GSM freqs work too.
The Motorolla Photon uses the same MDM6600 - you may be able to find more info on it by searching for Photon.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1208346
https://forums.motorola.com/posts/24e965bc07
I found some instructions, for using the phone overseas...
http://www.androidupdate.co/use-my-android-phone-overseas/
Let me know if it works.
Verizon international coverage:
http://businessportals.verizonwireless.com/international/traveling_to/index.html

[Q] GSM RAZR Debrand

Hello.
I have a chance to change my little worn-out DEFY to something newer and faster. Namely it's GSM version of Motorola RAZR. However it's branded in Orange PL soft. Is there an easy (or medium) and relatively safe way to simply debrand it?
Acuap said:
Hello.
I have a chance to change my little worn-out DEFY to something newer and faster. Namely it's GSM version of Motorola RAZR. However it's branded in Orange PL soft. Is there an easy (or medium) and relatively safe way to simply debrand it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
If you have a network unlocked Razr you can flash any EU rom. (Put another carrier sim card into ur razr, if it's unlocked you'll get data signal, if not, it'll ask for a network code. In this case, you can aways ask your carrier for the network unlock code or buy one at an unlock phones service - just google it)
This is the thread that points to programs, drivers and files you need.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1539192
In the ROMs thread you can clear you doubt's regarding each rom to pick up for flash.
Cheers

Galaxy S2 Winmax Android

Hy. I have some quoestions about my phone S2 Winmax
First - Can i use an S2 LTE HD ron to install on my phone?
Second - Can anyone help me to unlock it? It is locked on KDDI Japan. I have searched on many sites and found something, but they are asking for IMEI, and on my phone i have MEID. But the phone has a slot for sim card.
Third - If i can unlock it can i use it on a Gsm network? I know that the phone is CDMA and GSM.
Thanks in advance
1. I would stay away from flashing roms until the phone is understood more and developers start making roms for it.
2. unfortunately you need to search for an pnline company that supports the wimacx versions. You could explain the situation and they mayber able to help you unlock the phone.
3. Yes, depending on what bands the phone supports, you may need to gfo with bell or telus as they have support for cdma/gsm phones.

[Q] Does radio affect LTE capability?

