Are on wind- and kitesurfing holidays in Western Ireland, Brandon Bay. Even here, there are thiefs that break into cars. They have stolen my two months old Galaxy S3.
Had a PIN protection on the phone. Have also disabled the SIM Card and changed the password of the Google account. After buying the phone, I had registred it at SamsungDive at activated the options on the S3.
However, I was not able to find the phone with SamsungDive. The phone was stolen six days ago. But after a Google Search, I found that everyone can easy perform a factory reset holding down all physical buttons, and I suspect that SamsungDive will not "survive" a factory reset.
- So, all this "Find my phone" applications seem to be useless when a thief can switch them off with pressing some buttons. Is this really true?
- Is there any possibility to "protect" a new phone better so that a thief can not use it?
- Have the IMEI Number of the stolen phone, but it seems that most carriers do not block individual stolen phones.
- Does anyone knows if Samsung or anyone else can disable a stolen phone worldwide according the IMEI number?
Thank you all in advance for any hints.
Franz
If you contact your network and give them your IMEI they can block that mobile on any network in UK so when that person who took your s3 try any simcard it will not register in the network.You will not be able to track it with any software if that s3 was reset to factory state someone can use this mobile abroad but not in UK.hope this explain your situation
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
I'm sorry to hear that franzschenk, but yes, it's true. The anti-theft apps are just good marketing (on android and ios also). The samsung dive will not survive the hard reset, so unfortunately is useless.
You should check with samsung, but afaik carriers can block a stolen phone based on IMEI, but you should contact the police. I friend had his phone stolen and the police took care of everything, and got the phone back (but in 2 months), so your best bet is the police.
Regards,
Crysis21
With regards to theft protection apps being nullified with factory resets, some come as a CWM-flashable zip, which installs the apk to the system partition . This means even with a factory reset it remains, with the only way of removing it being manually uninstalling using a root file explorer or flashing a new rom, both of which I'd imagine the average thief not to be smart enough to do.
I recently bought an anti theft app called Cerberus which during my tests has proven to be realiable so far, even after a factory reset.
Most probably the phone will be sold on a flea market. You should call the police and give them the IMEI. Once someone powers it on and starts using, you will get your phone back.
prank1 said:
With regards to theft protection apps being nullified with factory resets, some come as a CWM-flashable zip, which installs the apk to the system partition . This means even with a factory reset it remains, with the only way of removing it being manually uninstalling using a root file explorer or flashing a new rom, both of which I'd imagine the average thief not to be smart enough to do.
I recently bought an anti theft app called Cerberus which during my tests has proven to be realiable so far, even after a factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cerberus is awesome, installable as a system app so it survives a factory reset. Glad I got it when they made it free to download for a few days
DramatikBeats said:
Cerberus is awesome, installable as a system app so it survives a factory reset. Glad I got it when they made it free to download for a few days
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's now 2 weeks since the Galaxy S3 was stolen. The Samsung Dive Service is a joke, a thief can put it out of operation with about three keystrokes (see hard reset dot com website for example). So, no wonder that Samsung dive was unable to perform any remote operation on my stolen phone since two weeks. Unfortunately, the police here in Ireland seems also be not capable to block a phone with a specific IMEI number.
I feel betrayed by Samsung. If Samsung Dive would work, I would have good chances to find and recover my phone in this rural area of Western Ireland and would probably not have a loss of 600 Euros. I think Samsungs goal is that the thief can perfectly use a stolen phone, and that the victim has to buy a new one as well. They can't be so stupid, because the S3 is a great phone. But I will not buy a S3 again, in turns my stomach to spend money for Samsung again.
Have seen that this type of reset (easing all data and PIN protection with just some keystrokes) is not possible on the iPhone, for example. Does anyone knows recent Android phones that are better protected (in my opinion, there is absolutely no need to erase all data without entering in the operating system) and thus less attractive for thiefs?
Thank you in advance for any feedback
Franz
franzschenk said:
It's now 2 weeks since the Galaxy S3 was stolen. The Samsung Dive Service is a joke, a thief can put it out of operation with about three keystrokes (see hard reset dot com website for example). So, no wonder that Samsung dive was unable to perform any remote operation on my stolen phone since two weeks. Unfortunately, the police here in Ireland seems also be not capable to block a phone with a specific IMEI number.
I feel betrayed by Samsung. If Samsung Dive would work, I would have good chances to find and recover my phone in this rural area of Western Ireland and would probably not have a loss of 600 Euros. I think Samsungs goal is that the thief can perfectly use a stolen phone, and that the victim has to buy a new one as well. They can't be so stupid, because the S3 is a great phone. But I will not buy a S3 again, in turns my stomach to spend money for Samsung again.
Have seen that this type of reset (easing all data and PIN protection with just some keystrokes) is not possible on the iPhone, for example. Does anyone knows recent Android phones that are better protected (in my opinion, there is absolutely no need to erase all data without entering in the operating system) and thus less attractive for thiefs?
