Carrier unlock? - Galaxy S III Q&A, (US Carriers)

I have a sgh-1747m model, i've been trying to figure out how to unlock it to use all carriers (i did this with my htc desire recently) but i'm not sure 100% how this works. if i unlock root access and flash a custom rom will it be unlocked?

Patey said:
I have a sgh-1747m model, i've been trying to figure out how to unlock it to use all carriers (i did this with my htc desire recently) but i'm not sure 100% how this works. if i unlock root access and flash a custom rom will it be unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it wont be unlocked. Best way is to ask you carrier to unlock it. Tell them you are going on a trip out of the US and you need it unlocked. If that does not work use one of the many online unlocking services 25-35$.

Lawful123 said:
No it wont be unlocked. Best way is to ask you carrier to unlock it. Tell them you are going on a trip out of the US and you need it unlocked. If that does not work use one of the many online unlocking services 25-35$.
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Click to collapse
+1 on asking your carrier to unlock your phone. i just did it recently with tmo online live chat, all i did was tell them i am planning on a trip to overseas and i need my phone to be unlocked. gave them the imei # and a few hours later i was given the unlock code via email. once the phone is unlocked, it will stay unlocked forever no matter what you do to it.

Related

Why is my Hero still SIM locked?

I have rooted and flashed my Hero with Elilinux Speedmachine, but it is still locked to T-Mobile.
Is there anything I can do to remove this restriction or do I have to pay for the code?
TylerDurdenK said:
I have rooted and flashed my Hero with Elilinux Speedmachine, but it is still locked to T-Mobile.
Is there anything I can do to remove this restriction or do I have to pay for the code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As said a thousand times, rooting and sim-unlocking is not the same.. And i think you should post in Q&A next time
you will have to pay to get a sim unlock code. as stated above, rooting does not do this.
there is no free way to sim unlock the hero.

A few basic questions

Don't currently own one, just want to make sure about a few things. Searched through the Dev forum but still I am not 100% sure and that's why I am asking here, just to confirm.
1. Is the bootloader unlocked for all firmware so I can flash custom ROMs or do I need to check something to determine if the bootloader is unlocked? I read somewhere that firmware 2.3.5 9 or above cannot be unlocked.
2. Does it come carrier unlocked by default to be used in countries other than the US, I mean use any GSM SIM?
3. What other phone can you tell me to look at, with similar specs and price range? I am interested in unlocked GSM, doesn't matter if its CDMA or not.
lamborg said:
Don't currently own one, just want to make sure about a few things. Searched through the Dev forum but still I am not 100% sure and that's why I am asking here, just to confirm.
1. Is the bootloader unlocked for all firmware so I can flash custom ROMs or do I need to check something to determine if the bootloader is unlocked? I read somewhere that firmware 2.3.5 9 or above cannot be unlocked.
2. Does it come carrier unlocked by default to be used in countries other than the US, I mean use any GSM SIM?
3. What other phone can you tell me to look at, with similar specs and price range? I am interested in unlocked GSM, doesn't matter if its CDMA or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Need to be on 2.3.4 in order to unlock bootloader. If ordering from sprint, it might already come with 2.3.5. Buy from eBay and make sure to have the seller confirm its on 2.3.4.
2) Its a world phone. Its only carrier locked in the united states. But there are ways around this.
3) As far as used price range, the GS2 is probably the closest mainstream competitor on sprint. Galaxy nexus being just a bit more expensive. But you lack world phone capabilities and the photon is arguably a better phone all around depending on who you ask.
Acvice said:
1) Need to be on 2.3.4 in order to unlock bootloader. If ordering from sprint, it might already come with 2.3.5. Buy from eBay and make sure to have the seller confirm its on 2.3.4.
2) Its a world phone. Its only carrier locked in the united states. But there are ways around this.
3) As far as used price range, the GS2 is probably the closest mainstream competitor on sprint. Galaxy nexus being just a bit more expensive. But you lack world phone capabilities and the photon is arguably a better phone all around depending on who you ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that.
So if its 2.3.5, there's no way to unlock it? Something like Torpedo or 1 click unlock for Droid 3 would help?
lamborg said:
Thanks for that.
So if its 2.3.5, there's no way to unlock it? Something like Torpedo or 1 click unlock for Droid 3 would help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can root 2.3.5. but not unlock currently.
mof9336 said:
You can root 2.3.5. but not unlock currently.
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Click to collapse
Ok so it means that I cannot flash custom ROMs right? But I can gain root access to modify the OS installed.
Thanks
lamborg said:
Ok so it means that I cannot flash custom ROMs right? But I can gain root access to modify the OS installed.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2.3.5. locked means you have to use locked roms or the phone will fail to boot.
mof9336 said:
2.3.5. locked means you have to use locked roms or the phone will fail to boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you link me to something to read to understand what I can do/not do with root and what with unlock? I searched, got something but its quite confusing. What I understand is Root = admin access like but don't know about the unlock.
I think bootloader should be unlocked to install custom ROM but then there's something called fastboot which only requires Root. Confused here. BTW does Unlock means Unlocked Bootloader?
I want to know that if I have 2.3.5 can I install ICS or JB?
lamborg said:
can you link me to something to read to understand what I can do/not do with root and what with unlock? I searched, got something but its quite confusing. What I understand is Root = admin access like but don't know about the unlock.
I think bootloader should be unlocked to install custom ROM but then there's something called fastboot which only requires Root. Confused here. BTW does Unlock means Unlocked Bootloader?
I want to know that if I have 2.3.5 can I install ICS or JB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The rules are simple: You need to unlock the bootloader to install custom ROMs that use custom kernels. You can't unlock if you are on 2.3.5. You do not need to be unlocked to use custom ROMs that use STOCK kernels. We only have two ROMs that use stock kernels. The rest, including ICS and JB, use custom kernels so you need to be unlocked to use them.