Greetings,
Ive lurked on xda for years without ever posting. All problems are solvable with a little research and the help of our mutual friend google
Im on my 4th HTC device, now a OneX+ that was brought into Dubai from Taiwan. Having successfully rooted and rommed all my phones and tablets, I kinda jumped the gun and started mucking around with my phone a bit early, using the rootboot early on.
I attained SU properly, but I had the same problems as others that in HBOOT, the radio was "unknown". Unfortunately I didnt write down the original radio settings, so im not entirely sure what my device is.
Now with the latest CWM, I have a working radio, CWM and AndroRevolution 3.0 working brilliantly. Radio is being reported again as the EU version of .16
However what I wanted to know are the following questions:
1) Just a bit of confirmation; the boot.img dictates the radio, correct?
2) If yes, then is it possible to flash a different radio than the original? If no, then does this mean since my radio is confirmed and everything is working, my current radio _IS_ the correct one?
3) My region and provider has LTE support and my provider says I only need to enable it on my phone. However using the dialcode to access test settings and change through the modes, it keeps switching from any LTE reception back to something with WCDMA. I cannot even switch to GSM/WCDMA/LTE auto. It switches back within 2 seconds.
So what Im trying to ascertain here is, do I possibly have the wrong radio, and if I do is there a way to figure out what it should have been?
The other piece of the puzzle is that despite the unit is from Taiwain, the original language when i switched it on was German, which would suggest it is in fact a EU unit.....
Ive searched through many tools, apps, threads, specs, with no luck in answering the question.... Any help is greatly appreciated.
Paz
1. Boot.img is the kernel and has nothing to do with the radio
2. You can only flash different radio versions by either flashing an RUU or by S-OFF. Radio is a security protected partition. FLASHING A RADIO WILL NOT ENABLE 4G ON A NON 4G DEVICE!! The HOX+ Inrernational version is 3G only. So in answer to your question. Yes you can flash a new radio, but no you will never have 4G on an international hox+
AndroHero said:
1. Boot.img is the kernel and has nothing to do with the radio
2. You can only flash different radio versions by either flashing an RUU or by S-OFF. Radio is a security protected partition. FLASHING A RADIO WILL NOT ENABLE 4G ON A NON 4G DEVICE!! The HOX+ Inrernational version is 3G only. So in answer to your question. Yes you can flash a new radio, but no you will never have 4G on an international hox+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have S-OFF though, so is there a way to confirm if its the international version? The model is PM35110. Any reference online is always in Asian language, so hard to tell. I suppose international version really means all countries.
Bugger.... I bought this specifically for LTE support... :crying:
Paz75 said:
I do have S-OFF though, so is there a way to confirm if its the international version? The model is PM35110. Any reference online is always in Asian language, so hard to tell. I suppose international version really means all countries.
Bugger.... I bought this specifically for LTE support... :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get S-OFF? Do you mean an unlocked bootloader? because that's a different thing. Nand protection security flag, remains intact when unlocking bootloader. so write protected partitions like radio remain unaffected. Either way it's not a software issue. Its a hardware issue. The LTE device have different radio hardware not just software, So your device is either LTE ready or not.
AndroHero said:
How did you get S-OFF? Do you mean an unlocked bootloader? because that's a different thing. Nand protection security flag, remains intact when unlocking bootloader. so write protected partitions like radio remain unaffected. Either way it's not a software issue. Its a hardware issue. The LTE device have different radio hardware not just software, So your device is either LTE ready or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Er yes, you are not confused, i am. HBOOT is showing S-ON, so I must have been high on caffeine when I was sure I saw S-OFF at one point. However like I mentioned I was playing with the rootboot boot.imgs early on and I was pretty sure I saw S-OFF then. But incidentally that was also when the radio was "unknown" at that time.
Oh well, Im stateside for Xmas and will give my dad the international version and buy myself a new one.
Thanks for your help
p.
Paz75 said:
I do have S-OFF though, so is there a way to confirm if its the international version? The model is PM35110. Any reference online is always in Asian language, so hard to tell. I suppose international version really means all countries.
Bugger.... I bought this specifically for LTE support... :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're doing it so, so wrong.
A quick search of the model number reveals that it's the Endeavour C2. If you have an LTE version it would be Evitareul.
1) Wrong. Radios are flashed separately and are not packed into the boot.img.
2) It is possible but unless you are S-OFF you cannot flash one very easily.
3) The reason why is because your device does not support LTE.
Hunt3r.j2 said:
You're doing it so, so wrong.
A quick search of the model number reveals that it's the Endeavour C2. If you have an LTE version it would be Evitareul.
1) Wrong. Radios are flashed separately and are not packed into the boot.img.
2) It is possible but unless you are S-OFF you cannot flash one very easily.
3) The reason why is because your device does not support LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes thanks
Radios are not .img files to be flashed, they're in /system/etc

