Hi. I bought my I9100 in the UK about a year ago, second-hand, locked to Orange. After researching the topic for a bit I rooted the device, installed some custom ROMs and unlocked the phone using the Galaxy S2 SIM Unlock app. It worked and I enjoyed my unlocked phone for the whole year. In that time I changed ROMs couple of times and never had any problems with my SIM being locked.
Until now.
Two weeks ago I thought I wanted to give the new leaked jelly bean rom a try and so I flashed my phone with it. Then, wanting to root it (very foolishly) I thought I knew what I was doing but I essentially soft bricked my phone. I recovered from the soft brick and installed cm10 with 4.1.2 but the phone appeared to be locked to a specific carrier again. I thought that's no problem and tried using the Galaxy S2 SIM Unlock again but it was unable to find the unlock code. And so I tried Helroz's Galaxy_S Unlock and that worked, sort of. Whenever I unlocked the phone with it it would lock back after couple of hours or after a restart. But I could live with that. That was until yesterday when it stopped working. My signal bar is empty just like when the mobile is locked but the phone doesn't prompt me to enter the unlock code. Neither of the apps I tried before works any more.
I restored the phone to a backup I made previously - doesn't work. I flashed another ROM - nothing. I did a clean flash back to cm10 after wiping /system, /data, /chache and dalvik. Nada.
Is there anything I could try to restore my phone functionality to my s2? Or am I essentially stuck with a tiny non-gsm tablet? (the wifi works fine)
You should try the galaxsim unlock app it works after a JB update which blocks the older helroz partial unlock
galaxsim is free on the xda forums or paid in the store.
Thanks. I installed galaxsim unlock and when I open the app the only thing that it recognizes is the device model. Everything else is 'undefined'. On the bottom it says that "either your nv_data md5 file is inexistent / wrong or samsung md5 function has changed."
This doesn't sound like good news to me...
It sounds like your efs is corrupt, hopefully you have a backup. If not I think it can be fixed but is hard and something I don't know.
Even make a backup of the corrupt since it may have salvageable parts to fix the rest.
Even if you didn't make a manual efs backup a lot of kernels and roms do it automatically so check your sdcard and even the data partition (I have seen siyah kernel put a backup on it in a .siyah directory) maybe even look in old CWM backups in the data partition.
Well, that's not good. Thank you for helping me identify the issue.
Does anyone know how to deal with broken efs? I have made a back-up at some point and it sits in a Galaxy_S_Unlock folder on my phone I just don't know what to do with it...
Maybe try ktool on play store?
Sent from my Galaxy SII
well, ktool only restores from backups it made itself and my backup was made by Galaxy_S Unlock.
Reinstall galaxy_s unlock and use its restore function.
Ok, so I restored the old efs, and then used the galaxim unlock to unlock the phone. The app says the phone is unlocked and yet there's still no signal. I the "show details" menu there's nothing displayed under "Serial No", which I think is the issue? Is there any way to resolve that problem?
EDIT: Rebooted the phone and the serial no reappeared. Now it connects to the network and works in general. Thanks everyone for help. Enjoy the weekend.
Related
I wanted to sell my Galaxy s2, the guy wanted it to be factory reset, with the original firmware.
I have downloaded GT-I9100_XME_I9100XWKF1 firmware, it worked. But I had the "sim locked" symbol in the notification bar, so I wanted to unlock it.
I downloaded CF-Root-SGS2_XW_OJV_KF1-v4.0-CWM4, and rooted the phone.
Downloaded the Galaxy Unlock app from market place, followed steps 1-3. Phone rebooted.
The unlock didn't work, Instead of a sim locked symbol in the notification bar, I got this stop symbol (like in "no smoking" sign). When I try to go to settings->wireless and mobile network->mobile network, I get "Insert Sim Card to access network services" (sim card is insert correctly, i double checked). When I try to make a call, same message "Mobile Network not Avaliable".
I did some search on the forum, one of the guys said that I should check if the IMEI is matching, I dialed *#06# and got the word: "IMEI", no serial, just that.
I tried to go to Unlock Galaxy app and do a restore efs (step 4), i get the message "You don't have efs save in /sdcard/Galaxy_S_Unlock"
I tried the sim card in a different phone, it works. Tried a different sim in galaxy, it doesn't work.