[Q] About Unlocked and Roms

Well my case is like this!
I'm looking to buy a motorola photon online,it was on spring and it suposed to be unlocked for every carrier. i'm from mexico, we use telcel.
The motorola photon only comes with GB android, and i've always like to modify my phones with roms, root, etcs.
Before i do any transaction i'd like to know if i can instal ICS roms or any other cooked roms without loosing the unlocked carrier?.
I know that theres a lot of ways on unlocking carriers like imei and other programs, but if i loose it, the unlocking is gonna cost me something?
Unlocking the bootloader is only to install roms? or i can do an unlocking carrier by unlocking the bootloader? it cost me anything?
This method by Lokifish Marz is to unlock bootloader or carrier???
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20331623&postcount=6
I had been investigating about that but i dont find an straight anwser! im sorry if this looks to newbish, i know if i open the bootloader i can install another kernels and roms, but i loose the 4G :crying::crying: and if the cel is 2.3.5 it can´t be unlocked! it has to be downgrade!
i hope you can helpme! thanks a lot!
Txuy said:
Well my case is like this!
can instal ICS roms or any other cooked roms without loosing the unlocked carrier?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlocking bootloader and installing a custom rom will not make you lose sim unlock
Txuy said:
the unlocking is gonna cost me something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sim unlocking is usually only possible via SOLD sim unlock codes so yes, if you need to sim unlock you have to pay
Txuy said:
Unlocking the bootloader is only to install roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlocking the bootloader is done to be able to flash custom recovery, custom ROMs and custom Kernels, improving the performance and usability of your device
Txuy said:
or i can do an unlocking carrier by unlocking the bootloader? it cost me anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bootloader unlocking and carrier unlocking are not related. bootloader unlocking can be done for free by yourself with the help of the info here in XDA. SIM unlocking requires a code you usually have to buy.
Txuy said:
This method by Lokifish Marz is to unlock bootloader or carrier???
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20331623&postcount=6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlock bootloader
Txuy said:
I had been investigating about that but i dont find an straight anwser! im sorry if this looks to newbish, i know if i open the bootloader i can install another kernels and roms, but i loose the 4G :crying::crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
losing 4G shouldn't be of much concern to you. Telcel doesn't use WIMAX 4G so you wouldn't have had any use to it anyway.
Txuy said:
and if the cel is 2.3.5 it can´t be unlocked! it has to be downgrade!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if the cell is 2.3.5 already it cannot be unlocked and you CANNOT downgrade it because you risk HARD brick
The sim is only locked in US.
All other sims work.
But stuck on GB. Even if you could flash ICS the photons kernel is so old the video doesn't work well.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium

Proper Conditions for Network Unlock?

