Buying an S4 & Firmware - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Question, what is the likelihood of buying a new GS4 from a vendor and not have the newest software on the phone so that I can unlock the bootloader? Are all phones being shipped with the locked bootloader?

I recently got a "Like new replacement" from Verizon and it came without the update. I immediately turned airplane mode on and had no problem not taking the update.
I've heard other users suggesting that the version installed depends on where you buy it (i.e. from verizon or best buy).
I've also read stories from users that when buying from Verizon the salesperson will update the phone because they think the user wants the update and they do not ask first.
Hope this helps!

Got my S4 from Verizon Wireless online (delivered Monday). Did not cone with update (asked me to update right after I activated).
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium

Cares said:
Question, what is the likelihood of buying a new GS4 from a vendor and not have the newest software on the phone so that I can unlock the bootloader? Are all phones being shipped with the locked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's a pretty good bet if you go to a Verizon store and get a 16GB model you're likely to get a non-upgraded one. Even better, search for a store that you think would see less foot-traffic and go there. Going there closer to when they close will make it much less likely that the CSR who sets up your phone will bother with the update (though you can always say your in a rush to get somewhere once they get the phone turned on).
The 32GB models seem to be much more likely to ship with the update pre-installed from what I've heard.
White models are *probably* less popular, so stores will hold onto their stock longer than the black ones, so that may help tip the scales as well.
Good luck. I wouldn't wait too long to upgrade if you're dead set on having an unlocked bootloader.

I got a black 32gb 2 weeks ago and it did not have the update. The 32 gb is only available from Direct Fill warehouses ordered from Verizon themselves AFAIK. So there's not going to be any sitting around in boxes in a store from an old shipment. So when they replenish stock in the warehouse, that's what your phone will be, brand new stock. The 16 gb, however, is likely to have been there awhile. If you go to Best Buy, you can ask them to turn the phone on before they activate it and check the version. I don't see why they'd refuse you, and I highly doubt even Verizon salespeople have any idea of what the new update means and why we don't want it.
That all being said, in my previous experience, they don't typically make the phones with new updates pre-installed until there's a new Android version. They can force the update as soon as you activate it, so there's no reason for them to make Samsung change the factory images they JTAG it with in the first place until there's a significant change (since it's always best to wipe when upgrading Android versions, don't wanna do that in the middle of someone setting up their phone). And they certainly aren't going to open up boxes and start updating them, because again, most everyone will take the update out of the box.
That being said, I would still jump now if you want this phone. There will eventually be a point when all of them come with a newer software version, and there's no way to gauge progress toward another workaround or a true unlock, so you can't bet on that. There are some reports to suggest people got the phone with the update already installed, but that seems to be more refurbished phones, since it looks like even Verizon or Samsung themselves couldn't actually roll the phones back to an older build once the signature was blacklisted in the hardware. So you should be alright ordering now, just make sure you get a new one, and don't put your SIM in. Check the version, if it has ME7 already, take it back and say the phone doesn't perform well even after a factory reset, and you've heard it's likely that update, so you'd like one without it. If it is not updated yet, root it immediately, and block or remove SDM.apk and FWupgrade.apk, and then and only then is it safe to activate the phone.
Sent from my VZW Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition

My 16GB model came from Amazon yesterday without the update.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