I tried to do a reset of the device from a backup I had from a month ago, it didn't help, same problem.
What can I do?
here.
http://www.androidapps-home.com/gsii-repair-android-2555711.html
Thank you for the reply, I have tried the GSII_Repair, just now, I installed busybox on android device, and followed the steps.
Step 1 was succesful, so was 2.
After trying step 3 i got the message : "You dont have .nv_data.bak and his md5 files, canceled"
I did more research and found out that I have network lock. Punching the code *#7465625# confirmed it.
I tried that tutorial: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1369474
to fix it, it didnt work because I didn't have the hex adress 181468 nor 18145C in my nv_data.bin
do not use galaxy s2 unlock, try galaxy S unlock, this one is better but with greater risk but never heard anyone had issue with this. Use this then do the GS repair again.
should this one did not work, i suggest you do odin flash of official roms. Tried flashing the rom 3 times, I was able to fix the same problem with my galaxy tab before doing that. goodluck.
THank you ! *FIXED*
I just used the original Samsung Unlock, and I didn't notice that it had a fix built in. Tried it and it worked !
vadboy2 said:
THank you ! *FIXED*
I just used the original Samsung Unlock, and I didn't notice that it had a fix built in. Tried it and it worked !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey dude, which "original Samsung Unlock" you used? Can you post the link for download? Have same problem as you, have tried many things but none worked.....
Great congrats...
Friend of mine gave me a Droid Razr from Rogers to try and fix. Phone would constantly reboot, but not at a specific interval. This all happened while it was on stock firmware. No upgrade available from Rogers, so I couldn't try that, plus factory reset/wiping cache didn't work either. Friend said I should do whatever possible, so I flashed the "The Artic" ROM. Everything works perfectly. No reboot, nothing.
It is a Rogers phone, and I need to unlock it, and when I put in the microSIM from a different provider, nothing comes up asking for SIM unlock. When I go into phone status, everything says unknown, including the IMEI.
The baseband box says unknown as well.
Anything I can do?
When I try to go *#06# the box comes up for IMEI, but it doesn't have anything on it. Corrupt IMEI?
How long ago did he get the Razr I hope he didn't get the two I returned as defective? LOL.... The two I got the first one having this random shutdown issue for some strange reason it would just turn off by itself. I can't seem to track the problem down since it was factory reset and nothing install but still did this. The second one just completely turned itself off and wouldn't come back on. The third did the same as the first but I managed to send it to Motorola for repair and they reflashed it, seems ok so far. I'm wondering if the Rogers Firmware has something to do with this?
I have no idea how long ago he got it. His warranty was out though, so Rogers wouldn't take it back.
Either way, apparently I don't have an 'EFS' folder. I used Root Explorer to check and there is nothing there.
How would I go about fixing that?
The weird thing is I can use WIFI on it. I thought it stored the WIFI addresses in the EFS folder?
Or perhaps Motorola phones don't have EFS folders. Anyone?
Did a factory reset, no EFS folder.
Originally when I got the phone, before I flashed any kind of ROM I put in a foreign SIM card and the 'network unlock' box never came up.
I'm beginning to wonder if the EFS folder was gone to begin with.
Because I just checked again, and its not there. Not even after a factory reset.
Yeah, not sure what else I can do. Went back to stock 2.3.5 and installed after market radio, and both times it says unknown IMEI. I think this phone is pretty much hooped.
Looking for some help or suggestion as this problem came up out of no where.
using XWLPM Unbranded, Unlock Version. phone working with TELUS Canadian carrier. out of no where, all the sudden im getting the prompt of Enter Network Unlock Control Key. not getting any signal with the SIM card.
My SIM do not believe is locked and nor is the firmware. anyone have the same problem or know what the heck is going on as im running a unlock 4.0.4 XWLPM version and not sure how to get rid of that.
Thanks:crying:
shuweee said:
Looking for some help or suggestion as this problem came up out of no where.
using XWLPM Unbranded, Unlock Version. phone working with TELUS Canadian carrier. out of no where, all the sudden im getting the prompt of Enter Network Unlock Control Key. not getting any signal with the SIM card.