Thank you in advance for any feedback
Franz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read some time ago that CIA or some similar intelligence agency asked Google to unlock a phone locked by a Lock screen pattern for them because they were unable to. So a simple pattern can prevent anyone from using the device unless it is formatted before booting which means your private data is safe.
Also don't blame Samsung for not being able to restore your phone. It is Android security measure not to allow anything to activate GPS directly without prompt, and if it could Wifi or Mobile data is needed to transfer the Location coordinates back to you. So if internet is accessed when you use the Samsung restore future you will immediately get device location. Surely it would have been better if Samsung made the app wipe-proof which I think is also blocked by Android as a security measure.
Its easier on the iPhone! U just restore it through itunes
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
CIA would access the data on the phone. Security is not the question here. I don't care abaout the data.
When I'm doing a Google search for "iPhone factory reset", I can find how to reset the phone, but without erasing all data. In my opinion, that is the real problem with the Galaxy S3. Why does Samsung implement a function for erasing all data with some keys strokes without knowing a PIN? (had PIN protection and face unlook on my stolen S3) Can someone tell if this is possible with other Android phones as well?
Franz
Just a thought; but maybe you shouldn't have disabled the SIM if you were planning on tracking it. If they can't unlock the phone, how can the phone connect to WiFi and report your location?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium HD app
franzschenk said:
...Why does Samsung implement a function for erasing all data with some keys strokes without knowing a PIN? (had PIN protection and face unlook on my stolen S3) Can someone tell if this is possible with other Android phones as well?
Franz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All android phones can enter recovery mode with 2 or 3 buttons combination to reset the phone without password. It is not Samsung proprietary.
Iphones are just as easy. Put it into dfu mode and restore it on iTunes!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
roogerrisboredd said:
Iphones are just as easy. Put it into dfu mode and restore it on iTunes!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got the point now. It's all about selling phones and making money. Phone manufacturers and Telecom operators make money on each stolen phone. What is disapponting me very much is that Samsung pretend to offer a anti theft soulution. They even write in the users guide that Samsung dive can unlock a locked phone and activate the GPS receiver, but this is probably a lie as well.
Mobile phones have unique IMEI numbers since at least 10 years and I suppose that it would be very easy to take a stolen phone out of operation. But our Telecom provider tells me that this is not possible. I guess it's about money again, when thiefs cannot use stolen phones, less phones are stolen and less phones are sold.
@Mister_Mxyzptlk's: I think it's a bad idea to leave and Android phone unprotected. The thief could then buy a lot of expensive objects from the Android market. At least this didn't happen to me, I was able to change the Google account password before that happen.
Franz
Related
..
do you have phone insurance?
Oh duuuude...
you should definitely call t-mobile and tell them. they can lock the phone by tracking your IMEI or something, rendering the phone useless (that is, if the guy isn't a tech wizard). As for getting a new phone, if your insurance covers it, then you should ask them for one. I doubt it, though, because every time I wanted a replacement phone, I had to send them my old one.
they may not be able to locate your phone w/o the sim card in there. if you have the box with the imei or ssid number, that would be your best bet.
..
sure, by buying one...there is no way to get a replacement without insurance....and even with insurance you had to pay $130...
emonero said:
sure, by buying one...there is no way to get a replacement without insurance....and even with insurance you had to pay $130...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh wait, I thought it is free for getting a new one with insurance
climhazzard1993 said:
this sounds stupid but i was using my phone as an ipod for a month or so (it didnt have the sim card because my parents took it away cuz i got grounded) and some @!#$ stole it in the locker room.. sdfgjhas.. now what do i do? do i tell t-mobile my phone got stolen? or will i have to buy a new one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, you shouldn't use language like that, I'm reffering to F word you used. That word is derogatory, homophobic, and not appropriate.
Anyway, tell your parents, and notify the school.
If you have insurance, notify Assurion insurance (130 deductable).
climhazzard1993 said:
i dont have insurance.. so i guess im screwed? is there any way i can get a replacement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without insurance, if you came to my store or called CARE we would be able to see how long it's been since you purchased your Vibrant. You would probably get a very minor discount, if any. You're pretty much close to buying one outright so it's best not to use any kind of early upgrade unless it's a good deal.
As for blocking an IMEI, I don't know why people continue to suggest this. I have never been able to call in an get a phone blacklisted or blocked after it's been stolen. Maybe they just don't like me or I'm calling the wrong people.
Some ideas for your next Android. On our store demos we either install Lookout or SmrtGuard. Lookout seems to be the better of the two apps because you can remote activate GPS and track the phone. However, with SmrtGuard you can setup SIM Guardian that will register your SIM and when someone inserts another into the phone the phone will send a text to a number you assign or an e-mail. You can also track with GPS by this app.
Again, I've never been able to get T-Mobile to track a phone for a customer just because of theft. It has to be a serious crime with the police involved.
I'm sorry to heard about your lost phone and I hope you can get a replacement.
rjwisniewski said:
Without insurance, if you came to my store or called CARE we would be able to see how long it's been since you purchased your Vibrant. You would probably get a very minor discount, if any. You're pretty much close to buying one outright so it's best not to use any kind of early upgrade unless it's a good deal.