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Related

[Q] Running un-released radio and your warranty

I'm definitely excited that this new radio firmware has been leaked, but my dilemma is thus:
My wife and I both have Thunderbolts. I've rooted mine, thrown on custom ROMs, kernels, etc, but hers is stock. Her battery life is MUCH worse on stock than mine, even with the brightness, sync, etc turned down, so she's about to the point of wanting me to root/flash hers too.
Unfortunately, we may have to return her phone as the speakerphone is all but unusable due to feedback/noise issues while in a call. I know it's fairly simple to return a phone to stock, and Verizon can't tell over the air what ROM or kernel you're using, but from what I can gather, they CAN tell what radio version you're using. If I have to return her phone for warranty issues, will they see that she's had the leaked radio firmware and thus deny the claim?
if you are going to return it why go through the hassle of rooting and what not just return it then root the new one and install the new radio version.
ckochinsky125 said:
if you are going to return it why go through the hassle of rooting and what not just return it then root the new one and install the new radio version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Just return the phone now if you are having problems.
I concur, but Verizon is giving me the runaround as I have yet to be able to reproduce the issue for them over the phone or in store. My main concern wasn't so much with rooting and flashing, but more of whether to use the "unauthorized" radio firmware update.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt using Perfect Storm themed XDA App
Veridor said:
I concur, but Verizon is giving me the runaround as I have yet to be able to reproduce the issue for them over the phone or in store. My main concern wasn't so much with rooting and flashing, but more of whether to use the "unauthorized" radio firmware update.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt using Perfect Storm themed XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my experience, the employees at the Verizon stores know less about the Thunderbolt than I do. I had to get my SD card replaced (twice), and though my phone wasn't rooted I doubt they would have noticed, and I would bet that they wouldn't notice a different radio on your wife's device.
Also, didn't Jcase release an unmodified/signed RUU of the new radio? Sounds to me like that would be indistinguishable from an "authorized" radio update. (Disclaimer: I am not an expert and this is pure speculation which would very well be 100% false.)
Bibble13 said:
In my experience, the employees at the Verizon stores know less about the Thunderbolt than I do. I had to get my SD card replaced (twice), and though my phone wasn't rooted I doubt they would have noticed, and I would bet that they wouldn't notice a different radio on your wife's device.
Also, didn't Jcase release an unmodified/signed RUU of the new radio? Sounds to me like that would be indistinguishable from an "authorized" radio update. (Disclaimer: I am not an expert and this is pure speculation which would very well be 100% false.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will have to look in to that. Guess I'm paranoid about them flagging my account as "teh haxx!" from using an unreleased radio.
If you plan to do a lot of tethering, wired or wireless, I don't suggest you flash it. Other than that you really have nothing to worry about.
Just call tech and tell them the phone wont boot, they cant get you to trouble shoot a phone that wont boot up. They never check the phones you warranty out. I've warrantied out phones with cracked screens, water damage, you name it.
g00s3y said:
If you plan to do a lot of tethering, wired or wireless, I don't suggest you flash it. Other than that you really have nothing to worry about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you recommend not flashing the new radio if you are tethering?
Because, it isn't released yet. There have been reports (i.e. claims) of VZW cracking down on people who tether a lot and are running the unreleased radio. True or not, it's your decision.
When the ThunderBolt came out I had the iPhone 4. I had just gotten it from my sister's line 14 days before. I was going to upgrade from the 16gb to the 32gb but then I saw the ThunderBolt and changed my mind. Since I've had the BlackBerry Storm (CrackBerry was my favorite site), the iPhone 3GS (Jailbroken) Moto Droid OG (Rooted), Incredible (Rooted), I have had a long line of never leaving my phone stock. My iPhone 4 was no different. I was at work and didn't have time to un-Jailbreak it so I left it that way and brought it to the store. The reps took back the phone and I got the ThunderBolt. Needless to say, the reps are all about making money and trying to up sell you on accessories. They barely ever check the software of the phone.
related but a bit off topic
Dumb question.. This is related but, a bit off topic, since I'm gonna wait and root once gingerbread arrives (yeah yeah, i know), if I install the new UNROOTED Ruu will I still be able to receive the OTA version incase anything is different or changed in it? Also, will it affect getting OTA gingerbread??? Thanks to all!
When I got my Thunderbolt the rep told me about this site and we had a discussion about rooting. He had an iPhone4 which was jailbroken. He was going to get a Thunderbolt and he was looking forward to rooting it and trying some ROM's.
Another rep came over and joined the discussion. They obviously are 'unofficially' fine with it.
Your mileage may vary with reps. They aren't supposed to activate or look at any phone with third party software. But after activating my t-bolt and talking to a rep about rooting it he mentioned he turned away a kid with a X with liberty1.5. Just don't come in like and asshole. Think of your job, you're more than willing to go above and beyond for someone thats 'cool' and not looking for something for nothing.
Worse comes to worse, if you purchased the monthly warranty for your phone just tell them you lost it and pay the fee to get another one. That way they have no clue about anything.
Just pull the battery incase you have the find my android activated with them
Unless I'm mistaken, you can head over to this XDA thread and download the stock radio (1.12.605.6 = stock CDMA radio & 1.16.00.0223r = stock LTE radio)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1045081
---
(The following text is re-posted from the above URL) :
Lastly (for now), we have the 1.12.605.6 CDMA/LTE radio combo.
CDMA Radio version: 1.16.00.0223r
LTE radio version that came with 1.12.605.6
http://www.multiupload.com/J0K4DL6SMQ
or
http://dougpiston.com/ThunderBolt/Radios/1.12.605.6_CDMA_1.13.605.7_LTE_radio-PG05IMG.zip
(rename to PG05img.zip)
MD5 - A740031D09FC97D1B48FBEDFE73FDD24
---
I hope that helps you with your decision regarding your wife's phone.
Best,
M.