My SIM do not believe is locked and nor is the firmware. anyone have the same problem or know what the heck is going on as im running a unlock 4.0.4 XWLPM version and not sure how to get rid of that.
Thanks:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
since ver 4.0.4 has some issues, would suggest u to rewert back to stock 4.0.3 and then see if the issue persists, if its not there then stay with v4.0.3 untill a stable v4.0.4 is released
ps- do not make any wipes in recovery, or backup ur phone with the same with v4.0.4 since the same can potentially brick ur phone
SIM is not dead. turn out to be a phone issue. not resolved yet but find it very strange how it can go from non-lock to locked with network control key prompt.
used GSII repair from the market, it resolved the issue but now the phone is unable to turn on any security pattern prompt for instance, and it has a weird box logo right on the home screen.
anyone had this problem before?
Yes I've suddenly had this issue, but found the app 'Galaxy_S Unlock' on the market which quickly resolved my phone being locked.
But the problem persists as it randomly locks itself again, and I have to use this app again, bit of a pain as this is a work phone, but luckily it still unlocks with this app.
Looking for a permanent solution, anyone have any ideas what the real issue is here, and yes I'm using v4.o4 firmware on my phone.
My SII just got the OTA update to 4.04 this morning and is now doing the same thing, my carrier is pretty indifferent as its unlocked so I'm trying to get help out of Samsung. Mostly adding my 2c to give the topic a bump
Same trouble here after a flash to Resurrection v3.0.5, prompt of Enter Network Unlock Control Key.
Tried the unlock apps from the market and no go, tried flashing a few other Roms, restored a few nandroid backups, factory resets and still nothing. Put the SIM into my backup phone to test and no problems with that.
Strange when accessing the menu at *#7465625# the network locks were listed as off.
What did work for me was to flash back to the original stock Rom that came with the phone (KG2 Bell). After the reboot there was still no signal so I entered stock recovery and did a factory reset, cleared cache partition/dalvik cache, fix permisions and reboot.
After that all has been working good and was able to flash back to my nandroid backup.
I just packed it off to Samsung, they didn't admit fault but the phone is out of warranty but they are fixing it free of charge. Smells like victory..
Hey folks,
I really badly messed up my EFS recently, with broken IMEI and S/N. It took me a few days of searching, reading and trying before I finally could restore both IMEI and S/N.
Part of the problem was the XXEMG4 EFSv1 to EFSv2 change, and I lost the backup'ed EFSv1 files (of course I did NOT make an EFS Backup when I got my I9300, shame on me).
So now I face another problem that very likely is related to the above story:
I wanted to flash a Cyanogen 10.2 nightly via mobile Odin but it froze, so after 15min with no progress I rebooted to download mode, flashed Phil'z Touch recovery and reflashed Cyanogen after full wiping.
It booted properly and asked for the PIN, but the correct PIN wasn't accepted anymore. There was no "Wrong PIN" or anything, the same SIM unlock screen appered again. "sim/rmei(or rmid? Anything like that starting with R...) locked" was written at the bottom of the screen.
I shut the phone down, removed the SIM card and booted straight into Android.
In the settings I found my serial no being altered, something starting with 4f..., it was also longer that the usual serial. To me it looked like a hex number.
When I reflash the stock image everything's fine... I haven't tried to flash another rom yet, maybe that's still an option?!
Any other ideas save for "take it to a repair shop"? Unfortunately there aren't any around my town...
Greetz
// j_dee
Sent by XDA app from my Samsung Galaxie S3
Check you lock status using galaxsim unlock
Sent From My Galaxy S III Using XDA Premium 4
GalaxSim Unlock says "Device updated to a new lock system not supported yet."
Greetz
// j_dee
Sent by XDA app from my Samsung Galaxie S3
Previous unlock methods no longer work with efs v2, there is no solution at present other than unlock code from your network provider.
So, I've tried to flash AOKP now, same problem. The full text is "SIM/RUIM card is locked. - emergency calls only".
I'm not certain, but i think this is the default text in the SIM unlock screen.
No matter which digits I enter, when hitting ENTER the PIN field gets cleared. Even with a wrong PIN there's no "Wrong PIN" warning.