[Q] Help with updating to 5.0

I just got a new unlocked AT&T M8, switched over from iPhone. I'm going to be using it with T-Mobile, and I'm still struggling to learn how all this stuff works. So the phone is running on Android 4.4.4 currently, and I want to install a custom ROM on it, but I need Android 5.0. Since I have a T-Mobile sim card, I don't have any OTA updates. From what I understand, if I wanted to switch to a T-Mobile ROM, I'd have to pay $25 for Sunshine, which I'd rather not do. Would I also need to do so to get an international ROM? Also, from what I'm reading, my other option is to use the AT&T RUU from HTC's website to update to 5.0, and then install a custom ROM from there. Is this correct, would that remove my unlock, and are there instructions/recommended readings before I try anything? Thanks for any help.
grant523 said:
I just got a new unlocked AT&T M8, switched over from iPhone. I'm going to be using it with T-Mobile, and I'm still struggling to learn how all this stuff works. So the phone is running on Android 4.4.4 currently, and I want to install a custom ROM on it, but I need Android 5.0. Since I have a T-Mobile sim card, I don't have any OTA updates. From what I understand, if I wanted to switch to a T-Mobile ROM, I'd have to pay $25 for Sunshine, which I'd rather not do. Would I also need to do so to get an international ROM? Also, from what I'm reading, my other option is to use the AT&T RUU from HTC's website to update to 5.0, and then install a custom ROM from there. Is this correct, would that remove my unlock, and are there instructions/recommended readings before I try anything? Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably want the T-Mob radio software, so you can enable the 3G and LTE bands used by T-Mob. Otherwise, you will find that the AT&T radio does not give you 3G and LTE in many locations.
In order to flash another carrier's radio, you need s-off, and there is no way around that. Then you need to change the carrier ID (CID) and model ID (MID) to that of T-Mob.
At that point, you may as well RUU to a stock factory T-Mobile software image (not just the radio) and that would be recommended, is it will get you a complete T-Mobile "baseline" phone as opposed to an AT&T ROM with T-Mob radio, etc.
After running the T-Mob RUU, your phone will be "fully converted" to the T-Mob version in terms of software. Others here have converted the AT&T version for use on T-Mob. So I'll try to find one of those threads instead of trying to explain it all again.
None of these mods will change your SIM unlock. That will remain unlocked.
---------- Post added at 11:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:58 AM ----------
Here you go: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-htc-one-m8/help/installing-tmobile-rom-att-branded-phone-t3069388
Another point: You can update to the latest AT&T Lollipop software by RUU. And you can flash custom Lollipop ROMs after that. But neither of these will enable the 3G and LTE bands used by T-Mob. So that is why I suggest "converting" the phone to T-Mob stock software instead.
Thanks for the response! Appreciate it. A few more questions, since I'm not sure I fully grasp the concept of radios.
If I first flash a T-Mobile ROM, and then install a custom ROM, is that any different from updating with a AT&T RUU and then installing a custom ROM? Will I still be missing the bands?
If yes, then should I just stay away from Custom ROMs all together? Is this a problem because I bought an AT&T phone?
Thanks again!
grant523 said:
Thanks for the response! Appreciate it. A few more questions, since I'm not sure I fully grasp the concept of radios.
If I first flash a T-Mobile ROM, and then install a custom ROM, is that any different from updating with a AT&T RUU and then installing a custom ROM? Will I still be missing the bands?
If yes, then should I just stay away from Custom ROMs all together? Is this a problem because I bought an AT&T phone?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's different the AT&T ruu won't give you the T-Mobile bands. And you can install custom roms if you want but I would reccomend paying the $25 to s-off and fully converting to t-mobile and either stay on stock or flash a custom t-mobile rom
grant523 said:
A few more questions, since I'm not sure I fully grasp the concept of radios.
If I first flash a T-Mobile ROM, and then install a custom ROM, is that any different from updating with a AT&T RUU and then installing a custom ROM? Will I still be missing the bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think your first phrase was intended to read "flash the T-Mob RUU, then install a custom ROM".
The radio is not contained in the ROM, and flashing a ROM doesn't affect the radio in any way.
The radio is contained in what many folks here called the "firmware package" or firmware.zip; and it can be installed by flashing the RUU.
Another thing that will help you understand, is that the phone has something like 36 (or more) partitions. The ROM is just one of those. The radio is a separate partition (as bootloader, recovery, and others have their own separate partitions as well). Flashing one partition, does not effect the others. The RUU is a complete software image that flashes all the partitions to factory stock for a certain carrier version.
You can also flash the radio or firmware.zip manually (without flashing the whole RUU). But my personal recommendation would be to baseline to a fully stock T-Mobile software profile, since you are on the T-Mob network, to make sure every partition plays well together (as opposed to mixing T-Mob and AT&T software components).
grant523 said:
If yes, then should I just stay away from Custom ROMs all together?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't say that. Custom ROMs have their place. But a custom ROM will not open up the T-Mob bands. As mentioned, you can only do that by flashing the radio, which isn't affected by flashing the ROM.
After baselining to a T-Mob stock config as I've suggested, you can feel free to flash a custom recovery and flash custom ROMs if you like. But if would be for other reasons than the radio bands; such as performance, customization, debloating, etc..
grant523 said:
Is this a problem because I bought an AT&T phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically yes. If you want to be sure a phone works fully on a certain network "out of the box", you should buy the phone that is branded for that network. Otherwise, you should always thoroughly research a phone (not branded for your carrier) before trying to use it on your network.
Luckily for you, on this device the radio bands can be changed in software using the mods I've noted above. On past devices, the band support was set in hardware, meaning where was no way to change it in software. In that case, you would really have some buyer's remorse to deal with.
Ah OK thanks for the responses! I think I'm starting to understand. I did research how an At&t m8 would work with T-MOBILE but I didn't realize i would have to go throw this whole software process to make it work! Anyhow I appreciate the help and I'll buy a Sunshine license when I get a chance. Thanks again!
You are quite welcome.
Here is a thread with more info on changing from AT&T to T-Mob software: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-htc-one-m8/help/installing-tmobile-rom-att-branded-phone-t3069388#post60606278
Good luck!

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