[Q] wait for Note on T-mobile

Hoping to get a Note and can't decide to wait for T-Mobile to get it (? months) or buy ATT now and do the steps to use T-mobile including 4G. How tricky and risky are these steps? I managed to root a Samsung ~year ago but the Note is worth 5x that phone. Also, if I use Gingerbread now, will ICS upgrade while maintaining 4G ablity be easy enough? Appreciate the advice.
I am on atta so I dont have exp on tmobile but if you go to rootgalaxynote.com you will see step by step guide and it looks easy just like flashing custom roms. just follow the instructions and you should be fine. I have flashed so many custom roms since jan of this year and never had any problem and my note is better than ever.
for official ics update, you will have to revert back to stock rom before you can upgrade. you will find this process also in develop section. you will probably have to flash tmobile again but it will be easy for you by then. very easy I must say.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
xdafangirl said:
Hoping to get a Note and can't decide to wait for T-Mobile to get it (? months) or buy ATT now and do the steps to use T-mobile including 4G. How tricky and risky are these steps? I managed to root a Samsung ~year ago but the Note is worth 5x that phone. Also, if I use Gingerbread now, will ICS upgrade while maintaining 4G ablity be easy enough? Appreciate the advice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I am on t mobile.
Here is the thing. The T-Mobile modem is easy to flash, true. However its reliability is less than you would see on T-Mobile phone (meaning some complain of weaker signal and data connection gets dropped very often with the only work around disconnecting data and reconnecting).
I personally never had dropped calls by the way but some people complain.
If you choose to stay on att modem then you get reliable 100 kbps which is pretty slow for most tasks but works fine for emails and light web browsing.
There are some tweaks that purportedly make it more stable but those can only be done on stock rooms and not on cm9 or aokp which are the most popular.
To make a long story short - it is kind of a pain on both gb and ics. They say T-Mobile is switching to 1900 band in a few months and then connection on stock att modem should improve- but there is a risk there too. So if you can wait I think T-Mobile one should be better.
It is a great phone and those of us who had it from day one are happy campers for most part. But if you can wait why not get the right one?
And then again what is the right one? With new processors already announced and galaxy siii coming soon many will say that you should just get a newer phone. But I am perfectly happy with the note and if you get the one with perfect connection that would be quite great (in my opinion). T-Mobile always takes longer to get new phones so on T-Mobile side the note will be quite big news for some time.
By the way I just posted some related questions in a neighboring thread - hoping to get some questions answered myself
Wow just read in general section that galaxy siii is coming in June and note on July 11th. This is for T-Mobile - so if this is true then you have quite a few excellent choices.
very helpful...
Thanks, I appreciate the info in all of the replies. I'm afraid I already caved and bought a used one on ebay today! I have been "suffering" with a quite tiny screen on an old Symbian phone!! I also saw the July 11 date for the Note arriving to T-mobile but I'm very anti-contract -- can't stomach the way the providers soak so much $$ from contract customers. It just seemed that the price on T-Mobile Notes would be elevated for a while and might take a few more weeks beyond July 11 before there would be plenty of used ones to pick from on ebay. . So I will hope for the best with flashing the T-mobile modem on ATT version.
xdafangirl said:
Thanks, I appreciate the info in all of the replies. I'm afraid I already caved and bought a used one on ebay today! I have been "suffering" with a quite tiny screen on an old Symbian phone!! I also saw the July 11 date for the Note arriving to T-mobile but I'm very anti-contract -- can't stomach the way the providers soak so much $$ from contract customers. It just seemed that the price on T-Mobile Notes would be elevated for a while and might take a few more weeks beyond July 11 before there would be plenty of used ones to pick from on ebay. . So I will hope for the best with flashing the T-mobile modem on ATT version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good choice. I was trying to be overly critical, but I guess my (perhaps somewhat hidden) point was that it's a great phone - with a lot of enthusiasm driving higher than usual software development for such a "niche" device.
I've read somewhere today that t-mobile versions of any phones are generally more buggy, so may not be worth it. And I'm sure that as soon as t-mobile phone reaches the hands of our developers the modem will be available for our use as well. Not only that, but also it is likely that by then official Ice Cream Sandwich will be available and kernel modifications will result in even greater roms.
Here is the link to Carrier Unlock discussion - I paid $25 myself, though some people used cheaper services I guess. You need to do that before your SIM will work.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1530863
While loading modems is easy once everything is set up, you need to root the phone and load cwm recovery which you then use to load the modem.
This helpful thread is for rooting a device and loading CWM without increasing flash counter -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1518962