The IMEI is still correct, but the S/N has changed, now it is 4df772e33ef0cf19.
I remember similar problems with my Desire HD when flashing an AOSP kernel on a Sense based rom...
Greetz
// j_dee
Sent by XDA app from my LG Nexus 5
Hi everyone,
I come to you as I am a noob as far as twinkering with my gt i9300 goes and I think I messed it up big time.
Here is what I did :
I had android 4.2.1 on my gt i9300, the stock rom from sfr (french career).
I network unlocked it using my career official unlock code, which worked great. It recognized my japanese career sim very well (i am in japan now).
Then I got greedy and wanted to update my android version so I downloaded a 4.4 android rom from I don't remember well, and a cwm manager.
The network unlock worked fine at first but after a restart it did not work anymore. It asked me for a network unlock pin.
I thought it was asking for a sim pin at first, which my sim did not have as I hadn't set one. I got mad trying sim pin code and gave up. Had I given it the network unlock code instead of possible sim pin code it might have worked but I will never know.
Then I tried to solve the problem installing android 5.1 cyanogen version but I had the same problem except this time I understood it was asking for the network unlock code. The problem is that when I fed it to him, it did not work, the request was unsuccessful.
So I looked for a solution on internet and found all kind of things:
I read about restoring the efs partition, but i do not have any back up.
I read about installing a stock rom version, change the csc and retry the official network unlock code, but it does not work, whether I restore through Kies (which gives me a vodafone version) or manually (with an sfr version, french vodafone it seems).
I read about installing Galaxy simunlock app after rooting the phone and installing userbox, but it tells me that my locking system is not handled as it is too new.
I upgraded, downgraded, rooted in every possible way but nothing works.
I am running out of solution and I therefore turn to you for help, hoping you will be more creative than me.
I have the official network unlock code, the phone, no back up of any kind and really little hope.
Thank you in advance for any help you could give me !
Have a nice day !
Sadly you didn't make a backup of efs. That should be first thing before playing with customs.
Oh well, I suppose your efs may be screwed up due to entering couple times bad network unlock key.
I suggest go to next corner GSM shop and pay 2400JPY for efs fixing and perm sim unlock. But before that, check your IMEI and serial number are correct. Thay can fix all of this in one step.
You need to do this via box, you can't reprogram that or fix yourself because you did everything that may help and you still have a problem. You can't use any software on efs v2. It will not work.
____________________________________________
P3110 / I9300 / I9100 / NEXUS 5 / iPAD2
Thank you for your quick answer !
I will follow your advice and go to a "professional".
However I don't understand how they are able to do what I can't, do they have special softwares or anything ?
I would like to know because I do have the official unlock code.
Also, I would still like to upgrade to android 5.1 cyanogen version, do you think it will be possible after such a modification ?
I should not encounter any risk if I backup the efs beforehand right ?
Thank you again
Service will connect your phone to, so called, box, ie Z3X Box. This is some kind of pc-phone bridge hardware which can alow to decrypt and encrypt efs files, fix IMEI, serial number, flash firmware, IMEI certificate, remove network locks, sim locks etc.
Of course you can backup your efs now but it is corrupted and useful. Backup this partition after repair. Than you will be able to flash anything you want. Even CM12.1,no problem.
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P3110 / I9300 / I9100 / NEXUS 5 / iPAD2
Ok I understand better now.
Thank you very much for your answers, they have been really helpful !
Do not let them plug your phone to the box if you want to install 4.4 or 5.0 because if you give them they will replace your imei number with a clon imei number and you will stuck with max 4.3 and you need to install a patched modem and kernel every time you format your phone... tell them to try to fix without replacing your imei number first. Replacing the imei number should be the last thing to do...
Why do you think they will clone his phone's IMEI? It's even illegal.
If someone doesn't know how to use box than he should not work in GSM service.
You can rewrite original IMEI and serial number without cloning anything.
An probably IMEI is fine, it's network lock problem.
____________________________________________
P3110 / I9300 / I9100 / NEXUS 5 / iPAD2
Most repair shops dont care its legal or not. Also most costumers dont know this kind of things and as long as phone is working its okay for them. Mine is just a warning to make him look like he knows this things so repairman doesnt do something with no going back...