As for blocking an IMEI, I don't know why people continue to suggest this. I have never been able to call in an get a phone blacklisted or blocked after it's been stolen. Maybe they just don't like me or I'm calling the wrong people.
Some ideas for your next Android. On our store demos we either install Lookout or SmrtGuard. Lookout seems to be the better of the two apps because you can remote activate GPS and track the phone. However, with SmrtGuard you can setup SIM Guardian that will register your SIM and when someone inserts another into the phone the phone will send a text to a number you assign or an e-mail. You can also track with GPS by this app.
Again, I've never been able to get T-Mobile to track a phone for a customer just because of theft. It has to be a serious crime with the police involved.
I'm sorry to heard about your lost phone and I hope you can get a replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your right, T-Mobile won't blacklist an IMEI. I don't think any North America carrier will.
suchavibrantthang said:
they may not be able to locate your phone w/o the sim card in there. if you have the box with the imei or ssid number, that would be your best bet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile doesn't track phones without a court order, and u wont get that unless you were robbed beaten up and probably almost killed.
Its the thieves phone now welcome to GSM.
130 deductible to get a replacement. Call assurion for that.
Happened to me, BTW. You're sol and nothing anyone else says here that is different has a chance of being true.
Tell assurion u lost it, cause for stolen phone they require a police report (no the cops will not try to find ur phone, either)...
Cdma carriers block esn. GSM carriers make more money. With phones being easily factory resettable you have to tether yourself to a GSM phone to avoid getting pwnd.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
climhazzard1993 said:
i dont have insurance.. so i guess im screwed? is there any way i can get a replacement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. Oh, no insurance. Guessed saving six a month paid off eh?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Homophobic?
Rotfl... seriously just stop. Nothing derogatory about using that term to refer to a thief...
SamsungVibrant said:
First of all, you shouldn't use language like that, I'm reffering to F word you used. That word is derogatory, homophobic, and not appropriate.
Anyway, tell your parents, and notify the school.
If you have insurance, notify Assurion insurance (130 deductable).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Ur SOL son. Next time watch ur stuff more closely. FYI there an app called Kor.im phone locator that will send u an email if ur another sim card is put into u r phone. The email will contain the new sim cards serial number which will help track down who has ur phone. That is if they don't reset the phone, erasing the app in the process.
Sent from THE Vibrant......
Criminals return to the scene of the crime. Let him steal something traceable. lol
sarge363 said:
Ur SOL son. Next time watch ur stuff more closely. FYI there an app called Kor.im phone locator that will send u an email if ur another sim card is put into u r phone. The email will contain the new sim cards serial number which will help track down who has ur phone. That is if they don't reset the phone, erasing the app in the process.
Sent from THE Vibrant......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone with a brain will factory reset before they put a sim in the phone, and most security apparently run on the phone with obvious notification bar icons visible.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
N8ter said:
Anyone with a brain will factory reset before they put a sim in the phone, and most security apparently run on the phone with obvious notification bar icons visible.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then he should just put that app in system/app.. Most people that steal phones don't know how to wipe it completely.. they just know how to factory reset lol
But to the Op.. yeah you are SOL w/o insurance lol
N8ter said:
Homophobic?
Rotfl... seriously just stop. Nothing derogatory about using that term to refer to a thief...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that word is offensive, even if using it towards a thief, it is still offensive. You don't have to be gay to take offense, you just have to have common sense. I don't like that word just as much as I don't like the N word.
I'm sure there are Android users from the LGBT community who use this forum, and they don't need to log on and see the F word.
Master™ said:
Then he should just put that app in system/app.. Most people that steal phones don't know how to wipe it completely.. they just know how to factory reset lol
But to the Op.. yeah you are SOL w/o insurance lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't matter. The factory reset option in Android is too easy to get to, and too easy to perform. It isn't even password-protected. The 3 button method can be done 5 minutes after swiping the phone on the way to the local library to list it for sale on CraigsList.
The only way to make sure someone can't profit/benefit from stealing your phone is to not use a GSM carrier in the United States. Use a CDMA carrier.
The companies care more about their bottom line than what's right. I had this argument with Assurion and T-Mobile when my phone got stolen.
Even with a pattery lock on the phone, unless it's a hardware locked phone it only takes 5 seconds for them to completely wipe the phone clean, pop their SIM card in, and brag about the new phone they got for Christmas.
9/10 the phone ends up getting sold, though.
The carriers are more than able to blacklist the IMEIs, but without inter-carrier cooperation that is kind of useless.
So wait a minute. I can lose my vibrant, and I can report it lost and T-Mobile nor Assurion will block the IMEI? Someone on T-Mobile can find my phone, put in their SIM card, and T-Mobile will do nothing? They won't block the phone? They won't even call the person who is using my phone and kindly ask them to return it?
Well I don't really know why I'm asking, I already know the answer. I've lost a T-Mobile phone before, and they admited someone was using my phone, but they said they couldn't do anything about it for me, not even a courtesy call asking the finder to return it.