[Q] AT&T Next + Phone status

Hey all,
This is my first run with AT&T as a carrier as well as the trade- in / up program, AT&T next. I know the M9 is coming out on the 25th so I'm looking at upgrade options.
I have a couple of questions that i'm hoping someone can address:
1.) Is there any condition the phone can be in that would 'nullify' the trade-in arrangement? ie: dents, dings, unlocked, customer ROM) ?
2.) Does phone have to be reverted to the factory config? (relocked, stock ROM, RUU, etc.)?
The back lens on my camera broke magically and I had it serviced (3rd party) and replaced. Does this void the trade-in? EDIT: The "lens" didn't break, it was just the lens cover..
If push comes to shove I'll just call AT&T and ask them but I figured I'd start here first.
Thanks!
amenic said:
Hey all,
This is my first run with AT&T as a carrier as well as the trade- in / up program, AT&T next. I know the M9 is coming out on the 25th so I'm looking at upgrade options.
I have a couple of questions that i'm hoping someone can address:
1.) Is there any condition the phone can be in that would 'nullify' the trade-in arrangement? ie: dents, dings, unlocked, customer ROM) ?
2.) Does phone have to be reverted to the factory config? (relocked, stock ROM, RUU, etc.)?
The back lens on my camera broke magically and I had it serviced (3rd party) and replaced. Does this void the trade-in? EDIT: The "lens" didn't break, it was just the lens cover..
If push comes to shove I'll just call AT&T and ask them but I figured I'd start here first.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were you, I'd just finish the installments and keep the phone.
But here's what I found on the ATT FAQ section:
How do I trade-in my AT&T Next smartphone to upgrade to a new smartphone?
Once you've made 12 (if you have AT&T Next 12) or 18 (if you have AT&T Next 18) monthly installment payments on your AT&T Next installment agreement, you are eligible to trade in and upgrade your smartphone. Your trade-in must be in good physical condition and fully functional to qualify. This means:
It must power on and off.
The screen must be intact, free of any chips, and function properly.
The device must be free of breaks or cracks.
The battery must be included.
The activation lock has been disabled (for example, Find My iPhone).
DanGeorges said:
If I were you, I'd just finish the installments and keep the phone.
But here's what I found on the ATT FAQ section:
How do I trade-in my AT&T Next smartphone to upgrade to a new smartphone?
Once you've made 12 (if you have AT&T Next 12) or 18 (if you have AT&T Next 18) monthly installment payments on your AT&T Next installment agreement, you are eligible to trade in and upgrade your smartphone. Your trade-in must be in good physical condition and fully functional to qualify. This means:
It must power on and off.
The screen must be intact, free of any chips, and function properly.
The device must be free of breaks or cracks.
The battery must be included.
The activation lock has been disabled (for example, Find My iPhone).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I might do that if I can avoid the "new shiny" thing vibe =)
Thanks for pulling that info! I was looking more for some hands on experience but I'll take the info you provided! (The device is in good enough condition to trade-in fwiw).
EDIT: I would assume they would want you to put the stock firmware / ROM - relock etc. but it's not expressly mentioned so maybe I'll leave it as is! I'm sure they have a wait to reflash it back to whatever stocks they want when they repurpose it.
amenic said:
EDIT: I would assume they would want you to put the stock firmware / ROM - relock etc. but it's not expressly mentioned so maybe I'll leave it as is! I'm sure they have a wait to reflash it back to whatever stocks they want when they repurpose it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For warranty exchanges, AT&T doesn't give a darn whether the bootloader is unlocked, or even custom ROM installed (from what has been reported here many times). But of course Next is a whole other animal; and I've wondered the same (although I am not personally on Next).
With Next I would be weary. From what I understand of the program, unless you pay everything out, the phone is still considered AT&T's. I could be wrong though.
I'd play it safe and put a stock AT&T rom on it . I don't think I'd personally go through the trouble of relocking the bootloader, but I definitely wouldn't return it with CM12 or as a GPE.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
Well - looking at the reviews it looks like the M9 is a a dud but there may be hope for the M9+! For now I'll hang on to it and keep my eye out on other options.
amenic said:
Well - looking at the reviews it looks like the M9 is a a dud but there may be hope for the M9+! For now I'll hang on to it and keep my eye out on other options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tend to stay far away from HTC's "mid-year" (or "between flagships") devices. They tend to just have just very slightly incremental improvements over the flagship they follow; and sold in very low numbers, with nearly non-existent dev support (reference the One X+, and others).