I am trying to perform a carrier unlock on my AT&T HTC One so I can use it overseas while I am travelling. I have contacted AT&T and am waiting for an unlock code. In the mean time, I understand I need to be on a stock ROM for the unlock code to work. I have the ROM downloading, but am curious if I need to return the phone completely to stock. My phone is rooted and S-Off - do I need to reverse both of these conditions? I'm also wondering if I need to be on a stock recovery or not.
Thanks!
Josh
It appears that AT&T will not provide an unlock code unless you are out of contract, so it's pointless after all.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49851355
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I was able to obtain an unlock code from option 5 in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2242473
Loaded a stock ROM, but kept the bootloader unlocked and my custom recovery. Unlock code worked just fine.

i want s-on without locking bootloader

i couldnt find a post to do it, but i messaged sunshine about my phone. my phone tried to use the sunshine app and it states it got s-off but the gsm didnt want to unlock with the other simcards i had.
any help would be great, thanks
Jonathanlc2005 said:
i couldnt find a post to do it, but i messaged sunshine about my phone. my phone tried to use the sunshine app and it states it got s-off but the gsm didnt want to unlock with the other simcards i had.
any help would be great, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Sunshine say it can do a carrier unlock? Because last I checked Sprint is CDMA, not GSM...
"Sprint SIM unlock features are considered experimental." If the M9 is like my other HTC phones, the command to s-on is "fastboot oem writesecureflag 3" Note: this will brick a device that has any oddities that require s-off like mismatching aboot to firmware, etc. In other words, be sure you are full stock before running the command.
6th_Hokage said:
Does Sunshine say it can do a carrier unlock? Because last I checked Sprint is CDMA, not GSM...
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Click to collapse
the sprint m9 is CDMA and GSM. unless you can find somewhere that says it cant... then from what i know its supposed to work
Jonathanlc2005 said:
the sprint m9 is CDMA and GSM. unless you can find somewhere that says it cant... then from what i know its supposed to work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware that all phones support all of the bands they are just locked...and Sprint last I checked is one that Locks said bands and only "officially" supports CDMA
As I stated earlier, in the sunshine thread, jcase states Sprint carrier unlock is experimental and not guaranteed to work.
yeah i just spoke to them on chat. im going to try to ask for a refund
Htc M9 Require unlocking with son
Details are given below:
hTC M9 Sprint
Android Marshmallow
S-on
Locked Boatloader
Need to unlock this device if possible please help me.
immzy said:
Details are given below:
hTC M9 Sprint
Android Marshmallow
S-on
Locked Boatloader
Need to unlock this device if possible please help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can only unlock via htcdev.com and follow the instructions. Warning this will void the warranty.
Can only unlock via htcdev.com and follow the instructions. Warning this will void the warranty
Bro i not only want to unlock the boatloader but also wanna unlock for using it with other sims then the sprint itself
immzy said:
Can only unlock via htcdev.com and follow the instructions. Warning this will void the warranty
Bro i not only want to unlock the boatloader but also wanna unlock for using it with other sims then the sprint itself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you want a SIM unlock? Sunshine is the only method and per the Devs of it, it isn't guaranteed. "SIM unlock for sprint M9 is considered experimental."
Edit: only other way is to call Sprint and have them unlock the SIM. If it's not subsidized, they should have no issues unlocking the SIM.
Uzephi said:
So you want a SIM unlock? Sunshine is the only method and per the Devs of it, it isn't guaranteed. "SIM unlock for sprint M9 is considered experimental."
Edit: only other way is to call Sprint and have them unlock the SIM. If it's not subsidized, they should have no issues unlocking the SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah let me stop you there. it doesnt work
Jonathanlc2005 said:
yeah let me stop you there. it doesnt work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked for me. Then again, I bought my HTC M9 outright from Sprint...
Edit: here is the stipulation on unlocking. Yes, the M9 is capable per this link. Please don't say carrier unlock doesn't work if they state it does and some of us had it happen quite easily...
https://www.sprint.com/legal/unlocking_policy.html

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