T-mobile has a record of every single sim card that has ever been placed into a phone. Even if you stick your sim card in there for 5 seconds, as long as it registers on the network, they keep the sim info documented.
It just shocks me, even at a customers request, that they wouldn't block the IMEI number on their own network.
Hi,
I bought galaxy s3 a month back and someone pick pocketed it today morning
The phone is non-rooted.
I have installed avast anti-theft in it.
Also the setting option in phone is protected by perfect app lock.
I have a samsung dive account, but I m not sure if remote control is enabled on my phone.
So, what are my options??
Can I get back my phone?
https://www.google.com.ua/search?q=avast+anti-theft
Glebun said:
google(dot)com/search?q=avast+anti-theft
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a good app.
But I cannot use its features since the phone is switched off and what if the SIM is changed?
if you don't have some sort of protection like passwords, I think your phone is wiped off now. And since the S3 have removeable battery... so those anti theft things are pretty useless.
avi619 said:
Hi,
I bought galaxy s3 a month back and someone pick pocketed it today morning
The phone is non-rooted.
I have installed avast anti-theft in it.
Also the setting option in phone is protected by perfect app lock.
I have a samsung dive account, but I m not sure if remote control is enabled on my phone.
So, what are my options??
Can I get back my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your profile doesn't say where you live, but if you reside in the U.S. or certain parts of Europe, you might be able to add the IMEI number of your stolen phone to a blacklist, to prevent it from working on many carriers. I know this doesn't help get your phone back, but at least you have the satisfaction of knowing the lowly thief can't use it on the blacklisted carrier networks.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1591672
henrybravo said:
Your profile doesn't say where you live, but if you reside in the U.S. or certain parts of Europe, you might be able to add the IMEI number of your stolen phone to a blacklist, to prevent it from working on many carriers. I know this doesn't help get your phone back, but at least you have the satisfaction of knowing the lowly thief can't use it on the blacklisted carrier networks.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1591672
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am from India.
avi619 said:
Hi,
I bought galaxy s3 a month back and someone pick pocketed it today morning
The phone is non-rooted.
I have installed avast anti-theft in it.
Also the setting option in phone is protected by perfect app lock.
I have a samsung dive account, but I m not sure if remote control is enabled on my phone.
So, what are my options??
Can I get back my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you logged into samsung account when you were configuring you should be able to lock it with samsung dive as well. Just go to samsungdive.com
Also i assume you sent lock message with Avast as well, if not you should do it ASAP. Regardless when the person changes sim you ll receive location over mail/SMS on friend's mobile unless the thief is a power user. Make sure you send that lock both with Dive and Avast and just wait for it.
Good luck.
ksekhar said:
If you logged into samsung account when you were configuring you should be able to lock it with samsung dive as well. Just go to samsungdive.com
Also i assume you sent lock message with Avast as well, if not you should do it ASAP. Regardless when the person changes sim you ll receive location over mail/SMS on friend's mobile unless the thief is a power user. Make sure you send that lock both with Dive and Avast and just wait for it.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice.
Yes.I did those two things.
I just hope the thief is not a power user !
avi619 said:
Hi,
I bought galaxy s3 a month back and someone pick pocketed it today morning
The phone is non-rooted.
I have installed avast anti-theft in it.
Also the setting option in phone is protected by perfect app lock.
I have a samsung dive account, but I m not sure if remote control is enabled on my phone.
So, what are my options??
Can I get back my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used this app once when my phone got stolen. I went on the computer and went to the Google play. You can download apps from there to your phone. There is this app called Plan B. Just download it to your phone. After that wait a few minutes and you will get an email of the location of where it is. Hit the thanks button if this helped
Sent from my SGH-T769 using xda premium
I also recommend Plan B, people say they've been getting excellent results with it.
I installed Plan B, now I am just waiting for him to switch on the phone.
robogo1982 said:
I also recommend Plan B, people say they've been getting excellent results with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok,so I installed Plan B.
No email till now as the phone is switched off.
Lets see.
avi619 said:
Ok,so I installed Plan B.
No email till now as the phone is switched off.
Lets see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a password on your phone? The person who has stolen your phone will see something is downloading. So if he sees that and there's no lock on it he can uninstall it or cancel the download.
Sent from God himself
im_awesome_right? said:
Is there a password on your phone? The person who has stolen your phone will see something is downloading. So if he sees that and there's no lock on it he can uninstall it or cancel the download.
Sent from God himself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately no.
Only few apps like messages,whatsapp,viber etc are password protected.
Everything else is open.
By now the thief might have done a hard reset also,which means my avast anti-theft is also rendered useless. :crying:
avi619 said:
Unfortunately no.
Only few apps like messages,whatsapp,viber etc are password protected.
Everything else is open.
By now the thief might have done a hard reset also,which means my avast anti-theft is also rendered useless. :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I hope you learned your lesson there. You always put a password on your phone so no one would be able to access anything unless given permission. Do you have insurance on your phone? If you do you can ask your carrier if they can track down your phone even if everything is deleted.