Can't make outgoing calls

Hey guys, I'm wondering if anyone can help me out. I can receive calls, but can't make them. I've tried both wifi and cellular.
The weird thing is I called T-mobile for help and they were saying based on the IMEI I wasn't using a T-mo version and that I should get it unlocked. But it's definitely a T-mobile phone and it was working perfectly fine until today. If it was locked to some other carrier, it wouldn't have been working all this time, right?
Thanks for any help.
Where did you get your Galaxy Note 8? Did you get it from T-Mobile?
If you got it from somewhere like Ebay, then that device maybe flashed for T-Mobile, but actually came from another carrier. Check XDA on how to fix (flash) your device's cellular radio firmware to fully work with T-Mobile (that is if the IMIE number is not locked, due to previous owner's fault, like not fully paying for the Note 8, theft, etc).
If you got this device from T-Mobile, then do a manufacture warranty exchange with T-Mobile. You can request this over a phone call to T-Mobile support. Then they will send the replacement device to a T-Mobile store near you for you to do the exchange.
Always better to get your device from a trustworthy place, like your carrier's store/website/customer support phone call.
When getting a "smartphone" device from places like Ebay, you need to ask yourself why are they doing this. Why are they getting rid of a flagship like the Galaxy Note 8 so early on? If I was going for another flagship right now I would still keep the Note 8 for its unique features. So I would be suspicious of somebody giving rid of this device (Note 8) so early on. Why are they selling it for such low price right now? These are my thoughts on someone selling Note 8 right now (at this point in time) for low price: Good likelihood they messed it up by trying to root/flash ROM/flash carrier modem radio firmware, they don't want to fully pay the device off (so the device is no use to them), or they stolen the device.
Human beings are not dishonest all the time, but it does beg these questions to be asked and answered. Be so very careful in trusting people like this. Personally I wouldn't trust someone in this situation, but that is just me. Remember that they are not doing this because they are amateurs. They are very good in winning your trust.
Just saying!
JaguarXT said:
Where did you get your Galaxy Note 8? Did you get it from T-Mobile?
If you got it from somewhere like Ebay, then that device maybe flashed for T-Mobile, but actually came from another carrier. Check XDA on how to fix (flash) your device's cellular radio firmware to fully work with T-Mobile (that is if the IMIE number is not locked, due to previous owner's fault, like not fully paying for the Note 8, theft, etc).
If you got this device from T-Mobile, then do a manufacture warranty exchange with T-Mobile. You can request this over a phone call to T-Mobile support. Then they will send the replacement device to a T-Mobile store near you for you to do the exchange.
Always better to get your device from a trustworthy place, like your carrier's store/website/customer support phone call.
When getting a "smartphone" device from places like Ebay, you need to ask yourself why are they doing this. Why are they getting rid of a flagship like the Galaxy Note 8 so early on? If I was going for another flagship right now I would still keep the Note 8 for its unique features. So I would be suspicious of somebody giving rid of this device (Note 8) so early on. Why are they selling it for such low price right now? These are my thoughts on someone selling Note 8 right now (at this point in time) for low price: Good likelihood they messed it up by trying to root/flash ROM/flash carrier modem radio firmware, they don't want to fully pay the device off (so the device is no use to them), or they stolen the device.
Human beings are not dishonest all the time, but it does beg these questions to be asked and answered. Be so very careful in trusting people like this. Personally I wouldn't trust someone in this situation, but that is just me. Remember that they are not doing this because they are amateurs. They are very good in winning your trust.
Just saying!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I bought it from someone on Swappa. He sent me the receipt with it. It was purchased from Samsung.com. The box it came in had the T-mobile logo and everything so it's weird that the IMEI isn't registered with them.
To update my situation, I tried starting in safe mode and was able to make calls so I'm told it's a third party app causing the problem. Not sure which it is since I haven't installed anything new in a while.
First do a "Factory data reset". See if that gets rid of the problem. Hopefully that would get rid the the app that is causing the issue. I just remembered that substratum (including sungstratum - Samsung addon) did weird things like this to my Galaxy Note 8. I had to do a "Factory data reset". Then install all the apps one by one, since both Google and Samsung backups had substratum within it. So I couldn't use either backups. For that reason I stay away from substratum stuff.
It is not abnormal for Samsung direct bought devices to have IMIE number not registered with carrier. Usually not a problem with T-Mobile.
If problem still exists then have the seller contact Samsung to let them know that he gave the device to you. He can say it was a gift to you. Remember to tell him to give your information to Samsung. Once that is done, then you can can get support from Samsung.
Again, if you got the device from T-Mobile this problem would have been solved so much easier and quicker. Next time think about getting the device directly from the carrier.