Hit the thanks button if I helped!
im_awesome_right? said:
Well I hope you learned your lesson there. You always put a password on your phone so no one would be able to access anything unless given permission. Do you have insurance on your phone? If you do you can ask your carrier if they can track down your phone even if everything is deleted.
Hit the thanks button if I helped!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not insure my phone.This was my first smartphone and purchased it a month back.
I could not even imagine the thought of losing it.
I asked my carrier to track the phone but they denied my request saying no such service is available.
Hmm ...
avi619 said:
Hi,
...
I have installed avast anti-theft in it.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you installed that and configured correctly the special phone number(s) where the 'SOS SMS' will be sent you have decent chances to get the SMS when the phone is started with a different SIM inside. In the meantime I assume you have also blocked your SIM with your provider?
But of course that on a rooted phone anti-theft is a huge lot harder to remove.
xclub_101 said:
If you installed that and configured correctly the special phone number(s) where the 'SOS SMS' will be sent you have decent chances to get the SMS when the phone is started with a different SIM inside. In the meantime I assume you have also blocked your SIM with your provider?
But of course that on a rooted phone anti-theft is a huge lot harder to remove.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes..I installed it correctly and gave 2 numbers.
But my only concern is that if the thief does a hard-reset, avast anti-theft will also be uninstalled (since my phone is non-rooted).
And yeah..I blocked my previous SIM.
PS: I gave avast admin access to phone..
Sorry to hear that you lost your phone. Lol it happened with me also the second day of sgs2 and it was stolen sorry to hear.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Recently got the new HTC ONE through Telus and little over a couple days it has been stolen from me.
I'm wondering now if there is any way for me to track it on regular google account and facebook has been setup on it, but the phone does have a secure security code to unlock the screen.
Does the carrier have anyway of finding this if someone tries to stick in another SIM? Granted they are also a telus user or am I hooped on this one?
I'm assuming a person with the right know-how or buddy could likely access the boot load reset the thing and unlock it and use it, but i'm hoping this isn't the case and I can still track it via some other way?
Thanks,
V
HTC use to offer the ability to track your phone if it was powered on. Or you could remotely lock and/or wipe the device. This was through the HTC sense website. I don't know if they still offer this feature or not. If they don't I'd recommend calling your carriers support line and see what they can do.
Sent from my Nexus 10
I doubt anything's gonna come about this. Phones get lost or stolen every day and even with todays technology very few get found or returned. Also police have better things to do then track someone's lost phone. And I say lost better than stolen because how are you sure that the phone was stolen and not lost? Did you get held up or did the person physically took it off for you?
I would suggest getting insurance next time.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Short answer: No.
Android has no built-in phone tracking capability. This is something you need to have installed yourself on the phone, or something the manufacturer includes. HTC used to do this, but no longer offers the feature.
Report your device stolen to the carrier (you may also report it to the police, but they won't do anything), so that when someone uses it on the network, they won't be able to. Most carriers will not alert you that your device has been found or anything like that. They simply blacklist the IMEI and that's it. If you don't have insurance, then you are pretty much on your own.
Your carrier may offer their own location tracking capability that you can add to your account, and that may allow you to track the phone (if they haven't already wiped the phone and removed your SIM card). Check with your carrier.
prjkthack said:
Short answer: No.
Android has no built-in phone tracking capability. This is something you need to have installed yourself on the phone, or something the manufacturer includes. HTC used to do this, but no longer offers the feature.
Report your device stolen to the carrier (you may also report it to the police, but they won't do anything), so that when someone uses it on the network, they won't be able to. Most carriers will not alert you that your device has been found or anything like that. They simply blacklist the IMEI and that's it. If you don't have insurance, then you are pretty much on your own.
Your carrier may offer their own location tracking capability that you can add to your account, and that may allow you to track the phone (if they haven't already wiped the phone and removed your SIM card). Check with your carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does blacklisting the IMEI do? Could the individual just unlock it with a internet bought code and jam in any sim card and make it work after the fact? Or by blacklisting it if someone brought it to TELUS would they then be able to seize it as a stolen/ lost phone?
Thanks for all your comments and help thus far, it is greatly appreciated.
vincent-h said:
What does blacklisting the IMEI do? Could the individual just unlock it with a internet bought code and jam in any sim card and make it work after the fact? Or by blacklisting it if someone brought it to TELUS would they then be able to seize it as a stolen/ lost phone?
Thanks for all your comments and help thus far, it is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blacklisting an IMEI will not allow someone to use that device on the network. This is something that has only recently caught on in the United States. T-Mobile and AT&T now block IMEIs that have been reported stolen/missing, while Sprint and Verizon have been doing it for a while. When you put your SIM into a blocked phone that tries to run on a supported network, you'll get a message that says the phone cannot be used.
Of course, this depends on your carrier. You may want to ask what your carrier does with lost/stolen IMEIs, as they may have different policies.
get on computer>google play> download lookout security or plan B...this would only work if the device is turned on and has data connection...plan B should get the gps location and send the map to your email address..
Perry977 said:
get on computer>google play> download lookout security or plan B...this would only work if the device is turned on and has data connection...plan B should get the gps location and send the map to your email address..
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works only with Android 2.1-2.3! But maybe a good one for these Version!
Did you try Android Device Manager to locate it? It's in the settings menu on the play store website.
vincent-h said:
Recently got the new HTC ONE through Telus and little over a couple days it has been stolen from me.
I'm wondering now if there is any way for me to track it on regular google account and facebook has been setup on it, but the phone does have a secure security code to unlock the screen.
Does the carrier have anyway of finding this if someone tries to stick in another SIM? Granted they are also a telus user or am I hooped on this one?
I'm assuming a person with the right know-how or buddy could likely access the boot load reset the thing and unlock it and use it, but i'm hoping this isn't the case and I can still track it via some other way?
Thanks,
V
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For the future try an app called Cerberus anti theft, it's a really great app to have. It has a free week trial so you can try it out, after that it cost $2.99 euro which is a little under $5 in US, also it's a one time fee and not a subscription. Just go online and track your phone and do many other things.
Long story short, factory reset phone. Prompted with "Phone has been reset, please enter last used Google Email and Password." So I enter in the correct information, proceed to the Terms and Agreement page, and it sends me back to the "Enter Google Email and Password." Page again. It's stuck in this loop.
I tried changing my password, factory resetting, clearing the cache, talking to Samsung rep (they said to send it into a service center), I'm just at a complete loss here.
Some research says that after you reset your password, you have to wait 72hrs before you can unlock the device again. I'm not sure if that makes sense...
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Good luck. Smartphones have become pretty hard to crack in the past 2 years. The last thing i would maybe try is odin back to stock and try again. If that doesn't work, you should ask for a replacement. My job used to be a Samsung service center and we were told if anybody comes in with a knox or reactivation lock issue to send the unit to the head service center and they will send us back an other phone. Just like on the icloud lock on idevices, it's a huge hassle to bypass thoses locking mechanisms, and for a good reason.
polish_pat said:
Good luck. Smartphones have become pretty hard to crack in the past 2 years. The last thing i would maybe try is odin back to stock and try again. If that doesn't work, you should ask for a replacement. My job used to be a Samsung service center and we were told if anybody comes in with a knox or reactivation lock issue to send the unit to the head service center and they will send us back an other phone. Just like on the icloud lock on idevices, it's a huge hassle to bypass thoses locking mechanisms, and for a good reason.
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well I'm not necessarily trying to crack it, just get it to work properly.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
bubblebuddyi said:
well I'm not necessarily trying to crack it, just get it to work properly.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Well at this point brute force would be an option to consider. There are a couple of thread of users being locked out of their own phone in the Note 4 forum, i remember seeing them when i had a note 4 and it was one of the most active threads, I know it took them a few months to figure out what to do when you are a legit user, not a thief, and you're locked out of your phone because you forgot to untick the reactivation lock option after either flashing or restoring. I know there is a way, but i'm not sure where the thread is, I know it's either in the T-Mo section or the international section because these are the only 2 sub forums i visited.
You should consider checking it out, might be your only hope before bringing the unit to Samsung...and BTW, you'll probably have to fight with them because technically, this is a user mistake...at least that's how we dealt with it when I worked for Samsung. If you're lucky enough, you'll deal with a person like me that can relate to your issue and will pass it under warranty by bending the truth a bit.
EDIT: My memory fooled me, it's the Note 3 forum, not the 4
iCLoud Activation Lock Solution
Hi,
I from tihs understand that you have iCloud Actvation Lock problem, and need for you to add original owner password in your device to unlock. If you not are the original owner that only way is to use factory unlock service. I have the some problem as you and used this here: howtoiphonegeek .com and help me.
bubblebuddyi said:
Long story short, factory reset phone. Prompted with "Phone has been reset, please enter last used Google Email and Password." So I enter in the correct information, proceed to the Terms and Agreement page, and it sends me back to the "Enter Google Email and Password." Page again. It's stuck in this loop.
I tried changing my password, factory resetting, clearing the cache, talking to Samsung rep (they said to send it into a service center), I'm just at a complete loss here.
Some research says that after you reset your password, you have to wait 72hrs before you can unlock the device again. I'm not sure if that makes sense...
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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Click to collapse
If you changed your password recently you should wait 72 hours and then you'll be able to unlock it with your credentials. Hope this works for you and it's your case.
I will be going out of my voice/data area.
I was unknowingly under the impression that everything was fine with my new U.S. Cellular's best 3Mbps Uncapped Unlimited 25GB Plus plan; nothing hidden, everything disclosed ["...and no hidden charges..." (right!? LoL)].
But, what I am finding out quickly is that not even all of CS Reps really know what's going on, and even they are not up-to-date on the details.
"The dickens is in the details!".
Unfortunately, U.S. Cellular's roaming is limited to 400MB per month, no matter what plan you are on, even if you are on their top-of-the-line plan.
Additional GB have to be purchased.
I am located in the States and on a U.S. Cellular 30-month contract.
KevinAuralee said:
I will be going out of my voice/data area.