T-Mobile Galaxy Tab S6

Does anyone here know if the T-Mobile variant has a locked bootloader? And if so, is there any way to unlock it?
I'm wondering the same thing...I'll be going to look at it later today. Also I noticed the wifi model has the phone dialer installed so I'm wondering if the LTE T-Mobile model has phone function with the right sim installed?
I went to the T-Mobile store to look at the tab...They had no idea if the bootloader is locked or not. I'm sure it probably is but haven't seen anything about whether it can be unlocked yet. They also told me that the phone and SMS/MMS might work for a few days until the system detects it is a tablet, then those functions will be disabled. Make no sense to me why we can't have those functions on a tablet here in the US...And why even put the software on the tab if it can't be used? I told them to keep it and I'll get the WiFi tablet and just use the hotspot on my phone when I'm out and about. At least I'll get quicker updates (Maybe because Samsung) and I won't have the tons of their bloatware on the thing.
Any feedback?
coilbio said:
Any feedback?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can go into store and view the tablet go into settings and enable developer options by tapping on the build. Then go into developer options and see if there is a switch to unlock the boot loader. I just bought the wifi model from Best Buy and the boot loader can be unlocked. I have already installed TWRP and Magisk. I think maybe the LTE version may require a 7 day wait not sure.
rsktkr1 said:
If you can go into store and view the tablet go into settings and enable developer options by tapping on the build. Then go into developer options and see if there is a switch to unlock the boot loader. I just bought the wifi model from Best Buy and the boot loader can be unlocked. I have already installed TWRP and Magisk. I think maybe the LTE version may require a 7 day wait not sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from almost a year back-wondering was your wifi device branded like Tmobile or Verizon? sad to see no continuity in the thread-was hoping for someone to check out the lte device in Tmobile to see if it could be unlocked or if the option was there-not many resources on internet. Does Tmobile even carry this thing anymore? thanks
mac231us said:
from almost a year back-wondering was your wifi device branded like Tmobile or Verizon? sad to see no continuity in the thread-was hoping for someone to check out the lte device in Tmobile to see if it could be unlocked or if the option was there-not many resources on internet. Does Tmobile even carry this thing anymore? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the t-mobile variant from samsung directly. I'm about to find out. Give me a day or 2.
Arudis said:
I bought the t-mobile variant from samsung directly. I'm about to find out. Give me a day or 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Arudis!
Might need more time.
mac231us said:
Thanks Arudis!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I think I'm being held back by the whole 7-day oem-unlock hide thing. And all the ways around it have apparently been patched by samsung. So this time next week, I'll know for sure. As of right now, I believe it can be unlocked, but I don't know for sure.
Arudis said:
Unfortunately, I think I'm being held back by the whole 7-day oem-unlock hide thing. And all the ways around it have apparently been patched by samsung. So this time next week, I'll know for sure. As of right now, I believe it can be unlocked, but I don't know for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you so much-well I will be receiving my device tomorrow. So let the race begin-ha ha kidding will see and compare. I did not know Samsung has this 7 day wait period (like Xiaomi has a 2 week period). Oh well, time will tell Thanks for keeping me posted and do let me know what you find. I did see a post somewhere on xda for the tab s6 where the poster said he could unlock the carrier device (think it was Tmobile) but he wanted to find out if he could root it. I will find the post (again it was an old one and of course, my response (recently) has not got any response. In fact, like many, he did not follow up with any posts thereafter (several months back).
edit