I am located in the States and on a U.S. Cellular 30-month contract.
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I would like to know:
I have a 'locked' Galaxy S9+ (SM-G965U). Would it be cheaper to buy a Sim and use my phone with another carrier instead of roaming?
Is it even possible on a 'locked' phone to temporarily use a different carrier?
I'm mostly concerned about my internet data (or, really my lack thereof), and how much it would cost to buy 'roaming' data.
1.5GB or 3.5GB roaming data will cost extra; $15 or $35 respectively.
I have the choice of Global, LTE/CDMA, LTE/GSM/UMTS under Mobile Networks => Network mode.
It would seem that I could use Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T for a month and not have roaming charges through the nose.
Also, I believe U.S. Cellular's biggest roaming package is 3.5GB (vs the 25GB [Unlimited Plus] plan that I have gotten used to).
I talked to U.S. Cellular's technical support, and they said... Because there is a balance on the phone, it is locked... And because it is locked, another carrier cannot be used.
I understand, also, from reading this forum, that unlocking a Stateside S9+ is not a good idea, because it will trip Knox and void the warranty.
Unless someone knows something else, looks like I'm sunk.
Can anyone please verify my latest fears?
KevinAuralee said:
I talked to U.S. Cellular's technical support, and they said... Because there is a balance on the phone, it is locked... And because it is locked, another carrier cannot be used.
I understand, also, from reading this forum, that unlocking a Stateside S9+ is not a good idea, because it will trip Knox and void the warranty.
Unless someone knows something else, looks like I'm sunk.
Can anyone please verify my latest fears?
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3 posts and I have no idea what your question really is. The Snapdragon models can't be rooted. At best, you could manage to brick your device trying. I'm also not sure what it would accomplish, given your problem.
CrazyApe18 said:
3 posts and I have no idea what your question really is. The Snapdragon models can't be rooted. At best, you could manage to brick your device trying. I'm also not sure what it would accomplish, given your problem.
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I have returned from my trip to no-service (roaming) PA. I had to use local wifi while roaming. It was a very bad phone data experience. I was talking about hidden fees with US Cellular to be able to even use my phone for internet access.
I have 1-1/2 years left and will unlock this phone. I really do like the camera and the speed of the apps, etc. But since Snapdragon models cannot be rooted, what is the point of my owning this phone?
Obviously, I should probably ditch this phone or upgrade... probably selling it would be the best way to put money towards a new phone that can be rooted.
What are your suggestions?
Carriers have pro's and con's... If you are worried about having high roaming use then perhaps pick up an unlocked phone that will work on a different provider (with applicable plan through the provider) and use it as a mobile hotspot. Then connect your S9+ to the mobile hotspot and you should be ok.
TBH one of the things you should consider when your buying service through a carrier is the coverage the carrier provides as well as if/what limitations may exist. In your case if you roam a lot and the price of roaming is to much then perhaps consider a different provider when your contract is up.
KevinAuralee said:
I have a 'locked' Galaxy S9+ (SM-G965U). Would it be cheaper to buy a Sim and use my phone with another carrier instead of roaming?
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The phone is carrier/network locked which means it can only be used on the carrier you got it from. Because the phone is carrier locked you can not use any other sim card other then what is provided by the carrier.
KevinAuralee said:
Is it even possible on a 'locked' phone to temporarily use a different carrier?
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Nope
KevinAuralee said:
I have 1-1/2 years left and will unlock this phone. I really do like the camera and the speed of the apps, etc. But since Snapdragon models cannot be rooted, what is the point of my owning this phone?
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To be honest you just gave 2 pro's and only 1 con over the device, which would kinda answer your question for you... But again that is the kind of question only you can answer..
IMHO if your sole purpose on having that phone is that you must have it rooted, then this phone is not the one for you. If your only trying to root the phone so you can get cheaper roaming data by using other sim cards then you probably shouldn't be trying to root the phone anyways (not that root is even possible cuz it's not... It's just better to get it carrier/network unlocked by paying it off).
On the other hand for the most part even if it was possible the device could be rooted it won't give you much outside of what you already have. Granted I have had phone(s) being samsung and other where rooting the device allowed me to get better performance and battery life. With this phone it is the first Samsung I have had that is quite snappy, battery life is surprisingly good and overall it works quite well with just the stock firmware.
About the only thing I would root the phone for (if it were possible, it's not obviously) is for nandroid backups. Still even from factory data reset to back up and running doesn't take that long anymore. Outside of that I myself have no reason to root the phone.
KevinAuralee said:
Obviously, I should probably ditch this phone or upgrade... probably selling it would be the best way to put money towards a new phone that can be rooted.
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I would strongly suggest you entertain/consider those notions after you paid the phone off. But just as an FYI once you get the phone unlocked (after paying it off) you can use it on T-Moble, Sprint, Verizon, AT&T... The G965U and G965U1 whether bought from samsung or the carriers themselves have the same internal hardware. The software determines what bands and carrier compatible features are active... Should be noted that carriers may have additional requirements (like AT&T not letting non AT&T S9+ use VoLTE) for specific services/features.
So if anything pay the phone off faster so you can get it carrier/network unlocked.. The phone or the fact the model isn't rootable isn't the real problem here, it's the data roaming charges your carrier has.
KevinAuralee said:
What are your suggestions?
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Keep the phone and use it until it's paid off.. Then get it carrier/network unlocked would be my suggestion. At that point you can use a sim card with a different provider for cheaper data roaming.. Or after it's paid off and network unlocked you can just sell it (you could probably get more for it since it would be unlocked to work for any carrier).
scottusa2008 said:
IMHO if your sole purpose on having that phone is that you must have it rooted, then this phone is not the one for you.
With this phone it is the first Samsung I have had that is quite snappy, battery life is surprisingly good and overall it works quite well with just the stock firmware.
About the only thing I would root the phone for (if it were possible, it's not obviously) is for nandroid backups. Still even from factory data reset to back up and running doesn't take that long anymore. Outside of that I myself have no reason to root the phone.
I would strongly suggest you entertain/consider those notions after you paid the phone off...
...The phone or the fact the model isn't rootable isn't the real problem here, it's the data roaming charges your carrier has.
Keep the phone and use it until it's paid off.. Then get it carrier/network unlocked would be my suggestion.
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I don't like a lot of things that deal with not having root.
Google and Samsung push are trying to take over my phone, even though I have a lot of stuff disabled. I just found out my location is full on, and I always have it turned off or set to minimal.
I even had some data usage and never turned data on... am 100% running on wi-fi. And now Samsung's keyboard is active and can't be disabled.
Seems to me that I would like to stock load what I originally had when I first received the phone. I have never taken any updates and get nagged a lot.
But, like you said it isn't mine to root yet! But gimminies, I mean give me a break... I can't even side-load anymore. And that's gonna smart quite a bit.
I have entertained the idea of upgrading to a newer phone, but that would probably result in digging my hole deeper and even harder to get out of. I have 1-1/2 years left to go on my phone, or just flat buy it out while it is still worth something.
Oh, and I have never been able to back up my phone without spilling all of my information to Google or Samsung -- that's the way they like it!
So I have been running without a backup for a year now, and I don't like it. Sure, I have almost everything pics & stuff on hard drive, but my apps, text messages, phone book, etc. I don't.
I'm thinking I would like to take screen pics of my apps & contacts, etc. and start all over. If only I knew of a sure way of gaining 100% control over my phone, I would do it!
But like you say, it might make more sense to just pay it off and then sell it and be rid of it.
KevinAuralee said:
I don't like a lot of things that deal with not having root.
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Your not the only one... but if that is the case then it would seem that samsung has pretty much gotten on the ball and took care of the exploits that would allow root. While in one sense it's a bummer for those who want to root, but in the other they are making devices that aren't as exploitable (which is actually a good thing).
KevinAuralee said:
I even had some data usage and never turned data on... am 100% running on wi-fi. And now Samsung's keyboard is active and can't be disabled.
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Did you turn off roaming data? If you did then it would not have connected to the roaming data.. Mine never does unless I have it turned on. Also if your sending and recieving MMS messages this would use mobile data, so check your MMS settings for roaming auto retrieve.
KevinAuralee said:
Oh, and I have never been able to back up my phone without spilling all of my information to Google or Samsung -- that's the way they like it!
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This whole cloud backup thing has been around for a long time and is not a Samsung or Google thing. Microsoft Windows, Apple devices, Amazon devices all do the same thing. It's convenient for many and for those who are paranoid (or just don't want to use cloud backup) you don't have to use cloud backup services.
You can use smartswitch and make a backup of what is on the phone on your computer. You can save your contacts to the device only and you can export those contacts to a .vcf file... so you can later import them if you get a different phone (or factory data reset).
KevinAuralee said:
So I have been running without a backup for a year now, and I don't like it. Sure, I have almost everything pics & stuff on hard drive, but my apps, text messages, phone book, etc. I don't.
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Check out Smartswitch
https://account.samsung.com/membership/terms/privacypolicy
I just did... their privacy policy is that I have no privacy. So I am back to square one and I feel better off NOT backing anything up both by their services and/or their software.
I have no active accounts with the goog, or samsung.
I plan on keeping it this way.
I guess my only question would be if I did a hard reset, and because I have never allowed any updates, would I be able to get back to day one when I first got the phone and be able to start from scratch?
KevinAuralee said:
I guess my only question would be if I did a hard reset, and because I have never allowed any updates, would I be able to get back to day one when I first got the phone and be able to start from scratch?
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If you did a factory data reset your phone would erase all your data and apps from the phone and all settings restored to factory defaults. You would have to go through the setup process again and restore your data (and make what ever changes, disable what apps you need too, misc customizations) which ever way you are going to do so.
I only mention this because I do not know what firmware your running or what was on the phone when you originally bought it. This part may or may not apply in your case, but in case it does... The only thing about a factory data reset is it does not change what firmware is installed on the phone. If you have the latest android pie installed then that is what will be on the phone once the factory data reset is completed.