This is the thread
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...m-weta-1-0-t4002353/post83956193#post83956193
see post 21 - mertkan said he could unlock (so assume he was able to but was looking for doing other modifications)
Arudis said:
I bought the t-mobile variant from samsung directly. I'm about to find out. Give me a day or 2.
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Hello Arudis I got a used Tmobile variant. But I do not see any OEM unlock option in developer settings (a prerequisite before anything can be done for unlocking b/l). Which software version is yours having? (maybe it is different because you bought directly from Samsung but does not make sense if it is branded Tmobile). Could be that you have an older version of Android-appreciate if you could let me know which software version, CSC etc yours has. I might end up returning mine if there is no progress. Thanks.!
EDIT: Returned it. Great price and condition. Just too bad-did not want to take chances with it. Good luck-seems that you should be able to unlock it per that other post I sent.
mac231us said:
Hello Arudis I got a used Tmobile variant. But I do not see any OEM unlock option in developer settings (a prerequisite before anything can be done for unlocking b/l). Which software version is yours having? (maybe it is different because you bought directly from Samsung but does not make sense if it is branded Tmobile). Could be that you have an older version of Android-appreciate if you could let me know which software version, CSC etc yours has. I might end up returning mine if there is no progress. Thanks.!
EDIT: Returned it. Great price and condition. Just too bad-did not want to take chances with it. Good luck-seems that you should be able to unlock it per that other post I sent.
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Click to collapse
Well. I'm struggling w/ it. CSC was TMB btw. This whole ordeal has been a mess of mistakes on my part. If i can't get this unlocked in the next day or 2 then i'll be returning it myself. I'd rather have a weaker tablet w/ root and a custom rom than a great tablet that i have to run stock.
Current software version is T867USQU3BTJ1 / T867UOYN3BTJ1 / T867USQU3BTJ1.
First thing I needed to know was whether or not I could unlock the tablet for other networks and in order to do that, I inserted a sim and logged into the tablet w/ my google account. I think this is where I made my first mistake as I have a sinking suspicion that inserting the sim somehow got rid of my oem unlock toggle. I know I had seen it before I started trying 2 unlock the sim because its always the first thing I do when I get a new device. But between the sim and the unlock process I ended up rebooting too many times and it auto-updated itself to the latest firmware. Since the latest firmware, I haven't seen that toggle at all. When I try to flash twrp w/ Odin, it fails.
@ this point I've decided that I will never buy another samsung device ever. I've had all manner of fun rooting every other device i've ever owned that wasn't a samsung device, however every samsung device has always been a supreme pain in the butt because I can't just do what i want w/ adb and fastboot.
Arudis said:
Well. I'm struggling w/ it. CSC was TMB btw. This whole ordeal has been a mess of mistakes on my part. If i can't get this unlocked in the next day or 2 then i'll be returning it myself. I'd rather have a weaker tablet w/ root and a custom rom than a great tablet that i have to run stock.
Current software version is T867USQU3BTJ1 / T867UOYN3BTJ1 / T867USQU3BTJ1.
First thing I needed to know was whether or not I could unlock the tablet for other networks and in order to do that, I inserted a sim and logged into the tablet w/ my google account. I think this is where I made my first mistake as I have a sinking suspicion that inserting the sim somehow got rid of my oem unlock toggle. I know I had seen it before I started trying 2 unlock the sim because its always the first thing I do when I get a new device. But between the sim and the unlock process I ended up rebooting too many times and it auto-updated itself to the latest firmware. Since the latest firmware, I haven't seen that toggle at all. When I try to flash twrp w/ Odin, it fails.
@ this point I've decided that I will never buy another samsung device ever. I've had all manner of fun rooting every other device i've ever owned that wasn't a samsung device, however every samsung device has always been a supreme pain in the butt because I can't just do what i want w/ adb and fastboot.
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Click to collapse
I agree but this has more to do with (if not entirely) to U.S carriers playing games with dual devices for marketing-only here does this go on, where the carriers since time immemorial have blocked calls and texts on tablets (7 and above inches) giving some bs reasons (there was a time they had this tablet "plan" and phone "plans"-those have at least merged at least for Tmobile-otherwise their servers would detect a tablet and switch you automatically to a tablet plan for your 'convenience' and maybe even 'safety' lol)....so as long as they do this, Samsung (even Apple which does the same thing worldwide anyway) have tablets that do not have phone-like functions (Samsung has this call and text pairing with other Samsung phones a.k.a buy two of our devices please AND have two plans (so both Samsung and carriers win)...) on their U.S devices (Samsung at least to their credit have this :"unlocked" cellular variants in rest of the world, Apple does not even have that-yes, I know there is Google talk and all kinds of wifi-based workarounds but that is a different topic.
EDIT-if you compare the older devices like say tab S and tab s2 (the carrier variants and the international variants you will find out that even the speaker arrangements are different. I delved deep into this and found that even the boards were different-the lengths they went to do this to keep the versions distinct is amazing!) folks here on xda etc kept thinking for a while that they could simply flash the international ROMs (never mind the b/l block or hurdles) but the partitions were not even the same let alone the modems, and the actual hardware itself!
So blame the carriers-I do. So I never get these carrier devices (first time I tried my hand at it-no more)
Having to perform a soft boot tonight I noticed an "unlock bootloader command" in the softboot menu along with "cache clear" along with the always present "factory reset". Which I have to perform anyway because network mode locked to 3G only and no option to change it back so it has major conectivity issues. I'm thinking I may try the unlock bootloader command.
P.S. Mine is the tmo version
rigrunner said:
Having to perform a soft boot tonight I noticed an "unlock bootloader command" in the softboot menu along with "cache clear" along with the always present "factory reset". Which I have to perform anyway because network mode locked to 3G only and no option to change it back so it has major conectivity issues. I'm thinking I may try the unlock bootloader command.
P.S. Mine is the tmo version
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Out of curiosity which model number is your tmobile tab s6 lte? I have the verizon sm-t867v model which i re-flashed to the tmobile sm-t867u model using modified Odin 3.14. Unfortunately the bootloader remained locked down with no way to unlock it. Also what is this softboot menu your speaking of? I know samsung like the back of my hand and I've never heard of a softboot menu. Curious if this is something new im not aware of since I've been stuck with verizon brands the last 3 samsung devices I've owned...
Yes and Yes!
Can someone clarify something on the Tmobile Variant of the Tab S6?
This T867U definitely comes with the HARDWARE to text because i got it to work but it stopped.
So could this just be a matter of getting it 'Carrier Unlocked" so TMO cant decide what we do with our tab s6 since its payed for???
Make calls and send messages from your Galaxy tablet
With Call & text on other devices, you can receive calls and send messages on your Galaxy tablet that is logged in to the same Samsung account as your phone.
www.samsung.com
I have the same problem, I bought the device from eBay and now in Egypt, the device is locked to the T-Mobile network, and I don't know a way to unlock it. I cannot contact the seller to ask him about the T-Mobile subscription details, and after communicating with T-Mobile, they did not reply

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